Subscribe!
Cranston Neighbors for Smart Development, Garden City Alliance, and mayoral candidates weigh in on controversial development
UPDATED: 7/21m 6:30am
RINewsToday’s story (https://rinewstoday.com/cranston-redevelopment-proposal-leaves-residents-askingwhen-is-enough-enough/) on the proposed COSTCO Phase 1 development for the Mulligan’s Island property in Cranston ran on Monday of this week.
When asked for statements or positions on the project, the four mayoral candidates submitted statements, as well as the home owners’ group that has been organized for years to protect interests on development in their immediate area. Their statement notes they have had interaction with the developers, reviewed initial plans, and have had several virtual meetings.
Statement of the Cranston Neighbors for Smart Development (CNSD)
“Here is our response to the proposed Cranston Crossing development at Mulligan’s Island: We as neighbors have reviewed the preliminary plans for the development and have spoken with representatives of Coastal Partners LLC. The plans as we saw them, had Costco with its fueling station, as the first phase of the development. The other phases would include Heavy Commercial Zoning and Residential Zoning, all housed under a new Mixed Use Planned District (MPD). Mulligan’s Island was originally given its own MPD as it was to serve as a buffer between the ACI, state complex, and surrounding neighborhoods.
We understand that in the current economic climate, Mulligan’s Island, is struggling to remain in business. We have never been anti-development, and feel that any changes to the zoning of that land should be consistent with existing zones and continue to provide a legitimate buffer between the ACI/Harrington Hall/Pastore Complex and existing neighborhoods.
The original MPD was created to protect the character of the City, as well as the well-being and quality of life in Cranston’s neighborhoods. Any future developments on that site should continue to do the same.
We look forward to working once more with our neighbors in Cranston to ensure smart development.
Cranston Neighbors for Smart Development (CNSD) – [email protected]
_______________
Statement of the Garden City Alliance:
The Garden City Alliance wants to express their disbelief after hearing of the proposed redevelopment of Mulligan’s Island Golf Complex on New London Avenue. We are totally opposed to such a development. This quiet open space must be preserved and not covered over with asphalt. This is not ‘smart growth’ but a blatant disregard for the residents of Oak Hill Terrace, Garden Hills and other neighboring communities.
Economic development is important for the City of Cranston, but at what price? This proposed development will generate increased traffic, noise and air pollution. If a proposed Costco is part of the plan, along with a gas station, then safety becomes an issue as well. A proposed bank, restaurants and single family residential units will all play a part in the downgrading of the surrounding residential neighborhoods. There will be peripheral impacts to the Garden City neighborhood and its adjacent communities.
The City must look for alternative commercial sites where this type of development would be suitable. Why must there always be an effort to build a gas station that would border a residential community? We all remember the attempts of Cumberland Farms to build such a facility in the Edgewood neighborhood. It was a failure.
Open space in our communities is at a premium and the City must preserve as much acreage as possible. One of the key strategies of The Comprehensive Plan: ‘to protect and manage open space’. Let us keep that in mind for our future generations.
Pauline DeRosa, Founder, Garden City Alliance
_______________
Ken Hopkins statement was included in the original article, and is reprinted here. Note: at the bottom of the article, Hopkins sent an additional statement in reaction to candidate Farina’s statement posted on Facebook:
_______________
Kenneth Hopkins (reprint): (see bottom for 2nd statement)
“July 18, 2020 – City Councilman and mayoral candidate Kenneth J. Hopkins today expressed concerns about the reported intense development plans that are being discussed to replace the existing Mulligan’s Island recreational site in Cranston.
“While I have not yet seen specific plans, I have heard from neighbors that an out of state developer is about to launch a major project to convert this quiet recreational site into a Costco Warehouse, a residential subdivision and other commercial uses,” said Hopkins.
“My understanding is that the developer recently held a zoom conference call with a select number of neighbors,” said Hopkins. The mayoral candidate said that he was told the scope of this project is so large that new traffic signals and a redesign of New London Avenue will be needed.
Hopkins said that it is his understanding that the developer will be submitting plans to the City Council for introduction at this month’s council meeting. “While I will await the formal introduction and will fulfill my oversight duties as a councilman, I am concerned about the tactics being utilized so far.”
