Cranston KeepSpace Community Design Plan

Transcription

Cranston KeepSpace
Community Design Plan
August 2012
The strategies to build better communities found in this Cranston KeepSpace Community Design Plan were
developed by the KeepSpace Working Group. This plan was created to be used as a roadmap for residents,
businesses, community groups, local nonprofits, government and State agencies to transform the greater
Knightsville/Cranston Print Works area of Cranston into a well-planned, great place to live, work and play.
The strategies build on decades of work performed by local groups. They have been developed to help guide
future growth, revitalization, preservation, community and economic development, all of which will have an
impact on neighborhoods. They emerged as a result of an inclusive community engagement process that
occurred during the course of several months in 2009 and 2010.
This KeepSpace Community Design Plan reflects a great collaboration and the ongoing efforts of many
partners who are mentioned within the plan. This is neither a beginning nor an end of the Cranston
KeepSpace initiative and periodic updates will be provided as we work together to build a greater community
where neighbors meet, people work and children play.
The KeepSpace Community Design Plan is divided into the following sections:
I. INTRODUCTION TO KEEPSPACE
This is a brief discussion of the KeepSpace initiative, which is an approach to community building that seeks
to create diverse, collaborative partnerships throughout Rhode Island. The overarching goal is to change the
way all of the groups involved partner to build better communities.
II. CRANSTON KEEPSPACE COMMUNITY
This section provides an overview of the Cranston community, specifically through a summary of key
community needs and some of the successful initiatives that serve as the foundation for KeepSpace.
Included is a summary of the community engagement process that was used in Cranston. The approach
is rooted in a local Core Group, which includes some of the most active and influential partners within the
community. The Core Group served to convene the larger Working Group, with representation from local
grassroots partners, regional agencies, and city and state officials. The Working Group discussion forum was
the primary means for fact-finding and strategy development during the process.
III. KEY STRATEGIES FOR CRANSTON
This is a summary of many of the key strategies developed by the Working Group. Few of the strategies
presented in this plan fit neatly into any one focus area and certainly not within one agency. Whenever
possible, the KeepSpace process strives to break down silos and demonstrate how various issues can be
better addressed through collaboration. The strategies presented in this section of the document illustrate
how the insights and resources from a diverse group of partners are needed to create the most effective,
successful and lasting initiatives.
IV. NEXT STEPS
This section examines the strong body of community building already in place. It includes a matrix that
serves as the single reference for the Working Group strategies and describes the action steps needed to
succeed; the partners who need to be engaged; and a general time line for implementation. The report ends
with a list of the affiliations of Working Group meeting attendees.
For updates and the latest information on KeepSpace, please visit www.keepspace.org.
*All photography courtesy of Gretchen Ertl Photography, unless otherwise specified.
page 1
What is KeepSpace?
In August 2007, Rhode Island Housing announced the launch of KeepSpace, a new, statewide community building initiative
that included leadership and support from an Advisory Committee of state agencies, private and nonprofit housing professionals,
community agencies and organizational leaders.
This innovative approach to community revitalization and preservation of Rhode Island’s overall character and quality of life provided
a pioneering, comprehensive and collaborative method of addressing Rhode Island’s need for affordable homes and good jobs.
At the same time, this new approach also integrated the necessity of preserving open space and maintaining a strong cultural and
arts community.
In essence, the newly formed KeepSpace punctuated the need for partners from all areas to come together to examine and change
the way Rhode Island builds sustainable and thriving communities. KeepSpace is founded on the principle that all concerns
and ideas – whether they are from community members, businesses and local government, or those dedicated to improving the
economy, infrastructure, environment and homes – must be heard. Being open to all ideas from many diverse groups is critical to
creating viable, long-term solutions to the challenges facing Rhode Island communities. The KeepSpace philosophy encourages
respectful interaction, cooperation and collaborative problem solving. The end result leads to integrated, long-term solutions.
The KeepSpace philosophy recognizes that community is much greater than the structures, streets and geographic features that
define its physical space. It’s a holistic approach that seeks to understand community through many lenses – grassroots level, the
structures that support everyday life and the ways in which people, goods and services move from place to place.
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The Six KeepSpace Elements
KeepSpace partners worked together to identify six key elements of a sustainable community.
These six Elements, outlined below, served as the framework for developing strategies to create viable,
long-term solutions.
A Good Home
Home provides the foundation upon which families can thrive, children can learn and grow, and
communities can prosper. A good home is a safe, healthy, inviting place that is affordable to rent or own,
especially to those who work close by. Good homes are the focal point of a thriving community.
A Healthy Environment
Environment is what encompasses a community. Whether a neighborhood, region, country
or globe, our environment must be protected and nurtured. By using or reusing resources
wisely, we encourage sustainable, healthy lifestyles today and for generations to come.
Strong Commerce
Commerce is the heartbeat of daily life, providing the essential needs for today and ensuring prosperity
for the future. A strong economy incorporates the employment of community residents and the provision
of goods and services that people need or desire.
Sensible Infrastructure
Infrastructure allows people to live and work in a community. It is the large-scale public systems,
services, and facilities that people rely on, including power and water, public transportation,
communications, roads and schools.
Integrated Arts, Recreation,
Culture and Religion
Arts, recreation, culture and religion fulfill that part of our lives that falls beyond our basic physical
necessities. They provide refreshing opportunities to interact with others in the community. By
nourishing the mind, body and spirit, these elements play a vital role in the character and customs of
every community.
Positive Community Impact
Community impact is the influence that every home, workplace, infrastructure element,
service or activity has on a neighborhood. For a community to function at its best,
community members must work cooperatively to maximize productive and positive
impact on others and the natural and built environment.
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The KeepSpace Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee members guiding the KeepSpace process include representatives from
a variety of state agencies and statewide nonprofit organizations who collaborate on projects.
Coming to the table voluntarily, they meet to discuss issues of common concern and coordinate
their resources and activities.
Thomas Deller
City of Providence Department of Planning & Development*
Stephen Devine
Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Barbara Fields
LISC*
Kevin Flynn
Rhode Island Division of Planning
Rupert Friday
Rhode Island Land Trust Council
Richard Godfrey
Rhode Island Housing
Christopher Long
Office of the Governor*
William Parsons
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
Kenneth Payne
Office of Energy Resources*
Edward Sanderson
Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission
W. Michael Sullivan
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management*
Robert Vanderslice
Rhode Island Department of Health
Scott Wolf
Grow Smart Rhode Island
Westerly
* Individual’s employer during participation on Advisory Committee
Note: Advisory Committee members listed were current as of this community engagement process.
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Selection of KeepSpace Communities
In August 2007, Rhode Island Housing issued a request for proposals (RFP) for local community
building initiatives that embraced the KeepSpace philosophy. A total of 16 responses from municipalities
throughout the state were submitted by the November 15 deadline. In May, 2008, Rhode Island Housing
staff and the KeepSpace Advisory Committee evaluated the proposals and selected four communities
as KeepSpace pilots.
The four KeepSpace communities to share in initial funding over several years are located in Pawtucket/
Central Falls, Cranston, Providence and Westerly.
Pawtucket/Central Falls
Olneyville
Cranston
Printers Row, LLC, a private development partnership, submitted one of the four successful applications
with a proposal for redevelopment at the Cranston Print Works, a long time industrial mill complex near
the Knightsville neighborhood. This proposal was selected for the replicable lessons it can provide for
other mill buildings, and more generally, redevelopment and adaptive reuse within more established,
urban neighborhoods.
The Advisory Committee issued a RFP for professional facilitation services to assist each of the four
KeepSpace communities in building strategies unique to its needs. The Horsley Witten Group’s consulting
team, which includes expertise from Dodson Associates and the Consensus Building Institute, was selected
to help facilitate discussions with local partners and to develop this Community Design Plan.
page 5
Anchored by the Cranston Print Works, Cranston’s KeepSpace Community is located at the corner of
Cranston Street and Dyer Avenue and includes portions of the surrounding neighborhoods of Knightsville
and Arlington. The original KeepSpace proposal, which was initiated by the Cranston Print Works and its
redevelopment team of developers, architects and engineers, focused on the Print Works complex and the
immediate surroundings. As the KeepSpace community design process moved forward, the community
was expanded to include a triangulated area bounded roughly by Cranston Street, Gansett Avenue and Park
Avenue and encompassing Knightsville Square. The enlarged study area was created to include important
commercial and community activity in Knightsville and Arlington and play a role in future plans for the Print
Works. For similar reasons, there was study-area expansion northward to the Pocasset River corridor and its
associated ponds and wetlands. These areas are critical to the future of the Print Works and its surrounding
neighborhoods. There is thus no precise boundary for the Cranston KeepSpace community but rather an
interconnected, functional network of streets, sidewalks, parks, homes, schools, churches, businesses and
natural areas that together make up the neighborhood.
KeepSpace Community Sponsor: Printers Row, LLC/City of Cranston
Printers Row served as the KeepSpace Community Sponsor for Cranston throughout the community
engagement process, and its partners were actively involved in developing implementation strategies.
Due to development difficulties, Cathedral Development Group allowed its option on the Cranston Print
Works property to expire on December 31, 2010, in mutual agreement with the property owners. The City
of Cranston, an active member of the Core Group, has been eager to realize the strategies developed through
the community engagement process, and has agreed to take over as the KeepSpace Community Sponsor.
This marks one of the first formalized efforts to strategize a sustainable future for this community, and the
city is the local lead for the implementation process.
