About
In 1946, the State enabled the creation of redevelopment agencies in every city and town in Rhode Island. Pursuant to this authority, the Providence Redevelopment Agency was established in 1947. Currently, the Agency operates under the powers set out in Chapters 31-33 of Title 45 of the Rhode Island General Laws, the “Redevelopment Act of 1956”.
Process
The focus of the Redevelopment Agency is the elimination and prevention of blighted and substandard areas. The Redevelopment Agency is also granted broad power to foster economic development in substandard and blighted areas.
Historically, Redevelopment Agencies across the country have used their broad powers to acquire properties and clear large tracts of land for redevelopment, based on their purpose of the elimination of blight.
Today, conditions have greatly changed. Fewer dollars are available for large scale projects. Therefore, the Agency is taking a more nuanced approach to redevelopment which fosters neighborhood revitalization and private investment.
Through the Redevelopment Agency and the Providence City Plan Commission, and with the approval of the Providence City Council, areas of the City which contain blighted and substandard conditions are established as Redevelopment Areas. Redevelopment Plans are then created to establish project areas within the larger Redevelopment Area. This process is designed to create a coordinated strategy that proposes specific improvements to an area.
General Powers and Activities of the Redevelopment Agency:
- Acquisition and lease of property; Eminent Domain;
- Relocation of individuals or businesses;
- Renovation or demolition of property;
- Sale or lease of property;
- Restrictions on use of property;
- Preparation and implementation of Redevelopment Plans;
- Design layout and install sidewalks, public utilities, parks, off street parking areas and other public improvements through requests for proposals and direct solicitation;
- Proposal of zoning changes;
- Lending and mortgaging of property;
- Issuance of bonds; and,
- Tax Increment Financing plans.
Members
The membership of the Providence Redevelopment Agency consists of the Mayor of the City of Providence, ex officio, and seven members. Five of the members are required to be resident electors of the City and are appointed by the Mayor, and two are required to be members of the City Council, appointed by the City Council.
Current membership is:
James V. DeRentis, Chair
Cliff Wood, Vice-Chair
Jesse Kenner, Member
Julius O. Kolawole, Member
Manuel Cordero, Member
Mary-Kay Harris, Councilwoman
Bryan Principe, Councilman
Mayor Jorge Elorza, Ex-Officio
Meetings & Agendas
The Providence Redevelopment Agency typically meets on the second Thursday of every month at 4:00 p.m at 444 Westminster Street, 1st floor conference room to review pending applications.
Click here for the 2017 meeting schedule of the Providence Redevelopment Agency.
Click here for the current agenda of the Providence Redevelopment Agency.
American Tourister Request for Proposals
The Providence Redevelopment Agency in an effort to develop the former American Tourister site located at 70 Houghton Street in the Wanskuck Redevelopment Project in the City of Providence invites proposals from qualified environmental engineering firms for design, permitting, and pre-construction services related to the implementation of an U.S. Economic Development Administration grant. Proposals shall be submitted in writing and be to the Providence Redevelopment Agency, 444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, to the attention of Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director, by 3:00 pm on Thursday, September 21, 2017.
Click here for the RFP package.
Federal Economic Development Administration Grant Application – American Tourister
Preliminary Engineering Report – American Tourister
Contact Information
Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.8400
Barry Sullivan, Secretary
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.8526
Darcy Charleson, Recording Secretary
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.8501
Providence Redevelopment Agency
Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. Municipal Building
Department of Planning & Development
444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A
Providence, RI 02903-3215
Phone: 401.680.8400
Fax 401.680.8492
Office Hours
January-June and September-December
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
July-August
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
