The Providence waterfront is a tremendous asset that has some people dreaming of trees, parks, housing and office buildings nestling against the Providence River. While that vision makes sense for some areas, the fact is, much of the waterfront is inhabited by thriving industrial concerns with a potential for growth. We urge the planners to keep that reality front and center.

As part of the process that will lead to updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the long-awaited charrette to discuss the 244-acre plot along Allens Avenue was held last week. We are heartened that three of the four proposals made by consultants would retain its industrial character in one form or another. Only one would change the zoning to allow residential and commercial uses for the land.

We understand the temptation to prettify the area and try to attract homeowners and renters. Residential developers salivate at the prospect of waterfront properties. But, in addition to the formidable environmental hurdles, that approach is simply wrong in this case. As the Providence Working Waterfront Alliance documented in its report released last week, businesses there employ 372 workers, with salaries averaging $55,000, and have sales totaling $294 million.

If the area were decaying, we’d be cheering on residential developments of the kind that have breathed new life into so many of the state’s abandoned mills. But that is not the case.

Other waterfront parcels would benefit from more development, including residential components – the 40 acres that will be freed up when Interstate 195 is removed, for one. But Allens Avenue is not the place.

With so little of our industrial heritage left, we should be proud of the companies that still produce gritty products and services – and do it in a competitive and profitable way. We should not be hastening their demise. & #8226