HOT TOPICS

An overview of what’s happening around the city right now

Neighbors once again reject Fane Tower

Few local development projects have stirred as much public opinion in recent years as the proposed Fane Tower, the 47-story residential building now under consideration, again, by the 195 Commission for Parcel 42 of 195 land. The developer, who years ago received a green light from the Commission to build the tower, came before the body in January to seek approval of a less expensive, pared-down design.

Of the 100 or so people who attended the January meeting, many gave public testimony, starting with the Commission’s own design consultant, Utile, who recommended against approval. The firm not only cited problems with the quality of the design of the tower and the parking podium, but also with potentially dangerous wind effects created by the building and “undesirable and unsafe” entry and exit arrangements for the parking garage. Residents, advocates, architects, union reps, and leaders of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA), Jewelry District Association (JDA), Mile of History Association, and Providence Preservation Society spoke overwhelmingly in opposition to the current iteration of the design. Fox Point neighbor Harry Bilodeau implored the Commission to “do the right thing” by voting down this “monster” of a building. Sharon Steele of the JDA noted that the Fane organization has never provided any market data supporting the need for this development. “There is real-world risk that Fane will never be able to complete the project,” she said.

FPNA president Nick Cicchitelli and vice president Daisy Schnepel decried the design, function, and feasibility of the project in a recent letter to the Commission, saying that “the simplistic, watered-down redesign of the tower and podium makes the structure look like a generic o ce building, not an iconic structure.” FPNA has opposed this project from the start and, along with other neighbors, strongly encourages the Commission to reject it.

More than 100 people attended the January meeting of the 195 Commission, many of whom spoke against the proposed Fane Tower

Street updates and questionable developments in the Mile of History

After many years of pushing by Mile of History Association (MoHA) neighbors, 2023 will see the northern portion of Benefit Street get repaved and the streetlights replaced. MoHA has arranged major funding for the streetlight project, and the City of Providence recently received the final shipment of the new materials.

As the I-195 Commission continues moving forward with the development of Parcel 2 (the land bounded by South Water Street, Dollar Street, South Main Street, and a portion of James Street), MoHA strongly advocates for the design of any new buildings to be complementary to the surrounding historical context. So far, the design proposals the Commission has considered are of tall, massive structures (higher than the level of Benefit Street) unfit for the location adjacent to the Mile of History district.

As always, MoHA works to protect, preserve, and enhance the historic and architectural heritage of Benefit Street and the streets intersecting it. MoHA is the leading advocate for repairing the streets, sidewalks, and streetlights and contributes key support to civic projects like the John Brown House, Tillinghast Cemetery, Providence Preservation Society’s Concerts in the Garden, and the Benefit Street Holiday Stroll. To join the e ort, visit MileOfHistory.org.

Elections and awards at Summit Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting

The Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) is preparing for their Annual Meeting on Monday, April 24, to be held in the Sopkin Auditorium of Miriam Hospital. They will hold elections for board o cers and members at the meeting, and invite neighbors interested in joining the board to reach out via email for more information. SNA is also seeking nominations of local unsung heroes for the 2023 Sheila B. Perlow Award, to be announced at the Annual Meeting. Named after the late longtime SNA board member and dedicated community volunteer, the award recognizes someone in the neighborhood who has contributed behind the scenes in a significant way to the quality of life in Summit. To nominate someone, email SNAProv@gmail.com by March 30 and include the nominee’s name and a few words about why you think they should be celebrated.

PPS commences leadership transition for new executive director

The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) announced at their Annual Meeting in January that Brent Runyon, the current executive director of the organization, is stepping down from the role to make way for a leadership transition this year. “Providence is an amazing place,” Runyon stated in a press release. “We’ve done so much together in this near decade. I’m proud of our work together and I’m happy to have led the organization toward many accomplishments.” During Runyon’s tenure, PPS has increased advocacy impact, launched timely new programming, raised $1.8 million for a capital campaign, helped the Superman Building get listed in the “11 Most Endangered Sites in America,” created workforce initiative Building Works, and more.

A search committee was formed for the 2023 Leadership Transition, chaired by past board president Lucie Searle and current board member Katherine Pomplun, and supported by the full board, sta , and advisors. The o cial search is underway and will continue until the ideal candidate is found. In the meantime, Runyon, sta , and board members will continue to steward PPS’ preservation work and grow programs and initiatives to meet the ever changing needs of Providence. For more information, contact EDSearch@ppsri.org.

