5 Big Stories in Rhode Island This Week - December 9, 2023

#5

Protests, Rhode Island — Dozens of Protests in Recent Weeks

In recent weeks, there has been a “die-in” at Jack Reed's office, coffee clashes, environmental actions, and arrests -- and then dropped charges -- at Brown University.

There have been a sweeping array of protests — some, but not all, have focused on the Hamas-Israeli war. Some have been focused on labor actions, and others have been focused on environmental issues.

Protests are nothing new in Rhode Island, from Dorr's Rebellion to anti-vaxers at Governor Dan McKee's house, but the pace of protest has never been more vigorous.

Die-In

Two weeks ago, protestors held an action at U.S. Senator Jack Reed’s Office in Cranston.

The press release announced “Pro-Palestinian protesters from the FANG Collective and Resist and Abolish the Military Industrial Complex (RAM INC) disrupted the Go Global Conference at the Omni Hotel this morning, demanding that Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse call for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, and an end to all US funding and support for so-called Israel.

Holding banners reading 'JACK REED STOP FUNDING GENOCIDE' and 'CEASEFIRE NOW,' the group read a prepared speech to the speakers and attendees.

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#4

Governor Raimondo Home Sells for $2.1M, Nearly Doubles in Price in 18 Months

Gina Raimondo’s former home sells — and nearly doubles in price in less than two years.

Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty announced the sale of the former home of now-U.S. Secretary of Commerce Raimondo located at 125 Morris Avenue, East Side of Providence, for $2,100,000.

Raimondo and her husband, Andy Moffit, sold the home in June of 2021 for $1,155,000.

Now, less than 18 months later, the house has nearly doubled in price.

While Raimondo did not realize all the upsides of this property, she and her husband did just fine.

Raimondo and Moffit bought the home for $471,500 in 2013. The couple realized a 144% increase.

Description:

Located in the sought-after East Side, this stately colonial features classic architectural details with original moldings and oversized rooms. Featuring six bedrooms and three and one-half bathrooms, with hardwoods throughout. Outside, a large yard and deck allow for enjoyment with family and friends.

The sellers were represented by Roxanne Gordon, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace. 

Newport Wedding Melee - Bride Who Assaulted Police Officer and Another Plea Out

The bride at the Newport wedding that turned into a melee has pleaded nolo contendere/guilty to multiple charges including simple assault -- she hit a Newport police officer. 

The chaotic night included one member of the wedding party, Robert Nash, repeatedly punching a Newport Police officer in the face and a Barrington woman, Rachael Onik, trying to take two police officers' guns.

Another member of the wedding night fight also pleaded out.

The bride, Kylie Swain, 28, whose wedding day ended with a brawl between members of her wedding party and Newport Police on September 10, along with Olivia Costello, reached plea agreements approved by the court on Tuesday.

As part of the plea agreement with Attorney General Peter Neronha’s office, neither will face jail time nor were they placed on probation.

Swain of South Weymouth, MA, at the time of the incident, pled guilty to three charges:

Two charges of simple assault and/or battery

One count of disorderly conduct.

According to the plea, Swain will conduct 25 hours of community service, will pay court costs and will make a voluntary contribution of $400.

The other member of the melee, Costello, also pled nolo contendere/guilty:

1. Simple Assault and/or Battery

2. Resisting Legal or Illegal Arrest

3. Obstructing Officer in Execution of Duty

4. Disorderly Conduct
 

Costello also must conduct 25 hours of community service, her case is filed for a year and she must pay $400.

Charges against the other members of the wedding party involved in the melee are still pending. No court dates are presently scheduled for any of the individuals who face felony charges.

#2

Former U.S. Navy Secretary Disavows Letter Sent to Joint Chiefs of Staff and Published in NY Post

Former United States Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf says a letter sent to the Joint Chiefs of Staff expressing concerns about offshore wind — bearing his signature — was not approved by him. 

On Monday, the New York Post wrote that it had “exclusively obtained” a copy of a two-page letter, publishing “Ex-Navy secretary demands halt to RI wind farm that will ‘obliterate quality of life’ and won’t ‘ever’ reduce carbon emissions.”

Middendorf served as the U.S. Secretary of the Navy under Richard Nixon from April 1974 to January 1977.

He had previously served as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands under Nixon, and then afterward to the European Union under President Ronald Reagan. 

When reached by phone by GoLocal on Tuesday, Middendorf said that “he had help” writing a letter on the issue. 

“People involved in sailing and fishing had been complaining to me [about the wind turbines],” said Middendorf. “The local fisherman and environmentalists here in Little Compton helped me. They were concerned.” Middendorf is a resident of Little Compton.

“I’m 99 years old — I’m not as spry as I used to be,” said Middendorf. 

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#1

State of RI Has No Financial Protection If Pawtucket Soccer Team Folds

The State of Rhode Island has committed tens of millions of dollars and the City of Pawtucket is poised to issue $48,450,000 in bonds to support the construction of the minor league soccer stadium in Pawtucket, but if the proposed Rhode Island FC team folds, the state and Pawtucket could be left with an empty stadium.

The state and city would continue to be obligated to make bond payments for decades.

This fall, American soccer icon Landon Donovan’s team folded.

The San Diego Loyal, coached by Donovan, ceased operations after its fourth season in the United Soccer League (USL) — the same league in which the Pawtucket team is scheduled to play.

Brett Johnson, the owner of the minor league soccer team and the lead developer of the Pawtucket stadium, gave up the ownership of another USL franchise — that team then dropped out of the league and became an amateur team — which now plays in a community recreation area.

Johnson had promised to make that team into an economic powerhouse just like he has with Pawtucket - Listen to Interview Below.

McKee Administration

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee's administration could not provide any proof that there is any financial guarantee that owners of the team or the stadium have provided any guarantee.

First, RI Commerce Corporation’s spokesperson told GoLocal, "The provisions are laid out in the agreement presented to the Board on 07/25/22. It’s online for you to view and read through, but I attached them to this email for you.”

But that 86-page document provides for the authorization of the state’s funding. It does not bind Johnson to provide any personal guarantee, place any money in escrow, or provide any other financial protection for the team.

The funding approved by Commerce holds protections that the stadium must be completed before the state releases dollars -- including millions of dollars in "Rebuild RI" monies, but there are no protections if the team folds.

Then, when GoLocal pressed Touchette, he issued a statement on behalf of the state and the city of Pawtucket stating:

The incentive agreement entered into by RI Commerce Corporation includes provisions aimed at keeping Rhode Island FC in the state for the long-term. The project Sponsors under that agreement committed to having a USL Championship Division team utilize the stadium as its primary playing venue each year for a period of thirty (30) years. Additionally, it is our understanding that the franchise agreement between the team owner and the USL mandates that the team owner may not relocate to a new or substitute home stadium while the Series 2023A Bonds or any bonds issued to refinance the Series 2023A Bonds are outstanding.

While the agreement between the USL and Johnson may, as presently drafted, restrict Johnson from moving the team, nothing protects that state or Pawtucket if the team folds like the San Diego team.

A review of the final 334-page bond documents outlines protections for the stadium, but no protections if the team ceases operation.

Of course, Pawtucket already has one vacant stadium. McCoy Stadium is poised for demolition after the Pawtucket Red Sox owners struck a deal with Worcester and, moved the team north. Now, that ownership group is set to sell the franchise to a minor league baseball corporation owned by the private equity firm.

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