09/06/2018
We are fortunate to have so many organizations and individuals advocating for our neighborhood. It is an honor to work with them. Here's an update on ongoing projects:
LOCAL BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE
Wickenden Restoration & Improvements – working with local merchants and the Public Works Department, we have obtained agreement from National Grid and Providence Water to provide a complete curb-to-curb repaving and restoration of Wickenden Street . This follows multiple utility upgrades and emergency repairs that have left the street in disrepair. Also working with local merchants, we successfully obtained funding for decorative bench fixtures on Wickenden. These projects follow multi-year investments in the Ives Street commercial area to improve streets and sidewalk infrastructure in support of our local businesses and residents.
ROAD, PEDESTRIAN & BIKE SAFETY
Gano Street Gateway – working with residents and local advocacy groups, we have successfully pressed RIDOT to agree to a rework of Gano Street underneath the Washington Bridge (I-195 at Wickenden). Improvements include softening the hard turn from India Street to Gano, repaving of areas of Gano St. and the addition of a dedicated pedestrian/bike connector along the river linking India Point Park with the newly installed bike path behind Gano Park. Funding is provided by RIDOT and it has represented that construction will begin this Spring. In the meantime, we continue to press RIDOT for immediate repairs and additional safety markings for the area.
PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES FOR ALL
India Point Park – used by residents from throughout our city – is slated for significant work on the seawall through funding obtained through a recent city bond issue. In addition, the state board charged with the siting of energy infrastructure has ordered that the power lines be removed from the park and reoriented along I-195. While it’s good news to remove the wires from the park itself, I join with and support advocates who are challenging the order to press for burial of these high-power transmission lines for climate resiliency and in support of our public waterfront.
Cathedral Square – a hidden gem in downtown Providence near I-95 and adjacent to several public and subsidized housing buildings serving lower income and older residents, this public space was designed by then then up-and-coming architect I.M. Pei in the 1960s. Through Community Development Block Grant and Infrastructure Funding, Cathedral Square is undergoing significant repairs including securing the area from improper vehicle access, restoration of lighting and repairs to the pedestrian mall area . Efforts are the result of collaboration between nearby residents, city departments, the Downtown Improvement District, and adjoining property owners. Future goals include obtaining additional funding to improve the adjoining tree grove, restore the fountain and attract public events to the area . These improvements are critical to improve the quality of life for the neighboring residents from historically under-served communities.
FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
Providence River - through collaboration with the city’s Harbor Commission, Office of Sustainability and Parks Department, we are exploring a partnership with Clean Ocean Access of Middletown to provide a Marina Trash Skimmer in the Providence River just north of the Hurricane Barrier along with educational programs focused on the importance of ocean health. This exciting technology removes thousands of pounds of plastic debris each year from our waterways before it can make its way into the ocean and improves water quality by adding oxygen to the water and breaking down hydrocarbons. The technology will be provided at no cost via a grant. We hope to have an installation location identified and announced soon.
SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES
School Facility Improvements – on the ballot in November are state and city bond questions which, if approved, will provide significant funding for additional repairs and improvement to our public schools . Similar programs have been very effective in the past and provided the necessary funding to restore the historic building next to Vartan Gregorian Elementary School as the school library and meeting space for the community. I urge voters to approve these important bond questions so that we can continue important improvements to our public-school facilities in our neighborhood and throughout the city.
The Fox Point Library – working with the Providence Community Library, the Boys & Girls Club and the Friends Group, we are pressing for funding to make critical improvements to this important public space that it so important to neighbors, elementary school students, Boys & Girls Club members and many others. Needed improvements include better facility access, upgrades to the interior space and dedicated meeting space . We are currently working on a scope of repairs and seeking available funding sources. This project follows successful past efforts to stabilize our local library system (5 facilities were threatened with closure), obtaining funding for a new elevator to provide access to the facility, and grants for student programs .
I-195
Fane Tower - I stand with neighborhood groups and residents in continued opposition to the project . It's slated to appear before the City Council this September where it's future is unclear. Residents need to keep making their voices heard to ensure that this project and other future development is consistent with city zoning and our community's values .
Pedestrian Bridge - Construction continues - and great thanks is due to Jewelry District Association and Building Bridges for their advocacy on this issue. This project will link Fox Point across the river and into City Walk , which envisions enhanced pedestrian and cycling access from the Jewelry District, through South Providence all the way to Roger Williams Park.
COMMUNITY EFFORTS FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
There are many strong community organizations in our neighborhood. They offer great opportunities to get involved. The Friends of India Point Park take on park clean-up and advocacy and the Downtown Neighborhood Association in connection with the Providence Parks Department has undertaken a multi-year volunteer project to paint railings throughout the city’s Riverwalk. The Fox Point Neighborhood Association has advocated for the Gano Street Gateway and many other issues; the Wayland Square Neighborhood Association continues to advocate for merchants and residents; and the Jewelry District Association has tirelessly worked on I-195 and quality-of-life issues. Thanks to all for this important work and be sure to be in touch with any of these organizations if you would like to get involved!
Again, thanks for all of your efforts and please be in touch on any city or neighborhood issue - [email protected] or 484-7207.
