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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 effort—a 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 access—specifically, 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 staff—and 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