Happy fall! I hope you have been enjoying the slightly cooler weather and the change of seasons. After the hot and humid weather this summer brought to the Ocean State, I know I’m not alone when I say that I’m looking forward to the coolness that autumn brings. 

As the clock winds down on 2018 and with the busiest time of year still ahead, it seems fitting to recap many of the great advances the city has made, chief among them is the improved roadways and new businesses the city has welcomed. Like the season itself, Warwick is on the move, changing, progressing and becoming a whole new version of itself. 

Looking around the city, one of the most notable changes that residents and visitors will see are the improved conditions of many of our roads. The paving program, which officially launched back in July, continues to move full steam ahead, addressing our most in-need streets citywide. 

With freshly paved roadways, both on city and state streets, revitalized bridges and modernized infrastructure, Warwick and Rhode Island as a whole can continue to compete on a national level for business development, travel and tourism, and so much more. 

And with welcoming better roadways, Warwick also continues to welcome new businesses. As restoration of the Pontiac Mill continues, the Apponaug Brewing Company has officially opened their doors. With a heavy focus on local partnerships, Apponaug Brewing makes several of their own beers in-house. Referring to themselves as a Third Place, they consider themselves an essential refuge away from the daily hustle and bustle of work and home responsibilities. Striving to create an eclectic atmosphere, you can experience one of the six locally farmed drafts, an assortment of libations and farm-to -table food all situated inside of the historic building which dates back to the 1800s. Outside, guests can enjoy fire pits and games of corn hole, all while overlooking the serene scenes of the Pawtuxet River. 

The rest of the mill continues to take shape, as well. With Phase 1 of the residential units nearly complete, soon 72 apartments will be available to those who want to make the historic landmark their home. Ranging in price from $1,200 for a studio apartment to $2,200 for a two bedroom, developers are hoping to appeal to a wide variety of residents. From couples looking to downsize, to young professionals looking for a cool, industrial space to call home, when fully built out, the mill will have 137 units for rent. 

With several smaller, freestanding dwellings on the property some will be converted into office and management spaces, while the others will be converted into spaces for small businesses. Apart from the Apponaug Brewing Company and the residences, there will also be 100,000 s/f of commercial space available. 

As the landscape of the city continues to grow and change like the seasons around us, it’s easy to be excited for all that the end of the year has to offer. As we round the corner to the end of 2018, there are still many family friendly and fall inspired activities for people of every age to enjoy. From horseback riding through Goddard Park, to apple and pumpkin picking, the corn maze at Morris Farms, cheering on our city’s sports teams, and holiday bazaars, there’s no shortage of autumn inspired activities to do in Warwick!

Joseph Solomon is the mayor of Warwick.