LETTERS

Celebrating the good things

Posted 2/28/19

To the Editor: At the February 25 City Council meeting, a number of major developments occurred that will have positive, long-term effects on our community. The City Council and the mayor continue to work to make Warwick a great place to live and to

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LETTERS

Celebrating the good things

Posted

To the Editor:

At the February 25 City Council meeting, a number of major developments occurred that will have positive, long-term effects on our community. The City Council and the mayor continue to work to make Warwick a great place to live and to start or expand a business. During the meeting we saw three major projects move forward that will result in new jobs, new homes, and tax revenue for the city.

For over a decade the former Christopher Rhodes Elementary School property has been empty. It's been vandalized numerous times and has been a cause of concern for neighborhood residents. The city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2017 hoping to better utilize the space. After negotiations that lasted well over a year, at the February 25 meeting the council voted to sell the property "as is" to a developer. The buyer plans to take the building down, clean up any and all environmental hazards, then build approximately 30 new single family homes. This is an outstanding development for this area and the entire city. New housing, which is much-needed in our city, will attract new families and individuals to Warwick. This currently vacant building will be transformed into a new community.

The City Council also voted for a zoning change that will allow for a Dollar Store to be built in the city's north end. The store will be located at a site that has been empty for over 25 years. In addition to generating revenue for the city, this business will generate construction jobs, as well as approximately 40 full-time and part-time employment opportunities once opened.

An even larger project also moved forward at this week's meeting. A Residence Inn will be built in the Station District next door to the

Radisson Hotel. This massive project will result in a $43 million investment in our city. The developers plan to invest $3 million for upgrades to the Radisson Hotel – work that will employ 30 people full-time. The new Residence Inn will employ over 50 additional people. This is an exciting project that will hopefully spur further development in the Station District.

While we have a number of issues still to address in our city, it's important to celebrate the great things that are happening. In one City Council meeting, we were able to support over 100 new jobs and millions of dollars in new investments in Warwick. The City of Warwick is moving in the right direction.

Steve McAllister

City Council Ward 7

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  • richardcorrente

    Steve McAllister is one of the hardest-working Council people on the Warwick City Council. He has dedicated himself to the taxpayers. He represents ward 7 proudly and is the main reason The Buttonwoods Center is being saved rather than sold as former Mayor Avedisian wanted. It took courage to go against Avedisian's preferences and do it in such a way as to not offend. He was able to stall the sale long enough and now, with the new Mayor's help it's actually ready for the new grand opening (almost).

    Many congrats, Steve.

    Happy St. Patricks everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Thursday, February 28, 2019 Report this