RIPTA officials consider putting hold on land parcel for transit center

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — For the next eight months, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has exclusive access to the proposed location for a new transit center, according to the Rhode Island Current.

Monday night, RIPTA officials met with the 195 Commission to discuss putting a hold on “parcel 35.”

“We appreciate the 195 Commission agreeing to hold Parcel 35 for us to assess, while we consider all possible sites for the new transit center,” said Cristy Raposo Perry of RIPTA.

“With the measure approved, RIPTA, Next Wave and stakeholders can now add Parcel 35 in its evolving list of potential transit center sites to be assessed, during Phase 1 of the Preliminary Services Agreement. In the coming months, RIPTA and Next Wave Partners will launch a robust public comment period to gather stakeholder input for designs for the new transit center,” added Perry.

This is another name for a proposed location, located in the west side highway district on Clifford Street and Friendship Street.

RIPTA and its partner Next Wave Rhode Island Partners can include the specific location in its future site assessments.

“We are looking forward to working with Next Wave Partners, who share our vision for bringing a state-of-the-art transit center to Providence and have extensive experience here in Rhode Island and across the country,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA CEO. “ We look forward to engaging the community in the design and planning process,” said Perry.

RIPTA will also be accepting public comment in the future on the new mixed-use bus center.