Residents Share Vision for Summit in 2020

It may seem like 2020 is years away but in reality, it will be here before you know it.

That's why as part of this year's MLK Day of Service, Shaping Summit Together held an open dialogue Monday morning to begin the discussion about what residents would like to see Summit be like in 2020.

While turnout was low, the eight participants all seemed to agree on several of their aspirations for a better Summit in 10 years.

Make Summit more affordable

Councilman Tom Getzendanner said the average property tax bill in Summit is around $15,000. So he would like to see the city reign in property taxes in order to help preserve the diversity that exists and is growing in Summit. But Vito Gallo, a longtime resident and former president of the Summit Housing Authority, said part of is is building more affordable housing  also.

Better communication 

One of the biggest complaints of all the participants was a general lack of communication. Lack of communication between the schools and the community. Lack of communication abotu events in town. Lack of communication between youth and adults. Lack of communication between residents and newcomers, etc. "The more we communication the less information gets through," said Rev. Bob Morris of Calvary Episcopol Church who moderated the event.

Make Summit a place where people can retire

Miles MacMahon, who has lived in Summit since 1960, said he would like to see Summit becomes a place where people can "age in place."

"I want it to be a retirement community without walls," he said.

Have a vibrant downtown

One of things most everyone in attendance cited as something they appreciate about Summit now is the walkability of the town. But, having a more vibrant downtown was something the attendees are hoping for in 2020.

"The stores need to reflect the needs of the community," said one participant. "We need a grocery store in town people can walk to. We need an affordable clothing store."

But there were come obstacles to achieveing these goals which the attendees also identifies,  including people being "too busy" to get involved, a "fear of change" the sometimes overwhelming flow of information and a lack of trusting sources for information.

But the conversation will continue. If you are interested in participating in future Summit 2020 conversations or events please contact Shaping Summit Together at shapingsummittogether.org.