(Spring '98)

The first few weeks of being the leader of the FPCA have been action packed.

The biggest issue facing the neighborhood is a zone change request by Belmont Laundry. Belmont Laundry wishes to demolish 3 good single family homes on Crystal Street, a completely residential street, for a garage and water storage tank. Crystal Ave. neighbors are against this proposal. The FPCA has voted to oppose any such zone change and has taken steps to do just that.

Renovations and the major addition to the Sumner Avenue School are nearing completion. Speaking as a parent of two children who attended Sumner Ave. School, these improvements are long overdue and will significantly contribute to the vitality and stability of our neighborhood. But changes often bring valid concerns for abutters. The FPCA has worked with the homeowners on Spruceland Ave., who will now have a school very close to their property lines, to address their concerns about bus traffic behind the school. In a meeting with Jack Teague, Facilities Manager for the City, we learned that significant landscaping is planned to create a green buffer between the School and the neighbors.

You may also have noticed several changes to the Friendlys just next door to the Sumner Ave. School. In 1979 Friendlys reached an agreement with the neighborhood about certain exterior design features for the property. The recent changes have been made without regard for that agreement, with no neighborhood input and without the benefit of Historic District approval. Concerns have been raised at the FPCA Board meeting about these changes and a strategy is being developed to address these concerns.

The FPCA is negotiating with the Park Department to reduce the number of days Bright Nights is open, to return Barneyís Hill for sledding (real children on real snow) and to further improve traffic management.

A group of residents is spearheading a project to significantly upgrade the landscaping of the Euclid-Marengo Park Terrace (triangle) which is very near to the new house being constructed at 231 Belmont Ave. Sponsored by Concerned Citizens For Springfield, Inc., this project will convert a site which for many years was an eyesore and serious neighborhood detriment into affordable housing. The construction work is being done by Putnam students!

The X is coming around. The Goodwill Store is doing well and the overlay zone has helped with signage already. Fidele and I had a terrific dinner at the new restaurant Typical Sicilian on Belmont Ave. just north of Sumner Ave. Try it!

Spring brings renewed appreciation for the years of restoration work in Forest Park. and now the Barney Carriage House is opening. A walk in the Park is a real pleasure.

The FPCA works because many volunteers have been willing to become involved in making their neighborhood a better place to live and raise families. The position of Education Chair if open and we would like to find one or more people who have an interest in education to step forward to work in this important area. We are all volunteers so please join us and help us maintain our connection to the schools in the neighborhood. It is in all of our best self interest to support education in our neighborhood because schools make a difference to our children and to our property values.

Please call me with your ideas, your offers to help, and your concerns. Together we can make a difference.

Bill Malloy, President