[Bcna-announce] The future of Belmont

[Jesse Fiske]

Dear Belmont,
The recent case to re-zone 814 Hinton ave. has brought up many concerns. I
thank everyone who has helped bring to light  the problems that have
 affected Belmont, in particular the business district known as Downtown
Belmont. At my request the city has organized a meeting with NDS, Police
Chief Tim Longo, Traffic Engineer Jeanie Alexander, and Mayor Norris to
begin brainstorming on ways to resolve some of these issues and how to
establish an atmosphere that embraces the neighborhoods residential and
business attributes.
While there are many things the city can do to help plan for a more
efficient infrastructure, establishing the appropriate "vibe" is in large
part our responsibility.  We cannot set zoning standards or build
crosswalks. We can start community gardens, host family style events and
workshops, and engage the business community to participate in standards of
practice that will meet residents in the middle. The latter is probably the
most challenging, but with steady input and participation we can come to a
consensus on how residents and businesses would like this neighborhood to
work and feel.

This morning, I met with Jim Tolbert and Brian Haluska to begin the
brainstorming process. I am unable to attend the afternoon meeting, so I
provided them with a brief letter with some of the concerns voiced by the
residents. While it may not be a comprehensive list to some, it is just the
beginning of what, I hope, will be an in-depth and fruitful conversation
with the city.
There will be many more meetings over the next year that will get us ever
closer to the goal of living in a sustainable pleasant neighborhood. Please
do not relent on your invaluable perspectives. It will take time, but the
more folks stay involved the better our plan for a brighter future will
be.

Attached to this e-mail is the letter that I provided for this afternoon's
meeting. If your thoughts were not included and you have additional input,
please know that there will be a time and a place in the near future for you
to have a voice.

Thank you so much for your time and efforts,
Jesse Fiske
BCNA Pres.

-- 
Jesse at hackensawboys.com
434-249-9973
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