Providence Mayoral Candidates Split on Streetcar Proposal
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Kate Nagle, GoLocal News Team
Providence Mayoral candidates Republican Dr. Daniel Harrop and former Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci have raised questions as to how the City of Providence would fund the balance of a streetcar project after federal dollars, while Democratic opponent Jorge Elorza has expressed his support on the record for tax increment financing to support the proposal.
The Rhode Island Congressional delegation announced on Thursday that it secured $13 million in funding for the streetcar project through a federal TIGER Grant, which would amount to 11% of the proposed $117 million project. The route would be a 2.5 mile streetcar circulator connecting downtown Providence, the Jewelry District, and Upper South Providence, with 12 stops and that would take an estimated 15 minutes to complete one way. (See streetcar project description HERE).
"Am I against this? No. Am I for it? No. I do want to see exactly where the rest of the money comes from, however," said former Mayor Cianci. "No one likes big projects like this more than me. It would create constructions jobs. For a roughly two mile loop though that comes to what, $45 million, $50 million a mile? I hear the number is around $50 million for what the city would have to kick in."
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"My question, and any prudent fiscal manager should ask, if the taxpayers are footing the rest of the bill, is this the best use of those taxpayer dollars? We've got schools with hundreds and hundreds of building code violations, we've got roads littered with potholes," continued Cianci. "If someone wants to drop $100 million on the City of Providence to make it happen, great. Is Brown [University] going to contribute? Is [Rhode Island] Hospital? It would serve two important parts of the community, but what about elsewhere?"
In the release issued by the delegation, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse expressed their commitment to helping find funding sources.
"With federal funding now in hand, the city and its partners must build consensus for a cost-effective plan to secure the remainder of funds needed to build and operate this new system,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee. “I will continue doing everything I can to help meet Rhode Island’s transportation priorities and ensure TIGER grant funding remains available.”
Democratic candidate Elorza applauded the delegation's announcement on Friday.
"I love the vision of the streetcar system because it can help revitalize commercial development along the proposed route. I am excited about the TIGER grant and I congratulate Mayor Taveras and our congressional delegation on it. This grant only represents 11% of the funding, so we need to work with all stakeholders to pursue more State, Federal, and other outside funds. That's the approach we need to achieve great things in Providence: thinking big and being bold, while also being pragmatic and collaborative."
In a questionnaire for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Elorza said he supported a tax increment financing (TIF) district to fund the city's portion of the project.
"If federal TIGER grant funds are awarded to support the streetcar initiative, I will support the creation of a TIF district to provide the City’s portion of financial support for the project," wrote Elorza in the questionnaire. "As the project gets underway and proves successful, I will direct my administration to further develop the strategy to expand the streetcar lines to connect more neighborhoods."
Harrop: "We Have Not One Penny" for Project
"This does not support the street car proposal," said Republican candidate Dan Harrop of the $13 million federal TIGER Grant.
"Providence has schools that the school department itself describes as NOT 'warm, safe and dry,' and the City Council President, after a tour, describes as 'appalling,' and a budget hole of $7 million for next year created by the Council after some political dickering with property tax rates," continued Harrop. "We cannot afford to put one penny to this project's construction. In addition, the budget for ongoing yearly maintenance has never been established."
Harrop added, "If RIPTA, the state, the federal government and Brown University (since this is essentially an intramodal project from Brown's medical campus to its main campus) want to build this, then great! The city under my administration will clear the permits and the zoning. But we have not one penny to put to this project."
Related Slideshow: Current Tax Stabilization Agreements in Providence
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130 Westminster St.
The Arcade - 103 Westminster St. Associates, LLC
Approval Date: 12/31/2012
Assessed Valuation: $1,826,200
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $44,137
2013 True Tax: $67,113
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $16,742
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2022
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122 Fountain St.
Sportsman Inn - HM Ventures, LLC
Approval Date: 4/20/2012
Assessed Valuation: $1,607,800
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $77,010
2013 True Tax: $59,087
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $9,601
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2022
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244 Oak St. + 33 Magnolia St.
Roger Williams Brewery, LLC
Approval Date: 1/1/2012
Assessed Valuation: $496,800
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: N/A
2013 True Tax: $18,257
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $18,140
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024
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1 AT&T Plaza
Hasbro - Empire LaSalle, LLC
Approval Date: 7/1/2012
Assessed Valuation: $25,092,400
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $547,553
2013 True Tax: $922,146
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $47,568
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024
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100 Weybosset St.
Providence G Building - Providence Capital, LLC
Approval Date: 3/20/2012
Assessed Valuation: $2,575,400
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $129,610
2013 True Tax: $94,609
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $32,557
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 7/1/2025
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11 Dorrance St.
The Biltmore
Approval Date: 3/15/2012
Assessed Valuation: $20,162,400
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $694,575
2013 True Tax: $740,698
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $124,506
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12 Years from Commencement
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1 Park Row West
Johnston & Wales University Dorms - Capitol Cove, LLC
Approval Date: 3/11/2005
Amendment Date: 3/8/2010
Assessed Valuation: $2,252,500
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $518,247
2013 True Tax: $82,779
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $968,606
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2023
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125 Washington St.
Mercantile Block Assoc., LLC
Approval Date: 11/16/2009
Assessed Valuation: $1,758,000
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $59,851
2013 True Tax: $64,607
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $34,248
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2020
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1 Sims Ave.
Milhaus LLC - The Steel Yard
Approval Date: 1/8/2007
Assessed Valuation: $323,400
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: N/A
2013 True Tax: $11,885
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $19,641
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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60 Valley St.
60 Valley St. LLC (c/o Armory Revival)
Approval Date: 9/26/2006
Assessed Valuation: $2,797,000
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $14,333
2013 True Tax: $102,790
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $11,730
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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160 Niantic Ave.
