Fane Tower May Be Approved Before Thanksgiving, Now On Fast Track
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Once delayed for two years, now the proposed Fane Tower is on the fast track for post-election approval and the height approval is now slated for final approval before Thanksgiving.
The zoning variance for the 46-story proposed residential skyscraper has been opposed by some community groups, Council President David Salvatore and Mayor Jorge Elorza.
After the Providence City Council’s Ordinance Committee reversed course, the full City Council is expected to approve the height variance for the location next Thursday night for first passage and then schedule an emergency council meeting for the following Tuesday — two days before Thanksgiving for the second passage.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Council approval would lift the 130-foot height limitation on so-called Parcel 42 and allow the $300 million project to be as tall as 600 feet. Presently, according to renderings provided by the developer, the tower would be 530 feet tall.
Elorza Stance Softened
In addition, Mayor Jorge Elorza has softened his opposition to the project. Previously, Elorza has voiced opposition to the proposed height of Fane’s project and said that the riverside location should be move, ideally to the vacant property, now a parking lot, behind the Turks Head building.
The location Elorza once advocated for the proposed site of the failed One-Ten skyscraper that unraveled under then-Mayor David Cicilline.
In a statement to GoLocal on Friday, Elorza’s Communication Director Emily Crowell said, “The mayor has been more concerned about the design of the building and how that design fits into the surrounding community. The administration is waiting on full council passage and hopefully a refined a design from the developer before making a final decision.”
“It’s important to note that the administration is excited for future development of the land in that area and is encouraged by the interest from developers,” said Crowell.
Elorza’s office did not respond to questions about a potential veto of the ordinance.
One factor in changing Elorza’s mind about the project may have been a legislative proposed floated by State Senate President Dominick Ruggerio which would have stripped Providence of the zoning regulatory authority for 195 lands and shifted it to the 195 Commission. Elorza voiced opposition to the proposed legislative change.
Related Slideshow: Fane Unveils New Design for Tower
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