PROPOSED: Vista Della Torre

[runawayjim]

Your argument regarding access while valid is flawed. Using your precedent model all of the Restaurants along Atwells Avenue would have to abandon their use of the public right of way for cafe' tables and the Valet's that block use of "Public" parking spaces in front of their respective venues to allow easier access for their customers would have to stop this practice as well. Is the city being compensated for these activities?

[jencoleslaw]

Using Atwells Avenue as any kind of example is already flawed since many of the restaurants up there have neither the zoning designation for cafe tables, nor the use permits for valet. Not only that, but they use the actual street put their signs out which isn't legal with any license or variance.

And I assume that quente is talking about the bridge building at RI hospital, and that is very different set up than at VDT. Aside from a crosswalk, and the inevitable construction issues, that street is not affected by the bridge above it. in addition, the bridge is just a bridge, it isn't a 20 story building above, blocking out the sun for eternity or when the building starts to fall apart, which over comes first

So, what happened at the City Council last night? Rubber stamp as per usual?

[mental757]

PROJO: "City Council OKs major upgrade of Hopkins Square Park"

http://www.projo.com/ri/providence/content...v12.ffa57b.html

about half way through this article, VDT is mentioned.

"In other council business, Cranston developer Frank Zammiello was given authorization last night to build underneath Bradford Street for a Federal Hill condo tower, but the council slashed at the last minute the price he would pay."

[Cotuit]

but the council slashed at the last minute the price he would pay."

[runawayjim]

Oh, that was nice of them.

[quente]

ProJo: Deal on Federal Hill?

So I read this editorial on "Bella Vista", aka Vista della Torre, and thought, Huh?!?

I guess it's in support of the project: "Notwithstanding its height, we like his proposal

[Cotuit]

Reckless irresponsibility from the "paper of record."

We like it 'cos it's pretty, but the developer is a shady mofo, and maybe it's too tall, but it's pretty...

We like it 'cos its pretty should not be what The Journal bases an opinion on. Did no one at the Journal research any local laws or regulations regarding this proposal? Did anyone not think for a second that maybe the city was selling perpetual air rights and easements for a ridiculously bargain basement price? Did no one bother to call around to any other big cities to see how they handle such things? Did no one bother to do any man on the street interviews? Ask the WBNA or Federal Hill Merchants association what they might think (though I suspect the Merchants Association would keep their opinions to themselves were they to be anything but in favor)? How about ask the residents of Dominica Manor how they feel? How about getting someone with an architecture background to comment on the prettiness (or lack thereof)?

Oh and PS, from an aesthetic point of view it is an utter turd!

[runawayjim]

How about getting someone with an architecture background to comment on the prettiness (or lack thereof)?

[TheAnk]

"Residents could dine at Camille

[FjmArch]

Reckless irresponsibility from the "paper of record."

How about ask the residents of Dominica Manor how they feel?

[09/21/38]

This project fits the devlopment plans of the city to build high rise structures along Rt. 95. And so has the blessing of the right people. Of all the proposals on the drawing board this one seems to have the most momentum. But there is no rush. The developer is slowly getting the necessary permits and easements in place for when he is ready to start construction whenever that is.

Because of the location, many people who want to move back to the neighborhood will be interested in this address, slow economy or not. Just as they did in the 70's when the Dominica Manor was built.

[runawayjim]

This project fits the devlopment plans of the city to build high rise structures along Rt. 95. And so has the blessing of the right people. Of all the proposals on the drawing board this one seems to have the most momentum. But there is no rush. The developer is slowly getting the necessary permits and easements in place for when he is ready to start construction whenever that is.

Because of the location, many people who want to move back to the neighborhood will be interested in this address, slow economy or not. Just as they did in the 70's when the Dominica Manor was built.

[JimmyGreaves]

There are people (including myself) who are concerned about how this development will work at street level. Will the portion of Federal Street under the arch become essentially privatized to be used, not as a pedestrian connector, but as a drop off location for residents and visitors of the building only? Will the ground floor contain retail that can be utilized by the neighborhood and activate the street, or will a dead zone be created due to the fact that the only people who walk around the building are going into the building or exiting the building? Unless it can be shown that it can work at street level, it is in my opinion lacking a vital component of a successful development and will fall short of the high expectations.

