Scott Avedisian: The architect of a new Warwick

Vision
It is easy to speak in general terms of success – an improved environment, vibrant economic development, innovative programs and increased services to residents, for example – but it is in the details that we are able to see just some of the positive changes we have made in Warwick in eight years – all of which helped us to earn a place on Money magazine’s “Best 100 Places to Live in America” list in 2006:

Implementation of the automated trash program – All of our households are now on this innovative system. In 2007, the first full year of the program, we saw sanitation tonnage reduced by nearly 1100 tons, for a savings of roughly $70,000 over the previous year. Overtime costs are down by $33,000, recycling tonnage is up, we remain Rhode Island’s recycling leader, and there were no workers’ compensation claims for employees who run this system.

Investment in public safety – In the past several years, more than $2 million has been dedicated to upgrades at our Police headquarters, and, last year, we invested in a modern, fully equipped mobile crime lab. Our Police Department earned its fourth consecutive, three-year national accreditation and is one of only 2,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the country to have earned this certification. Thanks to our hardworking men and women in blue, Warwick had the distinction of being the 16th safest community in the United States.

Completion of our new, $4.7-million Fire headquarters, adjacent to Police headquarters, gave us our first Public Safety Complex in city history. The building, paid for through a voter-approved bond issue, is home to fire administration, fire prevention and inspection and features four apparatus bays, 13 offices, two conference rooms and an Emergency Operations Center that was partially funded through a Congressional grant. Another 10 rooms in the lower level complete the 22,000 square-foot facility.

Economic Development – Private investments of over $200 million include ongoing revitalization of historic Pontiac Mills, construction of Davol’s new headquarters, expansion of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the opening of Raymour and Flanagan’s new store, and premier development along Jefferson Boulevard. That doesn’t include expansion or renovations of smaller businesses and the decision of small companies to locate here.
Meanwhile, our hotel occupancy rates continue to be among the highest in the country, and an ambitious improvement project at T.F. Green Airport will make travel even more convenient at this facility.

Preservation of Open Space – More than 200 acres have been protected from future development, and, in some cases, restoration of valuable habitat is ongoing. We’re proud to have reached agreement with the Small Business Administration, allowing us to preserve 41 acres at historic Rocky Point – ensuring that public access to mile of shoreline on Narragansett Bay will be protected for generations to come.

Protection and Restoration of Greenwich Bay – Over $180 million is being invested in the expansion and improvement of our sewer system infrastructure and treatment facilities, meaning less contamination of Greenwich Bay. Over $2 million more in storm drain improvements and innovative new technology throughout the city will further enhance these efforts.

The City of Warwick was also one of several state, federal and local agencies that joined together to create a Special Area Management Plan for Greenwich Bay and has supported stricter water use classifications.

We are proud to have been the first community to partner with two sea captains in their efforts to haul large debris items from the shores of the Bay. With support of the state Department of Environmental Management and the City, Clean the Bay has removed well over 100 tons of debris from Warwick’s shores to date.

Restructured Human Services Department – The Buttonwoods Community Center is now a bustling facility, filled with programs, activities and services for residents of all ages to enjoy, while the Pilgrim Senior Center is experiencing growth and expanded services. The Pilgrim Senior Center was the first in the state to be nationally accredited. Our Family Support Network provides a comprehensive array of services to families in crisis, and our acclaimed Truancy Court is helping to get kids back in school while addressing the underlying issues contributing to their truancy.

Non-profit and Civic partners – We continue to have a successful partnership with neighborhood associations, non-profit agencies and other civic groups. Comforting bereaved children, giving people the strength to leave abusive relationships, helping families coping with Alzheimer’s disease, providing job training skills and housing to those in crisis, and supporting those dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues are just some of the critical services that these groups provide. Add that to the thousands of hours volunteers spend on neighborhood clean-ups, at our animal shelter, running fundraisers and drives for those in need, and in our schools, and you can see why Warwick remains one of Rhode Island’s best communities to live, work and raise a family.
Streamlined city services – A restructuring of our Building Department, our Department of Tourism, Culture and Development, our Parks and Recreation, Youth Services and Purchasing departments, our Animal Control Division and our Department of Public Works has resulted in better service to our residents, and savings of at least $300,000 each year employee salaries and benefits. And, having four individuals assume the role of acting directors of departments has saved at least $2 million since I took office.

Safer homes for our children – The federal HUD awarded us a second, three-year grant – at $2.1 million, the largest single grant in municipal history – to continue to help property owners mitigate the hazards of lead paint in their homes, with a secondary benefit of helping to beautify neighborhoods.

Recreational facilities – Investment of over $3 million has resulted in new school and neighborhood playgrounds; construction of skate parks at Mickey Stevens and Oakland Beach; improvements to existing facilities; construction of two dog parks; infrastructure repairs at the ice rinks; new lacrosse fields; and a therapeutic pool, the only municipal one of its kind in Rhode Island.

Services for students – Creation of the Family Support Network, a focus on Truancy Court and innovative after-school programs have resulted in improved grades and children who see, and respond to, the fact that adults are invested in their future success.