Introduction to the KeepSpace Community Engagement Process
The KeepSpace model for community engagement was designed to involve as many key constituencies
and individuals as possible in an efficient and productive manner. The core challenge was to ensure the
broadest level of participation without overwhelming the conversation with the diversity of perspectives. The
process that was developed by the consultant team used a tiered approach that moved from small groups
of local leaders, to larger groups of community partners in a manner that allowed ideas to be generated and
shared in an organized framework. The process balanced free-flowing discussion with the clearly articulated
need to meet specific community objectives. The application of the KeepSpace model in Cranston included
complementary efforts to gather input, vet ideas and garner support for KeepSpace strategies.
These efforts included:
• Orientation, fact-finding and key issues
• Interviewing community leaders and residents
• Convening a KeepSpace Working Group
page 6
To form a basic understanding of the physical and cultural components of the KeepSpace community
around the Cranston Print Works, including the Knightsville neighborhood, the KeepSpace engagement
consultants reviewed the original KeepSpace application and conducted interviews with a representative
sample of community leaders, organizations and agencies. These included members of the city council,
heads of city departments, and boards and commissions. Also interviewed were leaders from neighborhood
churches, staff of the YMCA and other nonprofits, as well as key businesses in the area and the Cranston
Chamber of Commerce.
Community Identity Research (Core Team with KeepSpace consultant)
Resident and Community Leadership Interviews (Core Team)
Convene
Working Group
Scoping
Interviews
(Core Team)
Working Group
Meeting 1:
What is
KeepSpace?
Working
Group Meeting
2: Cranston
Fact Finding
Working Group
Meeting 3:
A Good Home
and a Healthy
Environment
Working Group
Meeting 4:
Cranston Print
Works Design
Presentation
and Tour
Community Give Back
and Input Forum
Working Group
Meeting 5:
Print Works Update
and Discussion of
Strategies
Strategies
Refinement
Working Group
Meeting 6:
Strategies
Review and
Presentation
of Revised
Plans for
the Cranston
Print Works
Outreach Meetings
& Strategies
Implementation
KeepSpace Partners in Cranston
Working Group
To identify specific strategies among people from different backgrounds and interests, the KeepSpace Core
Group identified more than 30 organizations and individuals to participate in the Cranston KeepSpace
Working Group. The Cranston Working Group includes neighborhood residents and representatives from
local businesses, city departments, state agencies, community service providers, schools, environmental and
recreation organizations, churches and community organizations. A list of these members can be found
on Page 39.
Six Working Group meetings were convened to research each of the KeepSpace Elements and review
plans for redevelopment of the Cranston Print Works complex. Based on a shared understanding of the
KeepSpace Community and its context, the Working Group developed a preliminary list of the key physical,
social, economic and environmental issues that need to be addressed in the KeepSpace Community Design
process. They also brainstormed strategies for addressing issues on the list and identified key synergies for
generating positive outcomes in the community.
In addition, the Working Group was involved in reviewing and advising on the evolving plans for
redevelopment of the Cranston Print Works. One of the Working Group meetings was devoted to an
on-site presentation of the preliminary redevelopment plans, combined with an extended tour of the Print
Works complex. Regular updates and opportunities for comment were included in subsequent Working
Group meetings.
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2009 Working Group Meetings
Meeting 1: KeepSpace Kick Off (May 20 at the Cranston Print Works)
Meeting 2: Fact Finding on the Six KeepSpace Elements
(June 17 at the Cranston Print Works)
Meeting 3: A Good Home and A Healthy Environment
(July 15 at the Cranston Print Works)
Meeting 4: Presentation of Preliminary Redevelopment Plans and Tour of the
Cranston Print Works (July 29 at the Cranston Print Works)
Meeting 5: Print Works Redevelopment Update and Discussion of Community
Engagement Strategies (Sept. 16 at the Cranston Print Works)
Meeting 6: Review of Print Works Plans and Discussion of Issues and Strategies
(Nov. 16 at the Sprague Mansion)
Core Group
The KeepSpace process began with the formation of a Core Group. While the KeepSpace application was
developed by Printers Row, the development team for the Cranston Print Works property had been working
closely for several years with city staff members and officials to coordinate with the city. The Core Group
reflected a broader partnership that included members of the development team as well as staff from the
Mayor’s office, the Planning Department and Department of Economic Development. All in all, it represented
a strong public-private partnership. Even after the departure of Cathedral Development Group, coordination
between the property owners and the city remained strong and is critical to the future success of the project.
KeepSpace Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee members provided input and assistance throughout the planning process and will
continue to play a key role in making sure that the strategies are successfully implemented.
Implementation Meetings
After the final Working Group meeting, the consultant team worked with the Core Group to prepare a draft
Strategies Document, which outlined key action strategies for each KeepSpace Element. To gauge support
for the strategies and engage potential partners in implementing the plan, additional meetings were held with
key partners in the neighborhood. These included the Cranston Historical Society, the Cranston Conservation
Commission and the Pawtuxet River Watershed Authority. Additionally, outreach was made to staff at the
Hugh B. Bain Middle School to discuss opportunities for involving students in the development of a museum
at the Historical Society.
page 8
Setting the Stage: The Cranston KeepSpace Community in Context
Cranston has valuable assets and resources in its people, buildings and environment and were capitalized
on by the KeepSpace Community. The city is immediately adjacent to Providence, and many of its older
neighborhoods to the east connect with and blend into Providence neighborhoods such as Washington Park
and South Elmwood. The Cranston Print Works site and surrounding neighborhoods, for example, are a
continuation of the street grid coming south from Providence’s Silver Lake neighborhood.
Knightsville, which grew up at a crossroads in the approximate geographic center of Cranston, also served as
its civic center for the first half of the 19th century until the base of population shifted eastward. What began
as a rural village surrounding Knight’s Tavern grew over the years with the development of the Print Works
by the Sprague family, reaching its zenith during the Civil War. The Sprague’s Print Works Village began as a
self-contained community, which gradually was absorbed within the urban growth that followed the streetcar
lines out from Providence. Additional industries grew up in nearby Arlington, and by the early years of the
20th century, new residential blocks had spread throughout every available space.
Currently, both the physical fabric and social character of Knightsville reflect two centuries of growth and
change. The area of study contains a virtual architectural museum, featuring the historic Sprague Mansion,
19th-century mill buildings and several notable churches. There are about 5,000 people living in the
neighborhood, in homes ranging from the small Greek Revival duplexes built as part of the Sprague’s White
Village, to tidy post-war capes and bungalows, to large modern homes and the multi-story public housing
at Knightsville Manor. The population is still dominated by the Irish families who came to work in the Print
Works before the Civil War as well as the descendants of the villagers of Itri, Italy, who came to Knightsville
early in the 20th century.
The area has excellent access to jobs, shopping and entertainment in Providence, by car and by bus. The
neighborhood is located in the vicinity of Routes 10, 6 and 37, I-95 and I-295, making T.F. Green Airport and
most other major destinations in the state convenient. Three RIPTA bus lines run through the neighborhood,
connecting with downtown Providence to the north and Warwick Mall to the south. Eastern Cranston is a
regional draw for jobs, shopping and entertainment in its own right, with the Pastore Government Center,
Garden City and Chapel View shopping centers, RI Center for the Performing Arts’ Park Theatre, Cranston
Stadium and a number of highly regarded restaurants.
While eastern Cranston is fairly densely built out, particularly in comparison with the western portion of the
city, it does include a great deal of often underutilized open space and natural areas. The Pocasset River,
Randall Pond and Cranston Print Works Pond all abut the KeepSpace Community area. Another significant
resource for recreation is Roger Williams Park with its open space, playgrounds, museums and zoo, just two
miles east of Cranston Print Works and minutes from downtown Providence.
As Cranston approaches the build-out of its residential, commercial and industrial-zoned land, it becomes
more critical to identify ways of successfully developing and redeveloping the city’s economic resources,
while protecting its natural and cultural resources, maintaining quality public services and facilities, and
ensuring the long-term affordability of its housing stock.
page 9
A Holistic Understanding: Viewing the Community through the Lens of the
KeepSpace Elements
The KeepSpace planning process challenged stakeholders to approach the community holistically and
to think outside their traditional silos or topics of interest. All of the KeepSpace Elements are interrelated
and equally important to the long-term health and sustainability of a community. The participants in
the planning process were asked to consider all of the aspects of the community before deciding which
strategies to pursue. Below is an analysis of the Cranston KeepSpace Community through the lens of each
KeepSpace Element.
A Good Home
Issues related to A Good Home are varied and near to the hearts of most of the partners who participated in
the planning process.
Strengths: Knightsville is a vibrant community created by generations of immigrants who came to work in
the mills and made this place their home. The population of some 5,000 includes families with children
who have left home, retirees and families with children who attend the neighborhood schools. After the mills
closed fewer residents worked in the area, but the rich life of the community remains. Former residents that
have moved away return to worship at neighborhood churches and to attend annual events like Saint Mary’s
Feast. For the most part fully developed before World War II, the structure of the neighborhood has been
relatively stable with a balance of homeownership and rental homes.
Challenges: As the population of the neighborhood ages, many elderly residents on fixed incomes may find it
increasingly difficult to pay for the upkeep of their homes. Deferred maintenance is a problem that will likely
grow in the near term. The aging housing stock needs upgrades in terms of weatherization and efficiency to
ensure that existing residents are able to stay and live safely and healthfully, and the homes remain attractive
to new households.
