Claymont Comes Together: What We Heard at Our Community Listening Session
On September 17, fifty Claymontonians gathered in the old Claymont High School gym which is now part of the Claymont Community Center. We gathered for an evening of listening, reflection, and hope. Outside, the rain came down steadily, but inside, neighbors filled the room with energy and connection.
Hosted by the Claymont Coalition for Environmental Justice (CC4EJ) and sponsored by Drexel University, the session invited residents to share what it’s like to live, work, and raise families in Claymont. Using a “Three Houses” format—Worries, Good Things, and Hopes—participants shared honest stories about daily life and what they want for their community’s future.
What We Heard
Across every table, one truth stood out: Claymont is deeply loved. Residents spoke with pride about the town’s history, its diversity, and the way neighbors still look out for one another. That love fuels a shared desire to make Claymont a safe, healthy, and vibrant place for everyone.
At the same time, participants named several environmental and quality-of-life concerns that deserve attention:
Air pollution from the Marcus Hook industrial corridor and heavy traffic along I-495 and Philadelphia Pike.
Noise from constant highway traffic that interrupts rest and peace of mind.
Illegal dumping that harms local green spaces and community pride.
Limited access to clean, safe parks and nature areas, even though Claymont sits beside the beautiful Naamans Creek and Delaware River.
Despite these challenges, people also celebrated what makes Claymont strong: its history, its heart, and the neighborly care that keeps people connected. “We’re still here for each other,” one resident said. “That’s what Claymont means.”
What’s Next
This session is helping CC4EJ and partners learn directly from residents what issues matter most when it comes to health, environment, and neighborhood life. In the months ahead, we’ll continue listening, collecting stories, and connecting them with data to better understand patterns across Claymont—always guided by what residents share and value.
If you couldn’t make it to the session, you can still take the community survey to add your voice. Every response helps shape how this story unfolds and ensures the process stays rooted in the community itself.
We’ll keep sharing updates as this work evolves, including future opportunities to gather, learn, and plan together.
And don’t miss your next chance to connect in person:
👉 Join us tomorrow for the Claymont Community Day & Health Fair at Woods Haven Kruse Park!
We’ll have food, resources, and activities for all ages—and we’ll keep the listening going.
Together, we’re building the future Claymont deserves: safe, healthy, and full of life.
