The City Plan Commission (CPC), a citizen board “charged with developing the city’s plans for preservation, revitalization, and growth of the city,” met on the evening of March 18.
Two projects were discussed — here’s the latest, for those who could not attend.
220 Blackstone: Marathon Development Major Changes Approved
The CPC considered and approved changes to a South Providence mixed-use project, increasing the height of one of the buildings from two stories to six. Construction on the project is already underway.
The proposal includes 178 units of affordable housing, targeted toward tenants making 30-80% of the area median income, with a daycare facility on the ground floor. The second building on the site — a school — was the subject of the proposed amendment to add four stories.
While traffic and congestion were a point of discussion, the Commission noted that this development could not be the sole solution (or driver) for traffic issues in the area. Planning staff noted that this area — currently comprised of seemingly endless surface parking lots around the hospital — is slated to be the focus of planning and redevelopment in the coming years.
217 Angell: Condominium Building Approved
The CPC approved preliminary plans for a five-story condo building at the corner of Angell and Brook Street on College Hill. The site is currently empty but formerly was home to three historic homes (209, 211, and 217 Angell Street) that were razed last February.
The proposal includes 32 three-bedroom units and 45 parking spaces.
Opponents of the project include Walter Bronhard, whose lawyer, John Garrahy, testified extensively at the March 18 meeting. Garrahy cited concerns about size and scale, as well as traffic congestion.
Overall, the proposal received easy approval and saw smooth sailing during the CPC meeting.
Commissioners noted the remarkable lack of community opposition to the project, with Vice Chair Charlotte Lipschitz describing the preparation and pre-emptive community engagement conducted by KITE Architects as exemplary.
By Katy Pickens / Planning & Preservation Writer / kpickens@ppsri.org