City of, Rhode Island Comprehensive Community Plan 2010 Update Chapter 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Table of Contents I. Goals, Policies, and Actions 3-1 II. Community Profile and Needs Analysis 3-2 III. Summary of Major Issues 3-10 IV. Implementation Plan 3-12 Sources 3-20 3-1
I. Goals, Policies and Actions Goals Objectives Policies Actions A strong, diverse and vital commercial downtown. Decrease the amount of vacant square footage within downtown. Support the maintenance and expansion of existing businesses in. Support and encourage policies that entice artists, art organizations and art institutions to relocate to A vibrant mixed-use riverfront. Successful businesses within the manufacturin g, health care, and arts-related businesses. A welleducated, prepared, workforce. Increase the number of businesses in. Increase the number of jobs in. Increase the number of high paying jobs in within the manufacturing, health care and arts-related businesses. Cleanup 10 acres of contaminated property in 10 years. Increase graduation rate. Provide the adequate infrastructure including utilities, roadways, and parking facilities, at appropriate locations for economic development activities. The City, the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, PBDC and the Foundation should actively market downtown. Support the efforts of the Business Development Corporation (PBDC) in providing assistance to area businesses through low interest loans, information, and referrals, including the allocation of CDBG funding to PBDC for secondary low-interest loans to companies. Coordinate with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy process. Cooperate with New England Economic Development Services to maintain their land and building inventory for the City. Utilize federal and state programs and financial incentives to remediate and reuse brownfield sites within the City. Utilize the tax stabilization ordinance and other economic incentives as a means to encourage the expansion of economic development. Seek funding sources and implement the Downtown Urban Design and Circulation Study. Prepare promotional marketing materials, including a portfolio of successful adaptive reuse projects involving historic mill structures and a specialized economic development website. Update the Redevelopment Plan. Improve the visibility and accessibility of downtown parking facilities. Improve visitor access to locate major attractions by developing a signage plan and implementation program. Develop a database of vacant downtown buildings, which identifies the code and other issues that need to be addressed. Hold weekly developer meetings to assist in the navigation of the City s regulatory review process. Establish an annual local business visitation program. Work with RIDOT and FTA to advance the /Central Falls Commuter Rail Station. Explore the creation of a downtown Business Improvement District. Create a written economic development plan. Identify source of public subsidy/financing for Roosevelt Avenue development. Investigate potential to expand availability of higher education within. Establish a regular monthly program for downtown events. 3-1
II. Community Profile and Needs Analysis A. Introduction Once an industrial powerhouse, the City of has been combating economic decline since the late 1950 s when it began to lose first its manufacturing base and then much of its downtown retail as a result of suburbanization, competition from southern textile mills and the construction of Interstate 95. Since then, the City s economic development efforts have been focused on both retaining manufacturing jobs and revitalizing the downtown. In 1985 the City of and the Redevelopment Agency developed an overall economic development strategy to revitalize the downtown which was multi-faceted, capitalized on s strengths, and long-term. Revitalization efforts focused on attracting a mix of commercial, office and residential using the riverfront, the City s historic resources, and access to Interstate 95 as a draw. The City also began to focus on the arts as a vehicle for revitalization in the 1990 s and has implemented an Arts District, developed a successful Arts Festival and provided funding for local artists. These efforts have begun to pay off. Vacant and under-utilized mill buildings have been converted into commercial and residential uses four hundred and fifty new residential units have been permitted, and over three hundred and fifty are planned within downtown. The current economic climate, which is not only affecting but the region and nation as well, is not conducive to economic growth. The City s short term economic goals are to maintain the gains realized in the past 5-10 years, and to take this opportunity to plan for the future. B. Regional Overview Located just to the north of Providence, is the fourth largest city in Rhode Island. Like all communities, s economy is built on inter-relationships that stretch far beyond the City s borders. is linked with the labor markets of both Providence and Boston and is at the southern end of the Blackstone Valley. At present, is feeling the tremors of a larger economic readjustment affecting all of the United States. Unemployment statistics from the RI Department of Labor and Training in June 2009 showed an unemployment rate in as 11.9% (down from over 15% a year ago), and 10.6% statewide, compared with an average of 7.9% for the rest of the New England States. The per capita income of ($20,855) still well below the state average ($27,515) and the MSA ($29,613) 1. This fact is likely based on the nature of s employment which is largely comprised of traditionally lower paying jobs like manufacturing and retail. Median household income in 2008 was estimated to be $41,391, compared to a statewide household income of $55,701 (2008 American Community Survey). Since the 1960 s, has consistently been below the State s median family income. The 2008 American Community Survey 1 Per capita income estimates come from the 2005-2007 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates. 3-2
