The city has secured funding for construction of a walking and bike path that will expand pedestrian connections from Rocky Point to Warwick Neck Avenue.
The state Department of Environmental …
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The city has secured funding for construction of a walking and bike path that will expand pedestrian connections from Rocky Point to Warwick Neck Avenue.
The state Department of Environmental Management, at Mayor Scott Avedisian’s request, authorized the city to use approximately $30,000 in funds remaining from a $140,000 grant it awarded the city to make improvements at the city’s mile of shoreline property at the former amusement park.
The money, coupled with an allocation from the city’s Fees in Lieu of Open Space account, will pay for construction of a 10-foot wide, 400-yard path on Meadowview Avenue known as the Rocky Point Extension. The path will connect the park property to Warwick Neck, enable walkers and cyclists to avoid busy Warwick Neck Avenue, and provide for better access to the Highland Beach side of the park. Meadowview Avenue, long closed to traffic, once served as part of the historic trolley line that connected Rocky Point to Providence and Warwick’s Oakland Beach and Buttonwoods neighborhoods.
“The Department of Environmental Management has been a great partner with the city throughout all the years we worked to purchase the shoreline property and open the park to the public,” Avedisian said in a statement. “I appreciate their continued commitment to increasing access to the park and their support of the city’s ongoing efforts to beautify and improve the property and surrounding neighborhood.”
“Kudos to Mayor Avedisian and the city leadership for their efforts to expand public access into Rocky Point,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “This new walking and bike path will give pedestrians and bikers a safer and more convenient connection from Warwick Neck to the park, where they can enjoy the rocky shoreline and gorgeous views of Narragansett Bay. It has been such a pleasure to work with Mayor Avedisian and his team over the past several years to protect this special place on the R.I. landscape.”
"I am excited that the mayor has supported my effort to open, expand and improve the property around Rocky Point," said Councilman John DelGiudice, whose ward encompasses the neighborhood. DelGiudice has been working with the Planning Department and residents of Ward 5 developing the idea of the public access of Meadowview Avenue as a bike path for some time.
Avedisian said plans are for construction to be completed and the path open to the public by late fall.
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maggie123
I think it is a great idea but being a highland beach resident...not sure how this makes it safer for bikers and walkers...Palmer Ave is just as dangerous if not worse with speeding cars and no sidewalks. Warwick Neck Ave has side walks and traffic slows because of the many neighborhoods which people are entering and exiting. Does the City plan to install side walks to the entrance? Or are they suggesting bikers and walkers cross Palmer and proceed down Priscilla Ave? Rocky Point Avenue provides direct access to the Park entrance and Warwick Neck Avenue without having to be on Palmer. I am not sure how this will make access easier for Warwick Neck residents. The only reason I think it's a good idea is because the City is finally going to clean up Meadow View Avenue.
Saturday, June 23, 2012 Report this
perky4175
the city should be selling rockypoint
Saturday, June 23, 2012 Report this