Residents urge board to reject zoning change for Alpine Estates development

The February 12, 2025, meeting of the Cranston Public Works Committee and Ordinance Committee focused on a proposed zoning change that has sparked significant community concern. The meeting featured public comments regarding a developer's request to change the zoning designation from A-80 to A-20 for a parcel of land adjacent to the Pine Ridge neighborhood.

The first speaker, a resident from Pine Ridge, expressed strong opposition to the zoning change, citing insufficient research on the potential impacts of increasing the number of housing lots. The resident emphasized the importance of understanding how the proposed development would affect local traffic and schools, particularly noting that the Orchard Tree School is already at maximum capacity.

Another resident, Paul Schmerian, who lives at 10 Pine Ridge Drive, echoed these concerns. He argued that the proposed change could lead to a significant increase in housing—potentially adding 15 to 20 new homes—compounding existing traffic issues. Schmerian highlighted the single egress point for Alpine Estates onto Scituate Avenue, which he described as already problematic during peak traffic times. He raised safety concerns about children crossing in a busy area without adequate supervision or traffic control.

Schmerian also pointed out that the current traffic situation could worsen with the addition of more homes, particularly if a traffic light were installed at the intersection of Scituate Avenue and Alpine Estate Drive. He noted that many intersections in the area have four-way stop signs, but the intersection of Alpine and Caraway does not, creating further hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The meeting concluded with a clear sense of community apprehension regarding the proposed zoning change. Residents urged the committee to consider the implications of increased housing density on local infrastructure and safety before making a decision. The committee is expected to deliberate on the matter further, taking into account the concerns raised by the community.