Compassionate Cliff: Downtown Visions Ambassador Helps Citizen to Safety

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Downtown Visions Cleaning Ambassador Cliff Fitzgerald was out on his morning rounds one Sunday when he came across someone in need of his help. Downtown business owner, Victor Battaglia, accidentally injured himself and was without a phone or the keys to his office. Without a second thought, Cliff rushed to help him and get him to the hospital.

Mr. Battaglia wrote to the Downtown Visions office to share his experience and how grateful he was for Cliff’s assistance. Though this incident is rare, the compassion shown by Cliff is not. Cliff is a a true example of our values as an organization, and could not be more deserving of this praise.

Please read an excerpt of Mr. Battaglia’s letter below and understand just how willing to help our Ambassadors are at all times:

I write to thank you for kindness shown to me by Cliff Fitzgerald on Sunday April 25, 2021.

On that day, I had gone to work for a client at about 8:50 a.m. My son dropped me off at the office, and I entered and put my key to the office and cell phone on the desk. In a short time, I felt the need of coffee. I went out without my keys or phone. It was Sunday and nobody with reasonable distance is open. I walked the street looking for a place. No such thing. Resumed walking to go across the street to parking garage to see if there is a phone. No phone. I went along the walkway in the garage which appeared to me to be about 4 inches above the drive way. I tried to step off the walkway to the driveway and when I did, I fell and injured myself.

As I lay on the ground, for about 5 minutes, no one stopped in the garage on or on the street.

Then I spotted your vehicle and Cliff. Problem solved. I don't know if I would have bled to death if not for him. He got me to go to the hospital and the cure was started.

I had to lengthen this letter because I want you to know the great kindness of your employee and what appeared to be my recovery.

Thank you for him and thank him for me. He is not only a good employee he is both kind and thoughtful.”

In case you didn’t know, Downtown Visions Ambassadors offer cleaning and safety support 7 days a week in the Downtown Central Business District. Next time you see one of our uniformed ambassadors (in bright yellow clothing), don’t hesitate to approach them and request information about downtown! They can give you directions, information on restaurants, hotels and local shops — just ask. You can also request a free safety escort by calling (302) 425-4200 x1 to request a free Safety Escort anywhere within the neighborhood during operating hours from 6AM to 12AM.

Downtown Visions Safety Ambassador Praised on Brandywine Buzz!

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In a post on Brandywine Buzz, local blogger Tracy Murphy details her recent experience with Downtown Visions Safety Ambassador, Reggie, who assisted with the return of lost property. Reggie couldn’t be more deserving of the praise, and we thank Tracy for the kind words!

In case you didn’t know, Downtown Visions Ambassadors offer cleaning and safety support 7 days a week in the Downtown Central Business District. Each Safety Ambassador receives over 80 hours of in-house training in addition to field training on topics such as crime prevention, customer service, local history, and local attractions. Next time you see one of our uniformed ambassadors (in bright yellow clothing), don’t hesitate to approach them and request information about downtown! They can give you directions, information on restaurants, hotels and local shops — just ask. You can also request a free safety escort by calling (302) 425-4200 x1 to request a free Safety Escort anywhere within the neighborhood during operating hours from 6AM to 12AM.

Read an excerpt of Tracy’s experience below:

“I decided to attend a public event declaring racism a public health crisis (it is) and, since I would be in downtown Wilmington, I added on a lunch with a board member. This was the kind of thing I did ALL THE TIME in the before times. Looked at the calendar, figured out based on location and timing what else I could squeeze in, arranged it. I did this in my sleep in the before times.

So, I parked the car on Market Street and went to park using the parkmobile app but it had been so long since I had used it that the card had expired so I used my last 5 quarters to park (relevant later) and walked to the event. For late-April, it was FREEZING and afterward, I hustled back to my car to move it to a spot closer to the restaurant and put a dime in the meter and figured I’d get to the restaurant, order a hot beverage, and re-do the parking app while I waited.

Except when I reached into my bag to get my wallet to use the credit card to update the app, no wallet. I dash to the car, retrace my steps, look in the car, no wallet. Panic sets in. All I can picture is spending the next week dealing with cancelling cards, disputing charges, getting a new license, and then the real panic - my vaccine card was in there. UGHHHH. Actual panic. Sweating, short of breath, heart racing. Just panic. I spend the next ten minutes on the phone, alerting my Chase card, husband, and board member; the lovely restaurant host was so helpful when I couldn’t even pay for my hot tea; and then I walked back out to my car and THE DOWNTOWN VISIONS GUY WALKING BY WAS HOLDING MY WALLET.

Seriously. Like, he walked by me with my wallet. After confirming it was mine, we peeked inside - cash, cards, license and holy vaccine card inside! Panic abated, leading to sheer elation. Showing him my vaccine card, I asked if he’d accept a hug from a fully vaccinated Delawarean. He said yes, and so that is the story of how hugs are back and how I don’t know how to live in the world anymore.”

Click here to read the full story on Brandywine Buzz.

We want your feedback: 2021 Downtown Benchmark Survey!

