URI landscape architecture class proposes sustainable Route 108

02/05/09 - As part of a class project, University of Rhode Island landscape architecture students designed an innovative future for Route 108 with a focus on sustainability, community needs and reducing traffic.The project, directed by professor William Green, began in October and was completed in December. The students collaborated with South Kingstown's Planning Department and presented their design as part of a workshop to the Town Hall in December. The students shared their plans for heavily-traveled three-mile stretch that connects Narragansett, South Kingstown and URI's Kingston campus.

"I think they came up with some creative improvements," said South Kingstown Planning Director Vincent Murray.

"I think they did a good job. It's an academic project that may lend itself to application in the future," Murray said.

Senior landscape architecture student Benjamin Gleason said the local residents were very open to the project because it will bring safety and aesthetic qualities to the area.

"I think they're excited," said Jillian Couchon, a senior who also worked on the project. "We got good feedback from town managers."

Although the town and residents like idea, Murray said it is unlikely that all the proposals will be implemented. It is up to the state to decide if and when renovations will occur. If upgrades do occur, the students' ideas will be recommended as possibilities.

"We're not going to implement every aspect of it," Murray said. "It was more of a creative exercise in that area."

The project is centered on redesigning the area keeping low-impact solutions in mind. According to Couchon, the initial stage was to analyze the area and identify safety hazards, items that needed improvement and environmental problems.

The class observed a shortage of bus shelters, sidewalks and parking facilities. They also found street signs were confusing and that there was a problem with storm drains generating run-off.

Next, the students visualized solutions with an emphasis on protecting the natural environment and minimizing waste. They divided the area into three regions and formed teams to address the unique problems of each segment.

The plan for the northern section, which consists of Kingston and East Farm, is traffic reduction, and sidewalk and road improvements. They want to create roads that will connect the various communities. Students also designed a community garden at East Farm.

For the middle area, known as the "special management section," students proposed modifications to drainage systems and existing parking lots that would help prevent harmful run-off. They sought to improve sidewalks and the overall aesthetic quality of the area.

In the southern area encompassing Rocky Brook Mill, students stressed the importance of the bike path. They envisioned more community gardens and a commercial area featuring shops and restaurants. They designed an apartment complex where residents have the option of lowering their rent if they volunteer to maintain the area.

Couchon and her classmates recently finished a 60-page report of the proposal that will soon be featured on the South Kingstown Web site. She stressed the importance of reducing traffic and improving mass transit, which would benefit URI students who commute.

"If you've ever lived in Narragansett, then you know the road is dangerous," Couchon said.

Murray said he would like to see some of the project's features become real, but the decision is up to the state.

"It may come to pass or it may not," Murray said.