About the SBNA
Who are we?
We are a group of people of all ages who live in various parts of South Brookline; we come together to identify problems our community faces and then work on finding solutions. Concerns in the neighborhood become apparent through many means. We get phone calls, letters or email from neighbors. At times, a Town official will alert us to an issue that is looming. Sometimes it is a board member who has noticed a problem and then realizes other people have the same concern.
How do we effect change?
Sometimes the solution is simply a phone call. Other times it is a petition that needs to be created and then signed, questions to be developed for a local candidate’s night or a meeting that needs to be held. A problem can be solved many ways. The key to implementing the solution is people who care.
That’s where you come in!
We welcome help and input from each and every neighbor, be it on general issues or serving on our Board. Hearing from our members is important because it keeps us in touch with the needs, desires, and concerns of others in our neighborhood. This is important when Town officials come to us seeking our input on different issues. The Board of Directors of the SBNA is unbelievably wonderful. At our meetings we share knowledge, ideas, humor and, of course, a little food. We are of different backgrounds, different ages and different political and philosophical views yet we all care about our neighborhood. There is something comforting in knowing that the plans we come up with are representative of many kinds of residents. We would love to have new board members join us as our neighborhood grows and changes. If you are interested please contact me at president@sbna.org.
What’s our philosophy?
If you scroll down to the bottom of any of our emails, or even at the top of this web page, you will see the motto of our organization, “together we can make a difference”. This concept is what makes this group so wonderful. People actually do work together and it actually does make a difference.
What are some things the SBNA has accomplished?
* We now have safer intersections! It is possible to drive across Grove Street without gambling one’s physical safety, or to exit Allendale Road during high traffic times without a struggle.
* Cell phone coverage in South Brookline is actually on its way to full bar status without cell towers.
* Bournewood Hospital remains in the Town’s sight instead of drifting off into a non-secure blur that no one notices until something dangerous occurs.
* Car break-ins were reduced through emails and door-to-door flyers.
* Invited the Town to conduct First Light activities in South Brookline.
* Had 1st annual SBNA block party at the Shops at Putterham.
Yes, the SBNA has made a difference in all of this!
Where do we need the most help?
Another important way to stay aware is to come to meetings on the issue of your choice. We understand that not everyone can come to every meeting. However, at the recent Planning Board meeting for the Bournewood Hospital proposal it was noticed that there were less neighbors in attendance than at the previous meeting. Luckily, residents had sent in many emails to the Planning Board sharing their concerns about the possible expansion. Town officials notice how many neighbors show up to voice an opinion about an issue. In Brookline your opinion counts so please share yours via email or with your presence at a meeting. There are a lot of changes that could be occurring in our wonderful neighborhood; please try to help make them positive.
Joyce Zak
President, SBNA
president@sbna.org