What a difference 10 years makes! Members of the downtown community gathered at the Providence Public Library on Tuesday morning, March 3rd, to celebrate the DID’s accomplishments and collaborations in its first decade of operation. Frank LaTorre, DID director of public space, led the program which included PPL Executive Director Jack Martin, DID Chairman Richard Lappin, Mayor Jorge Elorza, Council President Luis Aponte, and Councilman Seth Yurdin.

LaTorre described the city core as “the downtown for all Providence neighborhoods,” repeating the mayor’s campaign slogan of “One Providence.” He highlighted a variety of DID initiatives–including advocacy for streetscape projects, the Hospitality Resource Partnership, and marketing efforts. In the future, the DID envisions expanding its scope to focus on public art, lighting, activated alleys, and bike/pedestrian friendly projects. Read more in The Providence Journal and GoLocal Prov!

(Photo: Marianne Lee)