This website chronicles the work of the Branch Village Revitalization Task Force over the 23-month period from January 2007 through November 2008. The Task Force delivered a long-range plan for sustainable economic development that earned the unanimous support of the Town Council in July 2008.  At the recommendation of the Task Force, the Town Council in November 2008 created a North Smithfield Redevelopment Agency to carry out the job of promoting and encouraging implementation of the plan, equipped with all the tools provided by state and local statute.  With its own task complete, the Task Force held its final meeting on November 19, 2008.

The Town is grateful to the individuals who helped guide the development of a forward-thinking plan for the future well-being of our community.      

Mission

To recommend and facilitate a comprehensive public policy strategy for stimulating private investment and the revitalization of the Branch Village district for the benefit of the entire community.   

Background

In January 2007, North Smithfield Town Administrator Robert Lowe convened a diverse group of community stakeholders to examine the potential for revitalizing an area of town known as Branch Village, located along Great Road in North Smithfield.  

This initiative got started with a realization that the town would need new revenues to support investments in such things as new schools, an expanded library, recreational facilities, a senior center, etc.   At the same time, it was recognized that if the citizens of North Smithfield want to grow the tax base in a way that adds lasting value to the community's quality of place and quality of life, then key stakeholders would need come together to make it happen.  

The revitalization of Branch Village was seen as the best opportunity to build new revenue in a way that improves an existing village that's in need of private and public improvements.  It also follows the 2006 update of the town's Comprehensive Community Plan recommending that the area be considered as a future "growth center", or priority investment area.

The Task Force, working with professional consultants and facilitators, will seek the input of all town residents to establish a collective vision for the future of Branch Village.  It will identify, prioritize and recommend regulatory incentives and public improvements that are necessary to attract the level of private investment that will improve the financial position of the town, improve the village itself and earn the support of the elected Town Council.

Goals

The Branch Village Revitalization Task Force started with the following broad municipal goals:

• To increase the municipal tax base within Branch Village by implementing a vision for the district that enhances the value of existing properties and that encourages a more efficient use of land with well-designed and appropriately scaled development or redevelopment.

• To improve the physical appearance and function of Branch Village for existing and new residents, business owners, employees and patrons.

• To better utilize the assets of the Branch Village Revitalization District, including its proximity to Route 146, its natural and cultural resources, its underutilized buildings, existing infrastructure and infill opportunities.

• To enhance and update existing infrastructure (roadways, sidewalks, stormwater drains, lighting, etc.) through new private investment and to minimize the municipal cost for providing and maintaining new infrastructure to serve the needs of future residential, commercial and industrial development.

• To improve long-term conditions for supporting efficient public transportation options for residents and employees in proximity to the corridor stretching from Route 102 in Slatersville through Branch Village and on to Union Village, Park Square and Providence.