City of Providence to Hold First Community Meeting for Process to Reform Regulations

The City of Providence will hold its first community meeting for the Providence Downtown - Knowledge District Development Framework study on Thursday, July 21.

The community meeting, which will be held from 5:30- 7PM on the first floor of 444 Westminster Street, is the first of four meetings for the general public in Mayor Angel Taveras' process to create improved, streamlined planning and zoning regulations in Providence, with a special emphasis on the Jewelry District and new properties made available as part of the relocation of I-195.

At the first community meeting on July 21, the Department of Planning & Development will make an overview presentation to the public that presents the project's findings to date, describes the study area and its existing conditions, and identified opportunities and constraints for new development.

The public will be invited to ask questions and provide feedback.

"The relocation of I-195 and new development downtown is an incredible opportunity for Providence to attract new businesses, open up new revenue-generating property, and build our economy," said Taveras. "I encourage the citizens of Providence to attend these public meetings and take part in my administration's work to create a more streamlined zoning and permitting process that offers efficiency and predictability to everyone who lives and does business in our City."

Mayor Taveras convened more than 30 civic, government and business leaders in May to work with a federally funded consultant to produce recommendations for shortening the development cycle and ensure properties are developed in ways that best serve Providence and the City's residents.

An Advisory Committee will provide feedback on broad development goals and policy issues that affect zoning in the target area. A Technical Committee will review the finer details of the development options, including impacts to utilities, parking and transportation networks. Both committees are scheduled to meet next on August 5.

Please visit www.providenceplanning.org for additional project information and mapping.