The Parking Problem

Quite a lot of Parking 

          There is a Parking Problem in Downtown, Providence. Contrary to what some believe, there is too much parking. Far more than what is necessary. I believe Providence has a lot going for it, some of which I touched upon in my last post. But, I don't think people will make a trip Downtown to check out all the cars parked in lots, or should I say lack of cars. Even if Downtown was hustling and bustling there would be no need for all of the parking. All it is doing is taking away land that could be used to revitalize Downtown and make it a more attractive destination.
          Downtown is an area too small to be taken over by large, un-attractive parking lots that do not cater to many people. Also, with Kennedy Plaza right in the heart of Downtown one would think this would remove need for parking. Even if business was booming one weekend, with restaurants filled to the brim and PPAC and Trinity Rep with full attendance not all the parking lots would be filled. There could probably be lots completely empty, taking up useful land. Land for restaurants, stores, anything.

5 Blocks = 6 Parking Lots

          The Biltmore Parking Garage located on Washington Street is taking a step forward. With a leg up already with it being multi-story, supply much more parking per foot than other lots it is also doing something a little more. There will soon be six ground-floor shopfronts on Washington Street attached to the Parking Garage. This initiative is led by Cornish Group who has time and time again supported Downtown Providence in its path to success. When these shops get finished and, hopefully, good stores move in, it will add a breath of fresh air to that area of Downtown. Creating a new area to shop besides Westminster Street and the Mall.
          Hopefully, an excess of parking lots in Downtown will become a thing of the past, with business booming, and restaurants filled, maybe there will seem to be a shortage of parking. But for now, the ratio of business to parking is way out of line.

          Feel free to comment below or email me at hodgepodgeprov@gmail.com or tweet at @hodgepodgeprov !

          For more info on the Biltmore Garage check out http://biltmoregarage.com/ !

"Not Dead Yet"

              As I’m sure you have read seen in the newspaper Providence is on a path to bankruptcy. Bankruptcy has affected cities from Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg. Harrisburg is an interesting case, being a state capital that has barely anything going for it. Providence, on the other hand, is a state capital that has quite a lot going for it.

Restaurant Row - Harrisburg, PA

 I visited Harrisburg a couple of years ago and its condition really struck me, not believing for a second it was the capital. My family and I stayed at a hotel right on “Restaurant Row”, a street filled with scary looking bars and Cash 4 Gold stores. Being the main street in the capital of the state, one would expect a little more than this. Remember, this was before the city declared bankruptcy. With Providence facing potential bankruptcy in early summer, we don't see anything nearly as bad. Providence continues to have great streets, neighborhoods, and great food as well as other attractions.

Wickenden Street - Providence, RI

          I'm not trying to trash Harrisburg, but instead to instill a little hope for Providence. Providence has restaurants, businesses, and attractions that can help make itself a stronger city, getting Providence back on its feet. While Providence has a little going for it, Harrisburg is lacking. With little reason to visit and many destructive decisions, Harrisburg is not doing so well. The weekend I was in Harrisburg there was a beer festival going on, drawing in people just long enough to get drunk. Not the sign of a flourishing city. On the other hand Providence doesn’t need cheap alcohol to get attention. Drawing people to Federal Hill, Wickenden St., Thayer St., and Downtown for great food and great nightlife. 

          Even though Providence is on the brink of bankruptcy, it is not the only city. With restaurants filling up, and no tumbleweed in sight, Providence is still fighting. Considering Rhode Island is one of the smallest states one would expect Providence to be doing a little worse than the capital of Pennsylvania. I don't mean to offend anyone from PA and I certainly hope HodgePodgeHarrisburg doesn't come after me, but Providence still has a change to get back on its feet. 

 And if you haven’t seen already, HodgePodgeProv is now on twitter! Follow @hodgepodgeprov to get more updates!