The recent downturn in our economy has caused a significant slowdown of new development in nearly every community in Rhode Island. East Providence is no exception in this case. New development proposals, have in some cases, been placed on hold in anticipation of eventual improvements to our economy. Some significant projects, however, continue to move forward. The Tockwotton Home, currently located on the East Side of Providence, will begin construction of a new, 148-bed assisted living facility with the look and feel of a seaside resort adjacent to Bold Point Park in the southern portion of the Waterfront District this spring.  The $41 million nursing and assisted living center will replace its existing 140-year old building in the Fox Point neighborhood in Providence.  Just south of the Tockwotten site, Village on the Waterfront, LLC is moving forward with plans for permitting a new and ambitious waterfront development. The company has entered into a cooperative agreement with Chevron  Oil Co. to transform Chevron's former light products terminal on Veterans Memorial Parkway into a mixed-use community with 600 residential units contained in townhomes, condominiums and apartments with 40,000 s/f of supporting commercial uses in several phases over ten years.  Waterfront Dr. will extend through the site, as will a spur to the existing East Bay Bike Path. 
Transportation infrastructure continues to be a critical link to successful development like the Tockwotten Home and Village on the Waterfront. The city is pleased that several important transportation infrastructure projects are included as part of the federal government's proposed transportation stimulus package including the Dexter Rd. Connector portion of Waterfront Dr. and the Warren Ave. Connector. Successful completion of these projects will help to promote site development when economic conditions improve.
For more information visit the www.eastprovidence.com.
James Moran is the economic planner for East Providence.