Dierdre Fernandes wrote a great piece in Globe West today about the efforts underway to improve the facade of Nonantum. Nonantum is one of four Newton villages that qualifies for Federal Community Development Block Grant funds based on the percentage of low and moderate income families.
Nonantum’s facelift
by Nathan Phillips | May 2, 2013 | Newton | 13 comments
It was a really good story, and more importantly, really good news. Great to see Nonantum getting so much focus.
Hopefully the facelift will include removal of the Italian flag stripes.
@Y. – Why?
@Y – Oh no!
By the way, what are the other three qualifying neighborhoods?
@Y – Newtonville, West Newton and Newton Corner
We who have lived in the neighborhood for all our lives are very happy to hear of and be apart of the cities decision to invest in Nonantum. I am very confused at the need to remove the stripes that have been apart of the fabric and proud tradition of the village. It was our ancestors who when the city neglected the Village of Nonantum for many years who kept the neighborhood alive. The different celebrations that all of the city residents and others from outside of the city has come from the work of the residents of Nonantum with no resources from the city and one time working against the residents wishes. The Annual Festival, the Tree lighting, Veterans Parade all come to the city with none or limited resources from the city itself. The senior picnic, Christmas party and other celebrations all came from the residents who volunteered as we still do. So I get upset and very hurt when persons make negative comments about things such as the painting of the lines or flags or lights that are done to celebrate Nonantum history??? Words and blog postings can be very hurtful and we dont understand a persons need to attack a neighborhoods history of giving back to the city.
Nonantum Resident – I think you’ll find that Y. represents a very minority view. I don’t live in Nonantum, and have always very much appreciated the Italian flag stripes!
I love the Italian flag stripes and hope they stay! Each village has its own unique flavor, and Nonantum’s pride in its heritage makes it so wonderful. Nonantum Resident, don’t give it a second thought: your village has great character and I for one look forward to celebrating with you at Nonantum Village Day (June 1 & 2), the Festa, the tree lighting, and so much more. Thank you for all your village adds to the fabric of our city!
This is really great news! The area has soo much life already it only needs a little bit of extra and some sprucing up to be sooo much better! As a resident of Newtonville (border area with Nonantum) I love the Italian flag markings. I hope they will be spruced up and enhanced as part of this project (or in conjunction to it). I love that unique element that few places really have.
For what it’s worth, I loved the comment by Y. Our family are residents of Nonantum, but sometimes it’s hard to feel that way when I walk through the town with my children. The stripes clearly are meaningful for some families here, but they sure don’t represent all of us.
I don’t really have a problem with the stripes on the procession route for the St. Mary of Carmen Festival, although I can understand how some people would. It is a tradition in Nonantum, just as other communities paint the lines red, white and blue for the Fourth of July parade, or green, white and orange for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. But my experience over the past 17 years in Newton has been that all are welcome to celebrate and enjoy the festival.
Likewise, I don’t really have a problem with funding facade improvements in Nonantum. But I am concerned that the source of the funding is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which are supposed to support low and moderate income families and not business owners. While I fully support the concept, I would prefer that the funding came from another source.
Moved here from Brighton 9 years ago with my husband & son. We all instantly fell in love with our new found neighborhood. We have embraced Nonantums proud Italian history and would really be broken-hearted if the “stripes” were removed. Its a unique part of our village that stands as a reminder of its solid roots that were laid so many years ago. Yes, the colors my be of the Italian flag…but all should feel welcome in this vibrant,diverse & friendly community.