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- Lawmakers Pass Bill to Soften Property Tax Spike
Lawmakers Pass Bill to Soften Property Tax Spike
New tax relief plan for Delaware homeowners, parking could get a little easier in Newark, Bob Carpenter Center hosts three-day consignment blowout.
Above the Canal
August 14, 2025
TOGETHER WITH
☀️ Rise and shine, 302. If you wave at your mail carrier, you get good karma. And let’s be honest, they’ve earned it.
Your 302 Rundown:
Your next coffee run in Newark could come with free parking
Property tax relief clears in New Castle County
Massive kids’ consignment sale hits Bob Carpenter Center
Let’s get to it
SPONSORED BY THE ROSAIO TEAM,
CROWN HOMES REAL ESTATE
Kristen Rosaio Presents: Unique Scale and Charm in Northern Delaware
Set on 1.27 acres, the historic John Bird House blends early 20th-century charm with rare flexibility. Built in 1909, this Victorian-inspired Claymont home spans nearly 2,900 square feet and features a turret, sunlit formal spaces, and original woodwork throughout. A spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet and glass-wrapped sunroom—ideal for a lounge or office.
Outside, the property shines with a large in-ground pool, generous patios, and a detached five-car garage. Above the garage, a 1,600+ sq ft two-bedroom apartment offers a full kitchen, private decks, and income or guest space potential.
Additional highlights include a walk-up attic, sunroom with indoor hot tub, extensive parking, and a back lot with brook and road access—perfect for future gardens, recreation, or possible subdivision.
With timeless architecture and expansive grounds, this is a rare opportunity to create something uniquely yours in northern Delaware.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
🚗 Newark considers 15 minutes of free parking
Downtown Newark could soon be a little friendlier for coffee runs and takeout pickups. The city’s parking advisory committee is proposing a 15-minute grace period in city lots, replacing the no-mercy system adopted in 2019.
Business owners say the change would help lure back customers turned off by parking hikes, COVID disruptions, and construction headaches. The cost to the city? About $17K a year after savings on processing fees. Council members are already voicing support, as long as the kiosks can be programmed to allow it.
It’s a small move, but one that could make downtown a more inviting stop for quick errands.
🏫 New historical marker honors Bulah family’s civil rights fight
A quiet road in Hockessin holds a big place in American history. In 1951, Fred and Sarah Bulah fought for their daughter Shirley to get the same school bus service white students received. Their case, Bulah v. Gebhart, joined with Belton v. Gebhart, helped form the basis of the Supreme Court’s landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision ending legal segregation in public schools.
It serves as a lasting reminder that big change can begin with a small act of courage.
IN BUSINESS
🏨 Hotel opens steps from Delaware Park and casino
Travelers coming to Christiana Hospital or Delaware Park now have a new place to unpack. The Residence Inn by Marriott just opened with 131 suites, each with its own kitchen, designed for extended stays but open to weekend visitors too.
Corporate travelers are the main target, though doctors on hospital rotations have already booked in. The hotel is also teaming up with Delaware Park for joint promotions to draw out-of-town gamblers.
It’s the first completed project on the former Delaware Park property in years, and with 35 more acres for sale next door, more development could be on the horizon.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
🧾 Lawmakers approve property tax relief for homeowners
Lawmakers finally delivered on property tax relief, passing House Bill 242 in a jam-packed, one-day session. It lets New Castle County school districts raise commercial tax rates to ease the spike that hammered homeowners after reassessment.
The goal? Rebalance the load. Residential properties went from covering 66% to 76% of the county’s taxes. But relief isn’t automatic. It’s up to each district to decide if they’ll make the shift.
Call it a Band-Aid, not a cure. But for homeowners whose bills doubled overnight, it's a welcome first step. Read the whole story at Spotlight Delaware.
🚆 PA House backs transit package that could save Delaware SEPTA service
The Pennsylvania House just passed a $1B transit package with $292M for SEPTA, aiming to plug a $213M budget hole that threatened to cut all Delaware train service by January. Without the cash, the Wilmington/Newark line would lose six daily trips this month and shut down entirely next year, impacting 2,900 riders.
Gov. Matt Meyer and local business leaders have lobbied hard, calling SEPTA vital for connecting workers to major employers in Wilmington and beyond. The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate, which returns Tuesday.
For now, commuters are in wait-and-see mode — but at least the train is still on track.
