EDITORIAL: Marshalls Are Missing Opportunity to Create Family Legacy with Metacomet
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Colt State Park, Goddard Park, and Marshall Park?
Rhode Island's amazing collection of parks were acquired and protected by the Teddy Roosevelts of our state — parks that were preserved by generous philanthropists coupled with forward-thinking leaders.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNames like John Chafee, Trudy Cox, and Bob Bendick are just a few of the thinkers and doers who helped to create an amazing array of open spaces.
Rhode Island voters support the environment. They have repeatedly approved bond monies to preserve open spaces and farmland.
Colt State Park was preserved in part due to then-Governor John Chafee’s Green Acres program that established one of the most beautiful state parks in America.
Now, one of the most important undeveloped pieces of land in an urban environment in the Northeast faces the threat of bulldozers and the prospect of a future Applebee’s.
The development of the Metacomet Golf Course in East Providence could turn Veterans Parkway into the next Mineral Spring Avenue.
The Marshalls control the property after mismanagement by the club’s board coupled with sleight of hand by the profiteering group led by Brad Faxon.
To date, the Marshall corporate approach has been to refuse to disclose, refuse to negotiate, and now to play proverbial hardball.
Last week, the Marshall family issued a press release threatening neighbors that if they don’t sign on to changes for an unknown development then they will get the worst possible project.
What is at stake is the preservation of the last great remaining urban space — the family’s press release approach was a type of diplomacy akin to punching the neighbors in the face. “Marshall Development hopes the choice will be abundantly clear to everyone. There is no plan C and the status quo is not an option, as the golf course will cease to operate in October,” said the company.
East Providence, the State of Rhode Island, The Nature Conservancy, and, most importantly, the Marshall family should negotiate a plan for the next great Rhode Island Park. No one is asking them to give it away, but negotiate.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to create a great open space for all to enjoy.
There is plenty of underutilized retail to be redeveloped. There are plenty of hotels to be purchased on the cheap.
This is the opportunity for the Marshalls to do something special — create a legacy that will be appreciated and enjoyed for centuries.
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- Broken Promises: Documents Show Faxon and Partners Assured Metacomet Millions in Investments
- EDITORIAL: We Need Bigger Thinking on the Future of Metacomet
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- UPDATED: Brad Faxon and Investors Facing Fraud Claim in Lawsuit by Metacomet Golf Club Members
- Marshall Threatens East Providence Over Metacomet - “No Plan C and Status Quo Is Not an Option”
