Could these be the signs we’ve been waiting for?

With each announcement of a new business, or a new use for a largely vacant property like that of Rhode Island Mall, Mayor Scott Avedisian has talked about the economic strength and resiliency of Warwick. He’s taken it further, suggesting that finally clouds are lifting from the recession that has put a chill on jobs and the economy for the past six years.

It has not been an easy road for many.

Homeowners have watched their property values slide to the point where they are “under water” and their homes are worth less than what they owe on them. Distressed sales and foreclosures have become a fixture in the real estate market. Businesses have been unable to weather the storm resulting in vacant sore fronts and buildings in all sectors of the city. And the impact on families and individuals are particularly evident to Westbay Community Action, Rhode Island Family Shelter, The House of Hope CDC and other organizations seeking to meet the basic needs of food and shelter for those without jobs or unable to make ends meet with the jobs they have.

There is a remarkable wellspring of compassion and generosity in this community for those who are less fortunate. We see it daily and even in hard and uncertain times, people are self-sacrificing to help others. It makes for a strong and caring city.

To get back to “the signs,” it is indeed encouraging to see plans like those being put forth by Steve Soscia of Mutual Property to build an assisted living facility and office park on Toll Gate Road and those of developer Michael Integlia to erect 100,000 square feet of Class A Office Space at One Metro Center Boulevard. Such projects are costly and these people would not make such investments without market research and good odds for returns.

As Mayor Avedisian has pointed out, substantial state investments in the airport at the Apponaug Circulator bode well for future growth, too. These are some of the infrastructure improvements that will improve efficiency, which serves as an enticement to businesses.

Mayor Avedisian has alluded more good news on developments are on their way. That’s exciting.

We suspect no one new development will be the “sign” that the recession is behind us. But while they not all big multi-million dollar developments like those reported in today’s Beacon, every sign of renewed confidence is welcome…and celebrated.