Paolino Says It Is Critical to Restore Police Substation to Providence Place Mall, Smiley Won’t Commit

Paolino Says It Is Critical to Restore Police Substation to Providence Place Mall, Smiley Won’t Commit

This past Sunday, there were two violent episodes at Providence Place Mall — they occurred within an hour of one another. Both were assaults that left visitors battered and bruised, but no one was hospitalized.

 

The Mall is in transition. It is presently operated by a state-appointed receiver, Mark Russo. Last week, Superior Court Judge Brian Stern awarded the mall to Paolino Properties and Pyramid after a bid of $133 million.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

Paolino has pledged to restore and enhance the mall.

 

Approximately 15 years ago, the mall had a staffed Providence Police substation. The mall was perceived to be and was in fact safer.

 

It was removed by the City of Providence for budget reasons under Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

 

“Many years ago, the Providence Police Department had a substation at the Providence Place mall. In keeping our commitment to making security a priority, as part of our security program, included but not limited, is to bring back the sub station to the mall which gets over 6.2 million visitors per year,” Paolino told GoLocal on Tuesday.

 

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley would not commit to immediately bringing a substation back to Providence Place, but did say he would work with the new owners.

 

Smiley’s spokesperson, Josh Estrella, told GoLocal, “The mayor is looking forward to working with the new owners and is open to exploring the idea.”

 

“Providence Police work closely with mall security on a regular basis. Mayor Smiley is committed to enhancing the City’s partnership with the mall to ensure it remains safe and welcoming for both shoppers and retailers,” Estrella added.

 

Paolino and Pyramid are not expected to close the deal to acquire the mall until September, in the interim, Smiley refused to commit to any change on police coverage.

 

“Again, he is open to the discussion with the new owners, but no decisions have been made yet,” said Estrella.

 

After another round of violence at the mall in 2016, retired Providence Police officer Robert Kells, Jr., told GoLocal why a substation is important in the mall.