Joseph Mulligan |
Director of planning and development, city of Providence
1. What are your priorities for Providence as the city’s new director of planning? I see our work in the Planning Department as key drivers for development in our city, creating new spaces for businesses and our fastest-growing industries, as well as improving the quality of our local housing stock so that people of all income levels can afford to make Providence their home.
2. What next steps do you envision for the currently paused “urban trail” network from former Mayor Jorge O. Elorza’s administration? I have already begun working with the administration to review the state of Providence’s Urban Trail Network – where there are gaps, what parts of the network are the most used or underutilized, and overall, how we can improve the quality of connections between Providence’s neighborhoods.
3. What role will the city’s business community play in how you implement planning decisions, and how do you balance these opinions against input from other community groups and residents? Mayor [Brett P.] Smiley and I believe that a robust planning and community process, as well as a healthy and vibrant business environment, benefits the city as a whole. When making decisions, it is critically important to us both that we have strong lines of communication with all stakeholders as we work toward a common goal.
4. Do you see a place for transit-oriented development projects in Providence, and if so, are there any specific areas you have in mind for potential development? Good transit infrastructure anywhere warrants increased TOD initiatives. I am excited about Providence’s prospects of coordinating transit-oriented development with RIPTA [R.I. Public Transit Authority], as they advance plans for a new downtown transit hub, study the feasibility of high-capacity transit and implement the Rhode Island Transit Master Plan.
5. In what other ways does your previous experience inform your plans for Providence? From small, intimate, infill opportunities to large, complex projects with regional impact, my experience has shown me that all scales of planning and development require thorough deliberation and attention to detail. Providence’s neighborhoods are full of energy, creativity and opportunity. I am eager to start working with our communities and stakeholders to build upon Providence’s strengths and achieve its aspirations.
