Helping the local tourism industry, and creating new jobs - by Scott Avedisian

Scott Avedisian, Mayor of Warwick

Now solidly footed in the “dog days of summer” it goes without saying that summertime in Rhode Island has so much to offer residents and tourists. Just in Warwick alone, the possibilities for summertime merriment are virtually endless. The same can be said for the plethora of ongoing development projects happening throughout the city.

My administration, along with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation is working tirelessly to help bolster the local tourism industry, as well as create new jobs in the city. This summer T.F. Green welcomed Condor Airlines back for seasonal service from Frankfurt, Germany. Additionally, Sata-Azores Airlines is now offering seasonal service to and from Ponta Delgada. The Azores is one of the state’s most requested international destinations. These international flights have proven to be highly beneficial to residents and area travelers who want the convenience of flying non-stop, internationally, right from Rhode Island. 

Roadwork in the city continues to take shape. In July, the new Main Avenue officially opened to traffic. The old Main Ave. is now closed and ground has broken on the expansion of Runway 5. The expansion’s goal is to accommodate longer haul flights, enhance the efficiency of the New England Regional Airport System, and reduce passenger leakage to other regional airports.  Work is slated to be complete by late 2017.

The Apponaug Circulator project continues to make headway, and is still on budget and ahead of schedule. In the coming weeks, traffic patterns in Apponaug will continue to change and projects will continue to take shape. Warwick, along with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has also announced the Coronado Road enhancement project, which will aim to create sidewalks and crosswalks on the street, as well as enhance the landscape and drainage systems. The project will begin the first week of August and will be complete by spring 2017.

Additionally, our tourism and hospitality industries continue to be a driving force behind the city’s economic development. A new Hyatt Place hotel has been proposed in City Centre Warwick, at 800 Jefferson Blvd. If the proposal comes to fruition, the hotel will bring an additional 120 hotel rooms into the city. Warwick continues to have soaring occupancy rates, along with climbing revenue generated rates year after year.

With all the positive construction going on throughout the city, it’s clear that Warwick is cementing itself as the go-to destination for business, travel and leisure. With its central location, 39 miles of coastline, endless projects bustling throughout the city, Warwick continues to reach new heights on land and by air!

Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.