This much we know. The former Ladd School site — 331
acres and a dozen buildings in rural Exeter — is not doing anyone any good in
its present condition.
That town officials in Exeter and state officials at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation have been unable to agree on plans for the property is unfortunate to say the least.
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Just months ago we were writing about an ambitious proposal — a research and technology center bringing 3,000 new jobs and a significant reduction to the town’s tax rate.
That plan, however, is on hold. The two sides have hit a stalemate
The idea to rehabilitate the site became a priority for the EDC about three years ago, when under the direction of the state, the agency started to explore redevelopment possibilities there. The state has secured $5 million for the project. That money has been put to use for environmental clean up of the site, demolition of some buildings and the upgrade of existing facilities.
But bringing such a high tech center to Exeter has been a plan slow to develop. Certainly, there are legitimate concerns about the rural character of the town of 6,200 residents.
There are some tricky environmental concerns. The Conservation Law Foundation, for example, is supporting plans for a federal Job Corps training center, but the group has questions regarding a high tech research center.
With all of the development we have enjoyed in Rhode Island in recent years —
including the rehabilitation of many environmentally sensitive sites, it is a
shame that a more significant use of this property — abandoned for seven years — cannot be found.
At the very least, officials in Exeter and at the EDC need to resume discussions and begin charting a viable future for the property in question.
