NEW: Morales Calls on Smiley to Take Action to Preserve Homes From Demolition By Brown

NEW: Morales Calls on Smiley to Take Action to Preserve Homes From Demolition By Brown

A GoLocal report on Tuesday outlined the effort by Brown University to tear down four multifamily homes to clear the land for a new building to house the economics department.

 

This is just the latest plan by Brown University to demolish houses on Providence's East Side and in Fox Point.

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On Sunday, GoLocal contacted Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s office about the move to tear down the homes. He refused to take a position despite repeated requests over two days.

 

Smiley’s office said on Monday, “Mayor Smiley understands that discussions pertaining to this proposed development on Brook Street are preliminary and formal approval from the City Plan Commission will be required before this project can move forward. It is his expectation that any proposed development changes to these buildings are done in conjunction with the community's input.”

 

Despite repeated requests, he refused to address the issue of the loss of housing.

 

Now, State Representative and Mayoral candidate David Morales is weighing in on the controversy.

 

In a statement to GoLocal, Morales said, Brown University’s teardown of four multi-family homes is a clear example of how they hoard both wealth and housing in our city.”

 

Morales has been a leading advocate of rent control. And Smiley is threatening to veto the ordinance before the City Council. The ordinance is expected to receive final approval on Thursday night.

 

Calls on Smiley to Take Properties By Eminent Domain

“The Mayor of Providence should exercise eminent domain to take back neglected properties and return them to use for our community, like having temporary homes for families that are victims of house fires. Instead, frustrated neighbors have repeatedly had to turn to the media just to hold Brown accountable,” said Morales.
 

“The wealthiest institution in our city continues to receive millions in tax breaks while relying heavily on our infrastructure and the people of Providence. Providence has lost nearly $1 million in property taxes from these properties since 2010, and they were allowed to fall into disrepair. We should not allow private universities to sit on land while our housing crisis worsens,” added Morales.