Vote on Summit Neighborhood Plan Slated for Oct. 20, 2009
Update:
The Hope, Mount Hope and Blackstone Plan was presented and public comments were received at the July meeting of the CPC. The plan was amended based on comments received and the changes were presented at the August 18th meeting. The CPC agreed to postpone voting on the plan until the October 20th meeting.
Here is the August 2009 revision with changes underlined:
Mount Hope-Hope-Blackstone Neighborhood Plan Draft–August 2009
Contents
Introduction 3
Contents 4
Charrette Overview 5
Charrette Schedule 6
Neighborhood Overview 7 - 11
Mount Hope, Hope and Blackstone History Timeline 8 - 9
The People - Neighborhood Demographics 12 - 13
Development Patterns - Neighborhood Typologies 14 - 18
Historic Districts 19
Business and Industry 20
Neighborhood Issues 21 - 25
Neighborhood Action Plan 26 - 36
Next Steps 37
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.
Neighborhood charette outcomes shared
The city Department of Planning and Development (DPD) issued A “Draft Action Plan” for the Summit, Mt. Hope and Blackstone neighborhoods at a public meeting this past November 14th. The plan summarizes work done at our four-day neighborhood charette held in September. It’s neither final nor official yet, so it’s a good time for neighbors, whether you participated in the charette or not, to take a look.
The plan presents six objectives, each with two to four projects. For each project, a number of actions are proposed along with those responsible and a target date. The plan reflects the strength – open dialog – and the weakness – the need to attend workday sessions – of the charette process. Read more
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.
SNA 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
Neighbors form committee on Hillside property
More than 40 residents attended an SNA-sponsored meeting on the future of the former Hillside Health Center between Chace and Hillside Avenues on August 10. The nursing home entered bankruptcy in 2003 and was forced to close its doors in June of 2004. Neighbors are concerned about how future use of the property will help or harm the neighborhood.
At the meeting, neighbors formed a new, SNA-affiliated working committee, chaired by John Smithers of Hillside Ave, to represent neighborhood interests in the re-development of the large complex. The new committee will monitor developments at Hillside, including current court cases and future regulatory proceedings, keep neighbors informed and aware and advocate for re-using the Hillside buildings in ways that are most appropriate to our residential neighborhood.
To learn more about the committee or to share information about the Hillside Health Center, please contact John Smithers: (401) 751-2505 or by email: john.smithers@cox.net.
Read the full notes of the Hillside Committee meetings here. Read more
SNA Board to hear about Edgehill Crime Watch Monday
The Summit Neighborhood Association monthly board meeting will have guests to discuss Crime Watch, city planning and a possible new neighborhood association for the Elmgrove neighborhood. The board meets Monday, July 10 at 7PM in the Community Room at Rochambeau Branch Library on Hope Street. The public is invited to attend. Read more
Citywide planning kickoff meetings approach next week
June 15 - Although we haven’t seen specifics, the city is planning to hold three major meetings to share and begin the new citywide planning process. We’ll post more information - but watch the news. These could be very important.
Over the summer, you should be seeing new surveys from the Department of Planning and Development, a new website and information pamphlets about the city and its neighborhoods, according to Linda Painter, Deputy Director of DPD. These are the first steps toward a citywide planning process described as “open and inclusive” by the Mayor and his staff at a preview for neighborhood activists on May 30. The full city presentation lays out concepts and key dates. Providence Tomorrow, June 06, Dept. of Planning and Development
We like the way Roanoke, VA, has included all neighborhoods in its planning process for the last 20 years with great success. Check out what Roanoke’s neighborhood plans look like.