by Council Staff | Nov 3, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7
City Council Approves Final Passage of Tax Agreements for Superman Building and Former Providence Journal Building
Providence, RI – Tonight, city councilors passed on a vote of 11 to 2 (with one councilor abstaining and one absent) a 30-year tax stabilization agreement (TSA) ordinance between the city and High Rock Westminster Street LLC, the owner of 111 Westminster Street (also known as the Superman building). Councilors also approved on a vote of 13 to 1 final passage of a 20-year tax stabilization agreement ordinance for 203 Westminster Street (the old Providence Journal building and Kresge’s department store next to city hall). “Hive Life” will encompass some 124 apartments.
“The votes tonight passing tax stabilization agreements for two iconic buildings has the potential to change the landscape downtown into a safer, cleaner, healthier neighborhood environment,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “I’m also proud the Council is helping preserve these historical buildings through public-private partnerships between the developers, the city, and the state. We should all be proud of the positive quality of life impact this will have on the capital city for decades to come.”
The $223 million Superman building project includes the City of Providence, the Providence City Council, the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Rhode Island Foundation, and Rhode Island Housing. The proposal is expected to create 1,600 construction jobs, with a goal of hiring 20% minority and women-owned businesses. Plans call for 285 residential apartments, with 20% of the units deed restricted as affordable. The building owner has committed to a mix of retail and community space in the Grand Banking Hall, opening the building’s doors to all. A copy of the Superman agreement is posted here.
“I am proud of my Council colleagues. Our city’s future is brighter because of what we did here this evening,” said Councilwoman and Finance Committee Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “This legislation is not just about one building, this legislation is about re-developing our capital city. Moreover, we cannot talk about revitalizing our state’s economy when our capital city is abandoned and shuttered. The Superman will be redeveloped, reoccupied and relighted to shine as a beacon to the state, region and country that Providence is back and that our best days are ahead of us.”
The TSA for the former Providence Journal building can be seen here.
Council calls on Rhode Island Energy to repair damage to roadways
Tonight, the Council also passed Resolution 38821, highlighting the failure of Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid) to adequately repair the city’s streets. Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6) sponsored the legislation, citing significant damage to the roads in his community following maintenance and construction work. “Rhode Island Energy has failed to return our roads to preconstruction condition time and time again,” said Councilman Correia, “Large stretches of roadways in my neighborhood have significant damage from these utility companies, and it’s time we hold them accountable.” The resolution asks the Department of Public Works to stop issuing work permits to Rhode Island Energy until the company repairs the damage they have caused to streets across the city.
Council Seeks removal of ‘hazardous’ bike lanes
The Council passed Resolution 38822 requesting the Director of Public Works removes bike lanes from Delaine Street to Aleppo Street. Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6) sponsored the resolution, referring to the stretch of road as a public safety hazard. “While bike lanes are a valuable part of our city infrastructure, in this particular area they pose a risk to both drivers and bike riders,” said Councilman Correia, “The safety posts themselves have already been partially destroyed, and further damage to the roads seems inevitable.” The resolution now goes to the Director of Public Works, Leo Perrotta.
by Council Staff | Nov 3, 2022 | Press Release, Ward-1
“We’re so thrilled and excited to welcome Trader Joe’s to the neighborhood! Residents from near and far are enthusiastic about the grand opening of another grocer that will offer fresh produce and organic foods to the Capital City and beyond,” said Councilman Goncalves, who represents the Ward 1 neighborhood where the store is located.
“As we welcome new customers to the 9,408 square-foot Trader Joe’s, please be sure to calibrate your GPS to the correct 425 S Main Street and take advantage of the 110 parking spots on site. To those intending to visit over the coming days, happy shopping.”
by Council Staff | Oct 26, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
“As the sole dissenting vote today, I’m disappointed the Board of Parks Commissioners approved another 10-year commitment to FCG Associates, the current operator of Triggs Memorial Golf Course. Parts of the course have fallen into disrepair, and a laundry list of problems needs fixing, yet the board decided to reward the current operator with another lucrative long-term multi-million dollar contract. All three bid proposals should have been presented before the board so that we could deliberate and determine the proper outcome for the future of Triggs. Instead, we received one side of the conversation at the expense of Providence taxpayers.”
by Council Staff | Oct 25, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
City Council Approves 1st Passage of $10 million COVID-19 Equities Program
Creates new program by partnering with the United Way
Providence, RI – At tonight’s special meeting of the Providence City Council, councilors approved the first passage of the $10 million COVID-19 Equities Program budget on a vote of 11 to zero (4 councilors were absent). The $10 million budget is a collaboration between the City Council and Mayor Jorge Elorza’s administration for January 6, 2022, to December 31, 2024, and is funded by the American Rescue Plant Act (ARPA). The budget comes after months of work by the city’s 13-member Municipal Reparations Commission and adds a new component by partnering with the United Way.
