SEPTA Service Could End in Delaware

SEPTA may stop service in Delaware, Riverfront vibes return in June, UD team takes robotics honors.

Author

Above the Canal
May 19, 2025

Rise and shine, 302—“typewriter” isn’t the longest word you can type using only the top row of a keyboard, but it’s close. It’s ten letters long and ties perfectly to its own invention. Talk about a word that really puts its keys where its mouth is.

Your 302 Rundown:

  • SEPTA May Ditch Delaware

  • Lunchtime Beats Hit the Riverfront

  • Blue Hens' Salty Solution Wins Robotics Prize

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🚆 All aboard… while you still can?

SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark line might be pulling out of Delaware for good. Facing a $213 million budget hole, SEPTA plans to slash service to four New Castle County stations and hike fares by 21.5% this August. If Pennsylvania lawmakers don’t step in, full service could vanish by January

Delaware currently chips in about $12 million annually to keep the trains running south of Marcus Hook, but that might not be enough to save the line. The New Castle County Chamber of Commerce is sounding the alarm, calling the line a “critically important commuter link.”

For the 1,300+ daily riders who rely on SEPTA for work, school, and appointments, this isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a potential crisis. And let’s not forget the $90 million Claymont station that could become a very pricey bus stop.

🎶 Summer vibes are back at the Riverfront

Riverfront Wilmington is heating up with its free Lunchtime Concert Series every Wednesday from 12:15–1:15 PM at Hare Overlook Pavilion. June’s lineup includes AJ Love Music (6/4), DJ Shadylady (6/11), Songbird TheGoddess (6/18), and Stevie and the Bluescasters (6/25).

For the kiddos, the Thursday Children’s Hour kicks off June 12 at 11 AM, and The Little Farm Petting Zoo trots in on June 19 from 3–6

It’s the perfect excuse to pack a lunch, soak up some sun, and enjoy live music by the river.

🏘️ Newark’s getting 72 new affordable homes

Big news for Newark: the George Read Village just broke ground behind the Newark Housing Authority office. When finished in 2027, it’ll bring 72 affordable units—52 one-bedrooms for seniors and 20 family-sized apartments—to a town where rent prices can feel more Ivy League than Main Street.

The project is backed by over $26 million in funding from local, state, and federal sources, including DSHA and ARPA. It’s designed for households earning 30–50% of the area median income.

In a college town where affordable housing is tight, this is a major win for longtime residents and multigenerational families alike.

Read more about the George Read Village project.

🤖 Blue Hens take flight at Farm Robotics Challenge

The Salty Blue Hens (yes, that’s their real name) just snagged a Judges Choice Impact Award at the national Farm Robotics Challenge. Their robot-drone duo helps coastal farmers monitor salty soil—a real game-changer when your fields start acting more like a salt flat than a corn patch.

The drone flies over and scans for salinity, then sends a little rover to sniff out more details. Smart, right? It’s all about giving small farms better data without breaking the bank.

IN BUSINESS

💰 New fund alert: DCIVF is open for biz

The Delaware Community Investment Venture Fund (DCIVF) is now accepting applications through June 16. This initiative offers grants to banks, credit unions, and CDFIs aiming to enhance financial services in low- to moderate-income areas across the state .

The fund supports projects that develop innovative financial products, test and evaluate these solutions, and promote them among financial institutions. It's a strategic move to boost access to capital where it's needed

An optional info session is set for May 22 at 3 PM. If you're involved in community finance, this is a golden opportunity to make a tangible impact.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday
75 🌡️ 49 | ☀️ | 4% | 💨 NW 16 mph (14 knots)

Tuesday
71 🌡️ 53 | ⛅ | 1% | 💨 NNW 10 mph (9 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 61ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Monday

  • Bellefonte Brewing Company | Free NL Texas Holdem | 5:30—10 PM

  • Grain KSQ | Trivia w/ Riley | 7—9 PM

  • Grain on Main | Classic Bingo w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM

Tuesday

  • Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9:00 PM

  • Chancery Market | Jeopardy Bar League | 6—8 PM

  • Cork & Barrel | Music Bingo | 8—11 PM

  • Cork and Barrel | Music Bingo | 7 PM — 9 PM

  • Grain H2O | Trivia w/ Matt | 7—9 PM

  • Grain on Main | Trivia w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM

  • Trolley Tap House | Music Video Bingo | 7—9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Monday

  • Argilla Brewing Co | The Sin City Band | 7—11 PM

  • Bar XIII | Karaoke | 9:00 PM

  • Chesapeake Inn | Darren O’Neill | 6—9 PM

  • Christiana Pub | Open Mic Night | 5—11 PM

Tuesday

  • Chancery Market | Karaoke - DJ Ski | 6—8 PM

  • Chesapeake Inn | Howsmyhat | 6—9 PM

  • Christiana Pub | Karaoke Night | 8 PM — 12 AM

  • Deer Park Tavern | Them Apples | 10:00 PM

  • Saint Georges Country Store | Garry Cogdell & His Hooligans | 6—9 PM

APPRECIATE YA!

That’s all for now — share this with someone who needs a break from pretending to work.

Got a live show or event I missed? Just hit reply and let me know!
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up
Want to get your business in Above the Canal? Let’s talk

Reply

or to participate.