The transformation of the long-abandoned land along the Woonasquatucket River into a park, playground, bike path and affordable housing is an example of comprehensive community development at it’s best. The result of an exceptional partnership between Olneyville Housing Corporation (OHC), the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, the Providence Police Department and other key partners -- these projects have transformed what was once one of Providence's worst nieghborhoods into a triving community.
Working closely with the Providence Police Department, OHC acquired nuisance properties and vacant land and replaced them with attractive, affordable multi-family rentals and townhomes. Meanwhile, OHC and the watershed council worked with the Providence Park Department and LISC’s Community Safety Initiative as they designed to Riverside Park to incorporate the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design: a set of landscape design principles which aim to create public spaces that discourage illegal activity. Together with the playground, and the increased use from the bike path championed by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, these changes send a powerful message that Olneyville is a family-friendly community that does not tolerate criminal behavior.
These achievements received national attention when Olneyville Housing Corporation and the Providence Police Department shared first prize in the 2007 MetLife/LISC Community Police Partnership awards (click here for coverage in the Providence Journal). |