June 5: Liz Cameron reports that her contact with the bankruptcy receiver for the former Hillside Health Center suggests that there will be no action on development for some time. (more…)
City Government
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. (more…)
North Main Street
SNA North Main Group writes its shopping list
Business incubators, green space and mixed-use residential development got top the priority from members of SNA’s North Main Street Group last week at its third “Sandwich Hut Summit” on May 25 We zeroed in on what North Main should look like and what specific projects would do the most to bring that future about.
The group agreed that a vital North Main needs much more than suburban-style stores surrounded by parking lots. (more…)
General News
SNA Yard sale beats the weather
Hundreds of neighbors and visitors purchased almost $2,000 worth of donated goods at Summit Neighborhood Association’s Annual Yard Saturday, May 20, a week later than originally scheduled due to the torrential rains of the last week.
The results were a fine reward for many weeks of effort by our peerless Yard Sale coodinators Truck Drivin’ Connie Chesbrough and Michelle “The Yard Sale Runs Itself” Tuck. They were backed up by SNA’s large team of volunteer haulers, toters, pricers, sorters and sellers. Thank you all very much.
We owe our success to the many generous neighbors who donated useful and marketable items ranging from a china set to a sectional sofa. Not to mention lots and lots of books, thanks largely to the generous sharing of the Friends of Rochambeau Library.
Local Businesses
Hillside’s legal fate deferred
A court hearing that may influence the future of the now-empty Hillside Health Center has been delayed for at least a month, according to the receiver for the bankrupt nursing home. The case centers around whether the mortgage holder, Suburban Mortgage, will be allowed to buy the property back. Suburban, which is closely linked to Hillside’s former owner, Anthony Giordano, wants to ensure that the property does not sell for less than the $12.5 million still owed on the mortgage.
According to one of the other bidders, Hillside’s nursing home license has lapsed. If so, it is probably unlikely that the facility can re-open as a nursing home again, although that seems to be the first preference of most neighbors we have talked to. Failing that, some form of residential apartments, perhaps age-restricted, is most likely.
Issues
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.
General News
More than one way to fix a sidewalk
If the broken or uneven sidewalk in front of your house was not chosen for replacement this year under Councilman Jackson’s bond-funded program (see story below), you still have two options for possible no-cost repairs, according to David Pontarelli in the Mayor’s office. (more…)
General News
Citizens responds swiftly to neighbor concerns
SNA salutes Citizens Bank Hope Street Branch Manager Sandra Carey and Regional Manager Dennis Wyatt for their rapid action on a neighbor concerns about safety at their lot on the corner of Hope and Lauriston. Neighbors cited traffic and pedestrian safety, noise, some after-hours uses of the lot and the property’s appearance among their issues with Citizens. At the bank’s request, neighbors are now developing requests for improved landscaping. (more…)
General News
Court ruling on Hillside this week
April 7 – An attorney for the receiver of the bankrupt Hillside Health Center expects a court ruling by Wednesday, April 12th, that may decide the direction of development at the now-abandoned site between Hillside and Chace Avenues. (more…)
North Main Street
Graffiti on No. Main – Police need your help
Lt. David Schiavulli, District 8 Police Commander, had one quick answer when SNA volunteer Jessica Jenner asked him what people can do to combat crime in Summit today.
“Graffiti on North Main; we need citizen help,” the Lieutenant told Jessica, “Graffiti is generally created by juveniles, who may be active any time of the day or night. If you see someone with a spray can or fat marker, call the Police Department emergency number 272-1111. “