160 Niantic Ave. Morvco Realty LLC
Approval Date: 5/27/2004
Assessed Valuation: $1,305,300
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $50,612
2013 True Tax: $47,970
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $38,550
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015
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50 Holden St.
Promenade Building Assoc. - The Foundry
Approval Date: 5/17/2004
Assessed Valuation: $4,238,200
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $42,802
2013 True Tax: $155,754
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $104,814
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015
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21 Gordon Ave.
South Providence Development Corp. (Keith Fernandez)
Approval Date: 1/16/2004
Assessed Valuation: $1,042,600
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $5,708
2013 True Tax: $38,316
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $10,984
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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10 Memorial Blvd.
GTECH Corp. Headquarters
Approval Date: 7/15/2003
Assessed Valuation: $54,767,800
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $236,619
2013 True Tax: $2,012,717
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $1,100,000
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2026
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65 Eddy St.
Peerless Lofts
Approval Date: 11/22/2002
Assessed Valuation: $12,843,700
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $80,100
2013 True Tax: $472,006
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $33,407
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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235 Promenade St.
Promenade Building Assoc. - The Foundry
Approval Date: 11/22/2002
Assessed Valuation: $15,810,300
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $58,201
2013 True Tax: $581,029
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $30,345
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015
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236 Westminster St.
Alice Building LLC c/o Cornish Associates
Approval Date: 12/28/2001
Assessed Valuation: $3,680,500
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $25,531
2013 True Tax: $135,258
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $13,439
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2014
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100 Providence Place
The 903
Approval Date: 12/21/2001
Assessed Valuation: $68,573,700
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $200,000
2013 True Tax: $2,520,083
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $620,474
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015
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95 Chestnut St.
Hacht Development, LLC
Approval Date: 4/15/2012
Assessed Valuation: $3,091,300
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $110,665
2013 True Tax: $113,605
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $20,453
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2022
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265 Oxford St.
Institute for Non-Violence
Approval Date: 1/1/2012
Assessed Valuation: $1,393,700
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $32,928
2013 True Tax: $51,218
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $1,000
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2021
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145 Globe St.
Victory Square - JAG Investment Realty, LLC
Approval Date: 7/18/2011
Assessed Valuation: $7,234,800
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $294,485
2013 True Tax: $265,879
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $252,750
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2013
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25 Eagle St.
Butcher Block Mill, LLC
Approval Date: 1/1/2011
Assessed Valuation: $590,500
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $23,469
2013 True Tax: $21,701
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $11,431
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2023
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50 Agnes St.
50 Agnes, LLC
Approval Date: 1/1/2012
Assessed Valuation: $521,800
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $21,422
2013 True Tax: $19,176
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $16,807
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024
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103 Dike St.
Music House, LLC - Fete
Approval Date: 1/1/2012
Assessed Valuation: $589,700
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $17,555
2013 True Tax: $21,671
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $5,417
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024
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41 Central St.
Yet Another LLC - Art Recreation Center
Approval Date: 4/16/2007
Assessed Valuation: $287,100
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $12,879
2013 True Tax: $10,551
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $5,862
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024
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200 Allens Ave.
200 Allens Ave. LLC (Capstone Properties)
Approval Date: 1/8/2007
Assessed Valuation: $1,834,300
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $74,754
2013 True Tax: $67,411
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $23,537
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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35 Hylestead St.
65 Pavillion LLC
Approval Date: 8/1/2005
Assessed Valuation: $675,500
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $13,345
2013 True Tax: $24,825
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $9,752
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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203 Weybosset St.
Zampalis Realty (Zampalis Realty LLC)
Approval Date: 8/1/2005
Assessed Valuation: $547,900
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $12,565
2013 True Tax: $20,135
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $31,300
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024
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166 Valley St.
Rising Mills Project (166 Valley St. LLC, Struever Bros)
Approval Date: 12/1/2003
Assessed Valuation: $16,749,900
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $91,763
2013 True Tax: $615,559
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $80,535
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2011
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100 Exchange St.
Intercontinental Fund IV F/K/A Cap Hill Prop
Approval Date: 1/16/2004
Assessed Valuation: $107,237,400
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $1,888,763
2013 True Tax: $2,910,464
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $1,086,829
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2023
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5 Avenue of the Arts
Masonic Temple - RP Providence Owner LLC
Approval Date: 7/15/2003
Assessed Valuation: $45,974,100
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $79,072
2013 True Tax: $1,689,548
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $215,843
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2025
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532 Kinsley Ave.
Monahasset Mills LLC
Approval Date: 11/22/2002
Assessed Valuation: $10,857,600
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: N/A
2013 True Tax: N/A
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $12,836
Tax Status: Credit
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2017
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210 Westminster St.
Harrisburg Assoc. LLC and Lerner Assoc. LLC
Approval Date: 11/8/2002
Assessed Valuation: $1,188,300
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $19,404
2013 True Tax: $43,670
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $6,349
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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220 Westminster St.
Harrisburg Assoc. LLC and Lerner Assoc. LLC
Approval Date: 11/8/2002
Assessed Valuation: $2,004,800
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $10,302
2013 True Tax: $73,676
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $10,302
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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100 Fountain St.
Steelwood (Palmer Building) (LAF Realty LLC Inc.)
Approval Date: 4/25/2002
Assessed Valuation: $503,300
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $48,935
2013 True Tax: $18,496
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $22,970
Tax Status: Past Due
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016
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77 Reservoir Ave.
Mashpaug Associates LLC
Approval Date: 11/9/2001
Assessed Valuation: $6,953,300
Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $113,538
2013 True Tax: $255,534
2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $108,829
Tax Status: Current
End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015
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