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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – August 15, 2016

By on August 15, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016, beginning at 3:00 P.M., for the following purposes:

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on June 20, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Report on status of District’s financial audit by Lisa Lasky, RI Commerce Corporation Chief Financial Officer.
  5. Discussion and Vote regarding proposed allocation of funds to pedestrian bridge construction budget.
  6. Presentation and discussion regarding District land use planning.

    7. II. Executive Session

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under (i) subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  7. Review of Status of Proposals to Purchase and Develop District Property.

    8. III. Public Session

  8. Chairperson’s Report/Agenda for next meeting on September 19, 2016 at 5:00 P.M.
  9. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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ProJo: Pedestrian bridge moving forward in Providence

By on August 15, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project, Parks/Open Space

providence-river-pedestrian-bridge-001

The fate of a long-delayed pedestrian bridge across the Providence River is back on track, after a flurry in recent weeks of negotiations, meetings and budget deliberations.

The Department of Transportation expects to award a bid in October so the bridge can be completed by November 2018, spokeswoman Lisbeth Pettengill told The Providence Journal.

The DOT and the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission are pledging to spend about $6 million more than the DOT’s earlier estimate to build the bridge.

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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – May 16, 2016

By on May 16, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016, beginning at 5 P.M., for the following purposes

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Public Session Meeting Held on March 21, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Discussion on the selection of an Urban Planning and Design firm to serve as District consultant.
  5. Presentation on proposed event on Parcel P4, “The Launch” by Olin Thompson and Sharon Steele of Building Bridges Providence.

    6. II. Executive Session

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  6. Review of Status of Proposals to Purchase and Develop District Property.

    7. III. Public Session

  7. Chairperson’s Report/Agenda for June 20, 2016 meeting.
  8. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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PBN: RIDOT moves up Providence River pedestrian bridge schedule

By on May 9, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project, Pedestrians, Transportation

providence-river-pedestrian-bridge-001

Rendering of the planned Providence River Pedestrian Bridge

The process for building a pedestrian bridge connecting the two sides of the Providence River in the I-195 redevelopment district, will move forward this month, the R.I. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.

[…]

The construction schedule, described in a recent reporting by the DOT, would have preliminary work beginning in the fall. Construction of the $13.2 million bridge project is expected to span two seasons, with completion anticipated in early 2018.

Yay!

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195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – March 21, 2016

By on March 18, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Public Notice of Meeting
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2016, beginning at 5 P.M., for the following purposes:

195-roundPublic Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meeting held on February 15, 2016.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Presentation by Robert Azar, City of Providence Department of Planning, regarding proposed Royal Oaks project on Parcel 8; vote regarding approval of project plan and design.
  5. Presentation of the District’s draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives(ABCA), and proposed cleanup for Parcel 30 by Fuss & O’Neill.
  6. Presentation by Bonnie Nickerson, City of Providence Department of Planning on the proposed Downtown Enhanced Transit Corridor.
  7. Chairman’s Report/Agenda for March 21, 2016 meeting.
  8. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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Wexford Science & Technology / CV Properties enter purchase agreement for 195 parcels

By on January 24, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project

wexford-cv-2016-01-edit

Wexford/CV proposal rendering. Eddy Street bottom, Ship Street left, Dorrance Street right. Click image to enlarge.

Baltimore-based Wexford Science and Technology and real estate developer CV Properties have signed a purchase and sale agreement for two parcels of land and plan to develop a three-phase project on the vacant former highway land with research and development space, offices, hotel and residential space and other attractions.

Phasing is not really allowed by the 195 regulations, one is not allowed to land-bank. Something like this can’t really be built any other way than in phases though, so I guess we’re just ignoring that for reality. Also, I better not see any ‘temporary’ surface lots anywhere between phases.

Continue Reading →

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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – January 11, 2016

By on January 8, 2016 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016, beginning at 3 P.M., for the following purposes

195-roundPublic Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Presentation by HR&A Advisors, Inc. on their economic development report regarding the I-195 Lands.
  3. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Meetings Held on December 14, 2015.
  4. Executive Director’s Report.
  5. Vote regarding adoption of the final rules and regulations for the I-195 Redevelopment Project Fund.
  6. Chairman’s Report/Agenda for February 15, 2016 meeting.
  7. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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Two 195 District projects advance

By on December 18, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project

195-parcel-8-kite-combined

Two renderings of Parcel 8 by Kite Architects

The 195 Commission made approvals on two projects at their meeting earlier this week. Providence Business News reports on Parcel 8:

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission has approved the design plan for a mixed-use development that will occupy a one-third acre parcel in the Fox Point neighborhood.

