A new year is an appropriate time to talk about working, and working landscapes. A working landscape is simply put, an ecology, a place that works. An ecology has parts and behaviors. We need to talk about what the ecology or working landscape can be in our city. But wait. Like other stories this one also has the good, the bad and the ugly. That story must be told before we get to the better, and what can be the best.

The Good – A vision of what the reality can be.

An exciting idea is taking hold in Cranston. The idea is so powerful that it will transform the city and the area in and around Elmwood and Wellington Avenues. The project centers around the automobile, truck and rail corridor along Interstate 95, from the Providence border on the north to the Warwick Border on the south including the Pawtuxet River. Within this compact area is a potentially rich mix of homes, jobs, education, economic vitality, mobility, natural resources and the visual presence reflecting strong character.

Elmwood/Wellington will provide new vigor, energy and activity to a mixed area that has declined and been overlooked because it is an older edge part of the city.

Its heart springs from the centerpiece of a Cranston commuter station creating a magnet and generator of activity going north and south for work, travel connections, education and tourism. It will serve as the hub for efficient east to west travel as an intra-city system supporting neighborhood and business needs. It will enhance existing businesses and attract new businesses.

The activity will add value to homes and the surrounding neighborhoods. The area will be an example for new rental and ownership opportunities, and for innovative, sustainable housing models of new and rehabilitated homes in walkable, safe neighborhoods.

The increased development will foster a continuum of activity within schools, community and senior centers to implement effective education, job training and social programs. Where there are viable neighborhoods, an increase in jobs and a reliable commuter transportation system there are also increased supporting retail and commercial enterprises. The idea goes further. Link the land and water recreation resources along the Pawtuxet River to other sites in the city.

In 2007 I presented the city with the Elmwood/Wellington Loop as a proposal to Rhode Island Housing for funding under their “KeepSpace” program as an urban, transit oriented development. The idea was presented to the city in 2006 as a key element for its future, and as a strategic plan proposal in 1997.

The city did not pursue Elmwood/Wellington for KeepSpace. Believing in its intrinsic strength and power, a summary of the plan was presented to a city official, and Hy Goldman and Marshall D’Ambrosio of the Cranston Industrial Development Commission. To their credit, they and others recognized its merits and potential. The project is now moving forward in its formative stages. The Bad – A Rhode Island story that too often is true.

The Elmwood/Wellington proposal developed ideas I proposed to the city in 1997 as a submittal to the “Cranston 2000 Strategic Plan.” After being selected as the consultant, the city curiously re-advertised for project proposals. In the re-advertisement the scope of services and project remained the same. I resubmitted my proposal and fee. A firm that previously submitted a higher fee, now knowing my proposal, lowered their fee proposal under mine. Guess which firm received the contract award?

The Ugly – Now it is 2008.

Over the summer a Cranston official informed me that the official had a meeting with a consulting firm about that firm’s future involvement with the Elmwood/Wellington project. The official stated the city would be bringing on this same consulting firm to conduct the all-important initial visioning charrettes and public participation for the Elmwood/Wellington master plan. The official further stated this consulting firm would also be contracted to manage and oversee the entire project. The official also requested the firm to draft contract terms.

Stunned, I told this official that I was shocked and not pleased. It is difficult to understand how a city official, or city entity, could unilaterally select a consultant, behind closed doors, for an important phase of the project, and for an important project. It is unbelievable that this official and the city are not aware of state statutes governing the selection of consultants. It’s the law.

I told the official this did not have a good smell. Despite the official’s disclaimers to “consider” a formal selection process, it’s clear the selection process was, and would be, “wired.” Ironically, the firm involved in this dark veil of selection professes to espouse open government for the common good. The Better – It is time for this city government to embrace citizen initiatives and practice total transparency in all its decisions and actions.

I and others believe in this project. We are in the 21st century, perhaps at the cusp of a new enlightenment. Certainly the societal and political travails of the last 40 years have taught us the right and the wrong way of doing things.

The working landscape of Elmwood/Wellington is far too important to screw up at this early stage because of business as usual or stupidity. Get the process and this project right. Do it in the open with full information, full disclosure.

Many wish for Cranston to be a very good place to live, learn, work and to business. The future can be a good time to be in Cranston. The city needs businesses and jobs. A good local economy will create the working landscape to make our homes, neighborhoods and schools better. We can be known as INCranston, the place to live and work.

With the good, and the better, Cranston can start to be the best.

Ken Filarski is a Cranston resident and an award-winning architect and planner.