Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Columbia A Successful Forerunner Of New Towns, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"When center city developments such as Faneuil Hall in Boston, South Street Seaport in New York City, Harborplace in Baltimore and others are mentioned, the name of James W. Rouse is also noted in the same breath. In fact, the word "Rousification" is applied to such downtown developments. It is a tribute to his work in creating these lively retail centers in what were previously dying downtowns."

Housing Problems Grow More Acute For The Poor, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"One in seven people live below the poverty level in this rich country, and the result of this inexcusable condition is that housing is the principal problem for these more than 32 million people.

Nearly two of every three poor people rent their housing, and while home owners are experiencing increased equity because of increasing house values, low-income renters are having to pay higher rents with fewer dollars."

The Cities And Towns Look Ahead, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"What do you want your community to be? Over the next two and one-half years all communities in the state will be required to address this question, and to come up with a formal statement of what these goals and objectives are to be. And it's about time."

Cluster Battle Is Over, But The War Rages On, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The Chinese have a saying: 'Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think.' For Americans, the same could be said for zoning in the seemingly never-ending war between residents and developers over land development."

Notable Efforts To Meet Emerging Housing Needs, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"This is a landmark year in the historical development of housing in the nation, ad Rhode Island almost became a part of this bigger picture. One noteworthy event has already taken place, and two special birthdays are observed throughout the year."

Return Of The Student Tempo, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It's that time of the year again when summer wanes and fall approaches. In the minds of many, this change to autumn occurs around Labor Day when the kids go back to school, rather than the official, later occurring, Autumnal Equinox. So, another season and the new academic year is upon us."

The Cities Do Need Help, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The lead editorial in the Providence Sunday Journal of December 7, 1986 is completely off the mark and deserves to be answered. The attitude expressed by the writer conveys the specious view that because our nation's cities are not being burned down or torn apart by race riots at the present time then things are not really all that bad in our urban centers."

Haven Brothers: Community In A City Of Change, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Providence is a historic city with the claim, among others, to having, in the Benefit Street area, the nation's best collection of 18th century wooden houses and, downtown, one of the finest concentrations of 19th century commercial buildings. It is this history that makes us unique, and it is this history that we celebrate, both in the city and the state, during this, our 350th birthday.

The Housing Options In Barrington, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Barrington has a reputation as a fine town, with attractive homes surrounded by neat lawns, good schools, many boats moored in the harbor and only 15 minutes from the heart of Providence."

Tourism's Full Potential Waiting In Wings For R.I., Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Question: What industry in this country involves 8 million consumers daily, employs between 4 and 6 million people directly, generates nearly $200 billion in annual expenditures and is our second largest retailing activity? If you answered tourism, you are correct."

Economic Spin-Off From The Arts, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It was the variety of people there that was most noteworthy. There were the construction men, the account executives in their three-piece suits, the poor, the old, the young, the blacks, the Asians, the college professors and the unfortunates who frequent downtown parks and benches."

Providence: Arts Can Improve The Image, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Providence has an image problem. Whether one asks as state resident or a Providence native about our capital city, the response is usually negative. And the image of our city held by non-Rhode Islanders is one that should not make us proud."

Minorities, Cities To Bear Brunt Of Federal Cutbacks, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The sad story of the 4,500 Rhode Island families whose welfare benefits will be reduced or ended with this current 1982 fiscal year should make us profoundly aware of the plight of the poor. In the next few months government-mandated action will bring the federal budget closer to balance. Not yet noticed but soon to be realized, will be the impact on minority poor, and on the place where most of them live--the city."

Some Good Things Are Happening, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It is easy to be critical and to single out the wrongs of a society: the reporting of such wrongs is what sells newspapers. Too often the good things that happen are not recognized nor deemed newsworthy, and the result is they go unnoticed. So it was more than refreshing to read recently in these papers about some very positive actions on the part of a private citizen, a small business, and yes, even a politician--actions that are helping to make our communities better places in which to live."

Welcome To The Beach: Only If You Can Afford It, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Narragansett has been called 'Home of the most expensive public tan in America' because of beach and parking fees imposed by the Tow Council in June."

The Elderly: A Market Resource, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The audience that came to hear the talk was distinctive. All of them were over 65, and nine out of 10 in the group of approximately 90 were women."

