Tiverton Crossings Project Could Open Town To More Business

As developers work to hatch a plan for a 66-acre mixed-use development in north Tiverton, town Planning Board members said the process could streamline future business development in town.

Tiverton Crossings project developers from the Carpionato Group told the Tiverton Planning Board at its Tuesday meeting that the company would submit a formal master plan and proposal for zoning amendments in mid-September.

Developers are looking to invest $80 million - $100 million in 385,000 square feet of retail space and more than 150,000 square feet of office space as well as in a hotel and restaurants. Developers said they want to develop zoning amendment that would enable leasing to a variety of business, but also conform with the character of the town.

"We want to make sure we get something that both your comfortable with, but also something that doesn't give us too tight of a sweater so that we can lease and get tenants," said Kelly MacArthur Coates, senior vice president at Carpionato Group.

The Planning Board debated several zoning amendment options. The favored amendment - a floating district - could serve as a model for future business growth in the town and eliminate red tape in the approval process.

"My point is that this is a dynamic process and as things are beginning to happen in 66 acres, there are ramifications outside of that," said Stuard Hardy, board member. "I think it is conceivable how to rezone those areas so we don't end up with McDonald's and that kind of urban sprawl."

Tiverton Crossings developers envision an upscale mixed use commercial development including restaurants, offices, residences, hotels and retail space. The proposed 18-building development would be built between Route 24 and Souza Road.

Hardy worried that a 9-acre parcel across the street from the Crossings on Souza Road could develop less desirably than Tiverton Crossings.

"When did it become our job to rezone people's property or limit the use of their property if it is already commercially zoned property," asked David Saurette.

"We are trying to create some economic development and to make a comment like that to me flys in the face of trying to have any economic development in this town," continued Saurette.

The Carpionato Group spent several hours on Tuesday night hashing out details of the proposed project that could bring earn Tiverton $1.6 million to $2 million per year in tax revenue at current rates.

What do you think about the Tiverton Crossings project?