It has been a while since we’ve heard anything about the plans for a Cranston Costco. However, on August 23 Mayor Ken Hopkins announced his excitement and support of a pending formal announcement of Costco finally arriving.

“After many months of speculation, discussions, and development meetings, I am pleased that the formal steps will be rolled out that will soon lead to the establishment of a Costco Wholesale facility in Cranston,” said Mayor Hopkins.

This information was released just a week after Costco announced election of Helena Buonanno Foulkes to its board of directors. Buonanno Foulkes sought the Democratic nomination for governor in 2022, narrowing losing to incumbent Gov. Dan McKee.

While the mayor announced his joy for the news, Councilman Robert Ferri, who is happy to hear about the forward momentum of the Costco project, let it be known that he didn’t appreciate the City Council hearing it through the media and not the administration.

“I feel that this is great news for the city of Cranston and for the state of Rhode Island,” said City Councilman Robert Ferri. “Hopefully the process will be an orderly and timely one.   I am looking forward to being part of the process as Safety Services and Licensing Chairman. 

It is unfortunate that the City Council had to hear this news from the media and not from the mayor’s office.  Mayor Hopkins continues to refuse to be transparent with the City Council.  What is he afraid of?”

Despite Councilman Ferri’s disappointment, members of the council who could be reached displayed approval of the chain’s anticipated arrival.

“I am looking forward to Costco coming to Cranston,” said City Councilman Richard Campopiano. “It’s not only going to be a help to Cranston’s tax base but a great place to shop for its residents. With the new off ramp going in, traffic should be manageable. Cranston did their homework before making such a big move.”

According to the mayor’s press release, Hopkins said that the permitting process that will allow Costco to build its store on the site of the former medium-security prison in Howard Industrial Park will soon take place. The property, 16.8 acres at 20 Goddard Drive, was acquired from the state about two years ago. As a result, the Mayor said he will be sponsoring legislation to rezone the, currently M-2 industrial, parcel of land for most well known uses of a Costco such as a wholesale club and gasoline fueling pumps.

“I look forward to Costco bringing forward their development plan for public hearings before the Planning Commission as a major land development project and to the City Council for the rezoning of the parcel.” the Mayor said, “I know Costco officials want to share how they will demonstrate to the community they can be a good neighbor and satisfactorily address all traffic and environmental concerns”. Hopkins said a public review and consideration of their plans is important.

Hopkins went on to say that he had “worked hard to encourage Costco to find a suitable location in Cranston.” and that he “did not want to lose this premier wholesale club to another community and wanted to bring the jobs and tax revenue to our city.”

Hopkins lauded the coming arrival of Costco as a “major economic development announcement for Cranston and our residents.” The city, he went on to say, will be receiving a well-deserved enhancement to its reputation as a “state and regional destination for shopping and dining and visiting to enjoy the special quality of life. With the opening of Top Golf in the Fall, Garden City Shopping Center, Chapel View and all our local economic corridors like Knightsville, Rolfe Square and Pawtuxet Village, Cranston is the place to be.”

In October of 2022 Mayor Hopkins reported the developer had received city approvals to build a 210,000 square foot industrial warehouse on the former prison site and that the plans would be held in abeyance while Costco goes through the permitting and regulatory steps to open in  the city.

To conclude his statement regarding the retailer, the Mayor said “this is a major economic development announcement for Cranston taxpayers and the expansion of the commercial tax base. I look forward to the Costco groundbreaking.”