133 replies to this topic

[runawayjim]

Smith Hill Wants Retail
Charles Street
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I just thought i'd start a general Elmhurst thread... since it seems to be a forgotten neighborhood.

It seems like the city is actually putting some money into the neighborhood.  there's a lot of paving of roads going on.  they recently paved tyndall ave, which is just east of huxley between eaton and smith (right next to the newport creamery).  they put in a new sidewalk on huxley from admiral to eaton (there was only one from eaton to the east side gate to PC's campus).  they're putting in a crosswalk light at the huxley gate for PC.  and they're now paving huxley.

theyr'e also tearing up some roads west of river (between river and sharon) for paving.

if only they'd pave admiral.

Edited by Cotuit, 29 December 2006 - 10:33 PM.

[yossarian]

runawayjim, on Aug 21 2006, 04:23 PM, said:

I just thought i'd start a general Elmhurst thread... since it seems to be a forgotten neighborhood.

It seems like the city is actually putting some money into the neighborhood.  there's a lot of paving of roads going on.  they recently paved tyndall ave, which is just east of huxley between eaton and smith (right next to the newport creamery).  they put in a new sidewalk on huxley from admiral to eaton (there was only one from eaton to the east side gate to PC's campus).  they're putting in a crosswalk light at the huxley gate for PC.  and they're now paving huxley.

theyr'e also tearing up some roads west of river (between river and sharon) for paving.

if only they'd pave admiral.

I would not say forgotten in terms of City government.  The 5th and 14th Wards (which encompass Elmhurst) have historically been among the most politically important in the City.  Both are relatively large, have high turn out and contribute.  So naturally Elmhurst does not want for its share of city services and dollars.  

As to the project you referenced here is the press release from Councilman Mancini:

Quote

Councilman Peter S. Mancini today announced that significant safety improvements and beautification efforts are underway in Ward 14 on Huxley Avenue between Admiral and Eaton Streets.  Work will include road resurfacing, the installation of new crosswalks and signage, new curbing and sidewalks on the west side of the avenue, and the creation of grass strips and the planting of trees.

The project is being jointly funded by Neighborhood Improvement Bond allocations and Providence College, whose campus extends to both sides of Huxley Avenue.

Councilman Mancini characterized Providence College’s contribution as “both generous and extraordinarily significant.”  He noted that, “What we are witnessing in this union of public and private entities is proof positive that the strongest of partnerships is one built upon recognition of shared needs, shared resources, and shared responsibilities.

Providence College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., added, “We deeply appreciate Councilman Mancini’s efforts to improve Huxley Avenue in time for our students’ return in September.  The new sidewalks, crosswalks, signal lights, and resurfaced roadway will both enhance the safety of our students and beautify our neighborhood.  Our partnership with Councilman Mancini and the city of Providence in this venture demonstrates the value of public-private collaboration.  We are pleased to have helped fund this important project.”

Completion of all work is scheduled for the end of August

Nice example of a neighborhood and a large institution co-existing well.  

[jencoleslaw]

the planting program will be doing some street tree plantings in the neighborhood in the fall.

[runawayjim]

jencoleslaw, on Aug 22 2006, 12:05 PM, said:

the planting program will be doing some street tree plantings in the neighborhood in the fall.

do you know what streets?

[jencoleslaw]

runawayjim, on Aug 22 2006, 12:16 PM, said:

do you know what streets?

yes.

[runawayjim]

jencoleslaw, on Aug 22 2006, 08:53 PM, said:

yes.

is this the game of properly phrasing the question?

will/can you tell me what streets are getting trees (i assume huxley from what yossarian posted, but i was wondering about others, unrelated to PC)?  if you can... what streets?

[jencoleslaw]

i don't have the list in front of me but i'm thinking we tentatively approved Pinehurst, College (which is probably technically in Mt Pleasant) and Huxley. the improvements you mentioned before on Huxley have nothing to do with me, btw, we're planting trees on a different stretch.

[runawayjim]

jencoleslaw, on Aug 23 2006, 07:26 AM, said:

i don't have the list in front of me but i'm thinking we tentatively approved Pinehurst, College (which is probably technically in Mt Pleasant) and Huxley. the improvements you mentioned before on Huxley have nothing to do with me, btw, we're planting trees on a different stretch.

college is in elmhurst, it runs between sharon and river.

[yossarian]

On a completely unrelated note, anyone ever been to the Asia Palace.  Its on the corner of Enfield and Eaton/Smith.  Given the complete dearth of restaurants (Subway doesn't qualify as a restaurant) within walking distance I have been tempted to try it.  But in light of the appearance of the place, not tempted enough absent somebody else having tried it first.