“The magnitude of this potential project deserves a full, open and comprehensive review and discussion with neighbors before its formal presentation,” said Hopkins. “To introduce and promote this in the dead of the summer while we are experiencing a health pandemic is very troubling. Why is the out of state developer trying to slide this through when the City Council and Planning Commission are not yet even holding in person meetings? That is not a gesture of openness and good faith,” stated Hopkins.
“The residents of Oak Hill Terrace, Mayfield Avenue and Garden Hills should be able to attend meetings in person, review plans, ask questions and speak directly to city officials. To expect that a project of this size to be reviewed on a laptop or cell phone by neighbors is unacceptable,” proclaimed Hopkins.
Hopkin said “this Massachusetts developer may think he can zoom through the zoning process in Cranston. I assure the residents of Cranston that I will do my utmost to see that this gets a full and complete airing with their views being heard in person.”
He concluded “The neighbors made a difference more than a decade ago on the last big box proposal for this site. “I will be their elected agent for the responsible redevelopment of Mulligan’s Island this year.”
Kenneth J. Hopkins is a member of the Cranston City Council
401-954-1607, [email protected]
_______________
Michael Farina:
“Ken Hopkins Pulls the Alarm Bell too Early on Costco
Details surrounding the sale of Mulligan’s Island Golf & Entertainment Center’s property to a developer remain unclear; Council President Farina will ensure a transparent process
While the details surrounding the sale of Mulligan’s Island Golf & Entertainment Center’s property to a developer are still unclear, the specific plan for the development of this property is scheduled to be submitted to City Council as new business at the July meeting and then will be referred immediately to the Planning Commission for a hearing in September. Despite the early nature of this proposal, a press release expressing significant concern over the plans to convert the site into a Costco, a residential subdivision and other commercial uses, was issued, stoking premature fears amongst residents. It also displayed a general lack of understanding of the process at large, further underscoring the importance of experienced, expert leadership in City governance.
In response, Cranston City Council President, Michael Farina has issued the following statement:
“The Planning Commission is required to review and approve/reject the proposal before it is presented to the City Council. It should be noted this is not the first time this type of development has been proposed to the City and as required by State Zoning statutes we will follow established procedures, as has been done in the past. With all applications, including those related to zoning, the procedures in place ensure all involved are practicing their due diligence and there is complete transparency.
An essential part of the process is the involvement of the residents in the surrounding community. All residents will be invited to a site walk with the Developer, the Planning Commission, and the City Council Members which will be scheduled as part of the review process. The public will also be invited to provide testimony alongside the applicant (developer) at the Planning Commission meetings and the City Council meetings. Full transparency in the vetting process is crucial; we need to be mindful that responsible development is vital to the City of Cranston. We want to uphold these procedures so that future developers will continue to seek out Cranston as a business-friendly community.
Ken Hopkins’s statement shows a pattern of impulsivity and not fully grasping the importance of due process. Although there are no procedural laws or Council guidelines that prohibit a councilperson from sharing his/her personal opinion on a proposed project, I believe it is incumbent upon elected officials to be unbiased until the process has been completed. In this case, ringing the alarm before the project has even been submitted shows a true lack of understanding in his role in the process. Essentially, all members of the City Council are acting as so-called “jurors,” and it is inappropriate in my opinion to make an official statement for or against a project until the applicant and residents can receive due process. I encourage all residents to keep sending me questions and their views on the proposal, residential feedback will weigh heavily on my decision through the vetting process.
When all the procedures have been followed, I fully expect the members of the City Council to be able to comment for or against this development including myself but we must respect the rights of the applicant to due process, to make their presentation in front of the proper bodies and for the public to make their voices heard. I can promise to always act ethically, work for transparency, listen to our residents, act in the best interest of Cranston’s neighborhoods and protect our way of life.”
Farina is President of the Cranston City Council
Phone: 401-440-2662 – Email: [email protected]
_______________
Steven Stycos:
Statement of Citywide Councilman Steven Stycos on Mulligan’s Island proposal
“I am very concerned about the proposal to turn open space at Mulligan’s Island into big box stores, parking lots and housing subdivisions. Unfortunately, I cannot comment in detail because I have received no information about the proposal other than press reports.
