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State & Local News Vol. 22, No. 3, Spring 1999
The "New Cities" InitiativeBy Vincent A. Cianci, Jr.Cities in the northeastern part of the United States face unique challenges in their continued development. Aging infrastructure, abandoned industrial building, narrow streets, a dearth of adequate parking, contaminated "brownfields" sites requiring large infusions of funds for clean up, and under- or unused waterfront property all present challenges that test the skills and imaginations of government officials and agencies. The downtown core of Providence has undergone the dramatic, first-phase of its transformation in the last two decades, beginning with the groundbreaking for the Capital Center and culminating in the relocation of Amtrak railroad tracks, the moving and uncovering of two rivers, and the construction of WaterPlace Park, Memorial Boulevard, and the elegant shopping mall, Providence Place. But these accomplishments, as heralded as they are, are not enough to fully transform Providence into the city it is destined to be. What is called for is a bold approach to rebuilding entire sections of our environment that lie just outside of the city center, and that have the potential to become national showcase projects for urban renewal in the twenty-first century. On January 20, before an illustrious group of business and civic leaders, I unveiled my plans for redeveloping 355 acres of strategically located property at three locations in Providence, a project that carries the title of the "New Cities" project. After successfully revitalizing seventy-five acres in the downtown area, the time has come for Providence to turn its attention to creating economic opportunity in three underutilized sections of the city. The development of the old waterfront district along Allens Avenue, the old factory district close to Providence Place, and the air rights over Route 95 between Atwells Avenue and Broad Street has the potential to attract billions of dollars in new investment and to create tens of thousands of new jobs for the people of Providence and Rhode Island. This acreage will be developed for the highest quality commercial, institutional, and residential uses. Plans for Riverside Drive, along Allens Avenue, include tree-lined boulevards, river walks, marinas for pleasure craft, plus an esplanade with an outdoor performance space. As many as 1,500 new apartments in towers similar to those that line Lake Shore Drive in Chicago will add to the revitalization of this portion of the waterfront. There will also be 1.8 million square feet of office space for financial, corporate, medical, and other business uses. A 400-room hotel and aquarium complete this picture of one of the three New Cities. In the downtown, the entire area between the Atwells Avenue bridge and Broad Street will be decked over, and prime new development will take place on twelve acres of "found" space over the highway. Westminster Street will be reopened to traffic at Cathedral Square, removing the barrier between Westminster Street and the downtown. The highway trench will be decked over and landscaped, creating an attractive setting for major development over the highway and to either side. This second New City development will strongly reunite the east and west sides of Providence. More than 200 acres running from Providence Place to the edge of Olneyville Square are ripe for development. Strategically located next to the mall and the new Providence, Valley Parkway would became a commercial centerpiece for the city, with new quality development that will create thousands of employment opportunities for the residents of Smith Hill, Federal Hill, the Valley section, and Olneyville. This third New City will complement the Woonasquatucket River Greenway Project, and new commercial building will enjoy excellent highway access to Route 95 and Route 10. The city has begun a national search for three urban design firms that will develop detailed plans over the next twelve to eighteen months for each of the three New Cities. To cover the cost of these projects above and beyond the city’s investment, we will seek state and federal money, and we propose that the city’s hospitals and universities form a coalition to underwrite a portion of the costs. Those tax-exempt institutions that offer financial help will be given full rights to develop new facilities in the New Cities areas. In addition, property owners who are legally liable for pollution clean-up at these sites can contribute by paying the fees essential for the clean-up of the sites. In addition to their important functional character, the New Cities will be beautiful, artfully designed, elegant, and exciting. They will contribute to a revitalization that is gaining momentum as it garners praise from around the nation. Yes, these are ambitious plans, but bold thinking and action can reap enduring rewards for cities in the coming century. Our vision of the New Providence is strengthened by the New Cities plan, a plan that will bring jobs to the neighborhoods as it simultaneously beautifies three sections of the city that possess unlimited potential. If we succeed, and I have not doubt we will, Providence will continue to be looked to as a leader in the reshaping of the American city. Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., is the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island.
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