EAST PROVIDENCE — The overall health of East Providence’s economy and opportunities for economic development are a couple of bellwether issues not only in the year’s election, but have been and will continue to be at the forefront of the City Council’s agenda moving forward.
Each of the city’s four wards have specific area of development and the potential for growth, which could impact not only those places but also the entirety of East Providence, from enlarging the tax base to also adding to services it offers.
With that in mind, the eight candidates seeking spots on the Council in next week’s General Election were posed questions relating to their races as a lead up to November 4.
Ward 1
In Ward 1, candidates Robert Britto and David Sullivan are running to fill the seat left vacant by Jim Briden, who opted not to seek re-election. The candidates were posed the following question, noting the slowed development of the Ocean State Steek/Geonova area in their ward, “While the redevelopment of the East Providence Waterfront has trudged along in recent years, the parcels in Ward One have seemingly lagged behind. What measures would you recommend to more aggressively push development in your area?”
Said Mr. Britto, “I would aggressively push for development in Ward 1 by assisting and supporting the Waterfront Commission and the planning department. The Waterfront Commission and the planning department have done a tremendous job in recent years in streamlining the application process and assisting businesses in relocating to East Providence. The unfortunate part of the process is if people do not see cranes piercing the skyline, they automatically assume that the city is economically lagging behind but in reality we making true strides in a positive direction.
“It is important to also ensure that any waterfront development should be consistent with historical and community concerns. All projects should balance the improvement of the waterfront with the interest of protecting and enhancing Ward 1’s natural environment.
“Aspen Aerogels, Baer Supply Center and Eaton Corporation are just a few examples of economic development in the Ward 1 but as a whole, the city continues to press forward with projects like Kettle Point, Village on the Waterfront and Squantum Woods. Coming off a recession, the city of East Providence has positioned itself in becoming the model city in expediting the permitting process (45 days) however, businesses still need state and sometimes federal approval which can prolong the process. In addition to coming off a recession, there has to be a market for investment. Investors are looking for returns on their investments and it appears that East Providence is paving the way.”
Mr. Sullivan did not return a reply in time to meet The Post’s print deadline.
Ward 2
The candidates in Ward 2 — incumbent Helder Cunha and challenger Brian Castro — were asked about an area at the heart of the city, Taunton Avenue. Long known as “Automobile Alley” due to its numerous car dealerships, the state highway also has open parcels of land and vacant store front that could be unitized to East Providence’s advantage now and in the future.
The question posed was the following, “The Taunton Avenue corridor has a couple of viable options for possible investment by so-called “big box” retail businesses that could augment the redevelopment of the waterfront. What type operation do you think would make sense economically and demographically in the city and how would go about enticing them to set up shop in East Providence?”
Mr. Cunha responded, “Taunton Avenue has the potential to become a real staple and even a attraction to people who live outside of our city. I envision it being a host to a variety of ethnic restaurants, coffee and bakery shops, and small boutiques that will bring value into East Providence. It is important however that to accomplish economic development on Taunton Avenue that we place welcome mats instead of hurdles for incoming businesses. The current council has made positive steps in this direction with this year’s budget, which includes a new $5,000 business tangible tax exemption as well no tax increase for residents.
“One way of enticing new business is to ensure them with confidence and certainty in what City Hall will do. Providing a stable and consistent tax policy is one way of doing this. Another is by directly reaching out to the business community. Letting them know that East Providence is open for business, understanding their needs and concerns, and providing them with information and resources will work to eliminate the perception that our city is not business friendly.”
Mr. Castro did not return a reply in time to meet The Post’s print deadline.
Ward 3
In Ward 3, incumbent Tommy Rose and challenger Candy Seel offered somewhat contrasting views on the impact of development in the Ward 3 section of the city’s waterfront.
The candidates were asked the following question, “As the Veterans Parkway area of the East Providence Waterfront redevelopment gathers steam, likely adding to the burden of services offered, what improvements are needed to those aspects of city departments (i.e. schools, police, fire, public works) most affected?”
Said Mrs. Seel, “Continued development of the waterfront along Veterans Memorial Parkway will obviously have an impact on the provision of public services to our community. More people and more vehicles will naturally lead to increased need for public safety, road and infrastructure maintenance, and perhaps more seats in school classrooms. Of course, additional people and vehicles also means additional tax revenue to offset whatever increased costs come about.
“The new city budget calls for hiring additional police officers and firefighters. While this increase in ranks serves to cut the need for overtime, it will also serve to put more public safety officers on patrol and in the firehouse when called upon. The developers of these new projects testified before the City Council that the configuration of their developments would have minimal impact on the school system, and the city Planning Department concurred.”
Mr. Rose countered, “The developments have minimal impact as far as increased services are concerned. The estimated addition to the school system is minimal. Police and Fire will not require any additional personnel other than what was already planned to increase staffing. Public Works will be responsible for the main road connection only. The properties are responsible for all on site hook ups and snow removal.
“A breakdown of the development plans of the Kettle Point project have a minimal affect on the school system with an increase of approximately 12-14 school children. Village on the Waterfront had an estimate increase of 115 in 2009 however, that estimate is considered high today.
