SNA Admin

Miriam meetings Tuesday, Sept. 19 & 28

Miriam Hospital will hold its next quarterly meeting for neighbors next Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 in the Fain Building. We urge neighbors living nearby to attend. We continue to hear complaints from neighbors about hospital parking, lighting, noise and air quality, yet the quarterly meetings have been sparsely attended this year. We should all bear in mind that the large new building on Seventh Street is only the first of two – Miriam intends to buiild a similar new building at the corner of Summit and Fifth within a couple of years.

Miriam’s Environmental Committee meeting has been postponed for one week to September 28. This groups will also meet at 6:30 in the Fain Building.

By SNA Admin, ago

Carriage House offers dance, theater for your kids

Everett Dance Theatre’s Carriage House School announces its class offerings for the 2006-2007 season, for youth aged 6 and above. Classes range from improvisational acting, hip hop dance, ballet, and Polynesian dance. We also offer a performing arts mentorship program, with training in writing, film making, acting, and special projects. Classes are taught by the professional artists of Everett Dance Theatre, a nationally acclaimed multimedia performing arts company now celebrating it’s twentieth anniversary in Providence.

Admission is on an ongoing basis, with classes beginning September 11. All classes are $10 a piece, with reduced prices available for low-income families. No serious student is turned away for lack of funds. The Carriage House is located at 7 Duncan Avenue, Providence RI, just off North Main Street.

NOTE: The Carriage House is a lovely and surprising little theater tucked behind some North Main businesses. Please support this neighborhood arts resource!

Please follow the link for schedule information: (more…)

By SNA Admin, ago

Keep car items out of sight, police advise

This Tuesday, Sept. 5, James Kelley spoke with Lt. Schiavulli of our Community Police Station–District 8 on behalf of Summit Neighborhood Association to learn if there are any trends or recent concerns that may need extra precautions for which we should be alert. Jim will continue to be SNA’s contact for news from District 8, which you will see posted here and in Summit News from time to time.

There are three parts of Police District 8, which ranges from the Pawtucket line to Olney St, and from Blackstone Blvd. to Interstate Route 95 http://www.providencepolice.com/stats/mapbook/8.pdf

Despite a shooting on Pleasant St., District 8 remains a low crime area of the city. Year-to-date, through September 5, violent crime is down 50%, property crime is down 49%, and all other crime is down 18%. Noteworthy is that the rash “break and grab” from motor vehicles is down significantly. The Lieutenant. hopes that people are heeding the advice to keep items left in cars out of plain view. This is particularly important as we approach the holiday season.

Please follow the link for detailed neighborhood crime data for the last month and year to date. (more…)

By SNA Admin, ago

Zoning Board says “no” to second driveway

The 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. (more…)

By SNA Admin, ago

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. (more…)

By SNA Admin, ago

Providence Center acquires Brick Manor

The Providence Center, which helps adults, children and adolescents who are affected by mental health difficulties, is in the process of acquiring and taking over operation of  the Brick Manor, an asslsted living residence for elderly people and disabled adults at 29 Ninth Street (between Highland and North Main Street). Brick Manor has been family-owned and operated for some time. Neighbor Amy Harrington met with Providence Center Director, Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., to discuss the changeover on July 20.

Amy says Brick Manor has been a good neighbor over the years and that residents, some of whom have mental disorders, have been good neighbors for the most part, too. She has a few concerns about tossed cigarette butts, employee parking, general upkeep and late night noise as staff leave or get picked up. Dr. Klatzker told Amy that certain regulations will mean that six fewer people will be living there, but that neighbors should see very few differences. Dr. Klatzker has named Joe Bennet to be the manager of the Ninth Street facility. Amy will check back with Mr. Bennet in a couple of weeks after he takes over as manager.
By SNA Admin, ago

New trees need water buddies

The new trees planted in the spaces created by the traffic-calming curb extensions installed last year are thirsty. A growing tree needs 3 to 5 gallons of water 2 or 3 times a week. Unfortunately, the city’s landscaping contract evidently does not include that kind of maintainance.

New street trees are most vulnerable during this first year. If you live within hose or bucket distance of one of these saplings, you will accumulate positive karma and the quiet gratitude of the neighborhood by giving them a little liquid attention during your regular yard maintenance.

If this is something you can do, it would be great if you would reply to this post and mention the location of the tree you will be watching over. Thanks very much.

By SNA Admin, ago

What SNA members care about

July 6 – Thanks to all the households in Summit (144 and growing!) which have stepped up to join Summit Neighborhood Association in 2006. We always ask new and renewing members what they care about. Most people don’t take advantage, but many do. In no particular order or organization, here’s what SNA members have said is on their minds as they mailed their 2006 memberships in.

(more…)

By SNA Admin, ago

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.

(more…)

By SNA Admin, ago