Benefit Street Sidewalk Upgrade Proposal Faces Opposition

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Uneven sidewalks and tree wells in disrepair along Benefit Street, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades.

News Summary

A proposal to upgrade sidewalks on Benefit Street in Providence has met resistance from city council members, prompting concerns about funding priorities. The Mile of History Association seeks city financing for a project estimated at $6.2 million to address significant sidewalk issues affecting residents and tourists. However, the Finance Committee voted against advancing the proposal, raising equity concerns and questioning the timing of spending amid ongoing fiscal challenges. This situation highlights broader discussions about infrastructure priorities as the city addresses long-standing community needs while managing budget constraints.

Providence – A proposal to upgrade sidewalks on Benefit Street, a historic thoroughfare in Providence, has encountered resistance from city council members, raising questions about funding priorities and the allocation of resources within the city.

The Mile of History Association recently presented their proposal to the Providence City Council Finance Committee, estimating the project’s cost at up to $6.2 million. The association is seeking city financing through possible loans from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to address significant problems along the street, which they claim affect both residents and the tourism sector.

During the meeting, the association’s president noted that the group has been actively advocating for improvements to the street since its formation in 2017, having previously completed a $30,000 streetscape study. This assessment was aimed at identifying critical areas in need of improvement, specifically focusing on the sidewalks and tree wells in disrepair. Mauran highlighted severe issues such as uneven steps, missing bricks, and hazardous holes present along the historic street. The association emphasized the importance of Benefit Street in ensuring safety and accessibility for both local residents and the approximately 300,000 tourists who flock to the area each year, underscoring its significance to the local economy.

Despite these concerns, the Finance Committee voted narrowly, 3-2, against forwarding the proposal to the full City Council. Council members opposing the project raised concerns over equity, suggesting that the proposal would primarily benefit residents on the East Side of the city. Additionally, two councilors expressed apprehension over the timing of such substantial municipal spending amidst ongoing fiscal challenges facing the city.

The city’s current budgetary climate is further complicated by recent proposals from Mayor Brett Smiley to increase property tax rates and implement approximately $9 million in budget cuts aimed at addressing a $15 million settlement with the Rhode Island Department of Education regarding local public schools. Councilor Miguel Sanchez reminded the committee of a significant backlog concerning sidewalk repairs requested in various areas, including Hillcrest Avenue. This backlog is a part of a larger issue reflected in a city database, where over 7,500 repair requests have been logged, with just 573 completed in the past year.

Residents and business owners across Providence have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of sidewalks and roads. A city survey indicated that 71% of respondents were not satisfied with current sidewalk conditions. In response to these issues, Mayor Smiley has incorporated sidewalk repairs as a priority in the FY2024 Capital Improvement Plan, proposing a total of $26 million over a five-year period funded by various sources, including the American Rescue Plan Act.

The increases in personal injury claims linked to unsafe sidewalks further underscore the urgency for repairs. Recent data confirmed that there were 26 claims filed related to unsafe sidewalks, potentially costing the city a significant amount. As a measure to address this growing concern, Mayor Smiley has urged residents to utilize the city’s 311 portal to report any sidewalk issues they encounter, stressing that progress is being made in addressing the backlog of repairs.

Overall, the opposition to the Benefit Street sidewalk proposal highlights a broader discussion about infrastructure priorities within Providence, as city officials navigate financial constraints while also responding to long-standing community needs.