What do you think of Providence city government’s mixed-use vision for the waterfront along Allens Avenue?

By PBN Staff

Last week the Providence City Plan Commission endorsed changes in zoning for the area along the Providence River bordered by Allens Avenue that would restrict development to industrial waterfront uses roughly south of Thurbers Avenue, while allowing mixed use north of Thurbers.

The Working Waterfront Alliance opposes the change in zoning, arguing that allowing non-industrial uses will eventually create pressure for their members to leave the area, despite their ongoing commercial viability in that area.

City planners believe that the area has the potential to become a waterfront that resembles Newport, with some industrial uses mixed with retail, hospitality, office and in some cases, residential uses, and as a result will create more jobs in the long run than the uses that are there now.

Whose vision for this area deserves primacy?