BetterProvidence Forum On I-195 Redevelopment District
The June 13 BetterProvidence and Common Cause community forum on the proposed I-195 Redevelopment District Commission attracted 150 people who engaged in lively discussion and debate with our panelists. The questions and opinions raised have stimulated increased interest in this issue across the city and at the State House.
The bill to create a seven-member quasi-public commission that will control the sale and development of the 35 acres in the Jewelry / Knowledge District of Providence has passed the Senate.
As of right now, there are no public hearings scheduled on the identical House bill, sponsored by Providence Rep. John Carnevale, and yet the General Assembly legislative session is expected to close next Thursday, June 30, which begs the question: will there be an opportunity for public input on the House bill — or will it be rushed through at the midnight hour?
Providence neighborhood associations and other groups are collecting signatures on an online petition to House Speaker Gordon Fox, and other members of the Providence delegation, asking them to reject the legislation.
Common Cause is closely monitoring the legislative process and is a good source of information on this issue and other good government issues at the State level.
Many thanks to our Panelists:
John Marion, Executive Director, Common Cause RI
Kelly Mahoney, Policy Director, Department of Administration, State of Rhode Island
Arthur Salisbury, President, Jewelry District Association
Thomas E. Deller, Planning Director, City of Providence
Thanks to our Forum Co-Sponsors:
Jewelry District Association, Fox Point Neighborhood Association,
Greater City: Providence, American Institute of Architects Rhode Island
Thanks to our Moderator: Mike Ritz, Executive Director, Leadership Rhode Island
and to The Spot Underground for hosting us!
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