Waterfront
Old Harbor Forum Recommendations
FormThe Old Harbor Forums envision easier public access to the waterfront from other Providence neighborhoods through better transportation options. Since the waterfront is in a storm water area, they also encourage low density building near the Providence River. They recommend that taller buildings are kept away from the waters edge for maximum public access and connectivity, to keep the water visible, to protect human safety from storms, and to keep the value of the waterfront properties up for higher tax revenue. Therefore, they envision building more parks, green space and serrated edges near the Providence River. They also envision an urban coastal greenway along the East-West edges of the Providence River.
FormTo encourage the economic revitalization of waterfront brownfield sites, they encourage a pier development. They want the parks on the waterfront to include boat tie-ups, seating, overlooks and events space such as for concerts. Also envisioned is a “History Walk” park, landscaped with sculptures of old buildings and ships. Right now there is scarce waterfront access in Providence for sailing, rowing, water taxis, kayaking, and fishing. Allowing public access for these activities would benefit new businesses in the Jewelry District, and would make it more desirable for developers to invest and redevelop brownfields located there. The Old Harbor Forums also encourages the recycling of grey water as much as possible from Jewelry District buildings through Low Impact Development technology. This would help cut down contaminated water runoff into the river through increased water filtration (Providence Foundation, 2006.)
Providence 2020
Providence 2020 envisions new public parks near Blackstone Street, Public Street,
Oxford Street and Thurbers Avenue. Current plans have them completed in 11 to 15 years. Another park, called “Harbor Landing Park,” would be a civic gathering place on the Providence River at the intersection of the downcity and the Jewelry District areas. It is estimated to be completed in 6 to 10 years. They also encourage an extension of the current Providence River walk to the mouth of river on the east bank, and at least to Point Street on the west bank (Sasaki and the City of Providence, May 2006.) |