PROVIDENCE – Typically, the Providence Preservation Society identifies buildings for inclusion on its Most Endangered Properties compilation. But this year, a parcel of undeveloped land in the Interstate 195 Redevelopment District made the list.
The site, Parcel 1A, is threatened by inappropriate development, according to the executive director and a description of the entry on the PPS website. The parcel is challenging and will require state environmental approval to develop because of its proximity to the Providence River.
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In addition, three historical foot paths or “gangways” that once traversed the land to the river are expected to be retained in any design, according to PPS.
The property, which covers .28 acres, is the site of a proposed development of a boutique hotel. The project in 2017 received an initial approval from the Interstate 195 Redevelopment District Commission. It is expected to return for further review this year.
Of the rationale for including it on the Most Endangered Properties list, the PPS summary states: “The community member who nominated Parcel 1A … noted that ‘development will diminish the feeling of it being a public walk – though the boardwalk will remain, it may deter passersby by interrupting the landscape with a large, private, commercial establishment.’ ”
More information on the list this year can be found on the PPS website.
Mary MacDonald is a staff writer for the PBN. Contact her at macdonald@pbn.com.
