The City of Wilmington Explores Flood Protection Options for Northeast Wilmington Following Hurricane Ida 

On December 12, the City of Wilmington hosted an Open House to present three potential flood protection designs aimed at mitigating flooding in Northeast Wilmington. Hurricane Ida devastated the area in 2021, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure, with some properties still unrepaired. This event underscored the community's vulnerability to severe storms and the urgent need for long-term flood protection. 

To address this need, the City is developing a conceptual design for a flood mitigation intervention along the Brandywine Creek. The goal is to reduce flooding in Northeast Wilmington while incorporating community input to ensure the design aligns with local priorities. Engaging residents is also a critical component of demonstrating planning and collaboration, key factors in securing competitive grant funding for the project. 

During the Open House, residents reviewed three proposed design alternatives: a waterside flood wall, a mid-landscape berm with integrated green spaces, and an inland flood wall. Attendees shared their preferences, concerns, and feedback, weighing the pros and cons of each option. The City will use this input to select a preferred design for further development. 

The conceptual design is expected to be finalized by early 2025, with grant applications for implementation to follow later that year.  Visit our Brandywine Flood Study page for the latest project information.