Distributed May 29, 2003
For Immediate Release

News Service Contact: Tracie Sweeney

Thayer Street Improvement District

Brown, Providence, merchants announce plans for improvements

Brown University has joined with the City of Providence and property owners and merchants along Thayer Street to improve conditions in the area by establishing the Thayer Street Improvement District.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Brown University and a coalition that includes the City of Providence and Thayer Street property owners have launched an ambitious plan to revitalize Thayer Street by establishing the Thayer Street Improvement District.

The District plan addresses security and sanitation concerns as well as aesthetic issues:

• The District has hired a private security firm, Pinkerton, which will coordinate its efforts with Providence and Brown University police. Providence Police will have a greater presence and role on the street, and the Brown Police detail will be redirected based on input from Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman.
• Capital improvements for the area include improved lighting, attractive paving and an elaborate horticulture plan. A common news box program, more attractive trash cans, better directional and regulatory signage, and removal of abandoned utility poles, obsolete building signs and redundant street signs will also enhance the area.
• A commercial parking provider working with the City of Providence and the resources of the University will increase parking capacity.
• Other cosmetic improvements, including graffiti removal, will be undertaken to enhance the look of the streetscape.

Implementation of security and sanitation programs began earlier this month; work will continue throughout the summer.

The 10 largest Thayer Street property owners, who together account for more than 70 percent of building square footage on the street, are involved with the current and proposed enhancements. The capital improvements will cost $800,000, of which Brown will contribute $350,000, the city of Providence will contribute $400,000 through a street improvement bond, and the merchants or property owners will contribute a fee based on the square footage of their property.

“Thayer Street is one of the city’s most significant commercial areas and serves as an important gateway both for the University and our East Side neighbors,” said Brown President Ruth J. Simmons. “I am delighted that so many individuals, organizations, businesses and government agencies are now working together to realize Thayer Street’s enormous potential as an attractive, cohesive and useful urban commercial district.”

The effort comes after more than a year of analysis and research conducted by Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation (BRV) of New York. BRV is responsible for such projects as the revitalization and management of Bryant Park Restoration Corporation, 34^th Street Partnership and the Grand Central Partnership, all in New York City. Based on a needs assessment, BRV developed the overall program and a management plan for Thayer Street.

Thayer Street Property Owners and Businesses

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