PRESS RELEASE: Councilman James Spadola Works with Eastlawn Residents and Public Works to Complete Private Alleyway Paving Project
September 23, 2026
Councilman James Spadola Works with Eastlawn Residents and Public Works to Complete Private Alleyway Paving Project
At-Large Councilman James Spadola partnered with Eastlawn residents and Public Works to address deteriorating private alleyways through the City of Wilmington’s Private Alleyway Paving Program.
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington City Council At-Large Councilman James Spadola recently worked alongside residents on the 400 block of E. 35th Street to address deteriorating private alleyways and potholes that residents said had long been in desperate need of repair.
Eastlawn Park residents discuss deteriorating private alleyways and potholes behind their homes with At-Large Councilman James Spadola during a neighborhood walkthrough. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Director of Communications, Wilmington City Council.
Spadola worked with residents and the City’s Department of Public Works to move the project through the Private Alleyway Paving Program, resulting in the paving and repair of the affected alleyways.
An alleyway in the Eastlawn Park neighborhood shows deteriorating pavement and potholes prior to repairs through the City of Wilmington’s Private Alleyway Paving Program. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Director of Communications, Wilmington City Council.
The project marks the first completed paving project through the City’s Private Alleyway Paving Program.
“Residents raised an issue, we followed through, and we got it fixed,” said Councilman Spadola. “I want to thank Kelly Williams, Lynn Klous, and Public Works for getting this done.”
An alleyway in the Eastlawn Park neighborhood shows completed repairs funded through the City of Wilmington’s Private Alleyway Paving Program. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Director of Communications, Wilmington City Council.
“We, the residents of Eastlawn Avenue and E. 35th St. want to thank you all for your support in this process. The alleys behind our homes have never looked more beautiful or been more safe to travel. We are very grateful to you all,” said Rochelle Gardner, an Eastlawn resident.
Eastlawn Park neighborhood residents gather with At-Large Councilman James Spadola following a walkthrough to discuss conditions affecting private alleyways in the community. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Director of Communications, Wilmington City Council.
About the Private Alleyway Paving Program
The City of Wilmington’s Private Alleyway Paving Program is a pilot program designed to assist qualified low-income homeowners with paving and repairing privately owned alleyways. To qualify, an applicant must either live within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) or have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Applicants outside of a QCT are required to provide a federal 1040 tax return, and applicants must provide proof of homeownership and primary residency.
For alleyways shared by multiple property owners, only the homeowner submitting the application is required to meet the income threshold; however, all adjoining property owners must consent to the proposed work and sign the required consent forms. Approved repairs are provided as a one-time service, and the City is not responsible for ongoing maintenance of the private alleyway. All requests are subject to approval by the Department of Public Works.
The program is administered through the City’s Department of Real Estate and Housing. Wilmington homeowners interested in learning more about the Private Alleyway Paving Program, including eligibility requirements and the application process, can visit the City of Wilmington’s Department of Real Estate and Housing website or contact Wilmington 311.
###
MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com