Yes, similar studies have been done before (and many are available on the project website - http://www.downtownpawtucket.us/ppdb/) with no results, but the big difference this time is that there is actually some funding in place as part of the Bridge 550 replacement and related mitigation from the truck detour. TSA presented some excellent concepts at the public meeting; the next task is to prioritize them, since there isn't money to do everything. The end result will be a more business- and customer-friendly environment (i.e., jobs and tax revenue).
Downtown Plus or DesignDisaster? 22nd
|
|
|
|
||
|
Heard that story before---different only with a new planning team in there and a new Mayor like Grebien charting the real future and not pie in sky |
|
|
Recent events such as the approval of $2M for commuter rail, the Union Wadding Fire, mill redevelopments, and the I-95 bridge construction create significant land development and economic development opportunities in Pawtucket that require significant strategic planning, financial investment, and strong sensible public policies.
Every five years, the State of Rhode Island requires each City and Town to update its Comprehensive Master Plan. The "Comp Plan", as it's often called, is the regulating policy guide for future local development within the City. Typical elements include land use, housing, transportation, economic development, city services, etc. Pawtucket is in the process of updating this plan.
I attended the second public meeting at the Visitor Center with regard to the City's effort to solicit public input on the goals and objectives of the plan. I encourage you to review the current plan and make suggestions to the Planning Department.
In example, I plan to request that the City adopt the Roosevelt Avenue Mixed Use Development Plan as part of the Comp Plan as well as create a new planning district around the proposed commuter rail district.
There were only about 10 people at the public meeting last night -- not a very good sampling of Pawtucket residents and constituencies. My understanding is that the planning department/Planning Commission would like to wrap up this update by the end of the year.
Just want to make sure the entire community gets involved. This is such an important process, and I hope more citizens will take interest. Spread the word!
VIEW THE CURRENT COMP PLAN ONLINE http://www.pawtucketri.com/departments/planning/planningcommission.php |
|
|
It just seems a waste of time. they do not listen to real people. they just want their big real estate friends to deal with |