Route 146 financing
A public information session will be held on Monday, March 31 starting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. regarding establishing a Tax Increment Financing District for Route 146. A release from town hall notes that officials have been planning for the redevelopment of the Route 146 corridor spanning from the Dowling Village area, southeasterly to the Lincoln town line. A key element of the redevelopment plan is the extension of sewer and water infrastructure in the corridor, and Tax Increment Financing could offer a creative approach to funding a portion of the costs to extend the utilities.
The town has hired Camoin Associates to conduct a feasibility study on the use of TIF, and the firm will provide information regarding using it as a tool to fund public investment in economic development, including the cost to fund infrastructure investment.
According to the release, depending on the result of the feasibility study, the town may advance to a second study phase, which would entail the development of a process to plan and execute a tax increment financing district. If the town moves to the planning and execution stage of the TIF initiative, additional public sessions will be required as well as Town Council approval.
Questions regarding the information session can be directed to Town Administrator Scott Gibbs at (401) 767-2200 ext. 302.
Faculty Face-off
Staff from North Smithfield Elementary School and North Smithfield Middle School will compete in a basketball game in the gymnasium of North Smithfield High School 412 Greenville Road on Friday, April 4 starting at 6 p.m. Students and their families are invited to cheer on their school at a cost of $10 per family.
Rabid raccoon
The town has notified residents this week about a confirmed case of a rabid raccoon in the area of Grange Road, warning that rabies can infect all mammals including people and their pets. Anyone who sees an animal acting unusually is urged to call North Smithfield Animal Control at (401) 766-0377 and should also follow the below guidance:
·Do not approach animals that you do not know. Exercise caution and maintain a safe distance.
· If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal of unknown vaccination history, wash the wound immediately and seek medical attention.
· Ensure that your pets have a current rabies vaccination. If your pet is allowed outside, a booster vaccine is strongly recommended. Keep outdoor pets indoors until they receive the booster vaccines.
· Do not feed stray or unknown animals including cats and dogs. Avoid any interaction that may result in potential exposure.
· Do not leave trash or food outside unless it is in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid. Prevent attracting wild animals to your property.
· If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight. Minimize the chances of attracting animals that may carry rabies.
· If a pet comes in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact a veterinarian immediately. Seek professional guidance to ensure the well-being of your pet.
Genealogy sessions
North Smithfield Public Library at 20 Main St. invites visitors to drop in on Thursdays in April from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to get one on one genealogy help from Lynne Pelletier, a member of the North Smithfield Heritage Association and amateur genealogist.
Register for a session at: https://northsmithfield.librarycalendar.com or by calling (401) 767-2780.
Bunny breakfast
Texas Roadhouse at Dowling Village will host a special breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 5, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Camp Sunshine and space is limited. For questions or to RSVP, email [email protected].
Eggs on the Common
Slatersville Congregational Church at 25 Green St. will host an Easter Egg Hunt on the Common starting at noon on Saturday, April 5. All are welcome to the event, and children are encourage to bring their own baskets.
The church will also host a sensory-friendly service starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by social time, food and a sensory-friendly egg hunt that emphasizes discovery and accomplishment over competition and speed.
Questions can be directed to [email protected] or (401) 769-2773.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a meeting on Wednesday, April 2 starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
