We agree with Grow Smart Rhode Island’s opposition to plans for a Research Technology Park at the Ladd Center, its plans for alternative uses, and suggestions for a more logical placement of the research park.
Beyond the arguments against the location of the research center at the former Ladd School, are the arguments for the other locations, the East Providence waterfront or the Narragansett Brewery property in Cranston. Both sites have the infrastructure and the location of a 3,000 employee research and technology park would fit with plans already announced for both areas.
Beyond Cash Donations: How New Forms of Giving Are Transforming Not-for-Profit Accounting
Evolving Funding Landscape for Not-for-Profits Not-for-profit organizations are being asked to do more with less,…
Learn More
Grow Smart suggests that placing the park in Exeter is “neither smart growth nor smart economics.” They question the proposal based upon environmental impact, poor access to major labor markets, and that “a systematic linkage with nearby URI research has not been established, despite aspirations to do so.”
What Grow Smart envisions for the former 331 acre Ladd School is the development of a Job Corps site on 20 acres of land, the deeding of another portion to the town of Exeter for future school construction and recreational facilities, and encouraging the state Department of Environmental Management to work with various agencies and landowners to develop a plan to maintain the remaining land as open space.
We believe Grow Smart’s approach not only preserves among our most pristine areas of the state, but also suggests much more desirable locations to develop a 3,000 employee Research Technology Park.