Boost For The Downtown: Splendid New Arcade, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The sign hanging from the center of the building reads '7 Days to Opening.' The countdown number changes dailty to remind carpenters, electricians, tile setters, merchants, and a whole host of others that construction must be finished, stocks placed, and shops ready for the Grand Opening of America's first indoor shopping mall--the Arcade.

Cleaning Downtown Can Lead To Improved Services, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The newly formed Downtown Providence Improvement Association has a simple goal--to clean the center of the capital city. The DPIA is taking on a commendable and necessary task, one which is long overdue, in what is likely one of the dirtiest and scruffiest downtowns in this part of the country.

Fresh Ideas Essential For Redesigning Downtown, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Whether downtown Providence has style, grace, elegance and good taste or whether it is seedy, sleazy, schlock and second rate, there can be no question that the quality of the built enviornment should be a major consideration in all center city development. If the downtown is to prosper, than it must be made asthetically pleasing, inviting and comfortable, but who should be making these decisions on design?

Saving The Abandoned House, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It had been standing vacant in Olneyville for about three weeks, after the last tenant had moved out. Then one day a half-dozen young people came and ripped, smashed and generally tore it apart--the windows, doors and even the aluminum siding. Although the police were called, the vandals got away, and another house became a victim to city living."

Europe, Too, Feels The Auto Congestion, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Examining cities in other countries can be most productive, especially once the euphoria of visiting these cities has worn off through repeated visits. One discovers that heavy automobile traffic, inadequate parking and polluted air are problems as common in Spanish cities as those in America, and after three visits to this country over the past 12 years, one discerns a marked deterioration in the quality of urban life resulting from the steel monster of this century--the automobile.

Stevenage--Pace Setter Among "New Towns", Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The British successful "great social experiment," going on for the past generation, is now coming to an end. This culmination is to be seen here in England's first, post-war new town, located 30 miles north of London in the rolling countryside of Hertfordshire, where the Stevenage Development Corporation has formally closed shop. For all pratical purposes, the construction of this urban center has ended."

Roger Williams Project-Potential Industrial Site?, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"In a neighborhood analysis done in 1969, the Providence Department of Planning and Urban Development stated it succintly: "The Roger Williams public housing project contains some of the poorest quality housing in the area."

City Image Building, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It is only the beginning, but it is a step in the right direction. The recently announced proposal by the Mayor of Providence for the purchase of art works for city buildings and parks is a welcome sign that the city is finaly recognizing the value of an aesthetically pleasing enviornment. Called "Art in City Life," the program could funnel as much as $300,000 next year into works of art for city public spaces, much of it in the downtown area (see Citiartnews, Fall/Winter Issue, 1979-1980). This important measure deserves the full support of the arts community as well as …

Improving Commercial Streets Is Possible, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It was only a small gesture, but a nice one. The two park benches were placed on the sidewalk in front of a small shop on the busy Thayer Street in Providence. Somewhat of a harbinger of Spring, the brightly painted, red benches added a little color to a street coming out of the throes of a long, dreary and colorless winter season."

Expert Sees A Revival Of Urban Church And The City, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Douglas Walrath, recognized church consultant and author, was at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Pawtucket to address a recent conference of the Urban Ministry Division of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches on the topic of urban churches. At the end of the day, more than 100 who attended from throughout the Providence metropolitan area left the meeting considerably more optimistic about the future of their churches and of the urban centers in which they are located."

Bottle Bill Would Stimulate Sense Of Pride In Ri, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Statements being made by Bottle Bill opponents have increasingly become more ludicrous. Most recently the head of the Rhode Island section of the United States Steelworkers of America wrote to members of the General Assembly, in whose hands the fate of the propsed legislation now rests, and offered this reasoning on the bill."

Suburban Elderly Speak Out In Providence, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The talk was designed to elicit information and reactions from the audience of elderly. And it did just that because old people do not waste words and are not reluctant to speak out, perhaps because they realize that they have little time left, so they were ready with their comments and quite willing to fill out the questionnaire."

New Federal Initiatives For City Revitalization, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"'We have never really had a comprehensive urban policy in this country...and in the absence of understanding and coordinated assistance among government leaders, many of our cities are caught in a vicious cycle, a downward spiral that can only be broken by new attitudes, new initiatives, and a new partnership.'"

Beating The Drum For Tourists: Hartford Leads By A Mile, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"This capital city of the Nutmeg state is remarkably similar to Rhode Island's capital city both in terms of historical development and present day status. Bu there is one striking difference: the ability and commitment to 'sell' itself."