Key Partners: This community is fortunate to have a number of partners including:
• Local government and law enforcement agencies: Identify problem areas, target code enforcement and funnel local Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and other resources.
• Rhode Island Housing: Administers federal resources including home loans, development financing
and assistance for distressed homes, through its HelpCenter and the Hardest Hit Fund
Rhode Island (HHFRI).
• Comprehensive Community Action Program’s (CCAP) Affordable Housing Program: Offers many
different resources geared toward providing low-income homes to individuals and families.
• Cranston Public Housing Authority: Owns and manages Cranston’s public housing apartments.
• Housing Network of Rhode Island: A trade association of CDC’s that provides homebuyer education,
financial fitness classes, etc.
• Housing Action Coalition: Advocates for quality affordable homes throughout Rhode Island.
• Private Developers: Serve as key partners with local government and nonprofit developers to create
a variety of residential and commercial developments that increase area vitality.
page 10
• State Office of Housing & Community Development: Administers statewide housing policy
and programs.
• Department of Environmental Management (DEM): A non-traditional partner whose brownfields
program helps make new homes possible in former industrial sites.
Opportunities for New or Continued Collaboration: Some key issues identified by participants in the
KeepSpace process included the need to ensure that existing residents will be able to remain in their
homes as they age, and that their children and grandchildren will be able to stay in the neighborhood.
Related to this is finding methods to help homeowners repair and upgrade their homes and provide
needed weatherization to reduce heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, as the population of this
neighborhood ages, it will be important to construct a more contemporary mix of housing types to attract
young professionals and other non-family households. There are several opportunities for housing-related
organizations and agencies to partner on these issues, as well as non-traditional partners such as the
business and arts communities, youth service providers and others.
Developing the Strategies: One of the key challenges and opportunities discussed in initial meetings was
redeveloping the Cranston Print Works site to satisfy many uses including safe, healthy and affordable
homes. While Cranston Print Works was at the forefront, a number of other strategies for the new and
existing housing stock in the neighborhood emerged. They are:
1. Promote construction of a range of housing types to better meet the needs of retirees
and young families.
2. Preserve historic homes and neighborhoods.
3. Promote weatherization and code upgrades for residential and commercial properties.
For implementation strategies that address these issues, see Page 22.
page 11
With regard to the natural environment, the Cranston KeepSpace Community has many significant
resources, particularly related to the Pocasset River watershed.
Strengths: According to www.bankrate.com, due to its compact development patterns and preservation of
open space, Rhode Island has the second-lowest carbon footprint of any state after Vermont, both in terms
of total emissions and emissions per capita. The compact development of eastern Cranston adjacent to
the natural watersheds of the Pocasset and Pawtuxet rivers, exemplifies this development pattern. Largely
hidden from view by buildings, topography and vegetation, the Pocasset River is an underutilized resource.
Despite the relatively high density of development in the Knightsville and Arlington neighborhoods, the
riparian corridor is quite wide in some areas and heavily wooded with mature trees. A large bend of the river
north of the Print Works site encircles St. Ann’s Cemetery and the older Pocasset Cemetery. Together with
the Print Works Pond and Dyers and Randall ponds and their associated wetlands, this represents more than
400 acres of contiguous open space.
Challenges: As discussed by the Working Group, concerns remain for reclaiming the native river environment
and expanding recreational use. Potential contamination from centuries of industrial use continues to be
worrisome, especially for neighbors who remember when dumping occurred. Although there is a lack of
reliable data available, testing around structures has occurred and remediation of contaminated soil was
recently completed on a site at the Print Works. Flooding is also a significant constraint to redevelopment in
the area, however, the most obvious problems have occurred somewhat upstream along Fletcher Avenue.
South of the Print Works Dam, the floodplain is narrower as the river drops quickly in elevation from Cranston
Street to Park Avenue. A number of manmade and natural barriers currently exist that hinder recreational
access to the river and nearby ponds. Among the natural barriers is overgrowth of plants causing a lack of
clear access points for small watercraft. At least one bridge impedes watercraft altogether.
One of the greatest challenges to reclaiming the natural environment in the area is the widespread infestation
of invasive plant species like Japanese Knotweed. These have formed impenetrable colonies in some areas,
blocking visual and physical access to the woods from neighboring streets and yards. Other invaders,
including bittersweet, buckthorn and barberry, are colonizing the floodplain forest, competing with native
species for light and nutrients.
Key Partners: Many local groups and state agencies have been active in addressing the issue
of natural resources. Some of them are:
• Pawtuxet River Authority: A quasi-public agency providing land and water conservation for
construction and maintenance of hiking and biking trails, flood control and water pollution
control facilities, preservation of wetlands, dam construction, diversion of streams, dikes,
walls and pumping stations.
• Cranston Conservation Commission: A city commission dedicated to the conservation of
natural resources in the city of Cranston.
• Department of Environmental Management (DEM): A state agency that provides guidance
on environmental quality issues related to land and water.
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• Cranston Department of Planning: Plans for future land uses conducive to walking, bicycling, etc.
and preserving and protecting open space and waterways for recreation and conservation.
• Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA): Assists with emergency management
issues related to flooding and flood plains.
Opportunities for New or Continued Collaboration: Addressing the issues described above is out of reach
for any one entity or organization. Creative collaboration is necessary among all of the partners noted
above as well as area residents. Volunteers of the Pawtuxet River Authority can be used to help monitor
invasive species. DEM can continue to work with RIEMA, the city and local developers to ensure that new
development is designed in such a way as to improve flooding conditions. Local schools can partner with the
Cranston Conservation Commission to educate students on environmental health, building new community
leaders who will use, appreciate and protect the neighborhood’s natural environment. A public-private
partnership can be established to create and maintain public access points along the river.
Developing the Strategies: The Working Group focused on the following Healthy Environment issues:
1. Mitigate the risk of flooding along the Pocasset River.
2. Enhance public access to the Pocasset River and pond.
3. Rebuild historic ecosystems and enhance success of native species.
4. While enhancing access to the Pocasset River, address potential contamination of
water and sediments.
5. Evaluate public health issues in the neighborhoods.
page 13
Strong Commerce
Large-scale manufacturing at the Cranston Print Works site has
dwindled significantly over time, and only a fraction of the site
continues to be used for industrial purposes. Commercial activity
in the surrounding neighborhood is largely defined by smaller scale
“mom-and-pop” shops and restaurants.
Strengths: During the 1860s and 1870s, Knightsville was a typical
company town. The Cranston Print Works provided for all of the
needs of its workers including housing, a company store, etc.
Over time a neighborhood began to grow as the area became
economically diverse and retail stores opened for business along
Cranston Street. Currently, commerce in the area has evolved into a
rich array of small-to-medium size businesses. A windshield survey
found more than 150 retailers as well as light industrial businesses
in a triangulated area formed by Cranston Street and Gansett and
Park avenues. Intermixed among the light industrial companies
along Industrial Drive and Dyer Avenue are service shops such
as shoe repair, a tailor, hair salon, law and doctors’ offices. Restaurants, bakeries and other food-related
establishments are another big part of commerce in the neighborhood, and many carry on the traditions of
great Italian food that arrived with immigrants from Itri more than a century ago.
Local and regional trends point to the likely continued growth of these small-to-medium size businesses and
professional firms in the neighborhood. At the same time, it is hoped that larger existing industrial spaces in
the Cranston Print Works and elsewhere can continue to attract industrial tenants as well as new retail and
other commerce to maintain the job base. Cranston’s good highway access, inexpensive space and nearby
workforce are likely to play a role in maintaining some industry in the neighborhood. What seems clear is
that smaller, flexible retail and office space will continue to lead demand in the area. While this is currently
being accommodated by conversions of residences to offices and beauty parlors, it also indicates market
support for construction of traditional mixed-use storefront/office buildings. This can help support the kind of
flexibility of use and diversity in size and price that will be the basis for continued prosperity in the future.
Challenges: The commercial areas of the neighborhood, while relatively successful, are physically disjointed
and somewhat lacking in a sense of place. Many businesses are auto-centric as evidenced by the many
gaps in the urban fabric now used for surface parking lots. If these gaps can be filled in, there is a great
opportunity to establish a more pedestrian-friendly shopping environment anchored by denser “nodes” of
commerce at key intersections including Knightsville Square and the Cranston Print Works site.
Key Partners: Local groups and state agencies have been active in addressing the issues discussed above.
• Cranston Department of Planning: Addresses the city’s commercial development and
revitalization efforts.
• Cranston Department of Economic Development: Focuses on attracting and maintaining jobs
and businesses in Cranston.
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• R.I. Economic Development Corporation: Seeks to improve the business climate, attract
new and support existing businesses statewide.
• Cranston Chamber of Commerce: Supports the business community throughout the city.
• Local Businesses: Owners of local businesses are the backbone of the economy and a
critical constituency to engage in any successful economic development effort.
• Local Banks: Local financial institutions can help improve access to capital for small businesses.
Opportunities for New or Continued Collaboration: While the Cranston Chamber of Commerce provides
resources for businesses throughout the city, the local business community in Knightsville currently lacks an
organization to coordinate efforts and jointly prioritize issues and marketing. Therefore, there is tremendous
opportunity for more formal collaboration among the business owners and the city as well as with DEM,
RIEDC, DOH and RIDOT to create a network of safe, attractive streets, sidewalks, bike paths, trails, parks
and other amenities that invite shoppers and visitors to stay longer in the community and
return more often.
