IV-206 



(2) Open Space. Open space serves a number of 

 purposes in and around urban areas, all of which 

 are difficult to quantify. There is no doubt, however, 

 that the Upper Bay and Providence River North of 

 Conimicut Point, as well as the Barrington and Warren Rivers, 

 provide the surrounding communities with open space 

 which they otherwise would have had to provide in the 

 form of parks or other open areas in order to keep 

 the kind of environmental quality now given free by 

 these waters. The open space provided by the Bay also 

 serves as low-level flight space for approach and take- 

 off at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station, saving the 

 community a great deal of noise pollution and a resultant 

 drop in property values. 



The general effect of open space on residence values 

 has been observed frequently. It is commonly accepted 

 that property values increase markedly as a park or other 

 open area is approached. The same is the case as one 

 approaches the shoreline, even if the water itself is 

 not usable at that particular location. If higher 

 prices are paid for property on a shore which is not 

 suitable for either boating or swimming, then this value 

 must be caused by the marine environment in general. 



