 |
|
6/7/2013
|
Ruggerio proposes commission to explore additional parking in Providence
|
STATE HOUSE, Providence – Senate Majority Leader Dominick J. Ruggerio (D – Dist. 4, Providence, North Providence) has introduced legislation to establish a special legislative commission to make a comprehensive study and issue findings regarding building a structured parking facility in downtown Providence, specifically at the Garrahy Judicial Complex.
The 11-member commission would be comprised of a bipartisan mix of three senators and three representatives, the mayor of Providence or the mayor’s designee, the director of the Department of Administration, the director of the Department of Transportation, the state court administrator, and the chairperson of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission.
“The challenge of finding a parking space in downtown Providence is only going to increase as the economy grows and the 195 district is redeveloped,” said Majority Leader Ruggerio. “The redevelopment of the 195 district, while it presents tremendous economic opportunities to create thousands of jobs, also requires that we thoughtfully address parking solutions in the heart of downtown Providence.”
Mayor Angel Taveras said, “Providence is a vibrant and active city. We need to closely consider every opportunity to relieve parking congestion and make it easier to do business in Providence and explore all our capital city has to offer.”
Colin Kane, Chairman of the 195 Redevelopment Commission, said, “The 195 District is scaled to support over 2.5 million square feet of newly constructed offices, laboratories, residences, and hospitality venues, which represents over a billion dollars of potential projects, thousands of jobs, and a significant increase to city property tax rolls. In order to take advantage of this once in a generation opportunity, the state, city and 195 Commission need to identify transportation and parking solutions to support such growth. The Garrahy Judicial Complex is ideally suited to help solve existing parking challenges, as well as kick-start the solution for future buildings on the former highway land, and the 195 Commission welcomes the opportunity to participate in the study effort.”
Under the terms of the legislation, the Commission would be required to issue its findings and recommendations no later than December 31, 2013.
The Joint Resolution, (2013-S0993), was introduced yesterday and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs. It is co-sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D – Dist. 1, Providence), who is Chairwoman of the Providence delegation, and Senators Joshua Miller (D – Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence), Harold M. Metts (D – Dist. 6, Providence), and Paul V. Jabour (D – Dist. 5, Providence).
For more information, contact:
Greg Pare, Director of Communications for the Senate
State House Room 112
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 276-5558
|
|