Council amends zoning designation for proposed East Providence housing development

Twenty-one upscale homes would be built off Wampanoag Trail in Riverside

By Mike Rego
Posted 2/24/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — A proposal to construct an upscale housing development located on vacant land in Riverside owned by a noted local developer received two key approvals from the city council at its …

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Council amends zoning designation for proposed East Providence housing development

Twenty-one upscale homes would be built off Wampanoag Trail in Riverside

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — A proposal to construct an upscale housing development located on vacant land in Riverside owned by a noted local developer received two key approvals from the city council at its February 20 meeting, the key one being a change in the zoning designation from commercial to residential.
The Carpionato Group, in the news recently for its purchase of nearly all former Benny’s Store locations and its attempt to reconfigure Narragansett Park Plaza at the East Providence-Pawtucket line, approached the council with its plan to build 21 single family homes on an approximately 10 acre parcel just off Wampanoag Trail at Reardon Avenue and Estrelle Drive. It was pointed out during the presentation the land is close to, but not to be confused with the site known to many in city as the former Leonardo Farm.
The council unanimously approved amending the existing zoning from Open Space/Commercial-1 (C-1) to Residential-2 (R-2). The body also backed updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan to identify the parcel as “Low-Density Residential.”
The support of the council was only just another step in the process of seeing the plan through. The developers must meet state Department of Transportation and Environmental Management dictates as well as those from the city’s Planning Department before becoming shovel ready.
Kelly Coates, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Carpionato Group, spoke in the most detail about the proposal with the support of a legal representative, a planning consultant and a civil engineer.
Mr. Coates laid out his company’s vision for the site in some detail. The homes are expected to be priced between about $300,000-$500,000 with a median cost of some $399,000. Though built mostly to spec of the owners, the homes would be two-story structures with attached garages. Mr. Coates continued, saying they would be in constructed in what he termed a “Coastal New England” style. The siding and colors would reflect upon regional traditions. He said there would “no real identity signage,” such as stones or walls. Carpionato would pay for the installation of all necessary utilities. Whether or not the homes had full basements was to be determined because of the land’s relatively high water table. Relatedly, drainage from the site would flow into a green space retention area prepared on the site.
Access to the homes off the Trail would only be for entry. Residents would have ingress and egress points at Reardon. Carpionato contracted the area engineering firm Pare, which has previously done similar work for the city, to conduct a traffic study, the company returning an opinion the effect would “not be detrimental” to existing patterns. The developers also said RIDOT has indicated initial support for its plan.
“We’re looking to build a first-class development,” Mr. Coates said, adding the development would “respect” the neighborhood and should “increase property values” in the area.
Consultants for Carpionato claimed the fiscal impact on the city would be neutral, contending any increased pressure on the school system and public safety divisions. The former supposition was challenged by Riverside resident and Ward 4 School Committee member Jessica Beauchaine, who noted during public comment student enrollment figures are expected to rise in the near term. As somewhat of a counter, the developers said their proposal was “consistent” with the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.