I believe it is not too late to protect the rural quality of life we all cherish

October 16, 2004
By: Paul Zwolenski

Press Release


High Density Impacts
For the past 20 years, our town has averaged 35 new housing unit starts per year. Now, we face the impact of 449 units that have been approved for development. 290 high density condominium units were approved by ill informed past council members. Zone changes made by past councils granted housing density bonus for the 162 unit Laurel Woods development. Town open space land that contained one of our town public wells was sold so 64 more condos could be built at the 128 unit Silver Pines development. Why? Because all developers will tell you that their project will generate tax revenue. Developers never fully disclose the negative impacts associated with high density developments such as increased traffic problems, noise, light pollution, increased demands for water and the impacts to education costs and other town services. As a member of the Planning Board, I was in the majority as we strongly recommended against the Zone changes and vehemently argued against the sale of town open space property for high density housing projects.

One must also expect the building of 88 units at “Country Meadows” another development that was mishandled by a previous council causing a protracted legal battle that the Town lost and 71 more units at the “Rock Cliff” development. This brings the total to of 449 approved housing units that are under construction. This is the equivalent of 12.8 years of housing starts based on the historic 35 housing starts per year.

The current Town Council has begun initial dialog regarding the changing of 2 Manufacturing Zones at the Slatersville Mill and the Tupperware Mill properties, to Mixed Use Zones. This has the potential to bring an additional 340 housing units to North Smithfield. Both requests must be reviewed with a strong understanding of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development and Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinance to limit negative impacts while assuring the best use of existing infrastructure for the generation of tax revenue flows. I believe I have a solid background in reviewing proposed development and assuring they are consistent with our Town’s regulations.

The developers of the proposed “Dowling Village,” a major multiple big box retail, multiple chain restaurant, small office complex and high density 76 unit condominium development off of 146A, have had a closed session meeting with current town council members to discuss tax treaties. These meetings must be held in an open forum, not behind closed doors. As your Town Councilor, I will insist that all meetings be held openly.

I believe it is not too late to protect the rural quality of life we all cherish. To believe that zoning changes for high density housing complexes and mega retail developments will bring relief from higher taxes without solid guarantees of substantial tax revenues is fool hardy. Ask the people who live in Smithfield, Lincoln, North Attleboro and Warwick if their taxes have been stabilized through high density housing and big box retail developments.

Development is a good thing when it provides value to a community. We must attract environmentally friendly businesses that will provide tax revenues with limited negative impacts. Most importantly, we must support and retain existing locally owned businesses that have provide services, goods, jobs and contributed to our community for generations.

If you enjoy the rural character of North Smithfield please support me in my bid for Town Council. Let’s assure the Town of North Smithfield remains a “town.”