[quente]

This project fits the devlopment plans of the city to build high rise structures along Rt. 95. And so has the blessing of the right people. Of all the proposals on the drawing board this one seems to have the most momentum. But there is no rush. The developer is slowly getting the necessary permits and easements in place for when he is ready to start construction whenever that is.

Because of the location, many people who want to move back to the neighborhood will be interested in this address, slow economy or not. Just as they did in the 70's when the Dominica Manor was built.

[09/21/38]

The right people are those dept's at City hall which give the thumbs up or down for a project like this. This fits their vision of the future of the city.

VDT will bring people back to the Hill because it will become the place to live.

Because of its height it will look like it is next to the highway as you drive thru the city. From 95 you won't be able to see the park.

The concerns regarding the access on Federal St. are valid and need to be addressed. If there is some retail on the first floor that would promote public access and more of a tie in with the neighborhood.

[jencoleslaw]

The right people are those dept's at City hall which give the thumbs up or down for a project like this. This fits their vision of the future of the city.

VDT will bring people back to the Hill because it will become the place to live.

Because of its height it will look like it is next to the highway as you drive thru the city. From 95 you won't be able to see the park.

The concerns regarding the access on Federal St. are valid and need to be addressed. If there is some retail on the first floor that would promote public access and more of a tie in with the neighborhood.

[runawayjim]

The right people are those dept's at City hall which give the thumbs up or down for a project like this. This fits their vision of the future of the city.

[09/21/38]

This project increases the tax base and the denisty of the downtown area with a vertical building along RT 95. Isn't that one of the goals of Providence 2020.

It will become the place to live because many people who were born on the hill will now want to retire there and what better place than on the 25th floor with a view of the bay.

Yes I am new to this site but have been reading it for the last year and finally jumped on.

[runawayjim]

This project increases the tax base and the denisty of the downtown area with a vertical building along RT 95. Isn't that one of the goals of Providence 2020.

It will become the place to live because many people who were born on the hill will now want to retire there and what better place than on the 25th floor with a view of the bay.

Yes I am new to this site but have been reading it for the last year and finally jumped on.

[quente]

This project increases the tax base and the denisty of the downtown area with a vertical building along RT 95. Isn't that one of the goals of Providence 2020.

[Liamlunchtray]

This will enhance the neighborhood about as much as a drive through Arby's.

Well maybe less. I could at least use the public restroom occasionally at the Arby's.

[basachs]

This will enhance the neighborhood about as much as a drive through Arby's.

Well maybe less. I could at least use the public restroom occasionally at the Arby's.

[09/21/38]

All projects of this size require many agreements and compromises. And many back room deals. But if you are really concerned enough you need to put pressure on city hall and attend the planning committee meetings and voice your disaproval. Otherwise you are no better off than the person who doesn't vote and complains for four years. Spouting off on this web site is for informational and amusement purposes only. It makes for an interesting exchange of ideas and disucssion but I don't think it actually accomplishes anything.

But having said all of that I would doubt we ever see this building even break ground until the economy shows some sign of improoving which might not be for another 4-6 years.

Which is why we still have a vacant lot at 110 West.

[runawayjim]

All projects of this size require many agreements and compromises. And many back room deals. But if you are really concerned enough you need to put pressure on city hall and attend the planning committee meetings and voice your disaproval. Otherwise you are no better off than the person who doesn't vote and complains for four years. Spouting off on this web site is for informational and amusement purposes only. It makes for an interesting exchange of ideas and disucssion but I don't think it actually accomplishes anything.

But having said all of that I would doubt we ever see this building even break ground until the economy shows some sign of improoving which might not be for another 4-6 years.

Which is why we still have a vacant lot at 110 West.

[quente]

All projects of this size require many agreements and compromises. And many back room deals. But if you are really concerned enough you need to put pressure on city hall and attend the planning committee meetings and voice your disaproval. Otherwise you are no better off than the person who doesn't vote and complains for four years. Spouting off on this web site is for informational and amusement purposes only. It makes for an interesting exchange of ideas and disucssion but I don't think it actually accomplishes anything.