Visit the "Centre of New England" (Providence: condo, houses)

[Hollytree]

Thank you Quilterchick, that was the road I was thinking of- state road 84 in Florida. It's appalling.

I would love to see even more adaptive reuse of old mill and similar derelict site buildings for business and living before new construction on undeveloped land but I understand it's cheaper to do it the other way.

I don't think RI is over-regulated on new construction at all- look what's gone up in downtown Providence for example. The only time it really seems to be regulated is when the residents protest. I've seen historic homes on the East Side torn down lately and wonder how easy it's become to get those permits.

There is a delicate balance between smart building and uncontrolled development- ask any city that's allowed it to happen.

[mr2448]

The "Centre of New England" is a good idea gone bad. Yes, it is a job producer, but only because these stores weren't built along Route 2 or 3. It has great access to 95 thus a place for restaurants, ala the rest of the world. Well, I do like Cracker Barrel. If they had only planted trees along their main road when it was built it and even planted them within the large parking lots. There is no village concept at all and you still need your car to go shopping even if you live in the condo/apt complex there. This could have been a great planned community as they have in other states. The last good one I saw was in Myrtle Beach. The Centre was a great way to recover a gravel pit, but they have done little to take the gravel pit feeling away. In a perfect setting this could have been a great place for the end of a light rail line to Providence. A better newly built village can be found in Washington County before Wakefield along Route 1. It has a much better feel to it and is pedestrian friendly.

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by mr2448

The "Centre of New England" is a good idea gone bad. Yes, it is a job producer, but only because these stores weren't built along Route 2 or 3. It has great access to 95 thus a place for restaurants, ala the rest of the world. Well, I do like Cracker Barrel. If they had only planted trees along their main road when it was built it and even planted them within the large parking lots. There is no village concept at all and you still need your car to go shopping even if you live in the condo/apt complex there. This could have been a great planned community as they have in other states. The last good one I saw was in Myrtle Beach. The Centre was a great way to recover a gravel pit, but they have done little to take the gravel pit feeling away. In a perfect setting this could have been a great place for the end of a light rail line to Providence. A better newly built village can be found in Washington County before Wakefield along Route 1. It has a much better feel to it and is pedestrian friendly.

What is the name of the development in Washington County? I cannot recall. Thanks.

[GermanSpy]

Originally Posted by QuilterChick

What is the name of the development in Washington County? I cannot recall. Thanks.

I think that would be South County Commons.

[Hollytree]

I really like what they did with Chapel View in Cranston. It utilized the old Sockanosset training school buildings and has loads of character.

[QuilterChick]

Originally Posted by Hollytree

I really like what they did with Chapel View in Cranston. It utilized the old Sockanosset training school buildings and has loads of character.

Yes, it is very nice. Apartments for $3,000 a month. Who wouldn't like it.

[Hollytree]

Yes, there are many people here who don't require low income housing.

[QuilterChick]

And a disproportionately high percentage are RI politicians. Might only be rumor, but doesn't Joe Mollicone live there, on the grounds of the old "bad boys' school"

[Hollytree]

haha. no he doesn't.

[rosco917]

I really like what they did with Chapel View in Cranston. It utilized the old Sockanosset training school buildings and has loads of character.

I'll agree to that, but some new builds don't lend themselves to that type of construction.

Yes, there are many people here who don't require low income housing.

Holly...what exactly do you mean by this statement. I has kind of a cheap shot ring to it. I would be surprised if that were true.