Large piles of dirt remain behind Garden City Center in Cranston, sparking complaints from nearby homeowners and shoppers who are struggling to find parking. The construction, which is part of a broader site‑improvement project, has drawn attention from the community and local officials.
Mayor and council response
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins confirmed that the work is being carried out under an approved erosion‑control plan and that all required city permits have been obtained. He emphasized that the project is intended to improve the site’s long‑term stability and safety.
Neighborhood concerns
One resident, who asked to remain unnamed, told the reporter that crews halted work overnight after a local news segment highlighted the issue last week. The same reporter observed crews moving dirt during daylight hours on Tuesday, indicating that the project is still active.
The dirt piles are situated close to homes, including a location behind the former Applebee’s building and another directly across from the post office. Councilman Dan Wall has placed the matter on the agenda for the Public Works Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday night, citing worries that the piles could affect the “general character of the neighborhood.”
Parking challenges for shoppers
Shoppers at Garden City Center are also feeling the impact. Laudi Cabrera, a frequent visitor, said finding a parking space was especially difficult on Tuesday, a day that saw higher traffic due to Election Day and school closures.
“The parking right now is really bad because there’s construction going on and so many people parking,” Cabrera explained. “It’s giving a hard time for the customer.”
Business outreach
NBC 10 reached out to Garden City Center for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
What’s next?
The Public Works Committee will hear from city officials, residents, and possibly the construction contractor during the Wednesday meeting. The council is expected to consider any adjustments to the erosion‑control plan, additional signage, or temporary traffic‑management measures to alleviate parking congestion.
Mayor Hopkins reiterated that the city remains committed to ensuring the project complies with all safety and environmental standards while minimizing disruption to the community.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