Developing the Strategies: The Working Group identified the following list of issues that need to be addressed
to support local businesses in the KeepSpace Community:
1. Enhance the economic environment for small businesses.
2. Revise zoning to promote redevelopment of Park Avenue and Cranston Street.
page 15
As with many older, industrial areas in the United States, eastern Cranston has an aging but extensive infrastructure.
Strengths: Knightsville originally grew up around the intersection of key roads throughout the community.
The location took on even more importance with the arrival of the Providence & Hartford Railroad. Throughout
its history, the area’s desirability was its proximity to either work or inexpensive transportation to Providence. Once
the automobile became the most popular mode of transportation, it paved the way for many people to move farther
away from the urban center and into newer suburbs. The older suburbs such as Cranston began to decline.
Increasingly, however, the features that made Knightsville and Arlington good places to live are again becoming
more important to residents. Some of these features include a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood close to jobs,
shopping, services and recreation. By investing in the kind of infrastructure improvements that support these
features, Cranston can improve the quality of life for existing residents and support property values.
Challenges: Participants identified several key issues in regard to infrastructure. While streets, sidewalks, parks and
public spaces are sound, there is an increasing need for repair and replacement. In Knightsville Square, for example,
which received streetscape improvements some years ago, street trees are outgrowing their planting beds and
decorative sidewalks and other elements are getting worn out. Parking, always at a premium in a busy commercial
area, is another issue because space for parking competes with room for buildings, some of which have been torn
down to create room for parking lots. Inefficient use and design of parking lots, partly driven by zoning requirements,
contributes to the challenges. Furthermore, the prevalence of impervious surfaces, particularly parking lots, leads to
runoff that adds to flooding problems in an area already prone to floods.
Key Partners:
• Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA): Very active in expanding and improving bus
service and facilities in the community.
• Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT): The key agency for evaluating and
implementing street and right-of-way changes that develop from this process and the Cranston
Comprehensive Plan.
• Department of Environmental Management (DEM): Administers brownfields programs, coordinates
conservation easements and purchases, ensures that development meets environmental standards,
etc. The agency also will be helpful in securing funding and evaluating the environmental impact of
new bicycle trails, boatways, etc.
• Cranston Planning Department: Plans for future land uses conducive to walking and bicycling, etc.
and ensures that new development conforms with the Comprehensive Plan.
page 16
Opportunities for New or Continued Collaboration: An
opportunity identified by participants is to combine physical
improvements to the streetscape with changes in zoning
to support a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly environment
that will in turn foster continued residential and commercial
vitality. Collaboration among DEM, RIEDC, DOH, RIDOT, local
agencies, city officials and service providers is needed to
ensure that aging infrastructure is repaired and updated to
accommodate new and current residents in the community.
Addressing the challenges described above necessitates the
engagement of businesses, property owners, DEM, RIDOT,
and the local planning and public works departments. They
will need to identify a work plan and funding sources that
will meet both the individual and collective interests of all the
parties involved. Ideas for Strong Commerce depend on a
network of safe, attractive streets, sidewalks, bike paths, trails,
parks and other amenities that invite visitors to stay longer in
the community and return more often.
Developing the Strategies: Of all the challenges and opportunities discussed in initial meetings, the Sensible
Infrastructure issues the Working Group decided to focus on include:
1. Increase the overall amount and functional efficiency of parking in the neighborhood for
businesses and community groups.
2. Revitalize Knightsville Square and promote infill and redevelopment.
3. Renovate Cranston Street and Park Avenue streetscapes to enhance the pedestrian
and bicycling environment.
page 17
Integrated Arts, Recreation,
Culture and Religion
The arts and culture scene in Cranston has developed significantly
in the last few years, and the area is host to a great number of long
standing local religious institutions.
Strengths: Arts and culture in Knightsville and Arlington tend to
be closely connected to faith-based institutions, specifically the
Catholic parishes of St. Ann’s and St. Mary’s. Also, the public schools,
G.J. Peters and Arlington Elementary Schools, and Hugh B. Bain
Middle School, provide many arts and cultural activities to families in
the neighborhood – all of which are supplemented by rich programs
at the Knightsville and Arlington Branch libraries. Private social clubs
play a role in the local culture. A major one is the St. Mary’s Feast
Society, which plans an annual summer festival. Another cultural
hub is the Cranston Historical Society’s Sprague Mansion. In addition
to weddings and other social events, the Historical Society hosts
programs on local history and educational forums for area school
children. A Civil War museum is being developed in the
carriage house.
Active recreation in the neighborhood is represented by ball fields
at the city-owned Sivo, Calise, Tate and Ricci parks and the Peters
School and by indoor facilities at the schools and at the Greater
Providence YMCA on Park Avenue. Recreation is available for
bicyclists on the Cranston Bike Path, which is accessible from many
residential streets. Opportunities for walking are limited to sidewalks on city streets, and there is a need
for more park-like places to walk. An existing walking loop at Tate Park is heavily used.
Informal recreation in the neighborhood focuses on the Pocasset River. Many participants of the KeepSpace
process told of their lifelong recreational enjoyment of the open space along the river and some still use the
river and ponds for fishing.
Challenges: Unfortunately, services such as those offered by the public schools, libraries, private clubs or
churches are limited by constraints on funding and volunteer time. A good example is school enrichment
programs at the Bain Middle School where cuts in both after-school programs and core staff have made it
difficult to maintain existing enrichment programs, much less start new ones.
One of the major recreational issues that emerged is the difficulty of accessing natural areas such as green
space in the Pocasset River neighborhood. There is a lack of formal paths and potential entrances are often
blocked by vegetation.
Key Partners: Local groups and state agencies have been active in addressing the issues discussed above.
• Local Churches: Especially the Catholic parishes of St. Ann’s and St. Mary’s.
• Cranston Public Schools: Particularly Bain Middle School and Peters and Arlington
Elementary Schools.
page 18
• Cranston Historical Society: Holds a wealth of knowledge on local history.
• Greater Providence YMCA: One of the primary resources for active recreation in the neighborhood.
• Cranston Department of Parks & Recreation: Maintains a variety of parks and sports fields.
• Department of Environmental Management (DEM): Helpful in securing funding and evaluating the
environmental impact of new bicycle trails, boat-ways, etc.
Opportunities for New or Continued Collaboration: There is an opportunity to link the knowledge and volunteer
resources of the Cranston Historical Society with local schools. Society members have guided tours and
classroom efforts to educate local school children on the history of their community and are very interested
in doing so again. Local schools can also partner with other outside organizations such as Save The Bay
to supplement their curriculum. Recreational groups have a common bond with environmental groups,
Cranston Print Works and the local churches in opening access to the Pocasset River and Print Works Pond.
Developing the Strategies: Issues the Working Group decided to focus on include:
1. Establish a museum complex to tell the story of the Cranston Print Works and the history
surrounding the Knightsville and Arlington neighborhoods.
2. Establish an educational partnership to celebrate cultural heritage.
3. Create a neighborhood recreation master plan.
page 19
Positive Community Impact
Positive Community Impact in many ways transcends the other five KeepSpace Elements and is integrated
within all that was previously discussed. Community impact is the influence that every home, workplace,
infrastructure element, service or activity has on a neighborhood. For a community to function at its best,
community members must work cooperatively to maximize productive and positive impact on others as
well as the natural and built environment. In Rhode Island, a reliance on property taxes to fund municipal
budgets has made it difficult to achieve a balanced positive community impact, as cities and towns are
forced to pursue tax-generating projects above all else. This has begun to be addressed by the state’s
new funding formula for public schools, which distributes money based on demographics and need, and
therefore provides some relief to municipalities from relying on local property taxes to support good schools.
However, throughout the state, true collaboration can still often be hindered by the need for each jurisdiction
to look out for its own bottom line.
When the other five KeepSpace Elements are maximized and in balance with one another, their benefits
are magnified and multiplied across municipal lines. For example, while the cost of building sensible
infrastructure is high, when it is used to attract new residents and businesses and support schools,
recreational opportunities and other community amenities, the tax base increases and the long-term per
capita cost of those infrastructure investments decreases. The same is true for government services. When a
community provides good homes and jobs, the demand and financial burden to provide services is reduced.
All of these factors are vital to growing an economy and developing a strong community.
The history of the homes and businesses in this area has left a rich legacy but it would all be for naught
without the people who are the lifeblood of the community. Knightsville has a strong social structure built
around faith and community groups like the St. Mary’s Feast Society, the YMCA and other institutions. There
are many social services and two housing facilities in the neighborhood. A question raised by participants
was how will these existing community assets, many associated with the churches and particular ethnic
groups, be used in the future as the neighborhood changes? Other questions were:
• What community facilities are needed by people who are not associated with one of the churches
or private clubs?
• As new families arrive in the neighborhood what is the best way to get them involved in the life
of the community?
• What will attract new residents?
The next section of this report details the specific strategies that emerged during the planning process.
Each strategy was evaluated and crafted to ensure a positive impact among all populations and/or interest
groups. Specifically, when considering Positive Community Impact, strategies must include consideration of
municipal costs and revenues; overall quality of life for all residents; protection of environmental resources;
and preservation or enhancement of local character and culture. In short, the strategies ensure that all of the
various interests and tensions inherent in communities are coordinated for the common good.
page 20
The KeepSpace Working Group developed a lengthy list of strategies that can be implemented to continue
to revitalize Cranston Print Works and rebuild the surrounding neighborhoods of Knightsville and Arlington.
