New ground: Construction begins on 220 Riverside
It was a community affair last month in Riverside, as representatives from the city, Hallmark Partners and other development partners held an official groundbreaking for 220 Riverside and its contiguous community park. Just weeks before, developers announced a new partnership with Nashville-based real estate investment trust MAA. MAA owns and manages 49,000 multifamily apartment homes […]
Quiet zones may be solution for historic district’s train horns
A train’s whistle blowing in the night is nostalgic for some. But for Historic District residents living within earshot, the only nostalgia is for loss of peace and quiet and a good night’s sleep. “Train horns blast throughout the early morning so loudly I warn guests to close their windows at night,” said Tom Merten, […]
Merchants group hosts 5 Points cleanup
Members of the 5 Points Merchants Association and friends got their hands dirty last month during a neighborhood cleanup event. The group began the first phase of the re-landscaping of 5 Points between Post Street and the 5 Points intersection. Volunteers removed weeds and old mulch from the various beds along the street, trimmed Crepe […]
Grissett’s family donates park bench
With little public fanfare but with great love, the family of former Riverside Avondale Preservation Director Bonnie Grissett donated a Boone Park bench in her name last month. The park bench is located on the pathway near the playground at the St. Johns Avenue side of Boone Park. Bonnie, who passed away December 2010 after […]
Plans for controversial artificial reef sunk
An artificial reef planned offshore Riverfront Park in San Marco will be relocated to another site, according to District 5 City Councilwoman Lori Boyer. The reef, intended to improve on- and offshore fishing along the St. Johns River, was the source of much community alarm during the councilwoman’s September town meeting. Residents were concerned the […]
San Marco Square traffic redesign: Updated plans right on point
San Marco Preservation Society officials released a preliminary $120,000 budget for the redesign and construction of Balis Park in San Marco Square as new details about the project begin to emerge. Local engineer and San Marco Society Past President Doug Skiles shared additional facts about the park and traffic changes in San Marco Square during […]
Overland Bridge work kicking into gear
The state Department of Transportation held its second major public hearing meeting late last month about the upcoming Overland Bridge project — one of the largest state roadway renovations to affect the San Marco area in recent history. The project, which has a contract amount of $157.8 million, begins 2,300 feet south of San Diego […]
Riverside Dog Park gets city nod
But funding dollars needed before maintenance agreement will be signed – Riverside Avondale Preservation Executive Director Carmen Godwin said she spent an entire day last month at City Hall advocating for the neighborhood’s four-legged residents. The group’s efforts were successful – both the city finance and recreation committees unanimously passed a bill (2012-461) calling for […]