“The City is in the process of increasing positions to both Police and Fire. Recently, these departments were under staffed and overtime was considerably over budget. The increase in both departments will also assist when both developments, Kettle Point and Village on the Waterfront reach completion.”
The candidates did, however, show agreement in concluding the additional revenue streams from the developments outweigh the possible costs.
“In my opinion, if the City Council and School Committee provide oversight to the City Manager and Superintendent, and if the city departments and school system manage their resources—human and capital—well, then few if any additional improvements are needed,” Mrs. Seel said. “As long as we insist upon efficient and fiscally responsible government, the city will only benefit from the economic growth that these developments will foster.”
Added Mr. Rose, “With regards to Public Works the developers are responsible for the installation of utilities. The City is responsible only for the one main road this would include snow removal on the main road only.
“Revenue estimates for Village on the Waterfront are $2,777,100 annually and the 30 year estimate is $91,556,660. Cost estimates for Village on the Waterfront are $868,030 and the 30 year estimate is $29,226,301. For a net revenue estimate for the City for Village on the Waterfront of 1,909,070 annually and $62,330,359 as the 30 year estimate. Revenue estimates for 25 years for Kettle Point are $25,642,084. Expenditure estimates for 25 years for Kettle Point are $15,588,225. With a net estimate for the City for 25 years for Kettle Point being $10,053,858.
“In closing, the value of these developments far exceed any increased costs.”
Ward 4
In Ward 4, incumbent Chrissy Rossi and challenger Tim Conley were asked for their views on the oft-discussed revitalization of Riverside Square. Many have talked about and tried to address the situation, but little has been done to the area through the years.
The candidates responded to the following question, “The redevelopment of the Riverside Square area, particularly with its proximity to the historic Looff Carousel, has long been discussed. How would you like to the see the location improved and what could you do to help accelerate the process?”
Mr. Conley noted the current state of the area was one of the reasons why he opted to challenge Mrs. Rossi rather than run for another term on the School Committee.
He said, “The condition of the Riverside Square is emblematic of the reason why I decided to become a candidate for the Ward 4 City Council seat. There has simply not been any investment in Riverside Square nor has there been any type of strategic planning process on how the area should be utilized to achieve its maximum potential. Although, the Riverside Square technically resides in Ward 3 – as someone who grew up in Riverside I have always considered Riverside Square to be a vital component of the fabric of Riverside. There is tremendous potential in Riverside Square – it needs to marketed as wonderful, vibrant waterfront community to live and work.
“I did not support the City Council’s decision to remove a $30,000 Riverside Square/Watchemoket Square Analysis from the 2014/15 budget. This capital improvement money would support the important ongoing grass roots movement – Riverside Renaissance Movement – and really build upon community support and momentum for the redevelopment of Riverside Square.
A market study of these area by real estate professionals would aid in providing options for area redevelopment and support the ongoing efforts of the Riverside Renaissance Movement, as well as, professionals from the city’s planning department.
“This type of strategic planning and analysis has been lacking and is vital to the redevelopment of Riverside Square. To have the insights of real estate professionals and community support would be instrumental in developing a plan with defined benchmarks and objectives with measurable outcomes and priorities. The future of Riverside Square needs to be small businesses and as a member of the city council I would be an advocate for the recruitment of small businesses and for the investment in the infrastructure and marketing of Riverside Square.
“However, the first step in his process is the development and implementation of a strategic planning process. As a member of the city council I will work to restore the $30,000 Capital Improvement Project that was earmarked to develop a market analysis/market study of the redevelop both Riverside and Watchemoket Square – this type of roadmap will provide a planning process that will foster the successful development of Riverside Square. I would also be an aggressive advocate for pursuing federal funding opportunities that will enhance the redevelopment of Riverside Square – with its closing proximity to a national historic landmark (Crescent Park Carousel) – I believe there are significant federal funding opportunities for federal/state funding – National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preserve Rhode Island, etc.
“The Riverside Square is vital to growth and redevelopment of Riverside. Its future and its redevelopment needs to a priority of the city and as a member of the City Council, I will be a tireless advocate for long-term investment in Riverside Square.”
Mrs. Rossi noted her interaction with an activist group in the community, which his hoping to spur improvements to the square.
“For the last year and a half, I have been working with the Riverside Renaissance Movement along with Council Members (Tracy) Capobianco and Rose to improve the ‘The Square,'” Mrs. Rose said. “Each meeting has brought new ideas such as the flags we displayed this summer, potential new light fixtures from the Square up to the Carousel, reaching out to developers to purchase the ‘Buckett’s Building’ and ‘Vamco’ property that the city has invested heavily in to remediate the site, vigorous building code enforcement, naming the Bullocks Point area as one of the City’s ‘Arts Districts’ to secure grants and working at the Carousel to develop “Crescent Park Depot” – A new children’s train feature with a retail depot and seasonal ice rink to assist the Carousel financially.
“I’ve worked very hard to get the blessing of the Carousel and Historic Commissions to make this feature a reality and we will hopefully break ground next year. I started the Great Townie Pumpkin Contest to bring neighbors together and assisted the E.P. Arts Council and Renaissance members in their first joint venture – the very successful, ‘E.P. Halloween Family Fun Night’ last weekend. Being fully involved in this community every day is how I get things done.”