Pawtucket Emergent

I always find Pawtucket to be interesting. The idea of "Pawtucket" in the online world feels full of raw energy and potential, brimming with possibility. Its always so at odds with what I feel when I go to Pawtucket. But perhaps those two realities are slowly drawing closer, and the internal passion held by Bucketeers will express itself in pavement-level vibe.

Two upcoming events speak to that promise, as Pawtucket hacks its way to a new identity. The first, Planning Pawtucket: Designs and Dreams for a Once and Future City is held by PADS at The Grant. Its an exhibition of urban planning work meant to "broaden thinking, illuminate ideas, and generate discussion within the community as it undergoes initiatives to reshape the downtown and plan for future growth". Similar to the New Your City initiative, it provides a novel and reflective chance to reflect and envision, without experts driving the bus.

The second is the RI Statewide Historic Preservation conference. Normally I wouldn't log this as a very hackable event, but it feels like the active new urbanists and the green building folks are injecting something new into the conversation this time.

Planning Pawtucket:
Designs and Dreams for a Once and Future City
April 6 - 27 @ The Grant 250 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI
Opening night Friday, April 6 from 6 PM - 8 PM

Something Old, Something Green
RI Statewide Historic Preservation Conference
Saturday, April 14, 2007 @ The Pawtucket Armory