On November 18th the Providence City Plan Commision is slated to approve a proposed major subdivision to what has been called the "Last Great Estate in Providence," the historic Bridgham Estate at 440-460 Rochambeau, which extends onto Blackstone Boulevard, into 12 separate lots. Approval of the subdivision in its current form leaves the door open to insensitive and poorly planned development that would diminish the integrity of the neighborhood, jeopardize the stone wall built in 1849, and set precedent for future development in the area. 

The community's concerns about insensitive development are not unfounded: in February 2014, the owners presented a previous proposal to the City Plan Commission, which featured a four-story high density 110 unit residential condominium complex with multi-level parking for 132 cars. While the City Plan Commission did not support the proposal, we are strongly concerned that the kind of development the owners find to be appropriate is not in the neighborhood's best interest. 

Insensitive development that is not aligned with the historic nature of the neighborhood is harmful to the long term economic success of the community. 

The Providence Preservation Society must show strong leadership and set a standard for the appropriate development of 440-460 Rochambeau that will enhance rather than diminish the community's social and physical infrastructure.