Originally Posted on TAPinto Summit | August 6th, 2025 | By Tom Szieber, Candidate for Summit Common Council, Ward 2
Protecting Summit from Overdevelopment—Again
The fight to preserve Summit’s character didn’t end with the defeat of the Broad Street West (BSW) project—it’s entering a new phase. As future development decisions loom, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Summit’s neighborhoods, schools, and quality of life.
BSW wasn’t just a poorly designed proposal—it was a five-story, 140+ unit development that would have permanently changed downtown Summit. The plan included 30-year PILOT tax breaks for developers, diverting millions away from schools and essential services and leaving taxpayers to absorb the cost through higher local expenses and strained infrastructure.
Thanks to an informed and vocal community, the project was stopped, but the threat hasn’t disappeared. The developers’ lawsuit continues, and many of the same individuals who once supported BSW are now backing opposing candidates.
With the sale of the old firehouse property and a new Master Plan rewrite in 2026, Summit once again stands at a crossroads. The choices made now will determine whether the city moves forward responsibly—or risks repeating the same mistakes that nearly compromised its future.
Summit’s suburban charm, strong schools, and thoughtful planning are what make it special. Overdevelopment puts all of that at risk.
If elected, Tom Szieber pledges to fight for smart, transparent growth that protects Summit’s character, puts residents first, and keeps our community strong for generations to come.
Let’s protect Summit—together.
See the full post here on TAPinto