What to do when local concerns stand in the way of a bigger picture?
Such is the case of Hope Point tower, which is expected to be a $300 million investment in the I-195 Redevelopment District in Providence.
Yes, the condominium project would tower over all other buildings in the city. And for some of the day it would block the sun for those buildings on its north side. But is that bad?
Many in Providence believe it is, especially since it violates zoning restrictions set in place years ago for the development in that part of the city.
But when does the embrace of preservation of our history, especially through the region’s built environment, become a straitjacket on progress?
Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio has introduced legislation to take development of large tracts of state-owned land (such as the former Interstate 195 land) out of the hands of local jurisdictions.
It is an extreme measure, but if the Capital City wants to beat back its well-earned reputation as being hostile to investment, then it might just be what is needed.