Newport Daily News: Pedestrian-bicycle path, observation deck proposed for Pell Bridge

Rendering showing a possible mixed-use path and observation deck for the Newport-Pell Bridge

The [Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority] has determined it is feasible to add a path for pedestrians and bicyclists to the Newport, Jamestown-Verrazzano and Mount Hope bridges; the Sakonnet River Bridge already has such a path.

It is also possible to construct an enclosed observation deck atop one of the two towers on the Pell Bridge.

“We’re celebrating 50 years of the most iconic structure in the state of Rhode Island, one of the most iconic structures in New England,” Croft told The Daily News in his Jamestown office Tuesday. “It’s time for us to look to the next 50 years. And you can’t look to the next 50 years without connecting people and communities, and looking into mobility. We just thought it was the ideal time to at least have the public discussion to see if there was an appetite for this.”

He stressed that the authority hasn’t completed any designs for the paths or observation deck, nor has it secured any funding for the initiatives. A preliminary cost estimate for the paths along the three bridges is between $25 million and $50 million; the authority did not have a cost estimate for the observation deck.

But the authority has determined that the bridges can handle the increased load, according to Eric Offenberg, its director of engineering.

PLEASE TAKE ALL MY MONEY AND BUILD THIS NOW!

PBN: Despite false start, transformation of Jewelry District taking shape

Providence Business News outlines the development happening in and around the 195 Land in the Jewelry District:

Seven years ago, this area was supposed to be part of the newly designated “Knowledge District.”

There were plans to transform the Jewelry District into a hub of innovation, research and technology. The brainchild of business and civic leaders, the idea was born in a time of recession in the economy and crisis in the state’s economic-development efforts with the collapse of 38 Studios, the video game company founded by former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling. It was also a time of welcomed change in the district after Interstate 195 was rerouted south of the neighborhood, clearing a swath of 19 acres of developable real estate stretching from Interstate 95 to the Providence River.

Today, the Knowledge District concept – albeit under a different name – is taking hold, particularly in the old footprint of I-195. Whether it can become a model for Rhode Island’s new economy, however, remains to be seen.

Providence City Plan Commission Meeting – November 13, 2018

[alert type=”muted” heading=”Providence City Plan Commission Notice of Regular Meeting”]Tuesday, November 13, 2018, 4:45 PM
Doorley Municipal Building, 444 Westminster Street, First Floor, Providence, RI 02903

– Agenda [/alert]

cpc-roundOpening Session
  • Call to Order
  • Roll Call
  • Approval of minutes from the October 16, 2018 meeting – for action
  • Director’s Report – update on student housing
City Council Referral

1. Referral 3442 – Amendment of zoning ordinance to clarify the definition of Rehabilitation Center – Proponents: Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris and Councilman Luis Aponte – Amendment of Section 1204 of the zoning ordinance to clarify the definition of Rehabilitation Center – for action

Minor Subdivision

2. Case No. 18-030 MI- 555 Harris Avenue (Preliminary Plan) – Applicant: Providence Redevelopment Agency – Owner: Gotham Greens LLC – The applicant is proposing to subdivide a lot measuring approximately 307,310 SF (7.05 acres) in the M-MU 75 zone into two lots measuring 285,049 SF and 22,261 SF for the purpose of installing a bike path on the newly created lot – for action (AP 33 Lot 716, Olneyville)

Major Subdivision Public Hearing

3. Case No. 18-028MA – 288 Blackstone Boulevard, 315 and 325 Slater Ave (Master and Preliminary Plan) – Applicant: The Bilotti Group, Inc – The applicant is proposing to subdivide three lots, together measuring approximately 129,182 SF (2.9 acres) in the R-1 and R-1A zone, into 10 lots intended for single family residential development. The applicant is requesting to combine master and preliminary stages of review – for action (AP 40 Lots 248, 266 and 337, Blackstone) – To be continued to the December 18, 2018 meeting at the applicant’s request

Development Plan Review

4. Case No. 2018-09 DPR – 375 Smith Street – Applicant: Dalvin Perez – The applicant is seeking a design waiver for application of Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) on the front façade of a commercial building in the C-2 zone – for action (AP 68 Lot 132, Smith Hill)

Adjournment
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Providence Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting – November 15, 2018

[alert type=”muted” heading=”Providence Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting”]Thursday, November 15, 2018, 4:45 PM
Doorley Municipal Building, 444 Westminster Street, First Floor, Providence, RI 02903

– Agenda [/alert]

[alert type=”danger” heading=”Note Meeting Date”]This meeting was rescheduled from its regular date so as not to be on the day before Thanksgiving.[/alert]

bpac-roundAgenda
  1. Roll Call
  2. Approval of September 4, 2018 Meeting Minutes (For Action)
  3. Overview of Commission Review Procedure (For Discussion)
  4. Kennedy Plaza Design Review – Downtown – Ward 1 (For Action) — The City of Providence Department of Planning and Development seeks comments from the BPAC regarding the 30% plans for improvements within and surrounding Greater Kennedy Plaza. This will be a design level review of the project and will be the second of two reviews before the Commission.
  5. Emmett Square Design Review – Downtown – Ward 1 (For Action) — The City of Providence Department of Planning and Development seeks comments from the BPAC regarding 30% plans for an extension of the Fountain Street bike lane across Dorrance Street. This will be a design level review of the project and will be the second of two reviews before the Commission.
  6. Park Street Conceptual Review – Downtown – Ward 12 (For Action) — The State is planning to reconstruct Park Street between Hayes St and Smith St, as well as the Smith St bridge over I-95. The City of Providence Department of Planning and Development seeks comments from the BPAC regarding conceptual plans for that project.
  7. Announcements and Staff Updates (For Discussion)
  8. Adjournment

[alert type=”warning”]Full disclosure: I am a member of this Commission.[/alert]