The Rountree Neighborhood Association is making room for a few more neighbors. These aren’t really new neighbors, however. It’s a friendly annexation.
The RNA and property owners on Elm Street, one block to the north of the existing neighborhood association boundaries, recently came together to bring Elm residents into the fold. Adding Elm Street to the RNA area has been discussed over the past two years as Rountree residents have worked with the City to update the area’s neighborhood plan. That new plan was approved by the City Council in late 2018 and this change was one of its stated goals. The plan also recommended adding Elm Street to the Rountree Urban Conservation District, which is a zoning overlay with special standards meant to recognize and protect the unique nature of the area. The UCD has been in place in Rountree since 1985.
“We are excited to have Elm Street join our neighborhood association,” says Laurel Bryant, RNA board president. “We have long wondered why Elm was not included in either Rountree or the historic Walnut Street district just one street north of Elm. I have been so impressed with the engagement of the Elm neighbors and soliciting door-to-door feedback to survey their interest in joining us.”
The process began in July 2019 with a potluck dinner inviting Elm residents to hear more and ask questions. About 35 residents showed up to explore the idea with members of the RNA board. Then volunteers from both RNA and Elm Street canvassed the area to gather input and approval.
“The responses were both positive and plentiful,” Bryant says.
The RNA board voted to expand its own boundaries in the fall. The UCD is currently being updated by City staff and those changes will go before Planning & Zoning and City Council in the near future for a hearing.
“It is both an honor and opportunity for us to officially be a part of the Rountree Neighborhood Association – an organization with a solid track record of engaged citizenry, strong community building, and positive civic impact,” says Susan Belcher, an Elm resident who helped organize for the change. “We’re excited about the possibilities before us and look forward to getting to know each other better and work together to keep that which is beautiful and noteworthy in our neighborhood – even while working towards the Rountree of the future.”