South Kingstown submits draft neighborhood redevelopment plan focused on Old Tower Hill Road
October 28, 2024 | South Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island
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South Kingstown is poised for significant transformation following the Town Council's recent meeting on October 28, 2024, where a draft neighborhood plan was presented for public input. This plan aims to revitalize the Old Tower Hill Road and Kingstown Road areas, which have long been recognized as underdeveloped yet vital economic zones for the community.
The proposed plan outlines five key ideas to enhance the area: creating vibrant new developments, designing safe and engaging streets, increasing access to nature, promoting sustainable building practices, and unlocking economic opportunities. The plan's architects emphasized the need for a shift in zoning regulations, particularly increasing the maximum lot coverage from 30% to 60%. This change would effectively double the buildable area, encouraging more substantial and aesthetically pleasing developments that align with the community's vision.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of this planning process. A charrette held earlier this year attracted over 60 participants who provided valuable feedback on their aspirations for the area. The overwhelming majority—95%—expressed support for the direction of the plan, indicating a strong community desire for change.
The plan also addresses the need for improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, aiming to shift transportation habits from car dependency to more sustainable modes. Currently, only 8% of trips in the area do not involve automobiles, but the goal is to increase this to 18% through enhanced walkability and bike-friendly routes.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the plan includes provisions for affordable housing, proposing market-rate options that integrate residential units above commercial spaces. This approach aims to tackle the local housing crisis while fostering a vibrant mixed-use environment.
As the plan moves toward final adoption, the Town Council is committed to ongoing public engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure that the revitalization efforts reflect the community's needs and aspirations. The next steps will involve refining the draft based on public feedback and preparing for implementation, which will be crucial for realizing the vision of a more dynamic and accessible South Kingstown.
The proposed plan outlines five key ideas to enhance the area: creating vibrant new developments, designing safe and engaging streets, increasing access to nature, promoting sustainable building practices, and unlocking economic opportunities. The plan's architects emphasized the need for a shift in zoning regulations, particularly increasing the maximum lot coverage from 30% to 60%. This change would effectively double the buildable area, encouraging more substantial and aesthetically pleasing developments that align with the community's vision.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of this planning process. A charrette held earlier this year attracted over 60 participants who provided valuable feedback on their aspirations for the area. The overwhelming majority—95%—expressed support for the direction of the plan, indicating a strong community desire for change.
The plan also addresses the need for improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, aiming to shift transportation habits from car dependency to more sustainable modes. Currently, only 8% of trips in the area do not involve automobiles, but the goal is to increase this to 18% through enhanced walkability and bike-friendly routes.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the plan includes provisions for affordable housing, proposing market-rate options that integrate residential units above commercial spaces. This approach aims to tackle the local housing crisis while fostering a vibrant mixed-use environment.
As the plan moves toward final adoption, the Town Council is committed to ongoing public engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure that the revitalization efforts reflect the community's needs and aspirations. The next steps will involve refining the draft based on public feedback and preparing for implementation, which will be crucial for realizing the vision of a more dynamic and accessible South Kingstown.
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