estimates that 18 percent of the population in had incomes below the poverty level, compared to 11 percent statewide. C. Labor Force The total labor force in decreased 4.4% from 1990 to 2000 - from 37,372 in 1990 to 35,745 in 2000 - but the 2008 American Community Survey estimates that this number is back up above 38,000. Table 3.1 below describes the educational attainment of residents as compared to Rhode Island and the nation. Compared to the state and nation, has proportionately more residents who did not finish high school, and less than have obtained at least a four-year college degree. The Foundation s Blueprint Bridge to Prosperity identifies education and job training as one of its strategic pillars for economic success in the City of. Table 3.1 Educational Attainment, Population 25 Years and Older United States Rhode Island Number % Number % Number % Did not finish high school 30,068,765 15 115,478 16 12,141 25 High School Graduate/GED 57,032,214 29 197,197 28 15,111 31 Associates Degree/ Some College 57,571,857 29 183,191 26 12,477 26 Bachelor s Degree or Higher 55,357,182 28 212,880 30 8,593 18 Total 200,030,018 100 708,746 100 48,322 100 Source: 2008 American Community Survey D. Employment in This section of the community profile addresses the employment available in, and does not necessarily reflect employment for residents rather, indicated jobs within the City that are available to anyone in the State or Region. Table 3.2 shows the current and historic breakdown of occupations within the City. Although it continues to decline, manufacturing is still the second largest industry employer category in. Because of economic circumstances that affect the region and nation, many of the sectors have lost employees. However, Table 3.2 also shows where the City s efforts to attract artists and other professionals has been successful. These industry groups all show a marked increase. Employees under arts, entertainment and recreation have increased almost 50% since 2002. Table 3.2 Occupations in 2002-2008 2002 2008 % Change Average Employment Total Private & Government 28,410 26,122 (8) Total Private Only 26,167 23,617 (10) Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting * 0 Mining 0 0 Utilities * 9 Construction 1,095 902 (18) Manufacturing 7,525 4,830 (36) Wholesale Trade 659 542 (18) Retail Trade 2,362 1,787 (24) Transportation & Warehousing 512 421 (18) 3-3
Information 1,084 260 (76) Finance & Insurance 906 905 (0) Real Estate & Rental & Leasing 322 265 (18) Professional & Technical Services 462 632 37 Management of Companies & Enterprises 1,181 1,485 26 Administrative Support/ Waste Mngmnt. 1,729 1,963 14 Educational Services 269 389 45 Health Care & Social Assistance 5,086 5,762 13 Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation 335 495 48 Accommodation & Food Services 1,279 1,616 26 Other services (except Public Administration) 1,341 1,354 01 Unclassified Establishments 6 * Public Administration 2,243 2,503 12 Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, 2009. The number of jobs available in decreased from 31,481 in 1989 to 27,085 in 2000. In the period from 2002-2008 there was a net loss of 2,288 jobs. Manufacturing lost 4,621 jobs in the 1990 s, and another approximately 2,600 so far in the 2000s. Besides Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Information occupations had the smallest total employment in with 260 employees. Retail Trade saw a decrease in 575 jobs between 1990 and 2000. The second largest occupation group in the City of in 2008 was Health Care and Social Assistance. In 2009, there were 42 employers in who employed 100 or more people (see Table 3.3). Much of the growth that did experience in recent years, however, has been as a result of smaller enterprises. The City s focus on the arts has resulted in a number of artists locating their studios in which are generally one or two person small businesses. Table 3.3 Twelve Largest Private Employers in Employer Number of Employees Product or Services Memorial Hospital 1,733 Health Care Hasbro, Inc. 1,511 Toys and Games Gateway Healthcare, Inc. 800 Health Services International Packaging Corp. 603 Containers for Gifts Collette Vacations 350 Travel Agency ARC of Blackstone Valley 350 Non-Profit/Human Services PFPC Inc. 334 Financial Services PNC Global Investment Servicing 334 Data Processing Teknor Apex 325 Rubber and Plastics Aid Maintenance Co., Inc. 300 Commercial Cleaning Lifetime Medical Nursing Services 300 Nursing Services Red Sox 300 Baseball League Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, 2009 New commercial and industrial construction is one indicator of the growth of the City s economic base. The number of construction jobs remained relatively stable from 2002-2008. This number is anticipated to go up over the next year, as a result of the stimulus programming. Since the 2005 update, the new commercial and industrial square footage has increased slowly (City of Building Department, 2010). These 3-4
