Subscribe | Follow | Advertise

Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter cooler than your car’s steering wheel this morning 🧊 .

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Providence Rink reopens ⛸️

• New apartments & shops nearby 🏘️

• Water and road boosts 💧 

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Tide Trivia

Currents & Waves

🏘️ Metacomet Redevelopment Moves Forward

The Metacomet Country Club redevelopment cleared its final city hurdle as the East Providence Waterfront Commission approved the project. The 138-acre mixed-use plan includes 845 rental units (10% affordable), 163,000 square feet of commercial space, and features like an amphitheater and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Developers aim to create jobs, boost tax revenue, and provide open space, including 9.6 donated acres and a public golf course. While community group Keep Metacomet Green! continues to advocate for more green spaces, state approvals are still required before construction begins.

⛸️ Providence Rink Reopens After Renovations

The newly renovated Providence Rink had a soft opening this weekend, welcoming skaters despite the chilly weather. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM until March, the rink also offers ice bumper cars on weekdays (4–8 PM) and weekends (9–10 AM). Its grand opening is today at 2 PM. 🎉

🚰 RI Gets $9M for Water & Roads

Rhode Island is set to benefit from the new Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This legislation, backed by Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, boosts water infrastructure, unlocks $9M in unused transportation funds for RIDOT, and supports economic development. The bill also helps tackle climate resilience and dam safety, addressing RI’s 600+ dams, many of which need repairs.

🚉 Financing Secured for Dexter Street Commons

The $55M Dexter Street Commons in Pawtucket has locked in an $8.35M equity investment from the Healthy Neighborhoods Equity Fund (HNEF). This transit-oriented, mixed-use project at 71 Dexter St. will feature 150 all-electric housing units, 20% of which are affordable, along with ground-floor commercial space. Residents will enjoy modern amenities, access to healthy food, recreation, and the nearby commuter rail. The project emphasizes sustainability and community, marking HNEF's first Rhode Island investment. Completion will bring co-working spaces, a restaurant, and an outdoor art gallery to downtown Pawtucket.

Coastline Commerce

🏡 Tuscan Elegance in Mount Pleasant

Located in Providence’s sought-after Mount Pleasant neighborhood, this Tuscan-inspired 3-bed, 3-bath home (2,991 sqft, built in 1940) blends classic charm with modern comfort. Featuring graceful archways, intricate moldings, and a beautifully detailed fireplace, the layout includes a living room opening to a bright sunroom, a formal dining room, and a kitchen with vintage Vitrolite tiles and checkered flooring. Upstairs, the oversized primary suite and two additional bedrooms provide ample space, while the finished basement offers a retro-style bar, full bath, and laundry room. An oversized garage and adjacent vacant lot add extra potential, all minutes from universities, restaurants, and parks. See more photos here!

Seaside Skies

MONDAY

29°🌡 19° | 🌤️ | 💧 3% | 💨 W 6 mph

TUESDAY

35°🌡 19° | 🌤️ | 💧 19% | 💨 WNW 7 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

MONDAY

The Parlour | Foundation Mondays | 9 pm | $5, 21+

TUESDAY

Moonshine Alley | Tuesdays with Pat Lowell and Friends | 7 pm

133 Club | Tuesday Nights with Matt Martin & the Day Drinkers | 7 pm

The Parlour | Metal Night | 9 pm | $5

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Wednesday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current