Peace Dale, Rhode Island ...Full of Surprises!

Peace Dale
Neighborhood
Revitalization, Inc.
Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization, Inc. (PDNRI) meets the first Tuesday of the month, 6:30 to 8:30, Peace Dale Congregational Church 261 Columbia Street, Peace Dale. All are welcome!

The Village of Peace Dale is getting better everyday. The year 2000 was its turning point. Rhode Island Housing had developed a new program designed to encourage the revitalization of Rhode Island's neighborhoods and several organizations in South Kingstown -- the Town of South Kingstown, Community Housing Corporation for Washington County, and South County Community Action -- united to submit a proposal for Peace Dale. A grassroots citizens group, known as The Friends of Peace Dale, which had formed in 1998 to help revitalize the village, joined the effort. In October 2000, Peace Dale was awarded a $48,000 grant to develop a five-year, community-based action plan to access and address the physical condition, economic vitality, housing opportunities, and social needs in the village.

Over a two-year period, community meetings were held and a plan that could be used by state and local government, public and private housing agencies, the business community, property owners, and Peace Dale residents was developed and completed in February 2002. The Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization Committee (PDNRC), now named Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization, Inc. (PDNRI), was then established to help carry out the goals of the plan and enhance the quality of life in Peace Dale.

Through collaborations with the Town of South Kingstown, the Peace Dale Arts Initiative, the Peace Dale Merchants Association, community organizations, local businesses, and dedicated residents, PDNRI has been working to revitalize the village of Peace Dale whose rich heritage goes back to the early 19^th century, with the opening of The Peace Dale Manufacturing Co., now called Palisades Mill.

PDNRI, with community partners, has begun work on an ambitious agenda of goals as outlined in its 2009 Community-based Peace Dale in Action Plan "Revitalization -- Maintaining the Momentum," which was developed to support the recently approved mission of the organization:

To revitalize and protect and improve the quality of life in Peace Dale, a historic mill village, by expanding economic opportunity and housing availability for local residents, advocating for alternative transportation, preserving Peace Dale's cultural and natural resources, and promoting smart growth and sustainable living practices.

Programs, Projects, and Activities

Commercial facade improvement grants have helped local businesses improve building facades and purchase attractive new signs. These enhancements are dramatically improving Peace Dale Village's curb appeal, increasing community pride, and attracting new businesses and visitors.

The beautifully landscaped public parking lot, with a painted mural created by local artists and community members, welcomes shoppers to the village.

Shops sporting new signage and awnings.

Amici Salon & Wellness Center, 1218 Kingstown Road

Bosgraaf Stained Glass Studio, also with facade improvements, 1214 Kingstown Road

Cat's Pyjamas, 1207 Kingstown Road

Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale, 1231 Kingstown Road

Patsy's Package Store, 520 High Street

Sweet Cakes, also with facade improvements, 1227 Kingstown Road

Vilage Barber Shop, 1227 Kingstown Road

Commercial Facade Improvements

Giro's Restaurant, before facade improvements, 501 High Street

The Seating Arrangement, before facade improvements, 1181 Kingstown Road

The Seating Arrangement, after facade improvements, 1181 Kingstown Road

VIllage Market, before facade improvements, 1210 Kingstown Road

VIlage market, after facade improvements, 1210 Kingstown Road

Public Art

Public art created by local artists and located along the bike path and throughout the village makes any visit to Peace Dale an experience!