In our community of Midtown Brandywine, we strive to ensure everyone has a say in the future of our shared environment. At the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association’s recent annual general meeting, held at The Little Church at 6PM on Tuesday June 13th, 2023, we had a review of a successful year of work by the volunteers of the Association, elected board members for 2023-24, had a vibrant discussion about our local wildlife and ecology, passed changes to our bylaws, and heard an in-person update from our constant ally Delaware State Representative (2nd District) Stephanie T. Bolden.

First on our agenda was a review of the work undertaken by the Association since the previous AGM, which was held in September 2022. Association president Joel Stango commented that every single board and committee member was present and worked in some way on neighborhood issues since the last AGM, which in a volunteer-run organization was quite remarkable.

Joel reviewed work on ensuring that the new Chancery Market development was aware of and sympathetic to concerns of our community; construction at Freire Charter School Wilmington were undertaken with the minimum-possible disruption to our residential neighborhood; the annual fundraiser Progressive Dinner and the other fun community events staged through the year; the excellent fundraising for forthcoming pavement repairs throughout the neighborhood (a million dollar fund is now available); the review of and re-writing of key Association bylaws; the launch of the neighborhood’s first-ever community website, midtownbrandywine.org; various ecological projects; and other initatives.

We enjoyed a vibrant discussion on environmental issues, in particular, that our area was once home to a large population of bats. They had chosen to reside in the free area surrounding our community. Unfortunately, a series of events, possibly including diseases and construction, reduced their numbers significantly. As much as these creatures might have startled some, they played an essential role in our ecosystem, including pest control. Their decline triggered a rise in unwanted pests, such as rats, causing additional concerns.

So, we are now exploring different ways to replenish our local fauna. One exciting idea involves creating a more inviting environment for Purple Martins, a species of bird known for their diet that includes pesky mosquitoes. We discussed setting up birdhouses specifically tailored to these creatures, with expert advice from neighbors and friends.. By doing so, we hope to provide a haven for these birds and indirectly combat our mosquito issue.

For the 2023 Class 1 elections for the MBNA, several board members, Jessica Reed, Jeff Michella, Jordan Barrett, Mike Yingling, and Joel Stango, expressed a desire to run for another two-year term. However, Christopher Howland and Lauren Masumeci, our vice president, have decided not to continue. Jason Hoover, a dedicated member of our Greenscape Committee, has stepped up to fill one of the vacancies. We are still seeking a few more dedicated individuals to join our board and help us in our quest to make our neighborhood even better. Joel thanked Christopher and Lauren for their service to the neighborhood and welcomed Class 1 directors onto the board for 2023-24.

We then addressed some necessary tweaks to our community bylaws. We introduced a section in the bylaws outlining our association’s goals and achievements to the public. A key change was proposed regarding the participation of landlords and business owners who don’t reside within our boundaries. While they have previously been eligible for board membership, we felt this no longer reflects the dynamics of our neighborhood association. We are, however, committed to maintaining open and cordial relationships with them. Additionally, we removed references to a Fundraising Committee and made necessary changes to committee names to better reflect their functions. The new 2023 bylaws were unanimously approved by popular vote.

Delaware State Representative (2nd District) Stephanie T. Bolden at the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association AGM, June 13, 2023

The meeting then welcomed State Representative Bolden to the stage, who gave us an interesting update on Delaware government business that impacts Wilmington generally and Midtown Brandywine specifically.

Our community thrives on active participation and constructive dialogue. Meetings like these highlight the power of our collective voice. From addressing environmental concerns to facilitating smooth governance transitions and maintaining our guiding bylaws, we’re confident in the vibrant future of our community.

Whether it’s enhancing our local ecology or making the neighborhood a more hospitable place for all, it’s clear that when we pool our resources, skills, and commitment, we can make a real difference. We’re always on the lookout for more people to join our board and make a positive impact. Here’s to a prosperous, inclusive future, and an ever-improving community in Midtown Brandywine!