Town to Remove Seaside Gas Tanks Next Week

The future of the former Seaside Gas station next to Grinnell's Beach on Main Road is yet to be fully decided, but town officials said work has begun at the site and underground storage tanks will soon come out.

Town Manager Matthew Wojcik told the Fall River Herald News that the town received an asset from the state Coastal Resources Management Council to remove the tanks and work should begin by next Tuesday.

The town bought the former gas station in the spring.

The idea has been to expand upon the recreation area near Grinnell's Beach, though specifics won't be worked out until the public gives input.

The plans will be facilitated with work from Roger Williams University students out of its partnership center.

The public will be invited to see some ideas and give input at a two-day session sometime in July. The date has not been determined.

The Town of Tiverton acquired the former gas station in February and asked the CPC to help create a community-wide discussion on the options for reusing the structure or demolishing it in order to replace with open space or other public facilities.

“Our waterfront is a precious thing and is for the enjoyment of all the people of Tiverton, which is why I believe our people should have a voice in how it will look,” said Tiverton Town Council President Edward A. Roderick. “Their input will set the tone for enhancing this area, not only for today but for future generations as well.”

The process will welcome all ideas from the community, including those that integrate and improve the existing Town-owned Grinnell’s Beach and the historic Stone Bridge abutment, which is scheduled for rehabilitation in 2015. Through community visioning, options for all Town-owned properties in the area can be explored, and a direction for action can be determined.

Community Partnerships Center Director Arnold Robinson says the course, which runs from May to July, will push the students – a combination of architecture, historic preservation and community development majors – to bring knowledge gained in the classroom to a project with real-world implications.

“This course will challenge our students to apply what they have learned about design and sustainability, drawing and computer-modeling, how to work with clients and how to use academic knowledge to help the community to choose the path that best suits their shared vision for the site.”

Mr. Roderick noted that the direction selected for this property can set the tone for redevelopment in the Stone Bridge village: “This will begin the process for a new focal point in our town and showcase our waterfront. This will only make our town more beautiful.”