Scott Avedisian,Mayor of Warwick
It is difficult to believe another month has come and gone. Though the weather continues to tease with high temperatures and low snow fall; we are still very much in the midst of winter. However, as we get further into February many new and exciting projects continue to move full steam ahead just in time for spring.
During the course of the last six months Leadership Rhode Island has been working alongside the Rocky Point Foundation, as well as the city’s Department of Travel, Tourism and Culture to create a series of kiosks depicting historically significant areas of Rocky Point. The Leadership Rhode Island team has produced 10 signs that will be installed throughout the park and will highlight many of the fan favorite locations. Included in the signage is the Shore Dining Hall, The Swing, The Pool, The Skyliner and House of Horrors, to name a few. The signs have been completed by the production company and in the coming months will be installed in their rightful locations by the City of Warwick’s Department of Public Works. They are a welcome and unique addition to the grounds and we look forward to seeing the final product in a few short months. Additionally, the new bike path and extended walking path will be complete just in time for nicer weather.
Once the ground thaws, another groundbreaking will be underway. As previously announced, D’Ambra Construction is in the midst of planning a new 120-room hotel on Jefferson Boulevard at the site of their former asphalt plant. In mid-March the construction will officially begin and with it will bring 145 construction jobs and 30 permanent jobs to Warwick upon its completion. We look forward to the groundbreaking and getting this significant project off the ground.
Most recently, the Boys and Girls Club of Warwick (BGCW), along with the city announced their newest venture. In September, a new branch located on Sandy Lane will open exclusively for our city’s middle school students. However, unlike other locations throughout the city, this site will focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) activities.
The city, along with BGCW executive director believe this new facility will give students an opportunity to explore subjects and areas that they may not otherwise have access to outside of the classroom. Students who do not join sports teams will now have the option of joining an entirely different team. A team of like-minded and curious students with interests that don’t necessarily take them onto a playing field, but rather into a science lab, music studio and art workshop. Renovations and improvements are already underway. During the 2017-2018 school years, it is estimated that approximately 1,200 students in grades, six, seven and eight will have access to the facility. Funding for the project has been made possible through a series of groups, including The Rhode Island Foundation, which provided a gift of $75,000 for staffing needs; Balise Motor Sales gifted $50,000 for a new gym and theater space; and the largest contribution coming from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts for $100,000 matching grant for an arts center.
As things continue to progress in and around the Warwick, we continue to look forward to the advances of the future and are excited for the new opportunities that will be made available to our students. As the cool air gives way to warmer days, projects will continue to sprout and flourish across the city.
In addition to new and proposed developments, new features coming to Rocky Point, including a bike path and fishing pier, the opening of numerous small businesses, new commercial development and an uptick in residential housing projects, we are seeing a significant investment of private funds back into our community thus enhancing the transformation of the city itself. I look forward to seeing the many anticipated developments that 2017 will surely bring to enhance Warwick’s local and national appeal.
Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.