RI Officials To Help E. Providence Aquire Metacomet Golf Course

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Rep. Gregg Amore and Sen. Valarie J. Lawson will introduce resolutions calling for the state to help East Providence acquire Metacomet Golf Course, said a news release from the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The purpose of acquiring the golf course would be to protect urban public open green space in East Providence.

“Urban public open green space is an extremely limited resource in our state and during the rare scenarios when this land becomes available to the public, we as elected leaders must do everything in our power to protect and support urban public open green spaces for the betterment of our residents," said Amore in a statement. "The historic and beautiful Metacomet Golf Course in East Providence is one of these urban green spaces and the state, under existing law, has a duty to protect this island of urban green space from demolition and development."

Urban public open green spaces help prevent climate change, raise property values, provide access to spaces for outdoor recreation, improve the urban climate, and improve the general wellbeing of residents, said Amore.

“Preserving the urban green space of the Metacomet Golf Course is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the residents of East Providence that will greatly benefit our community and the many generations to come," said Lawson in a statement. "Green open areas in our urban core such as the Metacomet Golf Course are disappearing rapidly and we must preserve what we still can so that our all of our residents have access to urban public open green space and its proven benefits."

The resolutions will direct the Director of Administration to prepare and budget the state’s share of the costs to acquire the property, as provided in Chapter 4 of Title 32 of the Rhode Island General Laws, said the news release.