Or Does History Repeat Itself?
History
Introduction
With all that is quietly occuring in Smithfield (multi-family residential development, single-family housing starts, commercial development, "economic development activities), the recent article in the Observer was cause to think.
Looking at the history of Route 44 since the early 1990, it is fascinating to read the litany of quotes, studies, development plans, zoning/planning board hearings.
In the vast majority of cases, the Town was complicit in all issues specific to Route 44 over the last 20 years. However, their "brother" authority (the State of Rhode Island), was deeply involved in the calamity.
Interesting Quotes
Government officials are not shy about their comments. For some historical perspective, here are some quotes (from newspaper and public records) in the past:
- Route 44, from Route 295 to the center of Greenville, is "a fairly dangerous road" (Alberto LaGreca Jr, Providence Journal, 9/18/95)
- According to Smithfield police, in the stretch from Route 295 to Danecroft Avenue, 86 accidents occurred between July 1, 1994, and June 30, 1995. (Providence Journal, 9/18/95)
- But the road is "far and away . . . the most dangerous in Smithfield" (Police Sgt. William Pilkington, Providence Journal, 9/18/95)
- "We have serious reservations as to whether this project is appropriate" (Alberto LaGreca Jr, Providence Journal, 9/18/98)
- "The potential for impact on traffic is phenomenal" (Richard Poirier, Providence Journal, 9/8/98)
- "If I'm going to make a mistake, I'll make the mistake on the side of caution," he said. "Once developed, there is no taking this back." (Alberto LaGreca Jr, Providence Journal, 6/18/98)
- The developers said that a multi million-dollar traffic plan would forestall congestion by widening Route 44, creating turning lanes and installing a traffic signal system of the latest design. They said most of the new traffic would arrive via Route 295, enter the mall after only a short journey on Route 44, and exit the same way without appreciably adding to the current traffic burden. (Robert Frazier, Providence Journal, 7/3/98)
- The developers said that a multi million-dollar traffic plan would forestall congestion by widening Route 44, creating turning lanes and installing a traffic signal system of the latest design. They said most of the new traffic would arrive via Route 295, enter the mall after only a short journey on Route 44, and exit the same way without appreciably adding to the current traffic burden. (Robert Frazier, Providence Journal, 7/3/98)
- Addressing the traffic question, Frazier said, "That was our chief concern when we first considered the site. . . . The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has been definitive in stating, and studies confirm, that traffic improvements on Route 44 by RIDOT and W/S Smithfield will greatly improve the current traffic situation." (Robert Frazier, Providence Journal, 7/3/98)
- "The question was raised at the Town Council: 'How do you know that the traffic study the developers presented was in fact correct?,' " McKinnon said." The reason is that there is such a tremendous concern for the traffic (on that stretch of Route 44.) (George McKinnon, Providence Journal, 11/30/98)
Interesting?! This listing is only a minority of the public quotes and comments relating to traffic, development and planning in the Town of Smithfield. More later.
Economic Development Overlay
Great idea. Also, an interesting idea for economic development.
An article in the Observer discussed the ... "Overlay district could bring business boom to Smithfield". Town officials envisioned that it would become the next "South County Commons."
In 2021
Look at the EGO six years later ...
First, the most apparent objective data. Since its approval by the Town Council, let's look at what has happened? Hotel, restaurant, gas station and a biotechnology firm.
Let's now look at what has not happened? No overall plan. Does not look like South County Commons.
In fact, they have "expanded" the EGO east and west from the original boundaries. When asked what was the rationale for this request ... the response from a Town employee was not definitive. When asked "Is there a developer with a potential proposal that needs more that area to be expanded that requires this extension?" The answer was no. The further answer was intersting ... "It was to be consistent with the other parcels in the EGO." Know how many times our various planning and zoning boards/employees have used that standard quote? Too many.
So again, no plan. Just unclear and subjective accepted and approved. WIthout a definitive vision and plan.
Fascinating that the original projections and purpose (call it vision) was South County Commons. Ironically, a organized, objective vision and plan was discussed in 2019. Discussed with many constituencies including elected officials, Town leadership and residents. Much in a public forum.
Look at the Economic Development Commission's minutes, specifically July 11, 2019. The recommendation that we engage an independent And previous posts on this blog. Interesting reading.
The Fallout
However, is development of business just for the sake a great idea? No. A planned, objective, thoughtful and apolitical approach is the only practical strategy. Little of that approach is being applied in Smithfield.
Spot zoning and planning are at the center of the decisions. Maybe the notion to increase tax revenues as well. However, what are the unexpected consequences? Or are they never planned, considered, analyzed properly ... or just not politically expedient?
In some situations, the business and government leaders adopt and implemented the term Bounded Rationality. In its basic definition ... the approach to gather information that will support your premise or decision and then stop gathering information (or data). It is a method of justifying the decision based on bounded compilation of objective data.
But what are the costs? Infrastructure (water, sewer, etc), traffic, safety, crime, environment ... or even lifestyle of its residents and visitors. Or the harm to local businesses by the influx of competitors. Maybe the tax stabilization plan if implemented incorrectly (but that's another post).
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