Providence, RI – The Providence City Council Finance Committee held a public hearing Thursday night in the council chamber on a proposed tax treaty for Providence Place mall. No vote was held.

“Tonight’s public hearing on Providence Place mall was an important first step in what I believe to be lengthy discussions on the future of this vital and valuable piece of real estate in the capital city,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Chair of the Finance Committee. “There’s no question that the retail industry has dramatically changed since the pandemic hit. We heard from residents and directly from representatives of Providence Place about their challenges and needs going forward, which involves reinventing and modernizing this significant space downtown. No one wants to see the mall at the center of our city deserted and a burden to taxpayers, but any change to the tax treaty must include robust discussions that result in a fiscally responsible and fair plan for the city of Providence.”