Riverfront Commission Approves Hotel Design Amid Controversy Over Developer-Friendly Approach

The Riverfront Commission in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, recently approved the design of a building containing doctor's offices near the river, but the meeting was overshadowed by controversy over the appointment of City Council member Albert J. Vitali Jr. to the commission. Vitali's appointment was seen as a developer-friendly move, sparking concerns among commission members that the commission was being politicized. However, during the meeting, commission members put aside their differences and focused on the site plan for a 100-room Hampton Inn hotel, which was being developed by Carpionato Properties on a 7.4-acre property acquired from General Motors seven years ago.

Key Takeaways:

• The Riverfront Commission approved the design of a building containing doctor's offices near the river, but concerns were raised about public access and connectivity with the riverfront development scheme.
• Commission member Thomas Queenan noted that the site plan didn't have any "deal breakers" as long as it provided better public access and a stronger link with the riverfront development scheme.
• Bob Billington, head of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, suggested moving the proposed restaurant closer to the river to improve access to the river.
• The hotel project will require a variance from the Coastal Resources Management Council to build a restaurant closer to the river.
• The property where the hotel is expected to be built is considered a key site in the development of the riverfront.
• The commission engaged in a lengthy dialogue with the developer's architect to redesign the hotel after the initial proposal was deemed unsatisfactory.
• City Council member Albert J. Vitali Jr., who was appointed to the commission, was seen as taking a developer-friendly approach, which sparked concerns among commission members.

Statistics:

• The hotel will have 100 rooms.
• The property acquired from General Motors is 7.4 acres.
• The site plan includes a 100-seat restaurant and a possible office building.
• The hotel project will require approval from the Coastal Resources Management Council.
• The Blackstone Valley Visitors Center, where a public hearing will be held, is located at 175 Main St.
• The city Planning Commission will review the site plan at a public hearing tonight at 7 pm.

Sources:

• "The Providence Journal"
• McClatchy-Tribune Business News
• Coastal Resources Management Council
• The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
• General Motors
• City of Pawtucket Planning Department
• The Providence Journal archives