figures, however, do not take into consideration the rehabilitation of space for commercial or industrial uses. E. Industrial Development and Redevelopment The Zoning Ordinance classifies industrial areas into two types. The first is manufacturing built-up (MB) which consists of established multi-story structures. The second is manufacturing open (MO) which consists of the newer areas with more vacant land. Very little of MB zoned land is vacant 3.2 acres while there are 119 acres of vacant land zoned MO. In addition, some of these buildings are no longer appropriate for reuse as industrial (with the exception of small-scale industrial/artisan type use). While there is a good amount of vacant land zoned MO, much of it is constrained by topography and wetlands. Specifically, much of this land is located along the Moshassuck Valley Canal. In addition, some of it has been rezoned to Riverfront Development Zoning Districts. New industrial enterprises will result from the redevelopment of mills where appropriate and also the build out of other areas, like the Narragansett Industrial Park. s legacy of historic mills speaks to the historic importance of large-scale manufacturing. However, the current reality is that smaller-scale niche manufacturing continues to be successful within the City. Currently, there are just under 200 different manufacturers in with employees ranging from 1 to 5,000. F. Tax Base It is widely accepted that residential development does not pay its own way, that is, the cost of services demanded by the typical residential use is not met by the amount of taxes they pay to the City. Therefore, most residential development is a drain on the City s resources. To offset the drain of residential development, a strong industrial and commercial base is necessary. A breakdown of the real estate assessments is shown in Table 3.5. Residential uses account for approximately 80 percent of the real estate tax base, while commercial and industrial real estate comprised approximately 20 percent. Table 3.5 Tax Base Information Use Value Percent of Total One Family Residence $1,822,939,800 44.13% Two-Five Family Residence $1,071,529,600 25.94% Commercial II $277,872,600 6.73% Apartments $264,054,900 6.39% Industrial $259,873,200 6.29% Commercial I $137,249,400 3.32% Residential Condominium $102,470,800 2.48% Combination $74,809,300 1.81% Commercial-Industrial Vacant Land $41,132,700 1.00% Residential Vacant Land $23,643,600 0.57% Utilities & RR $14,603,600 0.35% Misc $12,927,900 0.31% Commercial Condominium $11,767,900 0.28% Mobil Homes $9,380,800 0.23% 3-5
Industrial Condominium $6,235,800 0.15% Total $4,130,491,900 100.00% Tax Assessor, 2009 G. Economic Development Focus Areas Downtown s downtown has been the subject of numerous studies and redevelopment efforts in the past and many of these past efforts have not flourished as anticipated. However, recent efforts have begun to have an impact. Currently four hundred and fifty new residential units have been built, and over 350 are planned, for a total of 800 new residents living within walking distance of downtown (See Figure 3.1). There are also a number of ongoing downtown redevelopments which will result in over 100,000 sf of commercial and office space, with another 300,000 sf planned. The historic W.T. Grant building on Main Street has been rehabilitated and is almost fully tenanted, bringing retail back to the downtown. There are now five galleries within the downtown, as well as Stone Soup Coffeehouse, a venue for musical performers, and the Mixed Magic Theater. Following is a summary of some of the recent initiatives which focus on downtown : Downtown National Register District - Downtown was recently listed as a National Register District. The City of recently completed a signage project, which identifies the newly designated District, and identifies contributing structures. The recent listing makes the federal tax credits available to owners of contributing structures within the District, and the City has marketed this opportunity to downtown property owners. Arts and Entertainment District - In 1998 the City of implemented the City s Arts and Entertainment District. The Rhode Island General Assembly passed a law establishing the District in an area of the City that encompasses the downtown and mill district areas (approximately 307 acres). The State and City provide significant tax incentives to artists selling original art, who live and work within the district, and to art galleries that are established within the district boundaries. The City s Department of Planning and Redevelopment maintains an extensive inventory of available commercial and industrial space within the arts and entertainment district to provide those interested relocating, information on properties that may be available for use as gallery or studio space. Design Exchange Armory Arts Planning Area - Plans are also ongoing to develop an educational/arts cluster in that area of downtown containing Tolman High School, the Armory and existing industrial properties on Exchange Street. The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre is now in its 7th season at the Armory and now has 1,850 subscribers. The Armory Association is working on reusing the remainder of the Armory as theater/performance space. There are also a number of upcoming opportunities for downtown : Roosevelt Avenue Redevelopment Site - The Foundation is working with the City on a project that could dramatically impact downtown : the redevelopment of a 2.4-acre City and Redevelopment Agency 3-6