This proposal should be carefully examined by the public and City Council for its effects on air quality, noise, traffic and property values. Large housing developments also mean higher education costs for the Cranston schools. The proposal should be rejected if found to be damaging to the neighborhood or costly to the city.
I am especially concerned that the developers selected attorney John Bolton to represent them. Bolton was the attorney for two damaging projects presented to the City Council; a massive solar facility on Hope Road which was built and a large Cumberland Farms in Edgewood which was blocked twice by neighborhood opposition.”
Steven Stycos is a member of the Cranston City Council
_______________
Adam Carbone:
“At face value, it seems like bringing Costco to Cranston would be a great idea. We recently lost Market Basket and a few other potential Cranston job- creating businesses to Johnston and Warwick due to our tax increase, these companies completely bypassed Cranston. So, Costco coming to Cranston now could be fantastic for our economy. For some of the residents however, not so much.
Citizens are concerned and rightfully so, it’s their neighborhood. If they don’t want it, they don’t want it. There’s two sides of the coin as far as the economic benefits and the other side of the coin being; concerned neighbor’s. Let it go to vote. Also, so you have a better visual, the metaphorical coin I’m talking about is one of those new 2020 bat quarters. Ironic the 2020 quarter has a bat, isn’t it? That always gets me.
In addition to the proposal I suggest we put a helicopter pad on top of the COSTCO once it’s built, just to increase the noise level for concerned citizens. Might as well!
Adam Carbone – [email protected]
_______________
Maria Bucci:
Statement on Proposed Costco at Mulligan’s Island
“It’s important for the city to engage with the people that live in the neighboring communities,” said Maria Bucci in response to the proposed development of a Costco at the current location of Mulligan’s Island.
“These are the folks that stand to be most impacted by this proposal. I look forward to hearing their opinions and thoroughly understanding the risks and the rewards of this type of development.
When I am Mayor, I will be sure to enforce all meeting notice requirements and expectations for transparency and communication with both the Zoning Board and the City Council, who have a responsibility to act in the best interest of the community.
We must always ensure that our citizens have every opportunity to have their voice heard. Ultimately, this is about coming together to make decisions. That is how we will be successful.”
Maria Bucci
Facebook: @mariabucciforcranston Twitter: @mbuccicranston
_____
Hopkins additional statement in reaction to Farina’s statement:
Hopkins says Farina misses the boat on COSTCO project
City Councilman and mayoral candidate Kenneth J. Hopkins today said he was amazed at his opponent’s response to the Hopkins statement on the proposed Costco development being pursued at the existing Mulligan’s Island recreational site in Cranston.
“On Saturday, I expressed concerns about the lack of community input and opportunity for neighbors to be heard on this enormous project before it is offered and fast tracked by the Council President,” Hopkins said. “Mr. Farina accused me of being impulsive in my statement of concern about the process that the out of state developer was undertaking.”
Hopkins further said that “Farina was the impulsive one who did not even read my statement. If he did he would see that I said ‘While I will await the formal introduction and will fulfill my oversight duties as a councilman, I am concerned about the tactics being utilized so far’.”
“I will never apologize for protecting the interests of the neighbors in Oak Hill Terrace, Mayfield and Garden Hills,” Hopkins said. “Instead of caring about the surrounding residents, my opponent issues a statement that looks like it was written by the Costco legal department.”
Hopkins expressed concern that once the matter is formally introduced, “The clock starts ticking on statutory deadlines that must be followed by the Planning Commission and City Council. An inadvertent misstep could leave the neighbors powerless in the approval process.”
Hopkins said it is no coincidence that the Massachusetts developer pushed consideration of the project until after the September 8th primary. “That way Mr. Farina can hide from the neighbors and will not have to vote before the election against me.”
“My opponent says he cares about Cranston’s future. Today he only cares about Costco’s future.”
Hopkins reiterated that the magnitude of this potential project deserves a full, open and comprehensive review and discussion with neighbors before its formal presentation.
“Why won’t my opponent stand with the concerned residents of Oak Hill Terrace, Garden Hills and Mayfield Avenue?” questioned Hopkins.
