Franklin Estates Expansion Update
In speaking earlier this week with Chris Rearick, the Municipality's Director of Community Development, Franklin Estates expansion is the topic of the next Council meeting on Wednesday, July 6th. Chris anticipates that this is the final approval stage. There was a delay beginning construction from the original April timeframe due to the actual recording of property transfer. The recording of transferred property will include the Municipality receiving the areas of greenspace and a tot lot from the builder (IDC) in exchange for property along the former sewage treatment plant that will be used for building several more homes at the end of Mt. Vernon. Chris states that after this final approval at the council meeting, construction should begin within a month.
Additionally, the emergency access road via Kohosek Road is still part of the plan as well.
Farewell to Former FERA President
On the topic of preserving green space and being the force behind this final resolution of Franklin Estates expansion, Solveig Peters, her husband Stephen and their children have sold their home on Jefferson Street and will be moving at the end of July. We can't thank Solveig enough for all of the work she put into our neighborhood and for the good rapport she developed with the Mayor and community leaders on behalf of FERA. It is ironic that the timing of final plans for the expansion comes just as Solveig is leaving. However, her efforts will always remain within our neighborhood as we continue to enjoy the green space and the upcoming play area. Best of luck, Solveig, Stephen, Kevin and Brian!
Neighborhood Safety
Speeding continues to be a problem in our neighborhood. Please ensure that you are abiding by the 25 mph speed limit. In fact, in late Spring, we had a "near miss" of a child who was waiting for the school bus, when a speeding car almost hit her. This is a tragedy that we can not afford to have happen in our neighborhood.
On a similar note, thanks to Ed and Monica Eisaman on Lexington Drive who agreed to have the speed monitor placed on their property to help make motorists aware of their driving habits. The police have suggested that anyone who sees a perpetual speeder (again this is anything over 25 mph) report it to them.
As we are enjoying hot summer days, not only is vehicle safety an issue, but also pedestrian safety. A pedestrian was bitten by a resident?’s dog on Jefferson Street earlier this week. Although accidents do happen, we ask that neighbors keep close watch of their pets, and that pedestrians be extra cautious when walking or running throughout the neighborhood.
Garage Sale
The Neighborhood Garage sale is planned for Saturday, July 9th from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Participants will be asked to pay a nominal fee to defray advertising costs, and a friendly neighborhood volunteer will stop by the morning of the event to collect the fee. Thank you to Carolyn Franks of Lexington Drive, Jim Kuczek and Debbie Damico, both of Mt. Vernon, who have agreed to help out!! **See the "Community Calendar" section of our website for updated details if you are not on our email distribution.
FERA Directory
Wondering what the status is of the updated Directory?? An electronic copy should be distributed to you within the next month.
Enjoy the summer!
Monica Diacopoulos
FERA Secretary
Board Members ?– Rich Mickel, President Fred Holcomb, Treasurer