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Preservation Committee
By David Kelleher, Chairman
There have been a couple of articles in the paper lately about the loss of historic properties; one from Cumberland and one from Barrington.There is concern throughout Rhode Island that we are losing connections to the past and this is true in East Providence. There are no ordinances to protect our historic properties, hence, it is possible for someone to buy a historic structure and demolish it to build a newer building.
The members of the East Providence Historic Properties Commission are about to begin the process of looking into the possibility of writing an ordinance or two to insure that historic properties are protected. This will be a process that must be done carefully and include all interested parties. The rights of the owners of private property, the business community, city officials and the general public all need to be considered.
The loss of the Ide Farm house on North Broadway and the possibility of losing another 18th century house at 325 North Broadway is making this effort to protect historic properties an important task that needs to be done now.
With the help of the city Planning Department and members of the board of Preserve Rhode Island, the properties commission will begin this process at its March 25th meeting. A few members of the properties commission will meet with William Conley, City Manager, on March 11 to seek his advice and have already been encouraged by Patrick Rogers, the properties commission's liaison to the city council.
I shall keep the board of the historical society informed as to the progress of the properties commission's work so that they can have input and support the commission as they see fit.
If you have any suggestions or ideas about this important process, please send your comments to me,
Dave Kelleher
36 Riverside Drive
Riverside, RI 02915
Tel. 433-2763
e-mail rid05377@ride.ri.net.
Grounds Committee
By Ray Anderson, Chairman
By the April issue of the Gazette, 1,000 daffodils should be blooming on Hunts Mills Road! This should guide residents and visitors to the John Hunt House Museum and its gardens and improved landscaping. Make plans to view this peaceful site.
Those who garden speak of how relaxing and rewarding an hour or two working in the soil with plants can be. Do you know of someone who would benefit from time spent in this tranquil oasis? Call me, 438-2464 or the society, 438-1750.
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