General News 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.
City Government
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.
Local Businesses
Indian Restaurant Not Just Snacks gets Phoenix “Thumbs Up”
The Providence Phoenix recently did a full review of local Summit restaurant Not Just Snacks. Read their rave review here.
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
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…)
Local Businesses
Barneys Bagels closes after nearly 20 years
Just across the Providence-Pawtucket line, one of the few bagel bakeries in the area, Barney’s, has just closed. A victim of the Atkin’s craze. (more…)
General News
Old Hillside Health Center’s fate still in the air
An attorney for the receiver in charge of the bankrupt Hillside Health Center described inquiries from two housing developers interested in the former nursing home and assisted living buildings between Chace and Hillside Avenues. The Center has been empty since being shut down by the RI Health Department a year ago. (more…)
General News
Big crowd at Sandwich Hut looks at No. Main future
A Walgreen’s is almost certain to go up on the site of the former Sears Automotive store at the corner of Frost and North Main according to the city planner responsible for our neighborhood. But whether that’s a flash inthe pan or the first step toward a developed commercial area is not clear. (more…)
Local Businesses
Help wanted with Citizens Bank lot upgrades
Are you interested in improving the parking lot of the Citizens Bank on Hope Street?
If so, please join us!
What: An informal, initial meeting of neighbors to discuss potential parking lot improvements (traffic flow, security, landscaping, etc.) to suggest to Citizens. It has come to our attention that Citizens is considering upgrading the parking lot, so this is the perfect time to give our input!
Who: This event is sponsored by the Summit Neighborhood Association. All are invited.
When: Thursday, February 9th at 7pm – 9pm
Where: Rochambeau Library Public Room (Downstairs)
Contact: Jack Templin, 47 Lauriston St., Email: jtemplin@gmail.com, Phone: 401-709-4433
We look forward to working with you to improve our neighborhood!
Thank you for your support!