5 Big Stories in Rhode Island This Week - October 7, 2023

BONUS

Grand Historic Home on College Hill Hits the Market at $7,450,000

Providence's most historic estate is now on the market. 66 Williams has been listed for an asking price of $7,450,000.

It presents the unique opportunity to live on almost an acre of beautifully manicured grounds atop Providence’s historic College Hill, with easy access to Downtown Providence and all the neighborhood mercantile and award-winning dining the area has to offer.

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#5

McKee Says No Additional RI Taxpayer Dollars for Superman Building

In April of 2022, Rhode Island state officials and then-Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced a plan that provided nearly $100 million in federal, state, and city appropriations, tax credits, and tax stabilization dollars to subsidize Newton, MA-based developer David Sweetser’s plans to rehab the Superman building into apartments.

Eighteen months later, the project is in limbo despite the announcement Thursday that Sweeter’s High Rock Westminster, LLC will spend $25 million to begin the demolition process on the interior of the building.

The project’s proposed budget is believed to have ballooned. The development team has asked for tens of millions of additional public funds in support of the project.

McKee Says No Additional Public Monies

Appearing on WPRO radio, McKee said, “We are going to hold up our side of the bargain" --- but warned there will be no additional public dollars.

“I can’t see to putting in more money coming into the project in a way that is coming out of Rhode Island taxpayers,” said McKee on Thursday on The Matt Allen Show.

#4

One of Providence’s Premier Estates Hits the Market for $4.8 Million

The estate at 35 Orchard Avenue on Providence’s East Side was built in 1900, but in the past four years, the property has been transformed into a classic modern home.

The nearly 10,000-square-foot home sits on one of the most classic streets in the City and is bookended by Wayland Square and Blackstone Boulevard.

“I am thrilled to be listing this truly unique East Side estate. The size of the home, the size of the lot and the overall aesthetic of the home are unique to our Providence market, and opportunities like this one are rare. Seeing the extreme and careful detail but into the renovation shows this was truly a labor of love, and this home would make any family proud to call home," said Michael J Sweeney of Residential Properties.

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#3

EXCLUSIVE: Jared Grasso Arrested by North Smithfield Police

Bryant men’s basketball coach Jared Grasso was charged by North Smithfield Police, GoLocal has learned. He is presently on a "leave of absence" from the program.

According to documents secured by GoLocal, North Smithfield Police Department charged Grasso with “Failure to Stop for Accident Resulting in Damage to Vehicle."

The incident took place on Sunday, October 1 — two days after Grasso went on leave.  READ MORE

#2

Providence School Board Members Call for Investigation Into $72M Contract and Infante-Green

Two members of the Providence School Board are calling on the Attorney General's office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the recent award of a $72 million contract by the Providence Public School Department (PPSD).

The contract was awarded under the direct supervision of the Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green.

On Monday, GoLocal published a major report regarding the award of a $72 million bid to ABM for the Providence School's maintenance contract. ABM received a extra round to bid.

The two Providence School Board members -- Ty’Relle Stephens and Night Jean Muhingabo -- wrote in a letter to Christopher Wray, FBI Director and Peter Neronha, Attorney General, “During their investigation, GoLocalProv uncovered disturbing allegations that demand your immediate attention. Under the direct supervision of Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, it has come to light that a convicted felon was appointed to oversee the bidding process for a contract exceeding $70 million. Furthermore, a clandestine payment of $3.2 million was made to an outgoing vendor, with indications of potential manipulation in favor of a company known for significant fines and settlements due to various violations. On Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley expressed his concerns to GoLocalProv, stating that Providence Schools' $72M Contract could be “potentially illegal."

On Wednesday, Smiley raised concerns about the bidding process.

“It is critical that the Providence Public School District address the allegation that the winning bidder had an opportunity to submit an additional proposal after the best and final offers were concluded,” said Smiley.

“I have repeatedly expressed my concerns about the lack of due diligence throughout this procurement process and this most recent allegation, if true, would be unfair and potentially illegal. It is my hope that the district will answer any unanswered questions and bring transparency to this process in order to restore the community’s trust,” Smiley added.

#1

EXCLUSIVE: Fixed Bid, Convicted Felon, Secret $3.2M Payment — Infante-Green Directs $72M Contract

A three-month investigation by GoLocal has unveiled the Providence Public School Department (PPSD) — under the direct control of Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green — hired a convicted felon to oversee the bidding process for a $70 plus million contract, made a $3.2 million secret payment to an outgoing vendor, and rigged that $70 plus million annual contract to a company that has been fined — and has paid — hundreds of millions of dollars for settlements of violations. 

Providence schools are known nationally for failed academic performance. The takeover by state officials led by Infante-Green was designed to improve the quality of the education, improve schools, and clean up political influence. 

Starting in 2022, Infante-Green began her effort to replace long-time Providence School maintenance firm Aramark — a company that had held the contract for a decade.

Infante-Green made it clear to staff and others that she wanted Aramark out, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge.

Secret $3.2 Million Payment

As the contract was being directed to a new vendor, PPSD was paying off Aramark with a previously undisclosed multimillion-dollar payment.

As part of the scheme, Providence schools made a secret agreement with Aramark to end the contract early.

The secret agreement has not been publicly reported before this article. PPSD did not respond to GoLocal’s request for the document within the required ten days. GoLocal threatened to file a second Access to Public Records Act (APRA) violation lawsuit, and only then did PPSD turn over the agreement.

Presently, GoLocal has a pending lawsuit against Governor Dan Mckee and Infante-Green for the failure to produce hundreds of documents relating to the $70 million facilities management contract. 

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