MAYOR LISA BALDELLI-HUNT AND CITY COUNCIL INCREASE OPEN SPACE ALONG RIVER STREET  WITH BLIGHT AND DENSITY REDUCTION PROGRAM

December 20, 2019 
 
Contact:  Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt     lbaldellihunt@woonsocketri.org; 401-767-9205 
 
MAYOR LISA BALDELLI-HUNT AND CITY COUNCIL INCREASE OPEN SPACE ALONG RIVER STREET  WITH BLIGHT AND DENSITY REDUCTION PROGRAM    

WOONSOCKET, RI:  The recent clearing of two River Street structures has restored an additional 15,682 sq. ft. of open space to the city with direct views of the Blackstone River under its Blight and Density Reduction Program. 
 
“I am very pleased to announce the ongoing demolitions performed this week,” said Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt.  “Since 2015, our blight and density reduction efforts have slowly but surely enabled Woonsocket’s cityscape to morph into one that is less congested.”     
 
The recently cleared structures include a vacant multifamily residence set upon 4,356 sq. ft. of land located at 113 River Street and a commercial building with 11,325.60 sq. ft. of land at 80 River Street that formerly housed Aly’s Pub. 
 
“Removing the River Street properties could very well lead to new possibilities for expanding tourism-based activities with organizations such as the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council which already launches its Explorer River Boat Tours from the city’s Cold Spring Park,” noted Mayor Baldelli-Hunt.   
 
She added, “As a Woonsocket native and lifelong resident, it is highly encouraging to see the obvious, visual progress that the Blight and Density Reduction Program has made since it began.