PVD Current
Posts
Providence's Comprehensive Plan & Upcoming 5Ks

Providence's Comprehensive Plan & Upcoming 5Ks

+ Monday trivia & Providence's cannabis plan

Oscar Punchak
September 16, 2024

Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s as cool as a mid-September morning.

What to expect in today’s Current:

🚌 RIPTA’s study to improve transit times
Providence’s fall & winter 5K lineup 🏃‍♂️
🌱 Cannabis zoning ordinance advances in PVD

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Tide Trivia

Which famous Providence-born author wrote "The Call of Cthulhu"?

A) Edgar Allan Poe
B) H.P. Lovecraft
C) Stephen King
D) Mark Twain

The answer is on the last line of today’s email.

Become a PVD Current Member

Are you enjoying the PVD Current? If so, consider checking out our membership. Our members get a variety of perks and features for only $6/month. Not interested? No problem.

Interested? Here’s what you can expect:

An exclusive PVD Current sticker
In-depth local food & restaurant reviews
Give input on where we review
Support independent, local media
Get our FREE list of Providence’s best cafes

Sound good? If so, click the button to become a member or learn more.

Thank you for your support!

Currents & Waves

🚌 RIPTA Launches Study to Improve Transit Across Providence

RIPTA has launched the Metro Connector Study to explore rapid transit options, focusing on connecting key transportation hubs and communities like Cumberland, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, Cranston, and Warwick. The study, a recommendation from Rhode Island's 2020 Transit Master Plan, will assess the potential for light rail and bus rapid transit. The goal is to improve transit access, particularly in high-demand corridors, improving connectivity and access to jobs and services.

Public input is encouraged through an online survey open until October 7, 2024, or via phone. Additionally, public meetings are scheduled in Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Providence in late September. Learn more here.

Providence Begins Review of Comprehensive Plan 🏙️

The Providence City Council’s Ordinance Committee has kicked off the review of the proposed Comprehensive Plan, a vital urban planning guide updated every decade. This plan is like a roadmap for the city, outlining how Providence will grow in areas like transportation, housing, environmental sustainability, historic preservation, and economic development. During the meeting, the Department of Planning and Development shared insights about the plan, and councilors took the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts. The focus is on making sure the plan supports affordability and equitable growth for everyone in the community.

There’s a public hearing scheduled today, September 16th at 5:30 PM, where all Providence residents are encouraged to join in, share their hopes, and voice any concerns.

Fall/Winter Providence 5K Lineup 🏃‍♂️

IGT Downtown 5k 2023

Yesterday, I ran in the IGT Downtown 5K. This year was my second year doing it, and I enjoyed it enough to see what other 5K races were happening in Providence before the end of the year. So here’s a quick list of all Providence 5K’s left for 2024. And remember, you don’t have to be a runner to try one, plenty of people walk. You can click on the names of the races below and it will bring you to their website to learn more.

Race for Matt and Grace 5K - 9/21/24
Flutie 5K for Autism - 10/6/24
Gloria Gemma 5K - 10/6/24
La Course 5K Run/Walk - 10/6/24
Women's Classic 5K Road Race - 10/13/24
Providence College Friar 5K - 10/19/24
Providence Monster Dash - 10/27/24
Girls on the Run 5K - 11/17/24
Downtown Jingle 5K - 12/8/24

Coastline Commerce

🌱 Cannabis Zoning Ordinance Advances in Providence

The Providence City Council’s Ordinance Committee has recommended passing a Cannabis Zoning Ordinance to allow cannabis retail in the city. This aligns with the 2022 Rhode Island Cannabis Act, which permits four retail licenses per zone in the state. The ordinance introduces two classifications for cannabis retailers: Social Equity/Worker’s Cooperative and Cannabis Retailer, promoting inclusion for communities disproportionately impacted by past marijuana laws.

Retailers must follow rules regarding signage, school proximity, and community notifications. The ordinance now moves to the full City Council for a vote on September 19th, aiming for responsible, inclusive cannabis retail in Providence. To read the official release from the City Council, click here.