Does Cranston Have What It Takes To Be A Great City?

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Friday, March 22, 2013

Jane Fusco, GoLocalProv Contributor

Named in 2006 as one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the United States by Money magazine, Cranston continues to show sure signs of growth and revitalization even though it has faced the threat of bankruptcy, tax increases, cuts in state aid, and an historic flood that damaged many homes and businesses.

Does Cranston still have the potential to become a great city?

Some city officials, business owners, and residents think that Cranston already is a great city.

Recently, Cranston native Olivia Culpo was crowned this year’s Miss Universe, and Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane said that the show’s fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island was modeled after Cranston.

“There is demonstrative proof that the city is changing and growing in all the correct ways,” said Mayor Allan Fung. One indication is the rebirth of Garden City shopping center that has attracted high-end retailers, while across the street, Chapel View has become a premiere lifestyle center housing the world headquarters for Alex and Ani jewelers. Alex and Ani founder, Carolyn Rafaelian, hails from Cranston.

Swarovski crystal manufacturers’ North American headquarters have been in the Howard Industrial Park off Pontiac Avenue since the mid-70s because of its proximity to the Providence metro area, which was once the jewelry capital of the world. They’ve remained there even though jewelry manufacturing in the state has declined.

Fung said that a new development plan for the Elmwood and Wellington Avenue corridor includes a T-train stop, and the older Knightsville and Edgewood neighborhoods will soon get a facelift to create a community-to-business tie-in.

“We’re becoming more diverse in our communities, services and our workforce,” Fung said.

Crime and schools are key

Crime rates in the city have dropped over the last year, particularly vehicular burglary and larceny, according to Cranston Police Chief Marco Palombo Jr. A community-policing model adapted three years ago has shown marked success since more people have become neighborhood crime watchers, he said.

Despite the need for a stabilized tax base, City Council President John Lanni said that Cranston is still attractive to people considering moving into the city because of its accessibility to all parts of the state and highways, scenic coastline, and good educational system. A stronger commercial base will allow more money allocated to education, he added.

Dr. Judy Lundsten, superintendent of Cranston public schools, calls the city’s school system “a partnership among constituencies,” where all members of the academic community provide support to students and their families beyond the classroom. Lundsten said that adding more after-school programs, and extending kindergarten to a full school day will enhance the learning, social and behavioral experiences to jump start academic careers.

In contrast to the quaintness of the small village settings of the city, the long vacant Park Cinema strip has transformed into a prime entertainment venue, attracting national and international artists and theatrical performances.

Some of the state’s most popular restaurants are in Cranston, particularly ethic and themed eateries, that have been around for decades, like Marchetti’s, now in its 30th year at its original Knightsville location. Owner David Marchetti said that being located in the center of the state is one reason for his success.

“There’s still work to be done,” said former Cranston Mayor John O’Leary, “but the quality of life in Cranston remains outstanding.”

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