Big Hearing for Lodges at Phenix Glen Tonight

Residents and the City Council  will have their say tonight in regards to The Lodges at Phenix Glen — a proposed 192-unit development off Phenix Avenue in Western Cranston that has faced strong resistance from some nearby residents.

The City Council meets tonight at 7 p.m. in the Cranston High School East auditorium to consider a zone change requested by developers The Procaccianti Group and TPG Development, who plan to develop the complex, which would include two large residential buildings, a clubhouse, movie theater, swimming pool and "the latest in upscale amenities," according to a company presentation.

The developers said the project would be a boon to the city's tax roles and rents would be above the city's average. The complex would attract older singles and adults looking for a resort lifestyle. The average age of renters would be 40 to 65 and the project would not include affordable housing.

But numerous residents told the commission that traffic would be terrible due to the proximity of the Route 37 on ramp, among other reasons.

Additional concerns include a potentially negative impact on surrounding property values, the potential for undesirable commercial activity within the complex, a drain on city services and an erosion of the rural character of the area.

Not everyone is vehemently opposed to the plan. Former City Councilman Aram Garabedian said the development is a lot better than what could otherwise be put on the land. An earlier proposal called for 80,000 square feet of commercial space and the land will be developed no matter what, he said.

Patch will be at tonight's meeting. Follow us on Twitter for live updates.