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owned vacant site on Roosevelt Avenue. Recently a marking study was completed to identify potential uses. Apex The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles recently left its location within downtown. Fish Ladders at the Main Street and Slater Mill Dam This attraction would bolster the City s and the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council s efforts to develop cultural tourism within and the Blackstone Valley. National Park Service in Blackstone Valley The Secretary of the Interior is conducting a Special Resource Study (SRS) to explore the potential for a permanent National Park Service (NPS) presence in the Blackstone Valley. A possible result of the study could be Congressional action creating a new unit of the National Park System in the Blackstone Valley. The following table summarizes the recent mill redevelopments. All of these, except for the Hope Webbing project, are located within and around downtown. Currently permitted, there are an additional 450 residential units within ½ mile of downtown, and another 350 that are planned. Table 3.6, Mill Redevelopment Projects in Mill Redevelopment # of Units/ sf Commercial Bayley Lofts - Completed 25 Riverfront Lofts Completed 59 Hope Webbing Half Complete 135/ 220,000 sf commercial and light industrial Union Wadding Proposed 242 Slater Cotton Complete 125/6000 sf office The Thread Factory - Proposed 376 / 150,000 sf commercial and 200,000 sf light industrial The Arts Over the past 10 years, the City of has focused its revitalization efforts on the arts. This focus on the arts has resulted in a number of events which bring people into the City - The City of Arts Festival is in its 10 th year and its Film Festival is in its tenth year. The Arts Festival was listed as one of the largest Tourist and Cultural Attractions in the 2009 Book of Lists prepared by the Providence Business News. This event was estimated to draw 25,000 visitors to the City of. The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theater, located in the Armory, was estimated to bring 27,000 people into downtown. As noted in the previous section, the City of has created an Arts and Entertainment that centers on the downtown. The City has also instituted grant programs to support the arts and spur local economic development. The Arts Panel reviews application for small grants ($500-$2000) which provide exposure to the arts to residents at a minimal or no cost. In previous years, the Arts Panel has received 8-10 applications. In 2009, the Panel received over 30 applications. In addition, the City provides organizational funding for established non-profit arts organizations which have performance or gallery space within. In addition to 3-8
the downtown, there are a number of other clusters of artists in, the newly renovated Hope Artiste Village, 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, 500 Avenue. While small artist studios have a minimal visual impact, the City appreciates that they are small businesses who have an economic impact. Transportation There are a number of transportation initiatives which will affect economic development in the City of : the Blackstone Valley Bikeway; the proposed /Central Falls Commuter Rail Station; circulation within the downtown and the new I-95 Bridge. Blackstone Valley Bikeway The proposed Blackstone Valley Bikeway will ultimately link Worcester, Massachusetts to the City of. Segments of the bikeway, including Lincoln and Cumberland, have been completed. The portion is currently at 10 % design and the City has agreements for nearly all of the land required to develop the Bikeway. The Blackstone Valley Bikeway will be both a resource to commuters and tourists. The Bikeway in begins at Town Landing, a riverfront site, and travels through historic downtown, past the Slater Mill. The Bikeway provides a complement to the work of the Slater Mill and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council to promote the City and region as a cultural tourism destination. Commuter Rail Station The proposed station in /Central Falls has two potential benefits - providing transit options to residents of the neighborhoods surrounding the station who are disproportionately low-income, minority and transit dependent; and providing a needed economic boost to both cities. The cities believe that the commuter rail station will help to encourage economic development in the surrounding areas, including downtown. The introduction of a station will provide a low-cost transportation alternative for residents commuting to Boston and Providence, and, eventually, to the airport and south to the University of Rhode Island. The Great American Station Foundation commissioned a 43-city study in 2001 to analyze the beneficial economic impacts of stations on communities in which stations were revitalized. Data for the two communities of and Central Falls were estimated using the figures modeled for a community in our size category located in a high density rail corridor. This model suggests that up to 550 new jobs could be generated by the construction of the / Central Falls station. The cities are looking at the proposed Commuter Rail station to help reactivate old industrial and commercial buildings. River Bridge This $100 million bridge will feature an iconic design that changes the image of from Interstate 95. Unlike the old bridge, the new one will be designed as a bridge, not merely an overpass, to let travelers know that they are passing over the River. Downtown Circulation - The current downtown traffic pattern was initiated in the 1960 s as a way to alleviate the effects of newly constructed I-95 on the downtown. The City of is currently conduction a study which focuses on improving auto, pedestrian and bicycle transportation in and around the downtown. 3-9
