>It’s what makes providence great. In the past we have had housing that artists, teachers, new business owners can afford.

Yes, this is tragic. You know the bumper sticker, "Keep Providence Weird"? Well, we're not.

Microcosm of what's underway, city-wide, is what happened to Thayer St over the past 20 years.

Before: every nook and cranny from basement to 2nd floor being filled with unique, independent shops and restaurants, serving as a mecca for foot traffic and shoppers, and hosting twice-yearly street festivals.

Now: sterile chains, no reason to go there 😣

That's the fate I don't see how we can avoid befalling all of Providence. And as one of those artists who moved here back in the day, I grieve.