[runawayjim]

yossarian, on Aug 23 2006, 10:06 AM, said:

On a completely unrelated note, anyone ever been to the Asia Palace.  Its on the corner of Enfield and Eaton/Smith.  Given the complete dearth of restaurants (Subway doesn't qualify as a restaurant) within walking distance I have been tempted to try it.  But in light of the appearance of the place, not tempted enough absent somebody else having tried it first.

there's some places i always wonder how they stay in business... i almost never see anyone walk in or out of it other than people who look like they work there.

never tried it, and i might not because of the look, unless someone has tried it first.  

runawayjim, on Aug 23 2006, 07:32 AM, said:

college is in elmhurst, it runs between sharon and river.

so i just realized after looking at a map that there's 3 college st/rd in the city... there's college st on the east side, college rd between sharon and river, and college rd by RIC.

[jencoleslaw]

runawayjim, on Aug 23 2006, 10:14 AM, said:

there's some places i always wonder how they stay in business... i almost never see anyone walk in or out of it other than people who look like they work there.

never tried it, and i might not because of the look, unless someone has tried it first.  
so i just realized after looking at a map that there's 3 college st/rd in the city... there's college st on the east side, college rd between sharon and river, and college rd by RIC.

i think the one we're doing it by RIC which is why i thought it was more in Mt Pleasant. But i haven't actually been to that site yet.

[yossarian]

runawayjim, on Aug 23 2006, 10:14 AM, said:

there's some places i always wonder how they stay in business... i almost never see anyone walk in or out of it other than people who look like they work there.

Me neither.  Shortly after buying our house I went in one night after work to grab a menu.  No menus and the inside made Little Chopsticks look sparking.  Not going back in again unless somebody vouchs for the food.

Given: 1) the absence of any competition, 2) the abudance of disposable income within walking distance and 3) the existence of an, albiet tiny, commercial area at Academcy and Smith, it seems to me that a neighborhood bistro/tavern with moderately priced food (I am thinking Bravo/Red Stripe/Citron) would clean up.

[runawayjim]

yossarian, on Aug 23 2006, 10:24 AM, said:

Me neither.  Shortly after buying our house I went in one night after work to grab a menu.  No menus and the inside made Little Chopsticks look sparking.  Not going back in again unless somebody vouchs for the food.

Given: 1) the absence of any competition, 2) the abudance of disposable income within walking distance and 3) the existence of an, albiet tiny, commercial area at Academcy and Smith, it seems to me that a neighborhood bistro/tavern with moderately priced food (I am thinking Bravo/Red Stripe/Citron) would clean up.

if the inside is anything like the outside, i think i'll be avoiding that place unless someone vouches for it.

i agree that there's a market for a restaurant in this area.  something not expensive (i think bravo is a bit on the expensive side, at least their dinner menu) would be best.  but the kind of food they serve would be great.  we got the abbey with great burgers and sandwiches (and beer selection).  why don't we have anything else?  rocco's pizza has gone seriously downhill with the other guys cooking (speaking of which, i need to send the owner a letter saying that i'm no longer going to buy their pizza because it just plain sucks now).

la salle bakery is like the best thing we have.  

[runawayjim]

so upon leaving my house after my lunch hour (i go home for lunch everyday since i live 2 blocks from work), i saw some city workers putting in a new "sidewalk" where there was none.



i have to say... i am appalled at the city for taking the cheap easy way out on this one.  it doesn't match anything.  nowhere in this neighborhood are there asphalt sidewalks.  i wrote a letter to councilman mancini with my disgust for this and included a link to a larger pic of it.  that section of sidewalk is no more than 20 feet.  you'd think they could've done it with cement and it would've been dry by morning considering how dry the air has been.

[Frankie811]

runawayjim, on Sep 27 2006, 07:40 PM, said:

so upon leaving my house after my lunch hour (i go home for lunch everyday since i live 2 blocks from work), i saw some city workers putting in a new "sidewalk" where there was none.

My friend, it's called an election year.    This plus new garbage cans. How wonderful.  

[matt]

runawayjim, have you gotten your new trash can yet?  they haven't made their way over (2 blocks) to my end of elmhurst yet.

[runawayjim]

matt, on Sep 28 2006, 08:45 AM, said:

runawayjim, have you gotten your new trash can yet?  they haven't made their way over (2 blocks) to my end of elmhurst yet.

i've had mine for about a year now.

[yossarian]

Frankie811, on Sep 27 2006, 08:23 PM, said:

My friend, it's called an election year.    This plus new garbage cans. How wonderful.  

Generically as to new sidewalks you are on target, but I think the eyesore that Jim is pointing to would actually cost an incumbent councilman or the admin votes.

[runawayjim]

yossarian, on Sep 28 2006, 10:34 AM, said:

Generically as to new sidewalks you are on target, but I think the eyesore that Jim is pointing to would actually cost an incumbent councilman or the admin votes.

exactly.  i wrote to ward14@providenceri.com, but i'm not really expecting a response.  i might call the office today to talk to someone.  i'm honestly outraged and disgusted by this, and if this is a political tactic to win votes, mancini just lost a vote.  and to think that i voted for him in the primary.

[Garris]

Just a word on the asphalt sidewalk.  They did the same thing in Wayland Square a one point.  I think they were doing some utility work under it and it was just temporary to prevent a public safety hazard.  It was replaced shortly thereafter with a nice, matching concrete section a few weeks later.

- Garris