H. Summary of Economic Development/Business Retention Programs The City of, working through the Business Development Corporation and the Redevelopment Agency, provides a number of opportunities and incentives for prospective and existing businesses. Table 3.7 Summary of City Economic Development/Retention Programs Program Description Arts and Entertainment State sales tax exemptions can be obtained for artworks sold District within the arts and entertainment district for one-of-a-kind or limited production works of art. The District also exempts artists living and working within the newly created district from state income tax on the income generated from their creative work as an artist, writer, dance, composer/performer, sculptor, painter, photographer, actor, etc. Enterprise Zone has two designated Enterprise Zones. In FY 08 there were 47 businesses participating, and 29 new full time jobs were created during this time period. Downtown National Federal Tax Credits are available for approved rehabilitation for Register District Arts Grants Business Development Corporation - Low interest loans Redevelopment Agency Low interest loans Tax Treaties Commercial property database historic commercial buildings within the downtown. The City offers two grant opportunities annually: Project based grant program (which awards $500-$2000 for art projects and programs that benefit the City) and an annual grant for operating costs for arts organizations. The PBDC offers low interest loans for relocation assistance for firms moving into, The PRA offers low-interest loans for commercial or residential rehabilitation. The City makes tax treaties available for significant redevelopment projects. The City maintains a database of all available commercial and industrial property. Source: Department of Planning and Redevelopment, 2010 III. Summary of Major Issues Manufacturing has historically been the mainstay of employment in and is likely to remain an important part of the City s economic base. However, the City will have to take a more active role in maintaining its industry. To facilitate expansion of industries, which are likely to remain strong, the City should continue with its business retention programs and continue to emphasize communication between businesses and local government. The City should also recognize that manufacturing jobs will continue to be lost and should help displaced workers find the retraining they need to continue in the workforce. does not have a great deal of vacant industrial land suitable for new development. The City does have an estimated 1 million square feet of vacant industrial space found in existing mill structures as shown by a detailed mill inventory conducted 3-10
by the City. should focus its efforts on maintaining viable industrial spaces for industrial uses, and allowing a more flexible redevelopment of other vacant and abandoned mill space. To this end, the City should continue its efforts to promote and market available space to small businesses, like artists. The City s current economic development efforts have two focus areas the downtown and the arts. The City s recent projects and initiatives are geared toward making the downtown more marketable and also enticing artists to locate in. The current economic climate is not conducive to investment and revitalization. However, the City is taking this opportunity to plan for the future by identifying access and parking improvements to the downtown and preparing marketing materials which promote the City s resources. 3-11
IV. Implementation Plan ACTION Continue to support the efforts of the Business Development Corporation (PBDC) in providing assistance to area businesses through low interest loans, information and referrals. Support the efforts of local groups in promoting the character of and the Blackstone Valley through workshops, real estate marketing, and the provision of resource materials. The City and the Redevelopment Agency (PRA) should work together to seek opportunities for the acquisition and redevelopment of underutilized commercial and industrial properties for the expansion of economic development at appropriate locations. TIME FRAME Ongoing FUNDING FOCUS AREA COORDINATION PARTNERS PBDC Revolving Loan Fund, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), City Budget Citywide PBDC DPR, Area Lenders, Regional and State Economic Development Entities Ongoing PBDC, City Budget Citywide Department of Planning and Redevelopment (DPR) Ongoing CDBG, PBDC Revolving Loan Fund, City Budget PBDC, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC), Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BRVNHC) The Redevelopment Agency (PRA) ability to fund this has been limited until the past few years. Moved to Policies The City is working with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) on their Sustainable Tourism initiative. Updated PBDC loan brochures are placed on the City s Web Site. Removed Redundant Citywide DPR PRA, PBDC The PRA's opportunities to provide these opportunities has been limited until the past few years. The Redevelopment Agency has purchased, and received US EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants for two properties within the City of 3-12
