In the heart of Cranston, Rhode Island, the City Plan Commission meeting on May 7, 2024, became a battleground for local residents concerned about proposed zoning changes that could reshape their community. As the evening unfolded, voices from the Alpine Estates neighborhood rose in unison, expressing deep apprehension over the potential impact of increased development in their area.

One resident, who has called Alpine Estates home for 36 years, articulated the community's fears about the strain on local infrastructure. With the neighborhood growing from approximately 190 homes to around 450, the single entrance and exit on Alpine Estates Drive has become a significant concern. “As development in Western Cranston continues to increase, the schools, the police, and fire departments are being burdened,” she stated, highlighting the overcrowding at Orchard Farms Elementary School and the traffic issues plaguing the area.

Another resident, Annette Osberg, echoed these sentiments, questioning the integrity of the zoning change process. She recounted the history of the property in question, noting that a previous proposal to change the zoning from A80 to A20 had failed. “Do we honestly think the council realized they were approving a change regarding a development where neighbors were so adamantly opposed?” she asked, suggesting that the decision-making process lacked transparency and community input.

Osberg's remarks underscored a broader frustration among residents who feel sidelined by developers and city officials. “We are just people who believe you should build under the rules when you bought your property,” she asserted, emphasizing that the opposition was not against development itself, but rather against altering zoning regulations to accommodate new projects that could overwhelm their community.

The meeting revealed a palpable tension between the aspirations of developers and the concerns of long-standing residents. As discussions continued, it became clear that the stakes were high—not just for the future of Alpine Estates, but for the very fabric of the community itself. With the potential for significant changes looming, residents left the meeting with a mix of determination and uncertainty, eager to protect their neighborhood from what they perceive as unchecked growth.