“I am proud of our work amending the COVID-19 Equities Program Budget. These changes reflect the need for continued community input into future expenditures,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). “By partnering with the United Way, we are creating a lasting generational investment.”
The City Council and the Mayor’s administration are partnering with the United Way by establishing the United Way COVID-19 Equity Fund. The fund is seeded with $1,750,000 of the $10 million budget to attract additional investments from outside partners for years to come. All the original programs remain funded. However, the Home Repair Fund, Expansion of Guaranteed Income Program, and a Legal Defense Fund have been removed from the budget as those programs were previously included in the larger ARPA budget passed in the spring.
“The Municipal Reparations Commission and community members dedicated extensive time and efforts to outline their 11-point investment plan. I know that the budget is driven by the needs and priorities of the community and it will move the ball forward in closing the existing racial wealth and equity gaps,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I thank the United Way for their willingness to partner with us and I look forward to the City Council finalizing their approval so I can sign this budget into law.”
“I would like to thank the commissioners and my colleague, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, for her thorough involvement with this program and for helping create the equity fund with the United Way,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “It’s unfortunate more of the COVID-19 Equities Program funding is not under the stewardship of the United Way. However, the City Council has ensured a portion of these funds will continue to be reinvested in the city long past 2024.”
“We celebrate the outstanding work of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission in developing this investment plan which is an essential first step towards closing the racial wealth and equity gaps in the City of Providence,” said Larry O. Warner, DrPH, Chief Impact and Equity Officer at United Way of Rhode Island. “We look forward to partnering with the City once the budget is approved by the City Council and signed into law by Mayor Elorza.”
The amended ordinance was referred to the finance committee for review. A second passage is required by the full council.
by Council Staff | Oct 20, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
Superman building
Providence, RI – Tonight, city councilors passed, for the first time on a vote of 11 to 1 (with 3 councilors abstaining), a 30-year tax stabilization agreement (TSA) ordinance between the city and High Rock Westminster Street LLC, the owner of 111 Westminster Street (also known as the Superman building in downtown Providence). The TSA is one component of a $223 million public-private partnership project, which includes the City of Providence, the Providence City Council, the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Rhode Island Foundation, and Rhode Island Housing.
“I want to thank my council colleagues who had the vision and political fortitude to pass this TSA tonight,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “For 26 years on the City Council, I have championed TSAs and tax treaties as tools for the city to turn empty lots and boarded-up buildings into new mixed-use spaces, businesses, and apartments. The Superman building will embody the spirit of a new beginning in downtown Providence. The redevelopment of this iconic but sadly dormant building will revitalize our capital city, encourage more investment, and create opportunities for all of us,” said Igliozzi.
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) added: “Ultimately, these redevelopment plans will further stimulate our local economy, reinvigorate our downtown, and further build up this growing and vibrant residential and commercial neighborhood. The long term returns will be enormous and certainly a step up from a seemingly frail downtown that hasn’t quite realized its potential.”
The proposed project is expected to create 1,600 construction jobs, with a goal of hiring 20% minority and women-owned businesses. Plans call for 285 residential apartments, with 20% of the units deed restricted as affordable. The building owner has committed to a mix of retail and community space in the Grand Banking Hall, opening the building’s doors to all. The TSA ordinance will come before the full council for a second passage next month. A copy of the agreement is posted here.
TSA for Former Providence Journal building
Councilors approved for first passage a 20-year tax stabilization agreement ordinance for 203 Westminster Street, which sits in the space of the old Providence Journal building and Kresge’s department store. The proposed “Hive Life” would become 124 apartments next to city hall. The agreement can be seen here.
Councilor Salvatore proposes new safety & security guidelines at housing developments for seniors and persons with disabilities
Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced amendments to Ordinance 38643 “Security Development for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities,” increasing fines for landlords who refuse to comply with safety and security requirements. The amendment would also require property owners to maintain on-site security personnel and register a point of contact to be located in the City.
“During the last several months, I have observed firsthand the unsafe conditions that some of our residents are forced to live in, said Councilor Salvatore,”. “With these new measures, I hope that certain property owners and landlords will be motivated to follow the law and protect the health and safety of our city’s most vulnerable residents.”
The original ordinance was sponsored by Councilor Salvatore and was initially passed by the City Council on May 20, 2021. In it, strict requirements were approved that require property owners to implement and maintain security plans in developments that house seniors and persons with disabilities.
“We have a moral obligation to implement safety measures that keep our elderly and disabled residents safe. It’s unacceptable that not one of these private or public developments has adhered to the ordinance that was enacted more than a year ago. We all have a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable residents are safely housed. I am disappointed that amendments have to be approved by the City Council to achieve these results, said Salvatore.”
Currently, landlords found in violation of the ordinance have 30 days to make changes. After that period, property owners and landlords are subject to a $150 fine per day. The new amendment would increase the daily fine to $500. Councilor Salvatore is calling on the Department of Public Safety to enforce the original ordinance and impose fines on any landlord that is non-compliant with the law.
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