Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the local newsletter that’s like an espresso shot for your inbox.

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Parcel 5 plans 🚧 

• Fire department’s fleet upgrades 🚑

• $1M+ “fixer upper” 🏚️

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Tide Trivia

What year was Providence College founded?

A. 1917

B. 1892

C. 1925

D. 1903

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

Currents & Waves

Parcel 5 Plans 🚧 

Preliminary proposals for the development of Parcel 5, the last large piece of land in Providence’s 195 Commission area, have been released. Nine development firms submitted designs, with several showing promise. Local architects ZDS submitted a glass-layered design. Höweler + Yoon’s proposal features an organic plan echoing the Providence River, while Wade/Keating’s design incorporates a market-like pedestrian street with retail and arts spaces. Merge, an all-women firm, focuses on green spaces and human-centric design. The Commission will review and narrow down the submissions in the coming months

🌆 Providence’s Plan for Inclusive Senior Support 

Mayor Brett P. Smiley, joined by city leaders and AARP Rhode Island, announced Providence’s Age-Friendly Action Plan, a comprehensive three-year initiative aimed at improving resources and opportunities for seniors while promoting inclusivity for all residents. Developed with input from the community and the Age-Friendly Task Force, the plan focuses on eight key areas including transportation, housing, social participation, and city services. By addressing these areas, the plan aims to create a more livable, supportive environment for Providence’s aging population, ensuring seniors can thrive with autonomy and dignity. The city will work across departments and with community partners to implement the plan.

🚒 Providence Fire Department Fleet Upgrade

U.S. Senators Jack Reed, and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo joined Mayor Brett P. Smiley to announce $1.3 million in federal funding for the Providence Fire Department. Awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, the funds will be used to purchase a new advanced life support ambulance and a pumper truck. These vehicles are part of an ongoing effort to modernize Providence's emergency response fleet, replacing older units to enhance public safety and operational efficiency. By 2027, Providence aims to replace 23 of its 27 fire and rescue vehicles, retiring outdated models from the 1990s.

Coastline Commerce

$1.3 Million “Fixer Upper” 🏚️

Over the past few years, I’ve driven by this house right off Blackstone Blvd. and wondered what the deal was as I slowly saw it look more and more abandoned. It was just listed for sale last week for $1.3M and it seems like you get a great location and a shell. The home, originally built in the 1930s, has a 4 bedroom 3 bathroom layout. For pictures of the house inside and out, click here.

Seaside Skies

MONDAY

72°🌡 55° | ⛅ | 💧 9% | 💨 NE 9 mph

TUESDAY

68°🌡 54° | ☁️ | 💧 14% | 💨 NE 11 mph

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

Sound Waves

MONDAY

The Parlour | Foundation Mondays | 9pm

TUESDAY

The Parlour | Metal Night | 9pm

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

The 133 Club | Matt Martin & the Daydrinkers | 7pm

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

The answer is: A. 1917