These strategies vary considerably in how “action ready” each one is. Some of these strategies are longterm and loosely defined initiatives, which may lack a champion, source of funding or timeline. The Working
Group felt it was important to maintain them in the ongoing process to ensure that they can be revisited
when the time is right. Other strategies are further along in development and some are being implemented
by community partners. The following is a more detailed summary of key strategies organized according
to the KeepSpace Elements. A full matrix of the Working Group’s Strategies, whether they are long-term or
immediate, is found in Section IV of this Community Design Plan.
A Good Home
Support Redevelopment of Cranston Print Works
Refinement of plans for Cranston Print Works was a focus of the KeepSpace Community Design process
and resulted in significant community outreach as well as many opportunities for input from neighborhood
residents. An element of the plan that received great support from the public was the provision for public
open space, such as a new park next to the Print Works Pond with its own entrance and parking area
accessible from Dyer Avenue. The park would include a boat launch for access to Print Works Pond and
would be connected to the south through the mill complex to the existing regional bike path with a bike
path connector.
Rhode Island Housing’s Development Division met regularly with the development team to review site plans,
engineering and financing options. DEM has assisted in assessment of wetlands, floodplains and potential
contamination issues. The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is working to ensure
that revitalization of the Print Works helps to preserve the historic structures and character of the site.
While redevelopment of the Cranston Print Works is currently on hold pending a reevaluation of floodplain
restrictions on the site, the results of this collaboration will be reflected in any future plans for redevelopment,
which should help make the eventual review and permitting process efficient.
In a neighborhood otherwise dominated by older, small to medium size single-family homes, Cranston Print
Works could provide a more contemporary living environment attractive to a younger demographic. A mix of
housing types will keep the neighborhood vibrant and diverse.
As the effort moves forward, and the property owners seek a new developer, the above partnerships will
continue to be critical for successful development. It is imperative that all of these parties work together to
tackle the issues of floodplain levels, historic preservation, river access and green space, and development
feasibility. Active participation and review by city officials is essential in creating a final plan and zoning
district that will benefit the city and neighborhood while being economically sustainable. Additionally, some
residents and city officials have concerns regarding the potential costs and impact of the project on taxes
and schools, necessitating an independent analysis of the net costs and benefits of the project to the city.
KeepSpace Elements: A Good Home, A Healthy Environment, Strong Commerce, Sensible Infrastructure,
Positive Community Impact, Integrated Arts, Recreation, Culture and Religion
page 22
Goal: To assist Cranston Print Work’s development team in crafting a final plan and financing strategy that
will bring the project to a successful conclusion.
Objectives:
· Final redevelopment master plan.
· Plan amendments and zoning language to allow proposed improvements.
· Plan and funding for public park improvements.
Process to Date and Recommendations:
Cranston Print Works’ development team, formerly led by Printers Row LLC, was the applicant for the
KeepSpace program and had been involved in every meeting of the Core and Working Groups, along with
representatives of the City of Cranston. Financing of the development continues to be a challenge in the
current environment, particularly as existing FEMA floodplain mapping (considered inaccurate) will make it
difficult to complete the plans as initially conceived. Meanwhile, ongoing actions include:
· Address floodplain mapping issues with RIDEM, RIEMA, FEMA and other applicable agencies.
· Continue to work with Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission on crafting a
final plan that is sensitive to preservation concerns while still being economically viable.
· Explore alternative plan that might reduce potential impacts on flooding and historic resources.
· Work with City of Cranston officials on proposed re-zoning of the Print Works complex.
· Continue to develop plans for the new park, bike path connector, boat access and explore
funding sources.
Current Partners: Cranston’s Office of the Mayor, Department of Economic Development, Planning
Department, Cranston Print Works and Rhode Island Housing.
Contact:
Carol Ventura, Director, Development
[email protected]
401-457-1129
Peter Lapolla, Director
Cranston Planning Department
[email protected]
401-780-3222
page 23
Additional Strategies
Promote Construction of a Range of Housing Types
Goal: To encourage construction of new homes that cater to the needs of smaller households, with flexible
floor plans, handicapped accessible/single-level living, etc.
Objectives:
· Inventory available building sites and redevelopment opportunities.
· Identify opportunities to leverage public financing for new apartment and townhouse development.
· Work with Cranston Print Works’ development team to identify a mix of homes that can best
serve local needs.
Preserve Historic Homes and Neighborhoods
Goal: To protect, maintain and celebrate the unique structures and neighborhoods that are important to
telling the story of Cranston, such as historic White Village.
Objectives:
· Inventory historic structures and districts.
· Develop maps, walking tours and other information to help the public understand the value of
historic resources in the neighborhoods.
· Work with homeowners to identify funding strategies to help pay for restoration of historic structures.
· Create advisory design standards to help homeowners with renovation and expansion of
historic homes.
· Create historically appropriate design standards for street signage, sidewalks and plantings within
the public right of way.
Promote Weatherization and Code Upgrades for Residential and
Commercial Properties
Goal: To leverage existing funds and programs for property improvements that will reduce heating and
cooling costs and make homes and businesses safer and more livable.
Objectives:
· Explore opportunities to bolster code enforcement to provide support to renters and property owners.
· Create an inventory of resources available for property improvements.
· Convene funding agencies and organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration that will
help to advance both individual and shared goals.
page 24
Implement a Vision for Green Infrastructure - the Pocasset River Greenway
Knightsville’s mills were developed in the 19th century because of the Pocasset River, which remains a key
asset for revitalizing the community in the present day. Participants in Working Group meetings were uniformly
excited about restoring the ecological health of the river corridor and providing for recreational access. The
Pawtuxet River Authority & Watershed Council (the Pocasset is a tributary of the Pawtuxet) emerged as a
leader in this effort and sponsored a special meeting with residents to discuss plans for Randall Pond.
Plans for the river corridor revolve around the theme of “green infrastructure,” which has the goal of
maintaining ecological functions and connectivity to open space. This means linking the river corridor to
adjacent open spaces so that plants and animals will have room to thrive as well as ensuring connections upand down-stream so that ecological functions can be maintained. As part of this process, the plan includes
working with the cemeteries and other landowners along the riverfront to establish guidelines for management
of the riparian corridor, including dealing with invasive species and controlling erosion.
The green infrastructure idea also includes an effort to enhance human use of the river through better access,
trail systems and boating facilities. The Pawtuxet River Authority has acquired a potential access site on
Randall Pond, which could be one end of a water trail extending along the river all the way to the proposed
park and boat access at the Print Works Dam. Eventually the water trail could be extended along the river to
allow boaters to continue all the way to the Pawtuxet.
Another aspect of the green infrastructure plan that received support from residents was the idea of creating
walking trails through the wooded river corridor. These could provide a necessary alternative to walking along
city streets and provide connections to the bike path. Combined with an effort to eradicate invasive plants,
which block many access points, trail construction would provide access to neighboring streets and stabilize
existing informal trails within the floodplain and help prevent erosion. Eventually the trails could be extended
north and south along the river to help create a continuous greenway.
KeepSpace Elements: A Good Home, A Healthy Environment, Strong Commerce, Sensible Infrastructure,
Positive Community Impact, Integrated Arts, Recreation, Culture and Religion
Goal: To create a continuous Pocasset River Greenway that would incorporate a restored ecosystem, a new
park at the Print Works Dam, enhanced boat access and an interconnected network of walking, biking and
boating trails.
Objectives:
· A master plan for connecting existing and proposed recreation sites into a continuous system.
· Enhanced access for hiking and boating on and around the Pocasset River and Randall Pond.
· Reduced risk of future flooding and mitigation of the effects of floods that do occur.
· Revitalization and long-term viability of historic ecosystems and the native species they support.
· Assurance that the Pocasset River and its associated wetlands and upland areas are safe for human use before opening up additional public access.
· Assessment of public health issues and potential actions to improve the health of neighborhood
residents.
page 25
Plans for an interconnected system of greenways for conservation and recreation are part of the recent Cranston
Comprehensive Plan, and the KeepSpace Community Green Infrastructure plan demonstrates how this concept
can be applied to a specific area of the city. Implementing the plan will involve a series of actions combining
additional planning and outreach with implementation of specific improvement projects. Below is a summary of
these actions.
· Develop a detailed master plan for an interconnected network of parks, trails and water access points,
in coordination with the school department, public works, YMCA, Cranston Print Works and the Office
of Catholic Cemeteries.
· Work with Pawtuxet River Authority, Cranston Print Works and R.I. Department of Environmental
Management to implement plans for boat access on Randall and Print Works ponds.
· Establish riparian buffer zones along the river and deal with invasive species that are preventing visual
access to the river and competing with native plants.
· Evaluate the effect of dams and water flow patterns (including potential hydroelectric generation) on
natural populations of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, native plants, etc.
· Mobilize a volunteer river and/or pond watch program to provide for ongoing oversight of water quality
and public access issues.
· Examine the history of dye dumping from the mills and identify any locations likely to contain
contaminants from former industrial activities.
· Provide ongoing testing of river and pond water, and test soils and sediment to evaluate levels of past
and current contamination.
· Promote low impact development techniques through education and site plan review procedures and
incorporate them into public road and parking lot improvements.
· Work with the school department and R.I. Department of Health to evaluate available records of
childhood health in the neighborhood, especially asthma and lead poisoning.
