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Greetings!
As we begin this new year, we have been hard at work finishing up projects and preparing to launch some new initiatives. 2011 is looking to be a productive year and we look forward to working with you on some of the following projects:
- Bridges To Business: Small Business Training in partnership with the International Institute of Boston
- Micro-Enterprise Grant Program
- New Website Business Directory
- The completion of the Blackstone Valley Bikeway Connector
- Table-For-Two: Sidewalk dining in Central Falls
Be sure to check out our website for more information about our projects! |
Dulce's Xpo Boutique Unveils New Signage 
With the help of the Broad Street Regeneration Initiative and the Micro-Enterprise Grant Program, a new storefront sign was erected at 165 Broad Street in Pawtucket, RI on January 6th. The much anticipated addition to Dulce's Boutique, which is owned and operated by Dulce Silva, is a projecting three-by-four foot lime-green sign. The sign was made by Dion signs, a local sign company in Central Falls.The sign has been the subject of zoning debates between Silva, BSRI coordinator Andrew Pierson and the City of Pawtucket.
Although building owners Joe Haskett and Kristen Murphy approved the signs installation this past July, current zoning ordinances prohibit the sign's proposed height. The top of storefront signs may not exceed 12 feet in height. The proposed sign climbs just one foot above this limit due to tall storefront windows and the buildings existing architecture. Since the buildings' 1929 construction predates the zoning code, Pierson and Silva requested and received relief from it through the city's Zoning Board of Review.
The boutique is part of a growing number of Broad Street businesses the BSRI can add to the list of MicroEnterprise Grant recipients. The committee has already approved grants for six businesses along the Broad Street corridor in 2010. The MicroEnterprise funds come from a Federal Housing and Urban Developement (HUD) grant. |
New Cycle Blackstone Website Launched
We are excited to announce the new and improved Cycle Blackstone website has officially been launched. This site will be providing detailed information about both the Blackstone River Bikeway and the on-street connector including construction updates as well as special programs and activities. Tickets for the leisurely bike tour can be purchased directly from the website as well. Check it out to get the most up-to-date information on cycling in the Blackstone Valley. |
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An Update From Cumberland Town Hall
David Atkinson, an AmeriCorps VISTA serving as the neighborhood planner for the Broad Street/Londsale Ave area gave us this update regarding the redevelopment of Ann & Hope:
"The Town of Cumberland is currently deciding what will go in Anne & Hope above the Big Flea market. After speaking with Anne & Hope's owners, we have the green light to work on locating a business there. Although the Town is thinking about recruiting a technology company (especially one that will help Cumberland be competitive as the economy changes), we are also looking for a business that will recruit college graduates from local universities. Additionally, as the Town is continuing our work on Broad Street, we are working to create a Redevelopment Authority (RA) to oversee the redevelopment of Anne & Hope. This RA will study areas that need to be developed, apply for funding and grants as well as administrative tasks to make sure development goes smoothly. Additionally, this RA will be involved in the process of a business going into Anne & Hope." |
