Joe Mulligan - Director of Planning & Dev City of Providence
Jul 16, 2024
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Director of Planning & Development for the City of Providence, Joe Mulligan, discusses urban development, New Urbanism, upzoning, and major planned developments in Providence. They touch on the evolution of universities, culinary scene, zoning designations, transit revitalization, and inclusive leadership. Learn about Providence's progress and opportunities for development.
Providence focuses on flexible urban development strategies post-COVID to attract remote workers.
City prioritizes clear and quick development processes, embracing new urbanist principles for housing inventory.
Providence seeks growth through tech sectors, waterfront revitalization, and diverse economy opportunities.
Deep dives
History of Providence and City Development
Providence, a colonial-era city with cycles of prosperity and development, has a rich past, including industrial era prosperity. Like other cities, it faced challenges of urban renewal and interstate development. Post-COVID, Providence is experiencing resurgence, attracting remote workers seeking an urban experience with fewer hassles. Flexible and nimble approaches to development, including adaptive reuse of structures, reflect Providence's uniqueness.
Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Revisions
Providence is revising its zoning to improve development pathways and accommodate growth while respecting historic structures. Embracing new urbanist principles, the city aims to increase housing inventory through measures like upzoning and promoting mixed-density housing. The city prioritizes clarity in development processes, offering quick responses and right-sizing projects to minimize delays and uncertainties.
Future Growth and Diversification
Providence is strategically positioning itself for growth through niche opportunities in tech sectors, blue tech industries, and urban amenities. Embracing a diverse economy including traditional steel industries and food clusters, the city focuses on waterfront revitalization and nightlife enhancements to attract visitors. By fostering innovation and maintaining a safe, welcoming urban environment, Providence seeks to optimize its potential for sustainable development and community well-being.
Economic Development and Barrier Elimination in Providence
Providence city has rid itself of past perceptions of being a closed market, signaling openness for businesses outside Rhode Island. Job sites now have workers from different states, promoting the entry of outside workforce. Developers can request tax stabilization agreements for projects, with obligations like affordable housing inclusion or prevailing wages, but fewer barriers exist for self-financed developments. Encouragement is given to attract diverse experiences and resources for development.
Transit Development and Urban Revitalization Plans in Providence
Providence plans to redevelop its historical transit hub, Kennedy Plaza, into a modern facility for bus services. The city aims to relocate the hub's activities to enhance the downtown environment and create a transit-oriented development with affordable housing. Consultation firms are involved in re-envisioning the transit and residential development spaces around the plaza, seeking to engage the community in the planning process for a more efficient and sustainable transit system.
In this episode we speak with Joe about the current state of development in the City of Providence, where the city has been and where Mayor Smiley is bringing them. We touch on New Urbanism, their planning and building departments willingness to get quick answers to developers and small business owners as well as Upzoning and some major Planned Developments in Providence.
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