Celebrating some exciting developments in our community

The last week of March was a busy one, as we celebrated some exciting developments in our community. After more than a decade of work, the purchase of the remainder of the Rocky Point property was finalized at a closing in my office on March 28. The state Department of Environmental Management is the official owner of the remaining 82 acres. This purchase represents more than a decade of patience, perseverance, and hard work from many people who were determined to preserve this iconic property. The city looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Department of Environmental Management and other stakeholders to restore the property, which is such a vital part of our state's history and culture. I also had the pleasure of joining Central Rhode Island Chamber officials, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, representatives of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and Rhode Island's energy director, Marion Gold, at a ribbon cutting at eNow, an innovative, clean-technology company located near T.F. Green Airport. Established in 2011 to introduce advanced solar power technologies to the transportation industry, with a goal of providing industry-specific solar solutions to companies that embrace profit, planet and people, eNow specializes in renewable energy systems that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its systems allow its customers to remain in compliance with federal, state, and local emission and no-idle laws while reducing fleet and owner/operators' operating costs due to improved fuel mileage, reduction in engine maintenance, longer battery life and reduction in engine overhaul cost. eNow presently has three full-time and five part-time employees, as well as a consultant. At the event, owner Jeff Flath shared his optimism for continued growth, mentioning that companies from as far away as California are expressing an interest in their technology. We also joined the chamber to mark the official grand opening of Belle Gente Italian Bistro, located in Warwick's Greenwood neighborhood. They offer a fantastic luncheon menu featuring paninis, salads, cold sandwiches, and daily specials of pasta salad, pizzas, specialty Italian dishes, desserts and more - all homemade on the premises. On Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. a full dinner menu is offered and guests are welcome to BYOB. Locals and out-of-town guests alike have already made this a favorite stop. In the months ahead, we look forward to joining chamber staff and others as we celebrate the continued growth and success of our business community. Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick and the chairman of the RIPTA board of directors.