From June 10 to 13, the city held the Providence Waterfront Charrette to discuss how we can modify the Comprehensive Plan to maximize the potential of this incredible resource for the benefit of the region’s economy and quality of life.

In the course of four days, we discussed the implications for its use and the urgency of protecting and enhancing this rich cultural and historical asset. We heard from many experts but, more importantly, we heard from residents about what they envision for our waterfront. Through formal presentations and informal discussions, we talked about regulatory frameworks and environmental conditions, energy resources, the Port of Providence, economic models, industry trends and best practices of mixed use. (READ MORE)

Most see great potential for commercial and industrial growth, well-paying jobs, and expansion of the tax base, as well as increased recreational use and great public space. Strolling along the water’s edge, enjoying a city concert along India Point Park, or taking a day sail down the Providence River may not be measurable in dollars, but their value to the overall health and prosperity of a city can’t be overstated.

It was unanimously agreed there is tremendous unrealized promise for the waterfront.

For the marine industry, ideas for expansion and enhancement included short sea shipping, investment by existing waterfront businesses, and passenger vessels such as ferries, water taxis and cruise ships. The discussion included ways to create and expand jobs in the commercial, as well as maritime and manufacturing, trades. Also put forward was the idea of developing a prioritization method for which industrial and water-dependent uses would be preferred.

The subject of modifying the regulatory restrictions to the waterfront north of Thurbers Ave. to the Jewelry District remained a subject of intense discussion. Many were persuaded that allowing such uses as offices, recreation and new kinds of commercial entities was feasible in this area. Those who came with the passionate belief that hotels and residences should be barred from the area were heard loudly and clearly. Presentations were made on a number of strategies for buffering, such as vertical and horizontal separation and other regulatory means to achieve successful coexistence of mixed uses, as in Baltimore, Md., and Portland, Maine.

Also under discussion was how we could offset the disproportionate burden Providence carries with this remarkable statewide asset; some attendees suggested ways to increase revenue to compensate for that burden, through revenue sharing, tonnage taxes and service-based fees, and special revenue districts. Others offered ideas on business and development incentives such as adaptive reuse of vacant land, tax credit programs and tax stabilizations.

Importantly, we talked about partnerships to promote the waterfront and our mutual interests – such as environmental and industrial interests around coastal shipping and marine transportation or public access and industrial interests around increasing appreciation of the import of the working waterfront.

Common themes heard in nearly every conversation included:

• The importance of connectivity to the water.

• The waterfront’s value to the region as well as the city.

• The need to promote the waterfront’s cultural heritage and identity.

• The importance of a zoning hierarchy.

• The great appeal of a multi-jurisdictional Port Authority.

Through the summer, planners will review these ideas and prepare for a September public review. In the meantime, please visit our Web site for activities from that charrette at www.ProvidencePlanning.org. •

David N. Cicilline is the mayor of the City of Providence.