Newark Council Approves Main Street Slowdown Plan

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. No noise, no nonsense—just the local stuff that actually matters this week. Let’s take it from the top.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Newark Adds Stop Signs, Narrows Lanes on Main Street

• Talleyville Arby’s Quietly Closes Its Doors

• County Council Unanimously Approves $454M Budget

Let’s get to it.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🚦 Newark adds stop signs, narrows lanes to calm Main Street traffic

Get ready for a slower, safer Main Street—Newark City Council just approved a slate of traffic-calming updates aimed at protecting pedestrians before UD students return. New stop signs, rumble strips, reduced lane widths, and speed radar signs are all part of the plan.

They’re skipping speed bumps (for now), but changes like an all-way stop at Tyre Ave and narrower driving lanes are designed to get drivers to ease off the gas. The goal? Make Main Street feel like downtown, not a highway off-ramp.

🐾 Find your furever friend this weekend

The Mega® Adoption Event is back at the Bob Carpenter Center June 21–22 — and it’s bringing over 1,000 adorable dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens looking for homes.

Every pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to go for just $35. Want to beat the crowd? Grab a Fast Pass for early access on Saturday morning.

🅿️ Free weekend parking in Downtown Newark

Starting June 21, parking is free every Saturday and Sunday in all Newark city-run lots and metered spots—yes, all summer long through August 10.

This sweet little perk is designed to give local shops a boost while students are away. Just remember: it’s only city lots and on-street meters. UD and private lots? Still paid.

Perfect excuse to brunch, browse, or pop into that boutique you always walk past.

See the full announcement from the City of Newark.

🏓 Delaware’s smashing it on the pickleball court

Pickleball players, rejoice: Delaware just ranked #10 in the U.S. for court access, and Wilmington is #5 among all cities—not bad for a small state with a big serve.

According to PodPlay’s new report, we’ve got a solid mix of indoor and outdoor spots, making year-round play a breeze. If you’ve been paddle-curious, this is your sign.

Full ranking in Town Square Delaware.

🏗️ Big plans brewing south of the canal

A new mixed-use development called The Plaza at Boyds could bring 288 apartments and over 370,000 sq. ft. of retail and office space to St. Georges Hundred, just off Route 13. If approved, it’ll be the first apartment complex built in unincorporated New Castle County south of the canal.

Council members say it’s a step toward keeping young professionals in the area—with walkability, transit access, and 20% of units designated as affordable. The final vote’s still to come, but the buzz is real.

IN BUSINESS

🚛 PepsiCo’s making moves in Claymont

Claymont just scored a corporate win—PepsiCo is moving its New Castle County hub (and some jobs from nearby states) into the First State Crossing warehouse. The company’s getting $2.8 million in state grants to make it happen, helping cover lease and renovation costs.

It’s not just soda and snacks—this move adds jobs and gives even more momentum to Claymont’s ongoing revitalization. The more big players that bet on the area, the better it looks for everyone.

🥪 Arby’s closes its first-ever Delaware location

The Arby’s on Concord Pike in Talleyville just called it quits—quietly closing after decades in business. Opened in the early ‘70s, it was Delaware’s very first Arby’s, making this a nostalgic blow for longtime regulars.

No big sendoff, just paper on the windows and a note saying goodbye. The roast beef torch now passes to the Arby’s in Newark, which is still open for business.

More details in Delaware Online.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

💰 New Castle County’s $454M budget is official

County Council just gave a thumbs up to the FY26 budget, a $454 million plan focused on parks, libraries, public safety, and keeping things affordable. It’s the first budget signed by new County Exec Marcus Henry—and it passed unanimously.

Expect more visible upgrades to community spaces and steady investment in core services. Oh, and the property tax rate? Staying right where it is for most of us.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

Taste & See at Aldersgate UMC. Sample delicious eats, shop local handmade goods, and enjoy live music from Liz Watkins at this lively lunchtime market hosted by the Wilmington Kitchen Collective. Thursday, June 19, 11 AM–2 PM at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington.

