News Summary
A proposal for a 95-unit affordable housing development at the former Narragansett Park racetrack site in Pawtucket aims to address the demand for accessible living spaces. The project includes two three-story apartment buildings and five townhomes, with a focus on community engagement. Final approval is desired by late summer 2025, with plans for tax credits to support financing. The Arc of Blackstone Valley is spearheading the initiative, aligning with their mission to enhance community accessibility and support individuals with developmental disabilities.
Plans have been proposed for a 95-unit affordable housing development on a site that was once the home of Narragansett Park racetrack. This initiative was introduced during a recent pre-application meeting of the City Planning Commission.
The prospective development is located on a 10-acre property at 645 Narragansett Park Drive. This vacant lot spans 428,974 square feet and is currently zoned as commercial general. The proposal was presented by Jack Padien, the executive director of the Arc of Blackstone Valley.
The architectural plan for the development includes two three-story apartment buildings and five two-story townhomes. Each of the apartment buildings will feature one five-bedroom unit situated on the first floor, catering to families and individuals seeking affordable living options. Additionally, a total of 196 parking spaces are anticipated to be incorporated into the project to accommodate residents and visitors.
The City Planning Commission convened a pre-application meeting to gather public feedback on the proposal before any formal applications are submitted. This early engagement is aimed at addressing any potential concerns from local neighbors regarding the project. The commission has encouraged the applicant to constructively engage with community members during this phase.
The timeline for the project indicates that the applicant aims to secure final approval by late summer of 2025. Following this, plans are in place to apply for tax credits in December of that same year, which are vital for financing the project.
The Arc of Blackstone Valley, the organization leading the initiative, has a well-defined mission to build community connections and provide support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This housing development aligns with their goals of fostering a supportive living environment and enhancing the community’s accessibility to essential resources.
The location of the proposed housing development is strategically significant, as it is situated near a major mixed-use project being developed by the Carpionato Group. This notable project is located off Newport Avenue at the Pawtucket/East Providence city line, indicating an evolving urban landscape in that area.
The introduction of affordable housing projects is a response to the ongoing demand for accessible living spaces in Rhode Island. By converting previously commercial properties into residential ones, municipalities like Pawtucket can address housing shortages while promoting community growth and revitalization.
As the process continues, it will be critical for the Arc of Blackstone Valley to maintain open lines of communication with the community and local stakeholders. Doing so will help ensure that the development meets the needs of potential residents while fostering a sense of neighborhood support.
This proposed development at the former Narragansett Park racetrack reflects a broader trend in urban planning that prioritizes affordable housing solutions, making essential living accommodations available to a diverse range of individuals and families.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
RIPEC Proposes Housing Reforms Amid Crisis in Rhode Island
Local Return Launches Jumpstart Rhode Island Initiative
Rhode Island Invests $27.2 Million in Affordable Housing
Luxurious Mini-Estate Listed for $4.25 Million in Providence
URI Receives $1.2 Million Grant for Biomedical Training
Rhode Island Faces Severe Housing Crisis and Supply Shortage
Rhode Island Faces Housing Crisis with Urgent Actions Needed
Rhode Island REAL ID Deadline Approaches
Providence City Approves Mixed-Use Developments for Affordable Housing
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Pawtucket Weather
- Providence Journal: Pawtucket Sports News
- Turn to 10: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Pawtucket
- Boston Globe: Boston Rainfall Totals
- Wikipedia: Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
