NORTH KINGSTOWN – The Statewide Planning Commission this morning approved the revised Quonset Gateway proposal, clearing the way for the mixed-use development of the 72.5 acres at the entrance to the Quonset Business Park.
“The new Gateway plan – and the cooperation required to make it a reality – is a good example of what we can accomplish by working together for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders,” Steven King, the Quonset Development Corporation’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “This is a major step forward in realizing Quonset’s full economic development and job-growth potential.”
The revised plan was endorsed by Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, as well as the QDC and the R.I. Economic Development Corporation. “The Gateway will lead to greater job growth at Quonset, while using solely private sector dollars to build a mixed-use site that will boost the local economy and respect the surrounding neighborhoods both now and in the future,” Carcieri said in a statement today.
He praised the QDC and New Boston Development Partners for their efforts to incorporate suggestions from his office, the state planning commission, the town and other stakeholders, adding: “We can be proud of our vision for development at Quonset, and for the hard work we have put into substantially revising this project over the last several months.”
Municipal officials and local business leaders also expressed their support for the revised plan, with the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce issuing a statement saying that “the changes implemented in the latest proposal positively address many concerns raised by the business community and the community at large.”
The 961,660-square-foot complex is to include 391,900 square feet of offices, 333,960 square feet of retail space and a 160-room, 81,700-square-foot Hilton Hampton Inn hotel, the QDC said. Another 154,100 square feet of non-retail space will include community meeting space (above the shops and restaurants), and a multipurpose fitness and recreation center.
New Boston will invest $144 million in the project, which will receive no public subsidy.
“The revised Gateway plan – and the private investment it will spur – will pay great dividends for Rhode Island, North Kingstown and Quonset,” said Saul Kaplan, executive director of the R.I. EDC and chairman of the QDC board of directors. “Today’s decision will accelerate our job-creation effort at Quonset and throughout the state.”
About 1,060 construction jobs will be created during the building of the complex, while the completed complex will create 2,165 mostly office positions, the QDC said.
“The Gateway will also create much needed revenue for the state and the Town of North Kingstown,” the quasi-public agency said in its announcement. “Rhode Island will realize $9 million in sales tax and $3 million in payroll tax from the project. The town is projected to receive $1.4 million in combined property taxes and PILOT payments.”
Timothy Chamberlin, director of development for the New Boston Fund Inc., issued a statement this afternoon saying: “New Boston Development Partners is pleased that the Gateway project has been unanimously approved by the State Planning Commission. … The [project] will allow Quonset to achieve its full potential and spur the investment necessary to create much-needed improvements along Post Road.
“We look forward to bringing the Gateway project to fruition and being a great neighbor in this community.”
The Quonset Development Corporation, a special-purpose subsidiary of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation, is a quasi-public company responsible for the development and management of the 3,000-plus acre Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown. Additional information is available at quonsetpointri.com.
