Developers to Bring New Whole Foods to Seekonk, Cite Market Opportunity Due to Washington Bridge
GoLocalProv Business Team
Developers to Bring New Whole Foods to Seekonk, Cite Market Opportunity Due to Washington Bridge
In mid-March, a Seekonk Planning Board meeting agenda had a discussion item for a site plan application for an “industrial zoning district.”
The proposal was for a retail store, fast food establishment, and grocery store on three lots on Fall River Avenue, nestled between the bustling commercial area of Route 6 and I-195.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAt the meeting, the project team’s attorney, Eric Brainsky, made the big reveal.
“I’m excited and finally allowed to announce to you this evening that it will be a Whole Foods,” said Brainsky.
One of the planning board members could audibly be heard saying, “Yessssss!” under her breath.
“Everybody knows what Whole Foods comes with and what it attracts,” said Brainksy.
And he went on to state how Rhode Island’s failure will be Massachusetts’ gain.
“It’s really a draw for people who don’t want to go into Providence and deal with the East Side and parking and traffic, especially with this bridge,” he said. “God knows what that’s going to bring, five to six years from now.”
“This is a perfect site for that and we’re very excited,” he added.”
A new Whole Foods will allow residents in Barrington, Warren and Bristol to avoid the Washington Bridge fiasco and shop in Massachusetts.
RIDOT Bridge Failure
In December of 2023, the westbound portion of the Washington Bridge was closed by the state of Rhode Island due to a "critical failure."
RIDOT's director, Peter Alviti, announced that the bridge would be closed for three months.
Then, Governor Dan McKee and Alviti announced earlier in March that the Washington Bridge would need to be replaced.
According to the McKee administration, the estimated cost is between $250 million and $300 million.