THE HAPPENINGS
Multiple Days
Newark Independent Film Festival at Chapel Street Players brings three days of short films, special screenings, and a red-carpet sneak peek of the upcoming thriller Mirror Life. From Thursday, August 14 to Saturday, August 16, enjoy curated film blocks featuring indie stories from around the world. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Just Between Friends at Bob Carpenter Center: This huge children’s consignment sale offers name-brand clothing (infant through teen), toys, books, gear, and more at 50–90% off retail—a smart way to shop without breaking the bank. Friday–Sunday, August 15–17, 2025, 9 AM–7 PM (Fri), 9 AM–3 PM (Sat), 9 AM–1 PM (Sun). Presale access opens Thursday, August 14
Thursday
Sculpture Garden Happy Hours: A Partnership with People’s Festival Tribute to Bob Marley at the Delaware Art Museum. Celebrate reggae rhythms and community spirit with live music from Spokey Speaky and DJ JB, plus local food, drinks, and lawn games in a beautiful outdoor setting. Thursday, August 14, 5–7:30 PM.
Summer Concert Series – Nic Snow at Glasgow Park. Singer-songwriter Nic Snow takes the stage with a mix of heartfelt originals and crowd-pleasing covers, making for a perfect summer night under the open sky. Thursday, August 14, 6:30–8 PM.
Navy Commodores at Bellevue Bandshell. The U.S. Navy’s premier jazz ensemble brings five decades of big band tradition to life with a powerhouse 18-member lineup performing swing, blues, and modern jazz. Thursday, August 14, 6:30 PM.
Friday
Twilight on the Terrace at Mt. Cuba Center. Enjoy an evening in the gardens with live rockabilly from Kid Davis & the Bullets, plus local food trucks, beer, and wine in a serene outdoor setting. Friday, August 15, 5–8 PM.
Summer Shop & Stroll at Bellefonte Arts: Stroll the sidewalks of Brandywine Blvd for a pop-up market featuring handcrafted art by local artists, with food trucks, tunes, and beverages at the Bellefonte Café. Friday, August 15, 5–8 PM.
Family Fun Night at New Garden Park promises a lively evening filled with food trucks, games, face painting, emergency vehicles, and a movie under the stars. Friday, August 15th from 6–8 PM. Movie starting at 8 PM.
Music in the Meadow at Fair Hill Nature Center: Enjoy a family‑friendly evening with live tunes from The Pickups, beer by 5th Company Brewing, wine from Bohemia Manor, and food trucks under the stars. Friday, August 15, 6–8 PM. Bring your chairs or blankets to relax on the lawn. Reservations required.
Concerts in the Courtyard – Wicked Sycamore at Brandywine Museum of Art. This all-female folk trio from the Baltimore/DC area blends Americana, bluegrass, and rich vocal harmonies for a night of music under the stars. Friday, August 15, 7 PM.
Saturday
Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival at Main Street, Middletown
Celebrate summer’s sweetest fruit at the 32nd Annual Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival, a full-day street fair with a hometown twist. Expect live entertainment, historical exhibits, kids’ activities, crafts, music, games, food vendors, and a whole lot of peaches. Saturday, August 16 from 8:45 AM to 4 PM.
Country Music Festival at Augie’s on the Boh: Treat yourself to a day of toe‑tapping country music, local eats, and refreshing drinks right on the waterfront. Saturday, August 16, noon–6 PM Come hungry, stay for the music and the views.
Open Streets Wilmington – N. Market Street. North Market transforms into a lively festival space with music from DJ Timdogg, games, sports, wellness activities, free bike tune-ups, and dozens of local vendors and food stands. Saturday, August 16, 1–4 PM.
2025 Delaware Whiskey Fest at The Dahlia. Sample over 50 premium whiskeys, bourbons, and Scotches, enjoy live music, and watch top mixologists compete in the Whiskey Cocktail Showdown at Wilmington’s largest whiskey celebration. Saturday, August 16, 4–7 PM.
Spokey Speaky at Battery Park in Delaware City. Delaware City’s waterfront comes alive with the nonstop reggae grooves of Spokey Speaky—perfect for dancing barefoot in the grass or relaxing by the river. Saturday, August 16, 5 PM.
Sunday
The Newspaper Taxis at Bellevue Bandshell. Relive the raw energy of The Beatles’ early club days as The Newspaper Taxis deliver faithful, high-energy renditions of hits from across the Fab Four’s career. Sunday, August 17, 6 PM.
FORECAST AT A GLANCE
Thursday
87 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ PM Thunderstorms | 42% | 💨 N 6 mph
Friday
88 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 16% | 💨 ENE 7 mph
Saturday
87 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 16% | 💨 ESE 6 mph
Sunday
89 🌡️ 71 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 18% | 💨 SW 8 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 74ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.
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