News & Culture Neighborhood News
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Photo by Willa Kammerer
College Hill Neighborhood Association At our February meeting, we heard from Lieutenant Joseph Dufault, Commander of Police Districts 8 and 9 in Providence. Lieutenant Dufault reported that in District 9, which includes College Hill, most reported crimes are property-related and non-violent. He noted that thefts from homes and cars are less likely to occur if doors and windows are locked and valuables are removed from plain sight. He also cited some recent successes utilizing owner-installed surveillance systems and dealing with some overly aggressive panhandling on Thayer Street. He also noted that the department is hoping to begin another police recruitment class with the next year. We also heard from Wendy Nilsson and Christy Clausen of the Providence Parks Department. Nilsson, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, updated us on funds available for park improvements; she reported that money is being allocated to over a half-dozen projects, including repairs to the retaining wall at Prospect Terrace, and an overhaul of Brassil Memorial Park. Clausen spoke about local events, such as a wide range of clean-up projects, being planned for Earth Day, April 25. Next, the Board heard from Jewelry District Association President Sharon Steele, along with Ward 2 City Councilwoman Helen Anthony. Steele spoke among other things about the City Plan Commission, and the importance of City residents going to meetings to make their voices heard. She also unfortunately reported on some recent vandalism on the beautiful new bridge that connects Fox Point to downtown and expressed the frustration that at present, the City is underfunded for the maintenance of events like this. Currently the 195 Commission is assisting in the funding but hopes help is on the way in the new City Budget coming July 1. Councilwoman Anthony echoed Steele’s comments, and added a critique of the Department of Inspections and Standards, which she says has not been proactive enough with respect to certain local developments, such as the goings-on at 150 Lloyd Avenue and to respond to
Wayland Square
a project on Waterman Street that is proposing a “three-family house,” each of which is seeking seven bedrooms and bathrooms per unit. This was the first meeting run by new president Rick Champagne who announced that the Board welcomes all residents of College Hill to join our efforts to protect the neighborhood we all love. For more information about joining and supporting CHNA and meeting your neighbors or perhaps joining the Board itself, please contact: CHNA, PO Box 2442, Providence, RI 02906; visit CHNAProvidence.org; or email chna@chnaprovidence.org. –Jared Sugerman
Wayland Square Neighborhood Association Spring is just around the corner so it’s nearly time for outdoor tables in the square, walks down to the river and Paterson Park, and meeting our neighbors! If you live off El-
mgrove, Wayland, Tabor, or over to the river or the Lincoln School or Eastside Market, you’re part of the neighborhood! Just letting you know, you’re in the Wayland neighborhood! Getting to Know You Our February WSNA gathering, “Meet Your Neighbors,” was a social event at Pasta Beach. Special thanks to Pasta Beach for the appetizers and use of the beautiful upstairs private room! What better way to get to know each other than over food and wine...or beer in our local spot. Loved seeing everyone connecting! More socials to be planned for later in the year. Recent Meetings Guests at our monthly meetings included Providence Planning & Development staff requesting our input on how to allocate the incoming federal community funds, initiating East Side Monthly • March 2020 23
