EAST PROVIDENCE — The “Newport Center” mixed-use development project in Rumford — located appropriately off Newport Avenue between New Road, Moore Street and Pine Grove Street — commenced in recent days when trees were removed from the long-dormant eight-acre piece of property in preparation for housing and commercial structures.

The Newport Center concept, presented and owned by Massachusetts-based Schiavo Enterprises, LLC, was formally approved by the Planning Board back in May of 2021 and was able to be realized following a City Council backed zone change in 2020 for the property from a more limited Commercial C-3 to a commercial mixed-use district.

The site work being done now lays the way for future construction of a 142-unit apartment building to be situated in the rear of the parcel closest to Pine Grove Street.

A gas station/convenience store is planned for the southeast corner near New Road.

A 19,000 square foot commercial/retail structure is set for the northeast corner abutting Moore Street.

Some of the existing mature trees on the property were maintained to form a 30-foot buffer on the west side of site, which will also include six-foot high fencing.

Schiavo has also committed to introduce 1,338 plantings, including 51 trees and 100 evergreens as well as 499 shrubs along with grasses and flowers.