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Background
On
behalf of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council
(CRMC), I welcome you
to the Metro Bay Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) web site. This
site is intended to involve you in Metro Bay issues and encourage
you to participate in the SAMP efforta public process focused
on enhancing economic, environmental and social policy within the
SAMP boundary that encompasses most of the
Cranston, Providence, East Providence and Pawtucket waterfront.
This SAMP represents an important milestone for the
CRMC. Twenty years ago, CRMC created the Providence
Harbor SAMP, helping the state work with cities to guide urban
development while managing and protecting natural and coastal resources.
Since then, the cities of upper Narragansett Bay have enjoyed economic
growth and cultural renewal, as well as a renewed appreciation for
the waterfront and its natural assets. Yet, change also brings challenge,
as cities grapple to balance redevelopment goals with efforts to
provide waterfront public accessspecifically, urban coastal
greenways.
CRMC recognizes these changes and challenges, and believes that
the time has come to revisit the original SAMP and revitalize it
with new policies to support the best urban development while protecting
the area's special natural environment and cultural assets. The
Metro Bay region is a gem for the people of Rhode Island and has
long been home to one of the country's key urban waterfront areas.
As such, CRMC is committed to creating a management plan that protects,
enhances, and honors this important heritage.
I invite you to explore this web site, join our list
serve, and participate in future meetings and opportunities to shape
the Metro Bay SAMP and embrace all this region has to offer. Please
feel free to contact the SAMP staffand
we all look forward to engaging with you in this exciting and critical
process for the Metro Bay region, as well as for Rhode Island.
Sincerely,
Michael M. Tikoian
Chairman, R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council
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