newportFILM is among four projects that will be recognized by GrowSmartRI as Outstanding Grow Smart Projects at the organization’s Sustainable Economic Growth & Quality of Place event on May 8.
newportFILM, GrowSmart says delivers “robust year-round indoor placemaking events in recent years throughout Rhode Island, expanding impact and access of documentary films statewide,” according to GrowSmartRI.
Other projects recognized by GrowSmart at the event are the Residences at Riverside Square, East Providence; United Theatre, Westerly; and Walker Farm Resilience and Revitalization Project, Barrington.
Barbara Sokoloff, president of Barbara Sokoloff Associates, and well known for her efforts in planning and development and Clark Schoettle, who led the Providence Revolving Fund for 35 years, are being recognized as outstanding leaders.
Chepachet Village Revitalization Plan is honored for its Outstanding Smart Growth Plan.
Grow Smart RI describes itself a “nonprofit organization that advocates sustainable economic growth that builds upon and strengthens Rhode Island’s exceptional quality of place.” Founded almost 30 years ago, it is now the state’s top advocate for sustainable development.
The Sustainable Economic Growth & Quality of Place event will be held on May 8 at the Providence Public Library.
Here’s more about the award winners:
Smart Growth Projects
- newportFILM. “In the case of newportFILM that experience centers around the sharing of current and impactful documentaries, live music and sunset picnics that build community and propel change. Founded in 2010, the organization has screened over 350 documentaries, reaching 225,000 people throughout Newport and Aquidneck Island.
- United Theatre of Westerly was originally opened as a vaudeville house in 1926, closed in 1986. It was acquired by the Westerly Land Trust in 2003 and reopened 18 years later following a $17 million renovation. It features a 700-seat theater, three cinemas, a black box theater, and music school.
- Residences at Riverside Square in East Providence is a former contaminated industrial site transformed into 16 units of affordable housing for extremely low to moderate income households. Three units are specially designated for youth aging out of foster care. The townhouses were completed in 2024.
- Walker Farm Resilience and Revitalization Project “provides a regional template for successful action in the face of relentless climate impacts.” The project includes restoring ecological function and habitats, increased boating, shoreline and water access, and improving educational and recreational facilities.
Smart Growth Leaders
- Barbara Sokoloff, president of Barbara Sokoloff Associates, and consulted on planning and development projects since 1987, resulting in more than 2,500 units of affordable housing and 14 community facilities.
- Clark Schoettle led the Providence Revolving Fund from 1983-2018, with the Rhode Island Foundation creating the Downcity Fund that invested more than $16 million that helped re-development of 24 underutilized buildings in downtown Providence. He also was co-founder of the National Trust Main Street Project, one of the first three Main Street managers.
Smart Growth PlanChepachet Village Revitalization Plan, a five-year plan that identifies affordable housing and mixed-use development opportunities, preserve historic resources, “improve buildings and infrastructure, implement creative re-use of property, and increase tourism” to “maximize walkability and ensure Chepachet Village prospers while retaining its distinctive historic character.”