Current Partners: Cranston Conservation Commission, Cranston Planning Department, Pawtuxet River Authority,
R.I. Department of Environmental Management, R.I. Department of Health
Contact:
Rita Holahan
Cranston Representative to the Pawtuxet River Authority
[email protected]
401-615-7039
Marie Sweet, Chair
Cranston Conservation Commission
[email protected]
401-946-2323
[email protected]
401-780-3222
page 26
Mitigate the Risk of Flooding Along the Pocasset River
Goal: To lower the risk of future flooding and mitigate the effects of floods that do occur.
Objectives:
· Evaluate flood prevention improvements for possible coordination with other elements such as habitat
restoration and public access improvements.
· Promote low impact development techniques through education and site plan review procedures.
· Promote replacement of existing impervious surfaces with pervious surfaces through public
education, development standards/review process and improvements to the public right of way and
other city property.
Create a Master Plan that Connects Recreation Sites and Enhances Public
Access to the Pocasset River and Ponds
Goal: To provide for coordinated and enhanced access for hiking and boating on and around the Pocasset
River and Randall Pond.
Objectives:
·
Develop a detailed master plan for an interconnected network of parks, trails and water access points, in coordination with the school department, public works, YMCA, Cranston Print Works and the Office
of Catholic Cemeteries.
·
Work with the Conservation Commission to identify regulations or restrictions applicable to floodplains
and wetlands that affect public access.
·
Work with Pawtuxet River Authority, the Cranston Print Works and R.I. Department of
Environmental Management to implement plans for boat access on Randall and Print Works ponds.
·
Work with the Office of Catholic Cemeteries to evaluate potential for public access through cemetery
properties.
·
Work with developers of Cranston Print Works to establish a public park with access to Print
Works Pond.
Rebuild Historic Ecosystems and Enhance Success of Native Species
Goal: To rebuild the health and long-term viability of historic ecosystems and the native species they support.
Objectives:
· Plan for a continuous network of rivers, ponds, wetlands and tributary streams as a single ecosystem.
· Deal with invasive species that are preventing visual access to the river and competing with native plants.
· Evaluate the effect of dams and water flow patterns on natural populations of fish, amphibians,
invertebrates, native plants, etc.
· Evaluate potential impacts of hydroelectric generation on fish populations.
· Establish riparian buffer zones along the entire Pocasset River.
· Establish volunteer river and/or pond watch program to provide for ongoing oversight of water.
page 27
While Enhancing Access to the Pocasset River, Address Potential
Contamination of Water and Sediments
Goal: To ensure that the Pocasset River and its associated wetlands and upland areas are safe for human
use before opening up additional public access.
Objectives:
· Look at history of dye dumping from the mills and identify any locations likely to contain contaminants
from former industrial activities.
· Test soil and water to evaluate potential contamination.
· Provide ongoing testing of river and pond water.
Evaluate Public Health Issues in the Neighborhoods
Goal: To assess public health issues and potential actions to improve the health of neighborhood residents.
Objectives:
· Work with school department and the Rhode Island Dept. of Health to evaluate available records of
childhood health in the neighborhood, especially asthma and lead poisoning.
· Review Annual Report from the Child Advocate’s Office.
· Compare economic and educational status of families to health conditions.
Strong Commerce and Sensible Infrastructure
Revitalizing Cranston Street, Park Avenue and Knightsville Square
Working Group members recognized that support for healthy commerce in the neighborhood will depend on
providing opportunities for the growth of small businesses within a vibrant pedestrian-friendly environment.
This will require zoning changes in the area to allow for traditional village-style, mixed-use infill development
along the length of Cranston Street. The city’s planning department will continue to work with neighborhood
residents and business owners to refine the standards for the new zoning.
Private investment in the Cranston Street Corridor can be stimulated by public infrastructure and streetscape
improvements. In the Knightsville Square area, this would include rebuilding sidewalks; expanding planting
areas for existing street trees; and replacing lighting, benches and other amenities. This could be extended
eastward on Cranston Street in concert with the proposed mixed-use zoning to provide for pedestrian
amenities that would enhance private redevelopment efforts. At Cranston Print Works, preliminary plans
include new village-style mixed-use buildings adjacent to the existing fire station. New buildings could
line the sidewalk, with parking in the rear. The same model would continue along Cranston Street to the
intersection of Gansett Avenue, where existing village-style buildings would be preserved and supported by
additional infill along the sidewalks.
Park Avenue, despite taking the form of a typical commercial shopping strip, with low mall buildings fronted
by parking lots, includes many businesses that provide services to local residents. These businesses will be
greatly enhanced by a beautification program designed to provide a coordinated scheme of landscaping,
page 28
tree planting and screening of parking lots. This would improve the appearance of Park Avenue and provide
for a more comfortable and attractive pedestrian experience.
KeepSpace Elements: A Good Home, Strong Commerce, Sensible Infrastructure, Positive Community Impact,
A Healthy Environment, Integrated Arts, Recreation, Culture and Religion.
Goal: To revitalize Knightsville Square and renovate Cranston Street and Park Avenue streetscapes to
enhance the pedestrian and bicycling environment.
Objectives:
· Integrated streetscape plan showing recommended improvements to streets, sidewalks,
parking, signage and landscaping.
· Circulation and parking plan that establishes more efficient layout of parking areas and creates a
roadmap for shared access drives, alley connections and parking areas.
· Coordination with proposed changes to zoning.
The need for improvements has been incorporated into the Cranston Comprehensive Plan. The Planning
Department will pursue funding for streetscape improvements as part of the next round of state grants.
Recommended action items include:
· Create a plan for renovating sidewalks and exploring pedestrian enhancements such as raised cross
walks and bump outs along Cranston Street.
· Evaluate condition of existing street trees and provide improved tree pits and other enhancements
to promote healthy growth.
· Adopt design standards for lighting, signage, landscaping and architecture to unify the neighborhood
and enhance its sense of place.
· Link driveways and parking lots across lot lines and consolidate curb cuts to improve circulation and
enhance the appearance of the streetscape.
· Expand and connect existing bike paths and make Cranston Street and Park Avenue more
bicycle friendly.
· Work with neighborhood stakeholders to create a master plan for redeveloping underutilized buildings
and infilling empty lots with new structures along the sidewalk.
· Coordinate infill of buildings with a parking plan that unites many separate lots into an
easy-to-use, continuous system.
· Revise zoning to promote appropriate redevelopment around Knightsville Square.
Current Partners: Cranston Planning Department, Rhode Island Housing, R.I. Department of Transportation
Contact:
[email protected]
401-780-3222
page 29
Enhance the Economic Environment for Small Business
Goal: To support small businesses that form the backbone of commercial activity in the neighborhood.
Objectives:
· Work with existing businesses to define needed improvements to zoning and other regulations,
parking, streetscapes, public services, etc.
· Work with developers of Cranston Print Works to establish a final development program that
complements existing retail and service businesses in the neighborhood.
· Promote historic and cultural tourism to take advantage of historic sites, potential museum
and cultural heritage of Itri.
Revise Zoning to Promote Redevelopment of Park Avenue and
Cranston Street
Goal: To promote redevelopment of Park Avenue and Cranston Street with traditional mixed-use structures.
Objectives:
· Provide village zoning overlay to promote mixed use commercial development along the length
of Cranston Street from Park Avenue to Gansett Street.
· Promote inclusion of apartments in upper floors of commercial buildings.
· Provide incentives for gradual redevelopment of Park Avenue as a more traditional
pedestrian-friendly streetscape.
· Limit commercial development to first row of lots along Cranston Street.
· Work with landowners, businesses and public officials to evaluate models for redevelopment, such
as Federal Hill in Providence.
· Coordinate zoning changes with new zoning for Cranston Print Works properties.
Enhance Parking for Businesses and Community Groups
Goal: To increase the overall amount and functional efficiency of parking in the neighborhood.
Objectives:
· Work with business owners to evaluate needs for additional or better-organized parking.
· Work with landowners and businesses to explore opportunities for improving circulation between
adjoining lots and shared parking for complementary uses.
· Adjust zoning and development regulations to align parking standards with current best
practices and limit loss of historic structures to provide parking.
· Evaluate potential use of parking structures to allow increased development and activity within
Knightsville Square area.
page 30
Integrated Arts, Recreation, Culture and Religion
Create a Joint Cranston Historical Society/Cranston Print Works Museum
The Cranston Historical Society and Print Works have discussed a shared museum complex, which would
focus on telling the story of the Sprague family, the company and the surrounding neighborhoods of
Knightsville and Arlington. The museum would include the Sprague Mansion, the Carriage House (already
home to a growing Civil War museum) and one of the historic mill houses across the street, the last still
owned by Cranston Print Works. This could be extended to provide for preservation, restoration and
interpretation of buildings and streets in the historic White Village, established by the Spragues in 1864.
KeepSpace Elements: Positive Community Impact, Integrated Arts, Recreation, Culture and Religion,
Goal: To establish a Museum Complex to tell the story of Cranston Print Works and the surrounding
neighborhoods of Knightsville and Arlington.
Objectives:
· Master plan for a museum complex identifying structures, parking, pedestrian access, etc. as well
as for display and interpretation, policies, etc.
· Plan for operations and maintenance, capital improvements and funding.
· Memorandum of agreement between respective partners.
As part of the KeepSpace Working Group process, representatives of the Cranston Historical Society met with
owners of Cranston Print Works and agreed in general terms on the idea of a shared museum complex. Work
on the Civil War museum in the Sprague Carriage House continues. Recommended actions include:
· Create a master plan for a core museum complex incorporating the Sprague Mansion, Cranston
Print Works, the Meeting House and mill housing.
