CRANSTON, RI – The Cranston City Council has approved a major mixed-use development project that will transform a 12-acre former industrial site on Reservoir Avenue into a vibrant community featuring 200 residential units, 40,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and a public park.

The project, developed by Providence-based Carpionato Group, received unanimous council approval after a lengthy review process that included multiple public hearings and extensive negotiations over design standards, traffic mitigation, and community benefits.

"This is a transformative project for Cranston," Mayor Hopkins said after the vote. "We're taking a blighted industrial site and turning it into a thriving community that will generate tax revenue, create jobs, and provide housing for hundreds of families."

The development, which will be built in phases over five years, is expected to generate approximately $2.5 million in annual tax revenue for the city once fully completed. The project will also create an estimated 150 permanent jobs in the retail and restaurant spaces.

The residential component will include a mix of market-rate and affordable units, with 20% of the apartments reserved for households earning up to 80% of the area median income.

The public park, which will be maintained by the developer and open to all Cranston residents, will feature walking paths, a playground, and a community garden. The design was developed in consultation with neighborhood residents.

"We listened to the community's concerns and worked hard to address them," said Councilwoman Bridget Graziano. "I believe this development will be a tremendous asset to Cranston, and I'm proud that we were able to approve it with unanimous support."

Construction is expected to begin in the fall, with the first residential units available for occupancy in 2028.