GoLocal Prov: Coalition of Groups Oppose 20 Year Tax Break for Providence Project Ahead of Council Vote

Letter Sent in Opposition

The following was sent to Council leaders ahead of the vote:

Dear President Salvatore & Members of the Council

We are community organizations with memberships based in Providence's low-income communities of color in partnership with advocates and newly elected city officials. For over a decade we have demanded equity in our city's economic development policies. Yet Providence continues to promote public subsidy in private developments that both threaten to displace long-term neighborhood residents and take resources away from our communities without tangible and lasting community benefits.

Given the dramatic shortage of genuinely affordable housing in our city, as well as life-sustaining jobs, especially for Providence's low-income families living in communities of color, we're asking you to return the proposed TSA for Steeple Street RI, LLC to the Finance Committee for further review. Though this letter focuses on one specific TSA, the criticisms and recommendations below apply to past and current TSAs agreed to by the Providence city council, as well as future deals.

The TSA for Steeple Street RI, LLC demands more concerted input from residents who will be disproportionately impacted by the loss of public revenue, which is desperately needed to repair roadways and schools, fund recreational programs and the city's many waning public amenities, as well as support new initiatives shepherded by those who currently live, work, and raise their families in the so-called “Creative Capitol.”

To view the complete article, visit GoLocal Prov