COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (CDC)
Building a neighborhood where residents and businesses want to live, work, play, and stay.
To encourage and support quality projects that will be positive, long-term additions to our neighborhood through a process of public discourse and expert opinion.
The CDC is composed of neighbor/volunteers well-versed in architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, and economic development and concentrates on the geographic area roughly bounded by Broadway to the north, West Franklin Street to the east, Cranston Street to the south, and Route 10 to the west. The committee focuses on the following issues: affordability, new construction, renovation and adaptive reuse, infrastructure improvement, studies and plans, zoning overlays and policy.
The Community Development Committee was formed in 1990 by neighbors, many of whom with backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, development, and historic preservation. Since then, the committee has reviewed numerous neighborhood projects, initiated studies, and influenced policy.
How it works
Project Review Process
The CDC leads a formal review process of development projects and welcomes presentations from organizations and individuals proposing development projects in the WBNA focus area. We aim to ensure that projects prioritize affordability, complement the historic aesthetic of the neighborhood, and comply with existing regulations and strategic plans for the area. Projects are evaluated for their context, scale, economic and social contribution, and other relevant factors.
Up to 15 minutes will be allowed for all presentations to the committee; presenters should be prepared to share as much detail as possible about the project. Is it new construction or a renovation? adaptive reuse? what number and type of units (including % of affordability and % of retail space), and any details regarding green features, trees and landscaping, and number of parking spaces.
As the basis for its review process, the CDC strongly takes into consideration:
Affordability
Green Design and Construction
Architectural Appropriateness to the Surroundings
CDC Action & Support
If the CDC review process results in the WBNA supporting a proposed development project, the Committee can offer the following organizational support and advocacy to that project, if needed:
- Letters of support
- Testimony at public meetings
- Independent and collaborative advocacy
Upcoming Meeting Dates
The Community Development Committee does not have any public meetings currently scheduled. CDC meetings are open to all neighbors and are held at WBNA’s offices, 1560 Westminster Street, Providence.
Please check back for upcoming dates.
