Rezone by all means, just do it right

It is unfortunate that it has taken the severe contraction of Rhode Island’s economy to generate momentum for alternative uses for the state’s industrial waterfront. But it is about time!

Narragansett Bay is an extraordinary, natural economic resource, in the same league as Puget Sound, Chesapeake Bay and the San Francisco Bay. The state’s maritime history dating back to Colonial times gives testament to the bay’s importance in the state’s economic development.

But that development has been stymied of late. Providence’s port is a patchwork of vibrant industrial businesses beside empty lots. The city wants to remedy the situation. However, two questions loom large: Where will the money come from, and whose vision will be realized?

Some private developers see the waterfront as prime for mixed-use development, giving more people access to the shoreline for work, play and living. But existing businesses believe such land use is incompatible with their industrial zoning. They also make a strong case that the city needs more jobs, not more waterfront housing.

A special commission of the General Assembly considering those issues has begun the process with a bus tour of the port of Providence, and plans visits to Davisville and Galilee.

We hope they recognize the importance of a disciplined approach to development that recognizes the city’s waterfront’s most vital role is as an economic engine for the region, not as a playground.

In that scenario, mixed-use development is fine as long as it can coexist happily with existing vibrant industrial uses.

That approach becomes increasingly crucial as nonprofits such as Brown University and Lifespan look to expand their footprints – and thus reduce the tax base – in downtown with the relocation of Interstate 195. •