Many changes occurred in Warwick over the summer - by Scott Avedisian

Scott Avedisian, Mayor of Warwick

It’s difficult to believe that summer is slipping away into fall. As time moves forward and the seasons change once again, I can’t help but think about all the exciting things that this summer had in store for Warwick. It’s hard to go anywhere in the city and not see new construction, a new business, or some project underway.

No matter where you go, you are sure to see some kind of change. In August, the first roundabout officially opened to traffic in Apponaug at the cross section of Rte. 117 and Rte. 115. The milestone marks the first major change in traffic flow in the city. More changes will be taking place over the coming weeks and months. Currently, the project remains ahead of schedule and on budget.

Last month the mayor also stopped by the new Burlington Coat Factory at the Rhode Island Mall. Though the store is still under construction, progress continues to move ahead without delay. A new Cumberland Farms location is also in the works. Plans for the new convenience store and gas station will be heard this month at the planning board meeting. The proposed location is Rte. 5 and Soule St.

Another Taco Bell location is coming to Warwick. The Mexican eatery is slated to open on West Shore Rd. The project remains on schedule. A new O’Reilly Autoparts is headed to the city. The auto parts store is currently under construction on West Shore Rd. Additionally, construction has begun on Airport Rd. for a new Enterprise Rent-a-Car location. The new location will have vehicle storage, maintenance and administrative offices.

Two new Solar Parks, one on West Shore Rd. and the other on Kilvert St., received master plan approval from the planning board back in July. Now Southern Sky Renewable Energy Rhode Island is preparing to go before the city council this fall for review and approval of the parks. 

August brought another first to the city as we hosted our first-ever Warwick Food Truck Night right at City Hall. Twelve mobile food trucks filled the parking lot offering everything from unique grilled cheese sandwiches, to chowder and clam cakes, to vegan ice cream!  Crowds also got to enjoy the sounds of the Nancy Paolino and the Black Tie Band. This first night of food, fun and merriment was a great success and we are looking forward to more.

From dining al fresco, to visiting city beaches and parks, enjoying fireworks, cruise nights, summer concerts and so much more, it’s truly been a great summer here in Warwick, and in the Ocean State.

Although it’s bittersweet to see one season end and another begin, as fall approaches, it’s hard not to get excited for all that autumn has to offer. From crisp air, to pumpkin picking and apple pies, there is no shortage of fall festivities to enjoy.

Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.