· Assemble partners to agree upon goals and policies, responsibilities and funding strategies.
· Build on current efforts to establish a Civil War museum in the Sprague Carriage House.
· Tell the story of the Amasa Sprague murder and the history of capital punishment in
Rhode Island and America.
· Celebrate Cranston Street as part of the Rochambeau Route – the route taken by the French Army
as they marched from Newport to Yorktown at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War.
Current Partners: Cranston Historical Society, Cranston Print Works Co., Rhode Island Historical Preservation
& Heritage Commission
Contact:
[email protected]
401-222-2678
page 31
An Educational Partnership to Celebrate Cultural Heritage
At a special meeting of the Cranston Historical Society’s Board of Directors to review the KeepSpace plans and
strategies, the Society committed to continue work on the museum complex with a focus on both core buildings
and neighborhood context. Just as importantly, the Society wants to explore partnerships with the school
department on educational programming. This could involve students at the Bain Middle School in helping to
gather the stories of older residents about life in the mills, and developing events and interpretive materials to
tell their story. The Society would also like to revive an ongoing partnership with the schools that would bring
classes to the Sprague Mansion to take advantage of the growing museum facilities.
KeepSpace Elements: A Good Home, A Healthy Environment, Positive Community Impact, Integrated Arts,
Recreation, Culture and Religion
Goal: To preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of Knightsville/Itriville.
Objectives:
· Curriculum plan for classes at Bain Middle School incorporating an oral history and historic interpretation project.
· Memorandum of agreement between Cranston Historical Society and Cranston School
Department/Bain Middle School.
· Historic preservation and interpretation master plan for the neighborhood.
Support for this initiative was expressed by staff members of the Bain Middle School, who participated
throughout the KeepSpace process as members of the Working Group. While extraordinary financial conditions
have constrained any immediate launch of new programming, the Social Studies Department is committed
to the potential partnership with the Historical Society as fiscal conditions improve. As part of that effort,
recommended actions include:
· Partner with Bain Middle School staff and students to take oral histories and preserve/interpret
the stories of neighborhood residents.
· As part of the museum project, interpret the history of the English, Irish, Italian and other ethnic
groups that built Knightsville and the Print Works.
· Work with the churches and related groups such as Saint Mary’s Feast Society on incorporating
historic preservation and interpretation into plans for redeveloping Itri/Knightsville Square, streets,
sidewalks and other public spaces.
· Assist Cranston Historical Society on a plan for preservation and interpretation of historic
properties and streets.
Current Partners: Cranston Historical Society, Bain Middle School, Cranston School Department
Contact:
[email protected]
401-222-2678
page 32
Additional Strategy
Create a Neighborhood Recreation Master Plan
Goal: To establish a long-term strategy for connecting existing and proposed recreation sites into a
continuous system.
Objectives:
· Help city departments and the local YMCA to evaluate existing recreation sites along Gansett
Avenue and identify additional needs for the neighborhood.
· Work with Cranston Print Works developers on final plans for bike path connector and public
access to Print Works Pond.
· Work with the Office of Catholic Cemeteries to evaluate potential for appropriate public access
through cemetery properties to link up recreation sites along the river.
· Coordinate improvements to neighborhood parks and sidewalks to provide improved
pedestrian/bicycle connectivity throughout the recreational system
IV. NEXT STEPS
To ensure that big picture benefits identified earlier and on-the-ground changes in the community will
continue to be realized, it is essential to have a strategy for maintaining KeepSpace momentum and
enthusiasm. Without this, most collaborative efforts stall in the planning phase and are not able to realize the
benefits of implementation.
Local KeepSpace Coordinator
While not every strategy should, or will be, lead by the local KeepSpace coordinator, sufficient resources are
needed to enable a person(s) to play an active role monitoring implementation work and providing support
and encouragement, as needed. This person should be familiar with the KeepSpace Community, the issues
involved and the players in the community.
In Cranston, this role is played by the city’s Planning Department.
Identifying and procuring funding and resources needed to achieve goals
The city intends to use the remaining funds in the current KeepSpace grant to hire an engineer to prepare
a request to FEMA to lower the approved floodplain level for the Cranston Print Works site, consistent with
available data, which would allow for a more effective reuse of the site.
The city has also submitted a plan for immediate implementation projects. Potential uses include:
· Modifying existing zoning between Knightsville and Cranston Print Works along the Cranston Street
corridor to better support mixed-use, pedestrian friendly development.
· Developing “planned use development” zoning for the Cranston Print Works site.
· Opening up public access to the pond and rivers.
page 33
IV. NEXT STEPS
To be as competitive as possible, it will be necessary for several community partners to be involved in
the discussion and to collaborate on applications. The Core Group and Working Group must ensure a
continuous dialogue relative to funding opportunities. Many of these were identified as prospects within the
existing strategies.
Ongoing meetings and communications
Periodic convening (quarterly or biannual) of partners in the Cranston KeepSpace process to share progress,
generate new strategies and exchange information on relevant topics will help to maintain enthusiasm for the
process. It can also serve as a mechanism for introducing new people to KeepSpace and serve as a valuable
source of information from the community. Such meetings might also include presentations from experts on
innovative ideas and contain small group planning/action sessions to flesh out new ideas. These groups will
also track outcomes for the various strategies and periodically reevaluate the needs of the community. No
place is static; active partners will always be needed to plan for updates as the community changes, evolves
and celebrates successes.
Website and outreach tools
Rhode Island Housing will work with the Core Group to determine the best way to utilize and structure the
KeepSpace website to support the implementation of KeepSpace strategies in Cranston.
Expanding the KeepSpace network
By identifying points of contact with key organizations, KeepSpace can continue to build its network of
partners, leverage the strengths of those partners and identify new resources. Since many of these contacts
are likely to be shared by KeepSpace Communities, this might be a task for the KeepSpace coordinator.
Continue to widen and strengthen partnerships
For all groups, the immediate results of partnership may be a specific initiative; the big picture impact is that
these organizations expand their networks. In addition, they will have a forum and a process that they can
engage, if needed, to collaborate on additional strategies and seek additional partners in the future.
page 34
Implementation Matrix
Strategy
Description & Action Items
For More Information or To Get
Involved
Time Frame
To assist Cranston Print Works development team in crafting a final plan and financing strategy that will bring
the project to a successful conclusion for all concerned.
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Short-term
A Good Home
Support Redevelopment
of Cranston Print
Works
• Address floodplain mapping issues with RIDEM and other applicable agencies.
• Continue to work with Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission on crafting a final plan
that is sensitive to preservation concerns while still being economically viable.
• Explore plan alternatives that might reduce potential impacts on flooding and historic resources.
• Work with City of Cranston officials on proposed re-zoning of the Print Works complex.
• Continue to develop plans for the new park, bike path connector, boat access and explore
funding sources.
Promote Construction
of a Range of
Housing Types
To encourage construction of new homes that cater to the needs of smaller households, with flexible floor plans,
handicapped accessible/single-level living, etc.
• Inventory available building sites and redevelopment opportunities.
Carol Ventura, Director
Development
401-457-1129
[email protected]
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Short-term/
mid-term
Rhode Island Historical
Preservation & Heritage
Commission
401-222-2678
[email protected]
Mid-term
Fran Falcone, Resource Specialist
Cranston Department of Community
Development - Residential
Rehabilitation Assistance Program
401-461-1000 ext. 7205
[email protected]
Mid-term
Rita Holahan
Cranston Representative to the
Pawtuxet River Authority
[email protected]
401-615-7039
Mid-term/
long-term
• Identify opportunities to leverage public financing for new apartment and townhouse development.
• Work with the Cranston Print Works development team to identify a mix of homes that can best
serve local needs.
Preserve Historic Homes
and Neighborhoods
To protect, maintain and celebrate the unique structures and neighborhoods that are important to telling the
story of Cranston, such as historic White Village.
• Inventory historic structures and districts.
• Develop maps, walking tours and other information to help the public understand the value of historic
resources in the neighborhoods.
• Work with homeowners to identify funding strategies to help pay for restoration of historic structures.
• Create advisory design standards to help homeowners with renovation and expansion of historic homes.
• Create historically appropriate design standards for street signage, sidewalks and plantings within the
public right of way.
Promote Weatherization
and Code Upgrades for
Residential and
Commercial Properties
To leverage existing funds and programs for property improvements that reduce heating and cooling costs and
make homes and businesses safer and more livable.
• Explore opportunities to bolster code enforcement to provide support to renters and property owners.
• Create an inventory of resources available for property improvements.
• Convene funding agencies and organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration that will help to
advance both individual and shared goals.
Implement a Vision for
Green Infrastructure the Pocasset River
Greenway
To create a continuous Pocasset River Greenway that would incorporate a restored ecosystem, a new park at
the Print Works Dam, enhanced boat access and an interconnected network of walking, biking and boating
trails.
• A master plan for connecting existing and proposed recreation sites into a continuous system.
• Enhanced access for hiking and boating on and around the Pocasset River and Randall Pond.
• Reduced risk of future flooding and mitigation of the effects of floods that do occur.
• Revitalization and long-term viability of historic ecosystems and the native species they support.
• Assurance that the Pocasset River and its associated wetlands and upland areas are safe for human use
before opening up additional public access.
• Assessment of public health issues and potential actions to improve the health of neighborhood residents.
