The long-awaited new street lanterns, which are almost exact replicas of the original ones, along Benefit Street are in the final stages of design. The project will also involve straightening and re-supporting the light poles, as well as installing LED lighting. Mile of History Association (MoHA) expects installation to begin late this summer.
After months of discussion with preservationists and city officials, Bradford Associates has developed a Streetscape Standards Study for historic Benefit Street. MoHA commissioned this study to refine and define our understanding of every inch of the Mile of History. Building on early work by Bill Deveney, Linda Getgen, and others, the study provides guidelines for restoration and maintenance of the historic streetlights, tree pits, and sidewalks. This work guides the replacement of streetlights, addresses removal of asphalt sidewalks and repaving with appropriate materials, defines preservation of historic and new trees in correctly constructed tree pits and bump outs, and provides a set of preservation guidelines to address safety and accessibility on this important historic street.
In other MoHA news, four new members were recently elected to the Board of Directors: Harry Adler, Lorne Adrain, Steve Metzger, and Dietrich Neumann. MoHA is also proud to be the leading sponsor of the Providence Preservation Society's Music in the Garden concerts in the Colonial Revival garden at 21 Meeting Street. Upcoming concerts include country blues from Cowboy and Lady on July 20, Americana songs by Saddle Up the Chicken August 24, and jazz trio Dave Zinno September 14.
The Summit Community Garden is now in full swing at the Kerry Kohring Park at Summit Avenue and 9th Street. Gardeners have been diligently preparing their beds for this year’s growing season. The space currently has a waitlist for beds, and neighbors are encouraged to sign up if they are interested in the chance to claim a plot when one opens up. All are welcome to attend meetings and come by to see what’s growing. SummitCommunityGarden.org
Summit Neighborhood Association is excited to partner with the Rochambeau Library to help support their backyard outdoor classroom expansion. Plans are underway, and may be in progress as of publication, to better utilize the outdoor space behind the library. This will include murals, flowers, interactive musical elements, and benches, creating a welcoming community space for events.
Fox Point neighbors love a good street fair. In late April, the Wickenden Area Merchants Association (WAMA) kicked off the summer festival season with its ever-popular semiannual Makers Market. Local merchants closed off Wickenden Street to traffic and filled the roadway with over 50 artists and makers selling their work. There were cocktails and beer, local food trucks, and a DJ. A raffle, which included gifts and gift cards donated by local stores, vendors, and restaurants, raised over $2,000 for Doctors Without Borders, supporting efforts in Ukraine. Vin Scorziello – WAMA organizer, board member of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association, and owner of Campus Fine Wines – described record crowds. “The weather was perfect, which always helps with the turnout,” says Scorziello. “All in all, it was a great day.”
West Broadway Neighborhood Association saw the return of Neighborhood Nights in June with the first of these in-person gatherings in more than two years. The event took place at Asa Messer Elementary School, encouraging neighbors to mingle before getting to business. Their meeting focused on development in the community, looking back at projects completed during the pandemic, discussing projects in progress, informing neighbors of new proposals, and sharing details on how to get involved when the review and rewriting of the City's Comprehensive Plan begins later this summer – a process which is done every 10 years and affects everything from zoning and land use to sustainability and housing. Thanks to funds donated during the 401 Gives campaign in April, Neighborhood Nights include Spanish interpretation and childcare services. The next gatherings are scheduled for September 7 (Candidate’s Night), October 3, November 7, and December 6.
Farm Fresh RI’s weekly farmers market at Armory Park is in full swing, taking place every Thursday with local vendors’ food and crafts on display. SNAP and EBT benefits are accepted and in some cases doubled. On July 9, Haus of Codec hosts a LGBTQQIA+ Resource Fair & ART Marketplace and clothing donation at the park, and WBNA presents a Concert in the Park at Dexter Field on July 17.
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