Issues

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.
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By sna, ago

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.
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By sna, 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

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. (more…)

By sna, ago

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.

Read everything about: North Main St. – Planning the Future

By SNA Admin, ago

Update: School Board votes to close Nathan Bishop M.S.

This is a correction to an earlier post, which said the Providence School Board vote on Nathan Bishop was April 4th. The vote was Monday, April 3rd (today). The School Board voted to close Bishop and re-accomodate its students in other schools.

The Providence School Board voted this evening to close the Nathan Bishop Middle School for one year over the strong objections of everyone except the school’s East Side neighbors.

Supt. Donnie Evans’ recommendation to close Bishop caught parents, teachers and union leaders by surprise. Until Friday, Evans was proposing to close the middle school and re-open it as a high school for ninth-and tenth-graders in the fall.

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By sna, ago

Who is dumping their oil in Summit?

A neighbor has brought to the Board’s attention what may be a local car service station dumping their used oil on our streets. I checked it out before the snow fell. You can clearly see the stains.
Oil dumping stains Jan 06 - M.Tuck
The neighbor says, and it seems as though, someone in a truck drives up and down the streets with a open bucket just letting the oil drip and pour out. Pouring on east-to-west streets that drain well, Dexterdale and Edgehill, and not pouring on Summit and Camp, which don’t run downhill. (more…)

By sna, ago