Sculpture Garden Happy Hours: 6th Annual Beyond Juneteenth Festival at Delaware Art Museum. Celebrate freedom and heritage with live performances from Pieces of a Dream, VirtuoSoul featuring John Carr, TAHIRA featuring Darnell Miller, and Pape Demba, alongside food trucks, arts vendors, and a community libation ceremony. Thursday, June 19, 4–8 PM in the Sculpture Garden at Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington.

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival continues its soulful celebration in Wilmington this week with four nights of top-tier jazz performances. Catch acts like Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, Chante Moore, and more from Wednesday, June 18 through Saturday, June 21 at Rodney Square, Wilmington, DE—all for free!

Third Thursdays on State Street returns to Kennett Square with a special Juneteenth Celebration this week. Enjoy outdoor dining, live music, and community vibes with family and friends on Thursday, June 19 from 5:30–10 PM on State Street, Kennett Square, PA.

Community Swing at Rock Manor is teeing up a fun-filled evening with night golf, glow mini golf, games, and grill fare. No registration needed—just swing by on Friday, June 20 from 7:30–10:30 PM at Rock Manor Golf Club, Wilmington, DE.

Twilight on the Terrace returns to Mt. Cuba Center for a laid-back evening of live music, gardens, and good eats. Enjoy a performance by Beatles tribute band Magical Mystery and grab dinner from local food trucks on Friday, June 20 from 5–8 PM at Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, DE—included with garden admission.

Fort Folk Fest kicks off its new summer concert series with a free outdoor show featuring jazz guitarist Bruce Anthony. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music and food trucks on Friday, June 20 at 7 PM at the Fort DuPont Pavilion, Delaware City, DE.

Delaware Chinese Festival returns to Hockessin for a weekend of cultural celebration, featuring traditional performances, authentic cuisine, and vibrant exhibits. Join the festivities from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22 at the Chinese American Community Center, Hockessin, DE.

Summer Kickoff Party brings family fun to Riverwalk Mini Golf with $5 mini golf, free face painting, games, giveaways, and a DJ dunk booth. Head to the riverfront on Saturday, June 21 from 12–3 PM at Riverwalk Mini Golf, Wilmington, DE for this lively start to summer.

Summer Solstice at LAB channels Swedish Midsommar vibes with mead, Magenta Dragon Cider, axe throwing, and DIY flower crowns. Dress in your Renaissance best and join the fun on Saturday, June 21 from 3–8 PM at Liquid Alchemy Beverages, 28 Brookside Dr, Wilmington, DE.

Sip and Savor at Winterthur offers a relaxed garden stroll with curated wine and cheese pairings from local favorites like UDairy and Birchrun Hills. Enjoy seasonal sips and scenic blooms on Saturday, June 21 from 12–3 PM at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington, DE.

Spring Brew at the Zoo at Plumpton Park Zoo. Sip and stroll through the zoo with unlimited beer and wine, a buffet dinner, desserts, and live tunes from Early Girl & The Big Boys—all with the animals as your backdrop. Saturday, June 21, 6–10 PM at Plumpton Park Zoo, Rising Sun.

Reggae in the Park at Delaware Park Casino. The state’s biggest Caribbean festival brings the rhythm with live reggae, vibrant culture, dancing, and island vibes all day long—fun for the whole family. Sunday, June 22, 12 PM at Delaware Park Casino, Wilmington.

Suppertime Stroll at Auburn Valley State Park. Enjoy a guided hike through historic Yorklyn with park naturalists, featuring a progressive three-course meal and live music by the Chesapeake Brass Band. Sunday, June 22, 4–7 PM at Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Yorklyn.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Thursday

89 🌡️ 64 | ⛈️ | 72 % | 💨 SW 13 mph

Friday

85 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ | 5 % | 💨 WNW 11 mph

LIVE MUSIC & WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

🎶 Live Music Listings & 🥳 Weekly Social Events – Now on Separate Pages!

Heads up!
Our live music and social event lists are getting so packed each week that Gmail may clip the message. To make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ve moved the full lists to their own pages:

• 🎶 Live Music Listings

• 🥳 Weekly Social Events

Just click through to get the full listings!

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That’s the beef—pass it on before someone makes a lunch run to the Talleyville Arby’s that ends heartbreak.

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