Jason Fane: 18 Who Made a Difference in 2018

Jason Fane: 18 Who Made a Difference in 2018

Whether his proposed 46 story tower gets built on a parcel of land previously occupied by Route 195 in Providence — or not — developer Jason Fane’s offer to put $300 million of his own money on the table sparked a debate in the capital city and statewide as to what the city wants to be moving forward. 

On one side are real estate moguls including developer Buff Chace, who has received millions in tax credits from the City of Providence — and don’t want the competition, as well as historic preservationists who are taking the opportunity to wade in the decidedly non-historic debate surrounding new construction, compromised primarily of East Side residents who have taken affront to the initial design put forth by Fane.

On the other side are elected officials who see the need for the city to build its way out of stagnation, as opposed to taxing — or cutting services to — the city’s residents; and laborers who are looking for a job that will employ hundreds and result in the construction of a building not seen before in the state. 

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It will be nearly ten years since the land formerly occupied by 195 has been vacant, and progress has moved at a painstakingly slow pace.  The proposal by Fane, which is now moving to the city’s design review after the city council overrode Mayor Jorge Elorza’s veto of the heigh variance requested, has sparked debate that has Rhode Islanders talking about what we need to focus on the — the future of our state.