Providence City Council Rejects Lease for Academic Use

News Summary

The Providence City Council has denied a lease agreement for the vacant Carl G. Lauro building to Excel Academy Charter School amidst community opposition. Council President Rachel Miller reversed her supportive stance, highlighting neighborhood concerns. Excel Academy had proposed paying $200,000 annually and making necessary renovations, while the city currently spends $300,000 annually on maintenance. Critics argue this decision impacts educational opportunities in the area, leaving the future of the building uncertain as the Providence Public School District assumes responsibility for its upkeep.

Providence—The Providence City Council has voted against leasing the vacant Carl G. Lauro building to Excel Academy Charter School, a decision that has sparked significant debate among city residents and officials. The vote came after Council President Rachel Miller reversed her previously supportive position just a day prior to the decision, citing concerns for the neighborhood and the city as key factors in her change of heart.

The Lauro building has sat vacant since its closure two years ago and needs substantial repairs to be usable. Under the proposed lease agreement, Excel Academy would have paid the city $200,000 annually for the use of the space and was prepared to invest in necessary renovations. However, the city is currently incurring costs of $300,000 each year to maintain the empty building, with future plans for it to serve as swing space for Providence Public Schools.

Miller’s sudden shift in stance was largely influenced by overwhelming opposition from local residents. Reports indicate that she received feedback from hundreds of constituents who expressed their concerns over the lease proposal. This community pushback played a crucial role in the council’s final decision.

Excel Academy expressed their disappointment with the council’s decision, highlighting the importance of community engagement in shaping the educational landscape. They advocated that the charter school could provide valuable options for families in the area. On the other hand, former Providence School Board Chair Keith Oliveira supported the lease, suggesting it would offer more educational opportunities for local families and generate additional revenue for the city.

Mayor Brett Smiley criticized Miller’s last-minute opposition, suggesting it may have negative financial implications for the city and complicate the situation regarding the maintenance of the vacant building. Prior to the council’s decision, Miller and Mayor Smiley had spent six months negotiating the lease terms, which had included a proposal for Excel Academy to share the facility with students from Asa Messer Elementary School for the initial five years.

In the wake of the lease rejection, the Providence Public School District will now be solely responsible for the building’s maintenance and renovation costs. This presents a significant challenge, as advocates for charter schools continue to highlight the demand for such educational options in Providence, noting that thousands of families remain on waiting lists for available slots.

Some city council members expressed frustration over the rejection of the lease. They view this decision as a missed opportunity to enhance the educational resources available in the city, arguing that the charter school could have played a pivotal role in meeting local educational demands. The council’s decision reflects broader tensions in Providence regarding how best to utilize vacant buildings and how to expand educational opportunities in a growing school district.

With the rejection of the lease agreement, the future of the Carl G. Lauro building remains uncertain. The city is now tasked with addressing the ongoing costs associated with its maintenance, while community members await clarity on the next steps for educational development in Providence.

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Additional Resources

• Turn to 10 News
• Wikipedia: Charter school
• Rhode Island Current
• Google Search: Providence City Council charter school
• ABC 6 News
• Google News: Providence Carl G. Lauro building
• GoLocal Prov
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School