The project, pursued by Royal Oaks Realty LLC, will occupy Parcel 8 in the former I-195 lands. The development will include the renovation of a historic building, part of the former Fuller Iron Works, as well as new construction of a seven-story building that will include apartments, office space and retail space.

The 195 Commission (in Executive Session) decided to enter a purchase and sale agreement with the much larger Wexford proposal on parcels 22 and 25, also reported by PBN:

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission moved closer Monday to securing the sale of five acres of land for a biological sciences and mixed-use development.

In a vote taken in executive session, the commission agreed to authorize its executive director and chairman to execute a purchase and sale agreement for parcels 22 and 25, according to chairman Joseph F. Azrack.

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195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – December 14, 2015

By on December 14, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, December 14, 2014, beginning at 5 P.M., for the following purposes

195-roundPublic Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Public Session Meeting Held on November 16, 2015.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Presentation by Robert Azar, City of Providence Department of Planning, regarding proposed Royal Oaks project on Parcel 8; vote regarding approval of project plan and design.
  5. Discussion and vote regarding the 2016 Commission meeting schedule.

    6. II. Executive Session

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  6. Review of Status of Proposals to Purchase and Develop District Property.
  7. Vote regarding authorization to execute purchase agreement for District Parcels 22 and 25.

    8. III. Public Session

  8. Chairman’s Report/Agenda for January 11, 2016 meeting.
  9. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – November 16, 2015

By on November 16, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, November 16, 2015, beginning at 3 P.M., for the following purposes

195-roundPublic Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Public Session Meeting Held on October 19, 2015.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Discussion on the Commission’s granting of Development Plan Review Approval Following Downtown Design Review Committee.
  5. Presentation on Development and Projects within the City of Providence by Bonnie Nickerson.
  6. Discussion on City Walk Study by Phoebe Blake of the Jewelry District Association and Dan Baudouin of The Providence Foundation.
  7. Chairman’s Report/Agenda for December 2015 Meeting.
  8. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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Downtown Design Review Committee Meeting – November 16, 2015

By on November 6, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project, Buildings
Downtown Design Review Committee
Monday, November 16, 2015 – 4:45pm
Department of Planning and Development, 1st Floor Conference Room 444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903

drc-roundOpening Session

  • Call to Order
  • Roll Call
  • Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2015

New Business

1. DRC Application No. 15.19: 39 Pike Street (Eastside I-195 Overlay District) – Public Hearing – The subject of the hearing will be an application by Royal Oaks Realty, LLC requesting a development incentive in the form of a height bonus for the proposed mixed-use building to be constructed at 39 Pike Street, Providence, RI. The applicant is seeking one additional story above the maximum height allowed in the zone. The applicant is also requesting final approval. (The project received conceptual approval at the 9/21/15 DRC meeting)

PowerPoint Presentation

2. DRC Application No. 15.18: 342 Eddy Street – Review of exterior concrete color samples and request for final approval for the construction of a new National Grid Substation Switchgear and Control Building. (The project received conceptual approval and waivers at the 9/21/15 DRC meeting)

Information posted by the Jewelry District Association

Other Business

3. Downtown Design Review Committee Rules and Regulations – Approval of amended DDRC Rules and Regulations.

Adjournment

Agenda
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Downtown Design Review Committee Meeting – September 21, 2015

By on September 17, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project, Development
Downtown Design Review Committee
Monday, September 21, 2015 – 4:45pm
Department of Planning and Development, 1st Floor Conference Room 444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903

drc-roundOpening Session

  • Call to Order
  • Roll Call
  • Approval of Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2015 and August 17, 2015

New Business

1. DRC Application No. 15.18: 342 Eddy Street (Public Hearing) – The subject of the hearing will be an application by The Narragansett Electric Company requesting waivers from D-1 Design Regulations for non-conforming new construction. The applicant is proposing to construct a new Substation Switchgear & Control Building at 342 Eddy Street, Providence, RI. The applicant is seeking waivers from the requirements for building height and fenestration.

kite-195-parcel-8

Proposed building for Parcel 8, image from Kite Architects.

