My Block: Which Block Is The Best In Montclair?

Just a few weeks ago, Patch started a segment titled "My Block." The goal is to find out why you believe your block is the best in Montclair. In our inaugural segment, we heard about Inwood Avenue. Then came Midland Avenue. Then Summit Avenue. And last week we heard about High Street from Alma Schneider, founder of Parents Who Rock and Take Back the Kitchen. This week we are hearing from residents on Trinity Place — a deceivingly charming block on which to raise a family.

Running from Church Street to Plymouth Street, Trinity Place is a small and most unusual block, made up of multi-family homes, lovely pre-war apartment buildings, and also churches and businesses such as the Salvation Army.

The backs of the homes are all connected, pouring together to create a paved-over parking area that also serves as a great play space for the kids. Two basketball hoops, a plastic swimming pool, and a smattering of toys provide lots of summertime fun.

"The neighborhood is really in the backyard," said Petia Morozov, owner of the Madlab archiectural firm and a Trinity Place resident since 2002.

She pointed out that there are no fences — only a row of bright sunflower plants separates the properties.

Although close to the Montclair Public Library, the Montclair Art Museum, and all sorts of stores and restaurants,  Morozov said the neighborhood is surprsingly quiet except for the singing that emanates from the nearby Christ Church on Sunday mornings.

"It's like we're living in the city but we're in the suburbs," she said. "We walk to Whole Foods. We bike everywhere too. And it's easy to make donations as the Salvation Army is right across the street."

Resident Tara Chowaniec, who just moved to Trinity Place in April, said she, too, loves being so close to the downtown area.

"There are always so many people out and about that when my daughter had a lemonade stand on Church Street one evening she made something like $20 selling cups for just 50 cents each," she said.

Check out this video. If you think your block can beat Trinity Place, either comment or shoot me an email at Shelley@patch.com and we'll send a videographer out to your block so that you and your neighbors can make your case.