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.”
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.
Statement from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan Regarding Illegal ATVs in Providence
“I was pleased to learn that the Department of Public Safety and the Mayor’s administration today announced plans to proactively enforce the ATV laws that the City Council has enacted. As we approach the warmer months, the threat of these dangerous and illegal ATVs looms over our neighborhoods.
As a freshman Councilor, I got to work drafting and enacting legislation that would keep dangerous ATVs off our City streets. In doing so, my Council colleagues and I created a clear, legal framework that prohibited the operation of illegal ATVs and gave the Providence Police Department the power to seize and destroy any ATVs operating illegally.
Since my legislation was enacted and the City Council created the ATV taskforce, law enforcement officials and local leaders came together to create strategies which resulted in 250 illegal ATVs being removed from our streets.
Despite our advocacy, these laws do not work unless they are enforced. I look forward to the Police Department’s continued commitment to these laws, which will serve to protect Providence drivers, pedestrians and bikers.
I encourage all residents to alert law enforcement and to report the location and operation of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes in Providence by calling 401-680-8288. Let us all do our part to keep our city safe,” stated Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
• Council President John Igliozzi issues unprecedented address and calls for an independent audit to oversee the disbursement of $124 million in federal relief funds
• Council calls on RI DOT to reduce the speed limit on Allens Ave to 25 mph
• Council calls on Providence Housing to stimulate more affordable housing
• A final ordinance passed prohibiting the storage of liquid propane gas (LPG) in the city
• Councilors call on the administration to hire a consultant to understand the true status of all city-owned real estate for the possibility of developing affordable housing or other public services
Providence, RI – At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, President John Igliozzi (Ward 7) set a serious and circumspect agenda for 2022, which includes holding the line on taxes, supporting police and public safety, as well as the importance of the once in a decade legislative process involving the Charter Review Commission and Ward Boundaries Committee. COVID-19 has decimated Providence’s restaurants, hotels, and small locally owned businesses. Many folks have lost jobs and cannot find housing. The city has an enormous responsibility of dispersing $124 million in American Rescue Plant Act recovery funds. “That is why, as part of the ARPA budget, I will be recommending the Council retain the services of an independent auditor to track, monitor, and prepare bi-weekly reports on ARPA expenditures. This will allow the Council and the public to monitor the progress of every ARPA dollar,” said Igliozzi.
Liquid Propane Gas
The City Council passed President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal’s (Ward 10) ordinance prohibiting the storage of Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) in Providence. This legislation comes after Pro Tempore Espinal and community activists continued to advocate to stop outside corporations from increasing the storage of highly combustible LPG in the Port of Providence. While Liquid Natural Gas has long been prohibited in Providence due to its high risk of combusting, Espinal has led the effort to broaden this prohibition to Liquid Propane Gas. “Tonight’s ordinance is a big win for protecting the environment and neighborhoods in the Port of Providence. The families of South Providence have too often gotten the short end of the stick as an environmentally harmful industry is allowed to freely expand in their back yards. This ordinance puts Providence residents first and takes a stand against environmentally harmful business practices. I am grateful to my council colleagues and the many tireless community advocates who have joined me in the continued fight for public health, and environmental protection in our city,” said Espinal.
Housing Need
Councilwoman and Finance Committee Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) introduced and passed a resolution, that calls on the Providence Housing Authority to act with urgency and maximize its allocation of Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to promote the development of affordable housing in the capital city. The 2001 federal housing law allows public housing agencies like the PHA to convert up to 20% of their Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) portfolios to Project-Based Vouchers. What’s the difference? HCVs travel with the family, commonly in one-off privately owned units. PBVs stay rooted in Providence and when coupled with other housing assistance resources, provide critical gap financing to otherwise unsustainable affordable housing developments. “The PHA is underutilizing this critical tool which creates affordable housing for disabled, elderly, and low-income households. Only 100 Project-Based Vouchers exist under the PHA. That’s about 4% of its portfolio and far too low. The PHA has a long way to go to stimulate construction and service the needs of residents looking for a place to call home,” said Ryan.
Vacant property
Tonight, Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) and the City Council passed resolution 35044, calling for the detailed analysis of all city-owned real estate, to identify possible areas to develop affordable housing. In September of 2020, the Council requested a list of all real estate owned by the city and the Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA). Initial estimates show more than 150 city-owned vacant lots. “Right now, our city is seeing an unprecedented need for affordable housing. Through this resolution, and the assessments of our real estate, we can begin to utilize untapped resources to bring housing to the people of Providence,” said Councilman Salvatore. “I am excited to begin exploring potential avenues for dynamic and much-needed development of these otherwise unutilized parcels and buildings.” The Council is now calling for immediate site assessments of all real estate owned by the PRA and the city.
The City Council promised to give Providence Police the tools they need to help solve the city’s 23rd homicide of 2021, following a deadly shooting Saturday night on Huxley Avenue, in the Elmhurst neighborhood.
“I am troubled to hear of, yet another young life taken by violence in the City of Providence, especially in a neighborhood that I call home and represent,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “I am working with police and city departments. A full investigation is underway. We need to keep our neighborhoods safe. I have led the effort on the City Council to strengthen our police force through recruitment and training. We need more officers on the streets.”
Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7) condemned the violence and promised police the Council’s full support. “I commend the men and women of the Providence Department for their quick response to last night’s latest act of violence. Too many guns are on our streets. Too many young people are dying senselessly from gun violence. I’m committed to giving Providence Police the resources they need for this investigation,” said Igliozzi.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) released the following statement after last night’s deadly shooting. “As our city grapples with its 23rd homicide this year during a season that is supposed to be filled with joy and celebration, I am calling on my colleagues in government, public safety officials and community members to join me in putting an end to this senseless violence. This is an issue that affects not only Providence, but our entire state. As we approach 2022, I hope we can work within communities to take a restorative approach to these issues. We must keep working for the those who have lost a son, brother, husband, or friend; not just last night, but every time a family has faced tragedy like this in our city.”
At tonight’s City Council meeting Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan sponsored a resolution, passed by the full City Council, honoring Retired Providence Fire Chief George Farrell for his work as Chairman of the Rhode Island Honor Flights Club. Mr. Farrell and his family attended the meeting and were honored with a City Council citation.
George Farrell served over 30 years in the Providence Fire Department, working his way up through the ranks from firefighter and eventually serving as chief from 2007 until his retirement in 2011. He also served as the Rhode Island State Fire Marshall from 2006-2007. Since retiring, Chief Farrell has remained active in his community as the chairman of the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Club which is dedicated to honoring veterans by offering no-cost trips to the Washington DC monuments for veterans of World War II and the Korean War.
“Chief Farrell built a laudable career as a public servant and has continued into retirement with a perennial dedication to serving his community. Thanks to his work, hundreds of veterans have had the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital and see the monuments that have been built in their honor. I am proud to honor Chief Farrell with my Council colleagues tonight and I thank him for his years of service to our city and our veterans,” stated Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
Since November of 2012, the Rhode Island Honor Flight Club has completed 25 flights and served over 800 veterans. To learn more about the Rhode Island Honor Flight Club, visit them on the web here: https://www.rihonorflight.com/.
To read the resolution honoring Chief George Farrell, click here: https://bit.ly/3Di6bWM
