Developer Conley sets sights on medical facility for his Providence waterfront land [ProJo] I don’t really understand why a medical complex would want to locate itself on this site. The future zoning is still very much up in the air, it is a brownfield, and current transit isn’t terrific. Personally, I’d want to see the medical complex described either build on one of the many surface lots in the hospital area, or somewhere in the Jewelry District.
Pecha Kucha, Tonight [Providence Daily Dose]
RIPTA sets hearings on proposed fare hike [ProJo] In July, across the state.
Daniel Baudouin: In defense of the Blue Cross headquarters tower [ProJo]
Broad Street Pawtucket Pepsi Refresh Challenge [Pepsi Refresh Project]
We envision a revitalized Broad Street that is vibrant, walkable, and attractive. We propose the following programs to help revitalize Broad Street:
- Providing $75,000 in grants to small businesses
- Creating a 3 mile bike path
- Develop 3 community gardens
- Legalize and encourage sidewalk cafes on Broad St
That is just Pat Conley hedging his bets since his marina and condo plans are not really going to go anywhere. Of course it might be a great place to stick an oncologists office seeing as how their patients already have cancer. I jest.
Good luck to the Broad Street revitalization effort. However, I think if cities were really serious about creating walkable communities, they would eliminate parking minimums, lot size minimums, dwelling size minimums, and setback minimums. Also, relax zoning to allow for mixed uses within neighborhoods.
Aaron, you’re right on the money. I would add eliminating the maximum number of dwellings permitted per lot area and perhaps some relaxation of height restrictions. Unfortunately the city and its planners are so invested in the current regulations and system; it’s remote that a leader could be found that would challenge the status quo that has been responsible in large part for the deterioration of the city’s built environment.
In the “pre-zoning city” there were no limits to what could be achieved. Room could always be found to accommodate more population or additional uses. In the “zoning city” there’s nothing but limits. Everything is finite and artificial standards are imposed that stifle innovation and land-use creativity.