Ailing neighborhood getting revitalized

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Local leaders break ground on a new venture aimed at stabilizing an ailing neighborhood in the capital city.

Mayor David Cicilline along with the Smith Hill Community Development Corp., Dimeo Properties and Rhode Island Housing kicked off the latest community revitalization effort in the Smith Hill neighborhood.

The effort, called Visions II, is a $12.45 million project which will help utilize 19 foreclosed and abandoned properties and one new building to create 52 affordable rental homes.

When completed, it will include 28 two-bedroom homes, 18 three-bedroom homes, five four-bedroom homes and one single-bedroom home.

"The Smith Hill area was hit particularly hard by the foreclosure crisis," said SHCDC's Executive Director Francis Smith. "Through efforts like this, we have learned that not only will the targeted properties benefit, but it will have a ripple effect, increasing the value of neighboring properties, and improving the overall pride and sense of place for Smith Hill residents."