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Downtown Visions want to hear from you! Please take a few moments to complete our 2021 Benchmark Survey so that we can better serve our Downtown Wilmington, DE community. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

FREE Parking in Downtown Wilmington DE

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There are plenty of free parking options to accommodate residents and visitors, and with extended Curbside valet options taking a trip Downtown has never been easier!

You can continue to take advantage of FREE valet parking during Curbside Wilmington on Friday and Saturday nights through May 2021. The valet station is centrally located at the corner of 7th & Market Streets.

Downtown residents may park in any of the following Colonial Parking lots for a discounted rate as well! Starting May 1, 2021, they are offering a resident rate of $50.00/month on the surface lots located at 5th & Orange Street, 6th & Orange Street, and 7th & Orange Street, plus a $25/month rate at the 8th & West Street Lot. Contact Colonial directly at 302.651.3600 to take advantage of this offer!

Additionally, the Wilmington Parking Authority lot at 8th & Orange Streets is free and open to the public if you enter after 6 pm during the week and all day on the weekends. Del-Tech is also providing free parking to support Lower Market Street businesses in Lot 4 on the Southwest Corner of 2nd & Shipley Streets through June 30, 2021. Please be advised that overnight parking in the Del-Tech lot is not permitted.

Parking inn Downtown Wilmington DE

This public parking map is complete with maximum daily rates*, garage, and open lot locations as well as information on metered parking so your next trip into Wilmington, DE is easy breezy. Special thanks to Colonial ParkingWilmington Parking AuthoritySP+Downtown Visions, and The City of Wilmington, DE for compiling this information.

*Rates are subject to change without notice.

18 Places to Dine Outdoors in Downtown Wilmington DE

The sun is shining. The temperatures are rising. What better way to enjoy springtime in Downtown Wilmington DE than by dining outdoors at your favorite restaurant? Check out our list of all Downtown restaurants that offer outdoor seating so you know exactly where you can enjoy your meal with a side of sunshine!

  1. Cafe Mezzanote - 1007 N Orange St

    Tucked away within Nemours Plaza, the patio at Cafe Mezzanote is the perfect place to dine al fresco if you’re looking for a quiet and intimate dining experience.

  2. Tonic Seafood & Steak - 111 W 11th St

    The covered patio at Tonic is perfect for enjoying the warm weather without the risk of getting a sunburn.

  3. Torbert Street Social - 305 Torbert St

    Off the beaten path, this speakeasy has a spacious patio with fire pits and large outdoor games ready for happy hour. Torbert Street Social reopens to the public on April 14th.

  4. Le Cavalier at the Green Room - 42 W 11th Street

    Enjoy a delicious meal from Le Cavalier with an unobstructed view of Rodney Square.

  5. I.M. Coffee - 1105 N Market St

    First, stop in the I.M. Pei building for freshly brewed beverages, delicious pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches. Then, head outdoors to enjoy them in the plaza space.

  6. DECO Food Hall - 111 W 10th St

    This food hall offers traditional outdoor seating as well as a cool breeze indoors with retractable windows that are opened when the weather is nice.

  7. Stitch House Brewery - 829 N Market St

    Experience all that Market Street has to offer while enjoying your favorite brews from the patio at Stitch House. This brewery even has retractable windows for fresh air dining even while inside.

  8. Tasties 302 - 825 N Market St

    Downtown’s soul food destination has cafe tables on Market Street for outdoor dining. Tasties is temporarily closed for renovations.

  9. Jimmy Johns - 824 N Market St

    Jimmy Johns is one of the only fast-casual places on Market that provides tables outdoors for people to enjoy their grab-and-go sandwiches.

  10. Chelsea Tavern - 821 N Market St

    Chelsea Tavern has long been a go-to place for those wanting to dine outside on Market Street, but the recently renovated Chelsea Plaza now offers even more shaded outdoor seating for restaurant-goers.

  11. Makers Alley - 804 Orange Street

    Snack on bar bites under the stars at this outdoor beer garden tucked away off Shipley St.

  12. Cavanaugh’s - 703 N Market St

    You know it’s springtime on Market once Cavanaugh’s starts to set up their lunchtime outdoor seating in front of the restaurant.

  13. Bardea - 620 N Market St

    The outdoor cafe tables, enclosed by beautiful planters, provide the same upscale dining experience you’d expect at Bardea simply with a side of fresh air.

  14. Knight’s Bar at The Queen - 500 N Market St

    Try out the new royally-inspired menu at the Knight’s Bar accompanied by flavorful cocktails and FREE live music.

  15. La Fia - 421 N Market St

    Surrounded by gorgeous overflowing flower pots, the outdoor dining at La Fia provides a mini-retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown Wilmington.

  16. Farmer & The Cow - 413 N Market Street

    Bask in the sun while dining on extravagant burgers and boozy milkshakes at Farmer & The Cow.

  17. Green Box Kitchen - 400 N Market Street

    Feed your soul what’s been craving from Green Box Kitchen: vitamin D and plant-based goodness.

  18. Milk & Honey - 239 N Market Street

    Milk & Honey has just what you need to start your day: flavorful coffee, balanced breakfast options, and comfy patio furniture.