Help Townies Oppose Excessive Development at 100 WAMP
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The Kent Heights neighborhood is actively opposing the excessive development of 100 Wampanoag Trail (formerly Elderwood Nursing Home) located next to East Providence Fire Station #4 on the corner of Pawtucket Avenue.
The abutters within 200 feet of the old nursing home received notice in late September of the developer's plan to renovate and expand the existing structure into a multifamily apartment building with 44 units, a third story addition, zero landscape buffering for neighboring properties, and only 1 off-street parking space per unit.
The proposed plan is seeking 7 zoning variances in a residential R3 zone. We fully support the development and renovation of the property, but we believe the current plan is detrimental to the existing neighborhood, is excessive in order to maximize profitability and sets a dangerous precedent for all East Providence residential neighborhoods.
The Kent Heights neighbors feel the proposed plan as described above is excessive and causes valid concerns for the longstanding taxpayers, which are summarized as follows:
- We are concerned with the increase in traffic on Wampanoag Trail (the on ramp to I-195) especially in the wake of the Washington Bridge closure.
- We are concerned for the safety of the neighboring streets with the increased traffic, especially due to the insufficient parking provided in the proposed plan. The Kent Heights streets directly behind the nursing home are currently populated with walkers, runners, dogs, and children riding bikes, which will only increase with the opening of the new playground at Kent Fields. The streets do not see much car traffic beyond the homeowners in the area. A church with a daycare is also directly neighboring this property and deserves adequate safety measures for traffic and privacy. We are concerned this development as proposed will be disruptive to the neighborhood and the current character of their property.
- We are concerned with the potential increase in noise volume, especially in the evening. The current plan is 90% studio and 1-bedroom apartments that would not accommodate families which would be more in line with the current character of the area which is full of families and very quiet once the street lights turn on. This will not solve the current housing crisis for local families.
- We are concerned that the third story addition, expansion of the parking lot directly up to the back neighbor's fence, and lack of landscape buffering would be intrusive and detrimental to the privacy of the backyard neighbors.
We have hired a lawyer to advocate for our reasonable request that this property be developed appropriately in a manner consistent with the character of the neighborhood. We have paid a $5,000 retainer for the legal services. While we hope we do not have to pay any further legal fees, only time will tell. We truly appreciate your generous support and hope our fight will set a positive precedent for all East Providence residential neighborhoods.
Organizer and beneficiary
Erin Thibeault
Organizer
East Providence, RI
Allison Kazarian
Beneficiary