Progress Made!

Development of Shooters for public use does not mean creating a non-income producing facility with no opportunity for increasing tax revenues for the City and State. Public use of a waterfront does mean increased revenue and property values in the neighborhood. (Completion of Chicago’s Millenium Park has resulted in four million more visitors a year, $190 million in visitor spending, and increased property values – by as much as $100 per square foot over a 30 block inland area.)

After almost three years, HOBG’s strong case is gaining traction. Their accomplishments include:

• Continuing and growing an advocacy that has resulted in widespread support. At the December 2009 City Plan Commission meeting, HOBG presented more than 100 letters and e-mails supporting a public destination at the Shooters site—from 15 citywide, statewide and regional organizations; 29 from local businesses; 20 from elected officials and another eight from neighborhood associations. See Endorsements.

• Development of architectural renderings by a firm recognized for its extensive experience designing waterfront public spaces. This initial concept for a maritime facility utilizes the deepwater port and the foundation of the existing building.

• A pending application for a $1M federal stimulus grant, which has been endorsed by Mayor David N. Cicilline, U. S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Rhode Island Attorney General and candidate for governor Patrick C. Lynch, Rhode Island Treasurer and candidate for governor Frank T. Caprio, and former U.S. Senator and candidate for governor Lincoln Chafee, among others. See Endorsements.

• Sponsorship of a workshop, entitled Project for Public Spaces, which urged the development of numerous attractions for a successful public waterfront in Providence. Over 100 participants from the community attended the workshop to collectively share their vision of a public waterfront.