EAST PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI) – The days of an East Providence golf course can be counted after a group of investors have decided to sell it to a developer.
City officials report to Eyewitness News that Marshall Properties has purchased the Metacomet Golf Club in hopes of building commercial, residential, office and hotel spaces.
Marshall Properties calls the possible development an “economic transformation project” for East Providence, but some residents say it will disrupt the currently peaceful area along Veterans Memorial Parkway.
Lynn Miller, a lifelong resident of East Providence, recently created an online petition asking the developer to refrain from building commercially on the 138-acre site.
“I was quite disgusted,” said Miller. “Now we don’t have many open areas here. Putting what they want to put in that area is unacceptable.”
His petition caught on, getting nearly 1,100 signatures at the last check.
“First of all, we are trying to let people know what is going on because no one knew it was happening until people living within 200 feet received their recommended letters,” he said.
Marshall Properties tells Eyewitness News that more than 30 acres of land would be reserved for open spaces, including paths.
“Current use has not allowed most city residents the opportunity to access, use and fully enjoy the property and its pristine views,” said Marshall Properties in a statement. “Marshall Development will continue to partner with the City of East Providence to redevelop the property in a significant way that will unlock this gem in an attempt to create benefits for the entire community.”
Kristen Crowell moved to East Providence 10 years ago and chose the area because of its proximity to Bayview and Metacomet. He said his family joined the golf club last year and that losing the course would be unfortunate.
“It’s 93 acres of lost green space – if this becomes a way to reach another commercial space, I think it could drop property values,” said Crowell. “It’s a famous golf course built by Donald Ross and so I just think it’s a loss of history and a loss of culture.”
The East Providence city council will discuss the developer’s plan at a meeting Tuesday evening.
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