Civil Municipal - April 2024

Town Manager Daniel Parrillo paints a vivid picture of this dichotomy, emphasizing the unique nature of Coventry’s layout. “On one hand, you have the eastern side, a hub of commercial vitality along Tiogue Avenue, brimming with businesses and residential neighborhoods. It’s a scene familiar to many,” he explains. Yet, a short drive westward reveals a different world altogether.“Venturing west, you’re greeted by an almost pioneering landscape – devoid of streetlights, fire hydrants, or stores. It’s like stepping into a new frontier,” Parrillo adds, highlighting the absence of urban fixtures most take for granted. Council President Hillary Lima echoes Parrillo’s sentiments, accentuating Coventry’s versatility and its reflection of Rhode Island’s essence. “Coventry offers the best of both worlds,” Lima notes.“The east provides easy access to commerce and amenities, catering to residents’ everyday needs.Meanwhile, the west offers a haven for those seeking peace, quiet, and natural beauty.” This duality enriches residents’ lifestyles and remains an undiscovered gem to many. A VISION FOR GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY In the heart of Rhode Island, Coventry is undergoing transformative growth and development, driven by a blend of historic charm and forward-looking initiatives. The town, once grappling with its identity amidst rapid population growth, now embraces its burgeoning status with strategic plans aimed at bolstering commercial vitality and residential harmony. Council President Lima outlines the trajectory of Coventry’s evolution, drawing attention to the town’s remarkable population surge from a modest 10,000 in the late 1960s to approximately 36,000 today. “This growth, especially pronounced since the 2020 census, has predominantly unfolded in the eastern part of town,” she observes. Lima underlines the significance of adapting to the state legislature’s mandates on affordable housing, revealing plans to rejuvenate the town’s wastewater infrastructure. Further shedding light on the environmental facet of their vision, Lima mentions, “Priority zones include business districts and proximities to natural 61 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 04 COVENTRY, RHODE ISLAND