The City should utilize the tax stabilization ordinance and other economic initiatives as a means to encourage the expansion of economic development. DPR should maintain a dialogue with existing businesses and industry by establishing a local business visitation program. Ongoing City Budget Citywide City Council DPR, Tax Assessor, Mayor s Office Ongoing Citywide DPR Mayor s Office, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), Other City Departments City, with the intention of selling the cleaned up properties to developers for industrial and commercial redevelopment. Re-written Update the Redevelopment Plan The City continues to utilize a tax stabilization ordinance to facilitate the redevelopment of vacant properties.. The City visited businesses when requested but this is not done on a regular basis. The City hosted a business summit in February and is planning a specific event for manufacturers to attend in October. The DPR, in conjunction with the Foundation, should conduct a detailed inventory of existing businesses in the downtown. 1-3 years Downtown DPR Foundation, PBDC, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce DPR has already created a data base of properties in the historic downtown and the identified properties have been provided to NEEDS to be added to its database. City of 3-13
The DPR should develop a portfolio of successful adaptive reuse projects involving historic mill structures for use as a marketing tool to fill vacant and under-utilized structures within the City. Ongoing Nationwide DPR Foundation, Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission, RIEDC The City has developed a PowerPoint presentation which includes information on all of the recent mill redevelopment projects. DPR, in conjunction with the Mayor s office, should continue participation in the Sister Cities program by continuing established relationships and looking for new opportunities to develop relationships with similar sized communities worldwide to foster commercial, industrial, and cultural exchanges. Ongoing Worldwide Mayor s Office DPR, BVTC As a result of the success of the annual Dragon Boat Festival, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council is looking into the potential for collaborating with Taiwan. Removed not a priority The City, together with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the Foundation, should continue efforts to promote the City as a great place to work and live. The City, the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, PBDC and the Foundation should actively market downtown to the artist Ongoing City Budget, BRVNHC Ongoing City Budget Downtown Arts and Entertainment District Citywide DPR BVTC, BRVNHC, Foundation, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Local Artist Organizations DPR PBDC, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, PRA, Local Ongoing. Moved to Policies Ongoing. Moved to Policies City of 3-14
community. The presence of additional residents, galleries, and restaurants is vital to the image and vitality of downtown. Continue to support the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and their efforts to promote and the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor as a tourist destination. Continue to implement the goal and actions of the Riverfront Development Plan to attract appropriate, well-designed, pedestrian friendly uses to the waterfront. Ensure that new commercial and industrial development is sensitive in style, scale and character to its neighboring uses. Artist Organizations Ongoing BRVNHC, BVTC Citywide BVTC DPR, BRVNHC, Foundation, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Local Artist Organizations 1-5 years Riverfront DRP Riverfront Commission, PRA, Riverfront Property and Business owners Ongoing Citywide DPR Mayor s Office, Department of Building and Code Enforcement The PRA will continue to subsidize the rent of the BVTC and provide marketing resources to assist it to market as a tourist destination. Removed Covered in Cultural Resources. Removed - Redundant The City implemented new design review regulations which require that new development does consider the character of the surrounding areas. The DPR should continue to work with RIDOT towards the completion of the linkage between the Industrial 1-5 years Transportation Improvement Program Industrial Highway Linkage DPR Rhode Island Department of Transportation, City of East Providence Removed Covered in Land Use This project is no longer viable in because of neighborhood opposition. City of 3-15