2. DRC Application No. 15.19: 566 South Water Street and Parcel 8 (Eastside I-195 Overlay District) – Proposal by Royal Oaks Realty, LLC to construct a new mixed-use building on the property. The DRC will review the project and make a recommendation to the I-195 District Commission.

Adjournment

Agenda

See also:

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195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – August 17, 2015

By on August 14, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Providence, Rhode Island, on MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015, beginning at 5 P.M., for the following purposes

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Public Session Meeting Held on June 15, 2015.
  3. Executive Director’s Report
  4. Presentation by Royal Oaks Realty, with Kite Architects, of their development project for Parcel 8.
  5. Discussion and Consent to Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Providence Planning Department.

    6. II. Executive Session

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under subsection (1) (personnel matters) and subsection (5) (disposition of public property).

  6. Discussion and Vote regarding engagement of a new Executive Director.
  7. Review of Status of Proposals to purchase and develop District property.

    8. III. Public Session

  8. Chairman’s Report/Agenda for September 21, 2015 meeting.
  9. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda

See Also:

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Downtown Design Review Committee Special Meeting – August 17, 2015

By on August 14, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project
Downtown Design Review Committee Special Meeting
Monday, August 17, 2015 – 12noon
Department of Planning and Development, 1st Floor Conference Room 444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903

drc-roundOpening Session

  • Call to Order
  • Roll Call

New Business

  • Memorandum of Understanding between the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission and the Downtown Design Review Committee with respect to design review.

Adjournment

Agenda
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I-195 Redevelopment District Commission Meeting – June 15, 2015

By on June 12, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project
A meeting of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission will be held at Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, 315 Iron Horse Way, Providence, Rhode Island, on Monday, June 15, 2015, beginning at 5pm, for the following purposes

195-roundI. Public Session

  1. Welcoming Remarks by Chairperson Joseph Azrack.
  2. Approval of the Minutes of the Commission Public Session Meeting Held on May 18, 2015.
  3. Executive Director’s Report.
  4. Discussion and Consent to Reschedule Date of December’s Commission meeting.
  5. Presentation by CV Properties and Wexford Science and Technology of their proposed mixed use development on Parcels 22 and 25.
  6. Discussion and approval of I-195 Tax Stabilization strategy.

    7. II. Executive Session

    To consider and act upon such matters as may be considered at a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-46-5(a) (the Open Meetings Law), specifically matters permitted to be so considered under subsection (5) (acquisition and disposition of public property).

  7. Discussion Regarding Status of Proposals to Acquire and Develop District Property.

    8. III. Public Session

  8. Vote to Adjourn.
Agenda
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ProJo: R.I. Senate Majority Leader Ruggerio wants state control of taxes on former Rt. 195 land, tax-stabilization deal

By on May 29, 2015 in 195 Relocation Project

ridot-195

Senate Majority Leader Dominick J. Ruggerio expects to submit legislation Thursday that would establish state control over the taxes to be paid on former Route 195 highway parcels in the capital city, creating a 20-year tax-stabilization agreement for private developers and removing the city’s control over what taxes would be paid.

Ruggerio led work in 2011 to create the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission, which now owns 26 acres of former highway land and seeks to develop the land in a way that stimulates the state’s economy. The land panel just last week extended the deadline for a private developer seeking to build on the land to get a tax-stabilization agreement with the city.

“The administration and the I-195 commission have repeatedly stated they cannot successfully encourage development without the City of Providence creating tax-stabilization standards. Unfortunately, the establishment of clear and predictable tax rates for the I-195 district have not come to fruition,” Ruggerio said in a statement. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. The development of I-195 is critical to Rhode Island’s economic recovery and this legislation will encourage investment, job creation and economic growth.”

I think the City has not been fast enough in moving on their part of getting the land developed. However, I think the administration and the City Council are waiting to hear from the State how we’ll be reimbursed for creating these incentives that theoretically are boosting the economy of the entire state, not just Providence.

Providence carries a heavy burden of hosting so many jobs and so much infrastructure that makes the very existance of this state possible, but doesn’t get very much back for its trouble.

Ruggerio said he last met with Elorza probably in February, but he hadn’t shared his legislation with Elorza before releasing it today.

Well that is just rude. If you’re representing my city, and you’re moving to take away my taxing authority, a phone call or a text, maybe a fax, is in order.

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