SWANSEA — Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein invites residents, business owners and other interested parties to attend an Introductory Workshop regarding the Route 103 Corridor Study on Monday, March 31.
Swansea is working with the Southeastern Regional Planning& Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to solicit community input on the development of the Route 103 Corridor. This project has been funded using state funds issued to Swansea through the work of State Sen. Michael Rodrigues, State Rep. Steven Howitt, and former State Rep. Patricia Haddad.
Route 103/Wilbur Avenue is a 4.92-mile-long state highway traveling from RI-103 in Warren, Rhode Island, to Somerset, Massachusetts, passing through the Ocean Grove portion of Swansea.
The Ocean Grove neighborhood has a particularly high potential for downtown growth because of its proximity to Swansea Town Beach. The study area boundary encompasses about 49.3 acres along a 1.05-mile stretch of Route 103.
Some notable businesses within the study area include Swansea Mart, Black Salt, REA’S Cafe, and VAULT Vintage Vinyl.
The Town of Swansea seeks community feedback on how best to improve the Route 103 Corridor near Ocean Grove and to learn about thoughts, ideas and concerns folks may have traveling and doing business along this roadway.
The Introductory Workshop will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, March 31, at Rea’s Coffee Shop, 531 Wilbur Ave., Swansea.
The corridor study will focus on at least six different realms of potential development along Route 103.
Land Use
Many parcels along the Route 103 corridor are designated for Office or Commercial use, while others are Residential.
Improvement Value to Land Value Ratio (IVLVR)
The improvement value is calculated by determining the value of improvements (buildings, structures, other amenities) and dividing by the base land value. This is one way to compare parcels’ potential for desirable development. Parcels with lower improvement value to land value ratios mean that there is greater potential for future development.
Roads and Traffic
Route 103 is a state road that MassDOT maintains. As it crosses into Somerset, the road junctions with I-195, providing access to the region and Providence, Rhode Island. The most recent crash data available for Swansea covers 2021-2024. During this time, 159 crashes occurred along Route 103.
Bike, Pedestrian, Transit Network
Swansea is served by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) from the Swansea Mall through Route 6 to Fall River. However, Route 103 lacks any form of public transportation. There is a proposed bike route along the road, but the corridor does not yet have any infrastructure to support this. Sidewalks are available along this portion of the Route 103 study area.
Habitats
The National Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) observes the habitats of rare species throughout Massachusetts and creates areas for their protection. Near this study area are surrounding wetlands, and offshore tern foraging habitat, a critical species.
Climate Resilience
The study area is located in the Ocean Grove neighborhood, which provides ocean access through Mount Hope Bay. However, because of the bay’s proximity, many homes in this community area are at major risk for flooding over the next 30 years. The excessively drained soil indicates a coarse, sandy soil type, which may be a consideration for construction in this area.
“We are looking forward to hearing from area residents and businesses about proposed changes and improvements along the Route 103 Corridor,” said Town Administrator Aronstein. “Before any decisions are made, we are looking to better inform our actions with public input from those directly impacted. I hope folks attend the workshop to weigh in on what they want in their community and their neighborhood.”
For interactive maps and more information, click here.
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