Providence Neighborhood Associations

Blackstone Parks Conservancy

Jane Peterson

P.O. Box 603141

Providence, RI 02906

401-270-3014

BlackstoneParks@gmail.com

BlackstoneParksConservancy.org

College Hill Neighborhood Association

Rick Champagne

P.O. Box 2442

Providence, RI 02906

CHNA@chnaprovidence.org

CHNAProvidence.org

Downtown Neighborhood Association

DNAPVD@gmail.com

DNAPVD.com

Facebook: Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association, DNA

Elmwood Neighborhood Association

Karen Hlynsky

ENA-PVD.org

Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD

Fox Point Neighborhood Association

Meeting Date: March 13

Amy Mendillo

P.O. Box 2315

Providence, RI 02906

FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com

FPNA.net

Jewelry District Association

Sharon Steele

Sharon@sharonsteele.com

JewelryDistrict.org

Facebook: Jewelry District Association

Providence, RI

Mile of History Association

Wendy Marcus c/o Providence Preservation Society 24 Meeting Street Providence, RI 02903

MileOfHistory@gmail.com

MileOfHistory.org

Mount Hope Community Center 401-521-8830

MHNAInc@gmail.com

Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.

Olneyville Neighborhood Association

122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909 ona@ona-providence.org

ONA-providence.org

Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Info@provcna.org

ProvCNA.org

Reservoir Triangle

Neighborhood Association

David Talan

25 Santiago St.

Providence, RI 02907

401-941-3662

DaveTalan@aol.com

Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

Wole Akinbi

400 Smith Street

Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1

AAkinbi@half-full.com

Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

South Providence

Neighborhood Association c/o Dwayne Keys

P.O. Box 5653

Providence, RI 02903

401-369-1334

SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com

Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association

Summit Neighborhood Association

Meeting date: March 20

P.O. Box 41092

Providence, RI 02940

401-400-0986

SNAProv@gmail.com

SummitNeighbors.org

Washington Park

Neighborhood Association

237 Washington Avenue

Providence, RI 02905

BettyLinda@aol.com

Facebook: Washington Park Association

Wayland Square

Neighborhood Association

Katherine Touafek

Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association

WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com

West Broadway

Neighborhood Association

1560 Westminster Street

Providence, RI 02909

401-831-9344

WBNA@wbna.org

WBNA.org

With a commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community, The Preserve is Rhode Island’s newest facility o ering an experience unlike any other in senior living and care. Owner and CEO Akshay Talwar’s mission is to create a space for residents to embrace this next chapter in their lives as a time of renewal rather than isolation, surrounded by new friends and all the amenities of a comfortable life.

The moment you set foot inside, there is a sense of coming home. The Preserve features 66 modern, private residences in a variety of appealing floorplans, for residents seeking an independent lifestyle or assisted living. The Preserve blends Briarcli e’s legacy of care and compassion with a sense of elegance in spaces designed to feel airy and cozy with high ceilings and upscale finishes. The Preserve is all about choices, whether that means enjoying a manicured outdoor oasis or using concierge and personal care services. Residents have daily access to a fitness center, restaurant-style dining, library/computer area, spacious lounges, and social activities.

Briarcli e has been the choice of generations of RI families when it comes to providing compassionate care. The Preserve is an extension of this commitment with state-of-the-art safety and accessibility features and a luxury resort feel.

AUDIO/VIDEO HELP

Home theater, TV or stereo? Jon Bell, Simply Sight & Sound, 401-749-8283. Reasonable rates. 30+ yrs exp.

BEYOND THE PALE

Quality interior painting, color consulting, lead certified, green products. Lic. #15914. Call Mike 401-573-4498.

EAST SIDE HANDYMAN

Carpentry, painting and repairs. Small jobs welcome. References, insured. 401-524-6421. Reg. #3052.

MALIN PAINTING

Most ceiling & wall repairs, wallpaper removal, oil-based & latex finishes, staining, varnishing. Fully insured, Many local references. Safe, secure, fast service. 226-8332. Reg. #19226.

WANTED

USED MUSIC WANTED!

Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. Call 351-6292.