I disagree with the idea that "progress" has to mean that viable, historic buildings must be eradicated and replaced with new mercantile/commercial buildings that look like they could be from anywhere in America. If the purpose of tearing down the Coventry Seafood building is to expand the parking lot for the shopping plaza next door, that certainly is not going to bring in more tax revenue. Structures like this, that define our sense of place, are what make our town unique.
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/WB_coventry_historic_building_07-15-08_HBARSU_v10.3f5d6c4.html
