by Sonya Jongsma Knauss

The Riverwest Neighborhood Association (RNA) has voted to move ahead on a covenant with Jewel Osco that asks the grocery store not to sell any individual bottles or cans of beer, fortified wines, half-pints of liquor, or blunts, among other things. The RNA position statement, crafted in response to Jewel Osco’s plan to develop a liquor store at the 709 East Capitol Drive location, also urges Jewel Osco to be a good neighbor, supporting local programs such as the META house, and selling products from local businesses Bella Luna and Lakefront Brewery. As a preliminary response to discussions with RNA co-chair George Singleton, Jewel Osco has agreed to sell Bella Luna pasta in all 15 of its Milwaukee area stores. Residents attending the RNA meeting Tuesday, February 19, voted unanimously to approve the covenant. Other items on the RNA agenda included:

  • Approving a motion by R.I.S.E. (Riverwest Initiative for a Safe Environment) to merge with the RNA, making it a subcommittee similar to the Guardians of Greenspace, Holton Street Revitalization, Development, and Bylaws Committees.
  • Discussion of Kilbourn Park landscaping and development
  • Reviewing RNA bylaws

The RNA is a neighborhood association open to all residents of Riverwest, and it meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the community church on the corner of Holton and Hadley. The RNA welcomes attendance by anyone with interest in the neighborhood, and it welcomes their insight and participation in discussions, regardless of where they live. However, only residents are accorded voting rights. Riverwest Currents – Volume 1 – Issue 2 – March 2002