Take SNA’s 2009 Summit Issues Survey
What does your neighborhood need? Help plan Summit Neighborhood Association’s activities for 2009 by taking SNA’s amazingly quick 2009 Community Issues Survey Click Here to take survey.
The top issues emerging from this survey will be discussed in detail at our 2009 Annual Meeting coming up on February 23 at 7pm at Summit Commons Nursing Home 99 Hillside Ave.
City pushes Summit charrette back to fall
The City of Providence informed SNA last week that a neighborhood planning “charrette” for the Summit, Mt. Hope and Blackstone areas of the East Side will be postponed to September rather than being held in June as previously announced by the Dept. of Planning and Development.
The charrette for our neighborhood is now (and still “tentatively”) scheduled for Sept. 24 through 28 with a follow-up meeting on Nov. 14. For updates, check with SNA or with the city Planning Department web site: ProvidenceTomorrow.org.
Hillside Health building still in limbo
John Smithers and neighbors near the former Hillside Health Center continue to monitor the bankruptcy court process that will determine whether and when the facility can be sold and re-developed.
This week John spoke with Attorney Rick Land of the receiver, Winograd, Shine & Zacks, P.C. and learned the following:
1) The Hillside Center has not been sold;More…
2) The unconditional offer (no use specified) from Davenport is the offer that is presently before the Court;
a) The original Davenport bid was for 3.2 million dollars, it was never acted upon because of the Suburban Mortgage issue;
3) Davenport and other bidders do not have to indicate their intended use, if zoning variances are required for their proposed business model then they are required to go before the Zoning Board for those variances, this would typically occur AFTER the sale (thus the “unconditional” bids);
a) Previously other Nursing Home operators were interested but one cannot speculate as to their current level of interest nor their desire to compete with the Davenport bid;
4) Instead of the Hearing scheduled for May 1st the Judge will hold a Conference with the Receiver (Winograd, Shine & Zacks, P.C.);
a) During which the Judge will hear the Receiver’s recommendation to solicit bids for the property;
b) Attorney Land suspects this will result in an auction type setting at a later date where all bidders will openly compete for acquisition of the property;
John will speak with Attorney Land on May 2nd to learn the outcomes of the Conference and provide an update.
News from the Graffiti Taskforce
This is a cross-post from the moderator of the Urban Planet Rhode Island discussion group, who had the Graffiti Taskforce present at their Greater City: Providence meeting this week. Apparently community watches are being organized (10 around the city to start) to address graffiti.
The Graffiti Taskforce started last May and had a very successful summer and fall as they ramped up and increased public awareness. They are getting ready to announce several $500 rewards for information that lead to the apprehension of an offender.
There will also be penalties put in place for private property owners who don’t clean graffiti within 10 days of being notified by the city. however, as bad as that sounds, the city will offer their resources to help in the clean up during those 10 days. after those 10 days, the city will do it and the owner will be responsible for the cost of removal.
Their online form was down and suggested people call 1-800-TAGGERS until it gets fixed.
Read moreSNA Response to Library Sign Discussions
Since a public discussion has ensued regarding SNA’s position on the zoning variance for the Rochambeau public library that was recently denied, the neighborhood association has submitted a letter to the editors of East Side Monthly, responding to a published letter in the April issue. The April letter to the editor can also be found here on our website.
Dear Editors,
I am writing on behalf of the Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) to address concerns in the Letters to the Editor about SNA’s opposition to a zoning variance for signage at the Providence Public Library, Rochambeau branch.
As a neighborhood association funded by member dues and legislative grants, SNA’s goal is to sustain the residential fabric of the neighborhood that gives Summit its unique and vibrant character. We strive to do this in as transparent, inclusive, and open way as possible – and we are always open to suggestions as to how to include more voices in the discussion.
Read moreSNA presents neighbor objections to library signage
Tonight at 5:30, the Zoning Board of Review will hear Providence Public Library’s request for relief from Zoning Ordinance limits on the size of signs at the Rochambeau Branch. The Library says it has promised this sign in return for a sizable gift. Concerned neighbors and patrons, including board members of the SNA and the Friends of Rochambeau have pressed the Library to move the donor recognition inside the branch without success. SNA will appear to oppose the request at tonights hearing and will present written opposition from 11 neighbors. We encourage other to attend and speak.
SNA’s letter outlining its opposition follows: Read moreZoning Board says “no” to second driveway
August 30, 2006 · Filed Under City Government, General News, Issues, Traffic/Parking, Zoning · CommentThe Providence Zoning Board of Review refused to grant a variance to build a second driveway at a house at 170-174 Fourth Street on August 22. SNA argued against the variance, the second parking-related variance requested and refused for this property in the last year. Former SNA Board member Bonnie Robison mobilized neighbors to oppose the variance. Two neighbors spoke at the hearing and 14 more expressed opposition by letter or petition. Read more
Sidewalk Talk (Updated)
Here’s an encouraging update on the inclusion of grass strips in any sidewalk replacement scheduled for Ward 3, which includes Summit. At SNA’s request, our councilman, Kevin Jackson, has coordinated with DPW to revise the sidewalk bids to include grass strips, which should be covered by current funding. We will confirm as the work is scheduled, but this looks like a big win for a walkable streetscape in Summit and Mount Hope !
Attached is the SNA resolution on the grass strips. Read on for the history. Read more
Mayor promises public planning for city, neighborhoods
Last night, Mayor Cicilline promised to conduct the process of creating neighborhood plans, a revised citywide Comprehensive Plan and, ultimately, revised Zoning Ordinance by engaging the public in a process of discussion, priority-setting and planning that will occupy at least the next year. Read more
Walgreens to Seek North Main Approval
Walgreens wants to build a new drug store at the corner of No. Main and Frost St (the road coming up from Bonanza Bus) Their Major Development Plan will get a first review at a meeting of the City Plan Commission next week, Thursday the 27th, at 4:30. (Note that SNA will have its own meeting on North Main Street later that evening.)
The meeting will be held at the Brigham Middle School, on Westminster Street (on the right if you are heading West, just before Onleyville Square). You may look at the plans in advance at the Department of Planning and Development, 400 Westminster Street. Please call planner Bonnie Nickerson at 351-4300 for more information.