Town Approves New Economic Development Panel For Wickford

Ellen Waxman is happy. Not only did the town hire someone – Paige Bronk – to focus on economic development, but the town's Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) is vibrant again and it now has a new board focusing exclusively on the Wickford economy. 

Waxman owns Five Main Gallery, a Wickford art gallery. She's a member of the town's EDAB and is the head, for now anyway, of the newly established WEDAB.`

"I've seen many stores in recent years struggle and close. Although Wickford is seeing some signs of improvement, there's still some stores closing," Waxman said after an EDAB meeting July 17. "I want to see the village more vital."

The WEDAB's mission is to ...

• Identify strategies to increase vitality and reduce vacancies within Wickford;
• Recommend appropriate redevelopment opportunities and concepts within Wickford;
• Assist to sustain existing businesses within Wickford by addressing needs and issues;
• Identify existing and future physical and other needs for the Wickford business community including infrastructure, transportation, harbor, amenities, and marketing; and 
• Recommend creative economic development approaches and new business as supported by the Wickford business community.

The Town Council approved WEDAB's creation at its meeting July 15, despite some initial reservations about the need for an additional commission.

"To create another larger board is exactly counter-intuitive to what we're trying to do to slim down the bureaucracy," said Councilman Kerry McKay. "I can honestly say I'm just not totally in favor of creating another larger commission."

The town already has the Wickford Planning Committee, the original charge of which included economic development. For many years, however, the WPC has been involved more quality-of-life issues such as fixing sidewalks and drainage. 

"The intent is to recognize Wickford is special and unique," EDAB chairman David Caldwell told the council, explain the need for a board more focused to economic development. "It's the heart of North Kingstown and has special concerns."

Caldwell said they were not looking for the council to establish a formal board, but rather to get the council's "blessing."

Town Council President Liz Dolan said she just wanted to make sure members of the WPC were consulted and invited to participate in the WEDAB. 

"Let's actively ask the Wickford Planning Committee … to offer their services," said Dolan. "They're an existing committee, so let's start with them. Let's not exclude them."

McKay appeared to be satisfied that the WEDAB would not be creating an extra layer of bureaucracy. "You have our blessing. Go in peace," he said to general laughter.

At the EDAB meeting two days later, it was decided two EDAB members and staffer Bronk would sit on the WEDAB, Waxman and NK Chamber head Martha Pughe were the EDAB members named, with Waxman named chair at least through the selection of a full board of seven members. 

If you are interested in participating on the WEDAB, send a brief letter of intent to Paige Bronk, with a summary description of qualifications and at least one idea for improving Wickford’s economy. Please submit your letter of interest by August 1, 2013, to PBronk@northkingstown.org.