This June, the city of Providence hosted the Congress for the New Urbanism for the second time. The first was back in 2006. CNU 33 brought hundreds of planners, architects, designers, and community leaders to our city to learn, connect, and explore how neighborhoods can grow in smart, sustainable, and people-focused ways.
We were proud to take part and show off the Woonasquatucket.
Our Director of Projects, Lisa Aurecchia, co-led a bike tour called Where the Saltwater Ends. Riders followed the Woonasquatucket River and learned about its long history, from its roots in Narragansett culture to the impacts of the Industrial Revolution, and finally to the restoration work happening today. The tour stopped at restored parks, shared-use paths, housing developments, and fish ladders that are helping bring life back to the river.
Meanwhile, Executive Director Alicia J. Lehrer and Community Programs Manager Jenny Mercado participated in the e-bike tour with stops focused on resilience and neighborhood transformation. Alicia spoke about Olneyville’s history and how community-driven housing and environmental projects are improving lives. Jenny welcomed visitors to the Olneyville Resilience Hub for a conversation about local leadership, public health, and preparing for climate impacts.
The tour also included stops with our friends at One Neighborhood Builders and the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, who are doing incredible work to strengthen the community every day.
CNU 33 was a chance to share the story of the Woonasquatucket with a national audience and connect with others who care deeply about building better cities. We’re grateful to the Congress for the New Urbanism, CNU New England, Eric Weis, and everyone who helped make this summit a success.
Thanks for riding with us. Let’s keep moving forward together.