Highway and the proposed East Providence Industrial Highway. DPR should continue to meet with downtown business owners to continue efforts to ensure the parking needs of the area are met. DPR should continue to encourage new business and industry to locate within the City by preparing promotional marketing materials including continued website development. DPR should utilize federal and state programs and financial incentives to remediate and reuse brownfield sites within the City. 1-5 years Ongoing Ongoing PRA, City Budget, State, Federal and Private Funding Sources City Budget, BRVNHC Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), City Budget, Brownfield Property Owners Downtown DPR Downtown Property Owners, Mayor s Office, Foundation, Traffic Engineering, Police Department Citywide DPR Mayor s Office, Data Processing, BVTC, PBDC Brownfield Sites Citywide DPR EPA, RIDEM, Brownfield Property Owners, RIEDC Removed. Ongoing Removed - redundant Updated PBDC loan brochures are placed on the City s Web Site. PBDC is in the process of developing its own Web Site to promote its economic development services, programs and resources available for businesses. The City of has taken advantage of the Targeted Brownfields Assessment program that RIDEM runs, for five sites across the City. In addition, the PRA has received two US EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants to City of 3-16
DPR should continue to cooperate with New England Economic Development Services to maintain their land and building inventory for the City. Actively recruit and provide funding to restaurants to locate in the City s Arts and Entertainment District. Ongoing CDBG, City Budget Citywide PBDC DPR, New England Economic Development Services, Tax Assessor Ongoing PBDC Downtown Arts and Entertainment District PBDC DPR, Real Estate Agents, Local Banks, Restaurant Design Companies redevelop two City sites, and another application is pending., Cumberland, Central Falls and RIDEM have partnered to bring $600,000 in EPA Assessment funds The City will continue to take advantage of these funding opportunities. Moved to Policies Ongoing Moved to Policies The Redevelopment Agency provided funding which enabled two restaurants to locate within the downtown in 2009. The City's Taste of event, which is in its second year, promotes restaurants to a statewide audience. The Business City of 3-17
Using the criteria established by the Governor s Growth Planning Council, designate a growth center within. Assist local artist organizations and City agencies and departments in their efforts to develop, implement, and promote arts and cultural events in. 1 year Growth Center DPR Foundation, Governor s Growth Planning Council, Grow Smart Rhode Island Ongoing City Budget Citywide DPR Public Library, Department of Public Works, Division of Parks and Recreation, Mayor s Office, City Council, Local Artist Organizations New Action Items Development Corporation produces a brochure that is geared specifically toward the programs available to restaurants. Removed - redundant does not meet this criteria. Removed Ongoing. The City continues to offer operational grants and grant panel assistance. Removed - redundant Seek funding sources and implement the Downtown Design Plan 1-5 Years TBD Downtown DPR RIDOT, FHWA, FTA, RIPTA Improve the visibility and 1-3 City Budget Downtown DPR RIEDC, City of 3-18
accessibility of downtown parking facilities. Improve visitor access to major attractions by developing and implementing a cohesive signage program. Work with RIDOT and FTA to advance the Commuter Rail station. Explore the creation of a downtown Business Improvement District Create a written economic development plan. Identify sources of public financing/subsidy for the Roosevelt Avenue redevelopment site. Investigate the expansion of higher education opportunities in. Establish a regular monthly program for downtown events. Years 1-5 Years Ongoing 1-5 Years 1-3 Years 1-5 Years 1-5 Years. 1-3 Years Foundation City Budget Citywide DPR RIEDC, Foundation FTA, RIDOT, City Budget Downtown Property Owners/Businesses Citywide DPR FTA, RIDOT, RIPTA Downtown Foundation Property Owners City Budget Citywide DPR Foundation TBD Downtown DPR RIEDC, Foundation Citywide DPR RIEDC, Department of Education, Library City Budget Downtown/Citywide DPR Association for Downtown Success, Foundation City of 3-19
SOURCES Cassidy, Michael and Herbert Weiss, Customer Service Key to Growing an Arts Community, Northeastern Economic Developers Association, Pg. 54-60, 1999. City of, An Ordinance Establishing Guidelines for the Exemption or Stabilization of Taxes on Qualifying Property Located in the City of, Chapter 2539, October, 1999. City of, Arts and Entertainment District, 2000. City of, Economic Development Element, 1995, 2005 City of, s Business Development Corporation, Annual Report, 2010. Preservation Society of, Mill Building Survey, 1990. Providence Business News, Book of Lists, 2009 Rhode Island Department of Administration, Economic Development Policies and Plan, State Guide Plan Element 211, April 2000, Rhode Island Department of Administration, Mill Building Reuse: A Survey of Current Mill Conditions in Rhode Island and the Market for Mill Space, Statewide Planning Technical Paper Number 150, February 2001. Rhode Island Department of Administration, Industrial Land Use Plan, State Guide Plan Element 212, August 2000. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Area Profile for, 2009. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Private U.I. Covered Employment and Wages, City and Town Summary, 2010. Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, Research Division,, Rhode Island, 2009 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Census of Population and Housing: 1980, 1990, 2000. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2008 City of 3-20