COMMISSION APPROVES $200 MILLION PARKWAY PROJECT
Stores, a restaurant, over 600 households, and some 2,000 jobs could come to the former Gulf Oil site
The new development will feature green roofing and waterfront views.
By Matthew Robinson

EAST PROVIDENCE - The East Providence Waterfront Special Development District Commission paved the way for the massive Village on the Waterfront development proposed by Chevron Land and Development Co. in their unanimous decision on August 11.

Diane Feather, a city planner instrumental to the project, said the site was once used for fuel storage by the former Gulf Oil. The development is proposed on a 26-acre parcel that separates the Providence River from Veterans Memorial Parkway. The East Bay Bike Path runs along this stretch of the parkway. the area has been derelict since the fuel product piping was torn down in 1987 and above ground fuel storage tanks were removed in 1999.

The project calls for the 26 acres to be transformed into a mixed use village that comprises 567 condominiums; 37 townhouses; 26,367 square-feet of retail space; a 5,102 square-feet restaurant, and an 11,239 square-feet fitness center. A possible marina is proposed and 88 permanent jobs. The proposal cost is estimated at $200 million. There will be 2,009 temporary jobs with year-long duration each during the five construction phases of the project.

The drive along the parkway will be drastically changed. Along with a better view (the construction is designed to be
below the parkway and enhance the view of the water) there will be a round-about constructed at the intersection of Lyon Avenue. The entrance to the new village will be across from Lyon Avenue and the existing bicycle path will have an access at the village entryway. There will also be an underground walk for foot traffic just east of the round-about which will foster safe passage for pedestrians in the area of the Metacomet Country Club to the Village across the Parkway.

East Providence Planning Director Jeanne Boyle said this is a “tremendous development which will transform the East Providence waterfront and open access to the residents.” Ms. Boyle said the project was a “model of innovative green building practices” because of its incorporation of solar panels and vegetation on roof tops which help cut down heat and absorbs drainage. The project will be the first in the city to achieve a LEED silver certification which is a designation from the US Green Building Council of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design.

Ms. Boyle said the first phase of the development is commercial and will establish the retail, restaurant and fitness center, scheduled for completion in 2012, which should provide a bulk of the permanent jobs. Ms. Boyle said the estimated gross annual tax revenue for the city, upon completion in 2018, is $2.77 million dollars.

The project will also provide a new road along the river front, called Waterfront Drive. This will be a public road with a second proposed bicycle path between it and the river, giving cyclists an alternate scenic route along the water in addition to the existing route along the parkway. Waterfront Drive will have public parking and access a new public park on the water. Ms. Feather said the park will connect to the bike path and have seating, lighting, bicycle racks, trash receptacles, a fishing pier, a kayak rental shop, and pedestrian walkways.

Mr. Robinson is a member of the East Providence Planning Board.