Although it’s only August, when the eighth month of the year rolls in, many New Englanders cannot help but look ahead with eagerness to another season. Here in the Ocean State, we have the luxury of ever-changing seasons, which contribute to the continual planning and anticipation new weather brings. And, as sure as the seasons change, so do the milestones and projects in and around Warwick.
The biggest milestone on the horizon is the last phase of major construction happening in Apponaug Village. With a substantial completion date of September 8, the project has taken shape, re-routed traffic, enhanced driver efficiency and helped restore the village into a walkable downtown area with easy access to local businesses and the waterfront. As the final touches are made, motorists are encouraged to drive the streets and acclimate themselves with the new roadway system.
And as the final pieces are put into place on our roads, new and exciting plans are just taking off at T.F. Green. As promised, in addition to the runway expansion, there has also been an expansion in PVD’s flight roster. With both domestic and international flights now being offered, PVD is making traveling a breeze. In late October, Norwegian Airlines will be offering flights to and from the French Caribbean. Interested travelers looking to mix French influence with sunshine and white sandy beaches, will be able to fly direct from PVD to Martinique and the Guadeloupe Islands. In addition to the extended services provided by Norwegian, Frontier Airline has announced several new markets for travel. They will be providing direct service to Denver, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Miami and New Orleans. Additionally, they also announced that Charlotte-Raleigh Durham will be added to their rolodex in by summer 2018.
In addition to the obvious benefits of local and international flights offered from T. F. Green to other parts of the country and the world, is the impact that such additions will have on our local economy. With the city’s 17th hotel, the new Hyatt Place, currently under construction and rising occupancy rates, the need for additional lodging in Warwick is greater than ever. Located in the heart of City Centre Warwick, the new 125-room hotel is slated to open in May 2018.
We’ll also see some new eateries popping up across the city. Work continues to progress at Rhode Island Mall, where the newest restaurant, BJ’S Restaurant and Brewhouse, has taken over residency in part of the former Sears Auto Parts building. BJ’s is extremely popular on the west coast, boasting a variety of pizzas, pastas, burgers and more, their admitted attention to detail keeps there guests coming back time and again.
Other changes are also happening on Rte. 2. The former site of Bernie & Phyl’s will be getting a new look. The furniture store will now be home to more retail shops on the first floor, as well as Launch Trampoline Park occupying the second floor. Be on the lookout for more details.
Although the season has more than a month left, it is exciting to look ahead to some of our “fall favorites” as we enter the dusk of summer. From crisp air, to pumpkin picking and apple pies, there will be no shortage of fall festivities to enjoy. With ghosts and goblins hiding just around the corner, be sure to take in the final weeks of summer and enjoy them to the fullest.
For more information about what’s going on in the city visit: http://www.visitwarwickri.com.
Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.