Mitigate the Risk of
Flooding Along the
Pocasset River
To lower the risk of future flooding and mitigate the effects of floods that do occur.
• Evaluate flood prevention improvements for possible coordination with other elements such as habitat
restoration and public access improvements.
Marie Sweet, Chair
[email protected]
401-946-2323
[email protected]
401-780-3222
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Mid-term/
long-term
• Promote low impact development techniques through education and site plan review procedures.
• Promote replacement of existing impervious surfaces with pervious surfaces through public education,
development standards/review process, and improvements to the public right of way and other city property.
page 35
IV. NEXT STEPS
Strategy
Involved
Time Frame
Create a Master
Plan That Connects
Recreation Sites and
Enhances Public Access
to the Pocasset River
and Ponds
To provide for coordinated and enhanced access for hiking and boating on and around the Pocasset River and
Randall Pond.
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Short-term
• Develop a detailed master plan for an interconnected network of parks, trails and water access points,
in coordination with the school department, public works, YMCA, Cranston Print Works and the Office of
Catholic Cemeteries.
• Work with the Conservation Commission to identify regulations or restrictions applicable to
floodplains and wetlands that affect public access.
• Work with Pawtuxet River Authority, the Cranston Print Works and R.I. Department of
Environmental Management to implement plans for boat access on Randall and Print Works ponds.
• Work with the Office of Catholic Cemeteries to evaluate potential for public access through
cemetery properties.
• Work with developers of Cranston Print Works to establish a public park with access to Print Works Pond.
Rebuild Historic
Ecosystems and
Enhance Success of
Native Species
To rebuild the health and long-term viability of historic ecosystems and the native species they support.
• Plan for a continuous network of river, ponds, wetlands and tributary streams as a single ecosystem.
• Deal with invasive species that are preventing visual access to the river and competing with native plants.
• Evaluate the effect of dams and water flow patterns on natural populations of fish, amphibians,
invertebrates, native plants, etc.
• Evaluate potential impacts of hydroelectric generation on fish populations.
• Establish riparian buffer zones along the entire Pocasset River.
Rita Holahan
401-615-7039
[email protected]
Marie Sweet, Chair
401-946-2323
[email protected]
Marie Sweet, Chair
401-946-2323
[email protected]
Long-term
Rita Holahan
401-615-7039
[email protected]
• Establish volunteer river and/or pond watch program to provide for ongoing oversight of water.
While Enhancing
Access to the Pocasset
River, Address Potential
Contamination of Water
and Sediments
To ensure that the Pocasset River and its associated wetlands and upland areas are safe for human use
before opening up additional public access.
• Look at history of dye dumping from the mills and identify any locations likely to contain contaminants from
former industrial activities.
Rita Holahan
401-615-7039
[email protected]
Mid-term
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Long-term
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Short- to
mid-term
• Test soil and water to evaluate potential contamination.
• Provide ongoing testing of river and pond water.
Evaluate Public
Health Issues in the
Neighborhoods
To assess public health issues and potential actions to improve the health of neighborhood residents.
• Work with school department and the Rhode Island Dept. of Health to evaluate available records of childhood health in the neighborhood, especially asthma and lead poisoning.
• Review Annual Report from the Child Advocate’s office.
• Compare economic and educational status of families to health conditions.
Strong Commerce
Enhance the Economic
Environment for Small
Business
To support small businesses that form the backbone of commercial activity in the neighborhood.
• Work with existing businesses to define needed improvements to zoning and other regulations, parking,
streetscapes, public services, etc.
• Work with developers of Cranston Print Works to establish a final development program that complements
existing retail and service businesses in the neighborhood.
• Promote historic and cultural tourism to take advantage of historic sites, potential museum and cultural
heritage of Itri.
page 36
Stephen Boyle, Executive Director
Cranston Chamber of Commerce
401-785-3780
[email protected]
Strategy
Revise Zoning to
Promote Redevelopment
of Park Avenue and
Cranston Street
Involved
Time Frame
To promote redevelopment of Park Avenue and Cranston Street with traditional mixed-use structures.
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Short-term
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Mid-term
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Mid-term
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Mid-term
Commission
401-222-2678
[email protected]
Short-term
• Provide village zoning overlay to promote mixed use commercial development along the length of Cranston
Street from Park Avenue to Gansett Street.
• Promote inclusion of apartments in upper floors of commercial buildings.
• Provide incentives for gradual redevelopment of Park Avenue as a more traditional
pedestrian-friendly streetscape.
• Limit commercial development to first row of lots along Cranston Street.
• Work with landowners, businesses and public officials to evaluate models for redevelopment, such as
Federal Hill in Providence.
• Coordinate zoning changes with new zoning for Cranston Print Works properties.
Enhance Parking for
Businesses and
Community Groups
To increase the overall amount and functional efficiency of parking in the neighborhood.
• Work with business owners to evaluate needs for additional or better-organized parking.
• Work with landowners and businesses to explore opportunities for improving circulation between adjoining
lots and shared parking for complementary uses.
• Adjust zoning and development regulations to align parking standards with current best practices
and limit loss of historic structures to provide parking.
• Evaluate potential use of parking structures to allow increased development and activity within Knightsville
Square area.
Renovate Knightsville
Square
To revitalize Knightsville Square and promote infill and redevelopment.
• Work with neighborhood stakeholders to create a master plan for redeveloping underutilized buildings
and infilling empty lots with new structures along the sidewalk.
• Coordinate infill of buildings with parking plan that unites many separate lots into an easy-to-use,
continuous system.
• Revise zoning to promote appropriate redevelopment around Knightsville Square.
Streetscape
Improvements
To renovate Cranston Street and Park Avenue streetscapes to enhance the pedestrian and
bicycling environment.
• Renovate sidewalks and explore pedestrian enhancements such as raised cross walks and
bump outs along Cranston Street.
• Evaluate condition of existing street trees and provide improved tree pits and other
enhancements to promote healthy growth.
• Adopt design standards for lighting, signage, landscaping and architecture to unify the
neighborhood and enhance its sense of place.
• Link driveways and parking lots across lot lines and consolidate curb cuts to improve
circulation and enhance the appearance of the streetscape.
• Expand and connect existing bike paths and make Cranston Street and Park Avenue more bicycle friendly.
Integrated Arts, Recreation, Culture and Religion
Create a Joint Historical
Society/Cranston Print
Works Museum
To establish a Museum Complex to tell the story of the Cranston Print Works and the surrounding neighborhoods of Knightsville and Arlington.
• Create a master plan for a core museum complex incorporating the Sprague Mansion,
Cranston Print Works, the Meeting House and mill housing.
• Assemble partners to agree upon goals and policies, responsibilities and funding strategies.
• Build on current efforts to establish Civil War museum in the Sprague Carriage House.
• Tell the story of the Amasa Sprague murder and the history of capital punishment in
Rhode Island and America.
• Celebrate Cranston Street as part of the Rochambeau Route – the route taken by the French Army
as they marched from Newport to Yorktown at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War.
page 37
IV. NEXT STEPS
Strategy
An Educational
Partnership to Celebrate
Cultural Heritage
Involved
Time Frame
To preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of Knightsville/Itriville.
Commission
401-222-2678
[email protected]
Mid-term
401-780-3222
[email protected]
Short- to mid-term
• Partner with Bain Middle School staff and students to take oral histories and preserve and interpret the
stories of neighborhood residents.
• As part of the museum project, interpret the history of the English, Irish, Italian and other ethnic groups that
built Knightsville and the Print Works.
• Work with the churches and related groups such as Saint Mary’s Feast Society on incorporating historic
preservation and interpretation into plans for redeveloping Itri/Knightsville Square, streets, sidewalks and
other public spaces.
• Assist Cranston Historical Society on a plan for preservation and interpretation of historic
properties and streets.
Create a Neighborhood
Recreation Master Plan
To establish a master plan for connecting existing and proposed recreation sites into a continuous system.
• Help city departments and the local YMCA to evaluate existing recreation sites along Gansett Avenue and
identify additional needs for the neighborhood.
• Work with Cranston Print Works developers on final plans for bike path connector and public access to
Print Works Pond.
• Work with the Office of Catholic Cemeteries to evaluate potential for appropriate public access through
cemetery properties to link up recreation sites along the river.
• Coordinate improvements to neighborhood parks and sidewalks to provide improved pedestrian/bicycle
connectivity throughout the recreational system.
page 38
Affiliations of Cranston KeepSpace Working Group Meeting Attendees
Working Group participants included, among others, representatives of the
following agencies, offices and organizations:
Local Partners
Statewide Partners
Cathedral Development Group
R.I. Department of Environmental Management
City of Cranston, Office of the Mayor
Cranston Department of Community Development
Cranston Chamber of Commerce
R.I. Department of Transportation
Cranston City Council
Grow Smart Rhode Island
Cranston City Plan Commission
Cranston Fire Chief
Cranston Historical Society
Cranston Industrial Development Commission
Consultant Team
Consensus Building Institute
Dodson Associates
Horsley Witten Group
Cranston Print Works
Cranston Public Schools
Newport Collaborative Architects
St. Ann Parish
St. Mary Parish
Twombly Consulting
VHB Engineering
A particular ‘thank you’ to all of the residents, business owners and property owners of Cranston who gave of their time,
energy and ideas throughout this process.
44 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903-1721
401-457-1234 • www.keepspace.org

Cranston KeepSpace Community Design Plan

Transcription

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