In a recent article in The Valley Breeze, a spokesperson for Dave’s Marketplace expressed interest in expanding their Cumberland, R.I., location and promised to consider the impact on neighbors as they make their plans. Since the expansion seems to be in the early planning stages, as does the addition of sidewalks along busy and winding Bear Hill Road, there is a major opportunity in this alignment to benefit the wider community.
I urge the Cumberland Planning Department to collaborate with Dave’s (as the primary retailer in the plaza), Diamond Hill Properties LLC (the landowner), and Colbea Enterprises, which owns the land between Dave’s and Bear Hill Road, to make this shopping center accessible to the residents of the many neighborhoods along Bear Hill who would like to reach it without relying on a car. I see folks walking along Bear Hill Road and hold my breath for their safety as vehicles whiz by.
When the Four Corners intersection was altered, crosswalks with walk signals were added. I drive through it daily and seldom see walkers attempting to cross. I have tried it myself a few times. The volume of traffic and the number of turning lanes is simply too intimidating. I appreciate the walk signals, but it does not go far enough to make walking here feel safe. I know it’s not just me who wants safer, walkable options…