Councilwoman Blasts Developer for Failing to Notify Community About Plan to Create Micro Lofts

A GoLocal article on Wednesday about a Providence developer that is proposing to turn a now-vacant historically Black church in the Elmwood section of Providence into “micro lofts” — has drawn the attention of community leaders who have raised concerns about gentrification.

Now, it has infuriated the Council member who represents the area.

According to Councilwoman Carmen Castillo, the developers failed to notify the community of the project of the conversion plan.

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

Blue Dog Capital Partners, LLC was scheduled to appeard before the Providence Zoning Board of Review — via Zoom — on Wednesday evening, to present their application to rezone what was the Hood Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 126 Adelaide Street, from a “place of worship to a multi-family dwelling with 18 units.”

The plan drew the criticism of a number of Providence leaders and the failure to notify Castillo drew her ire.

In a statement, Castillo said:

"Tonight, the Providence Zoning Board of Review held a meeting to vote on a request for a zoning variance for the building located at 126 Adelaide Avenue. As the City Councilor for Ward Nine, where this property is located, I was not notified of the matter, nor was my community notified. This is unacceptable. 

Because the petitioner failed to reach out to me as the City Councilor and the abutting neighbors, the matter was continued.

Due to the lack of respect shown to my community and myself, I am introducing an Ordinance that will require any petitioner seeking a zoning variance to notify the Councilor and the residents of the area where the property is located.

Further, I am requesting that the Councilor and neighbors of any area where a zoning variance is petitioned, be notified of any public meetings or hearings on the matter in a timely manner. This will provide neighbors and abutters the chance to voice their support or opposition to the proposed project.

We are a city of unique and diverse neighborhoods, and each one deserves to be treated the same - regardless of the socio-economic or ethnic background. I want the residents of Ward Nine to rest assured that I am going to advocate for how our communities are developed and that development happens with our input.

I will be launching an online petition tomorrow for residents to sign in support of having our voices heard on this important zoning matter."

READ MORE ABOUT THE PROPOSAL HERE
 

429 Too Many Requests

---

openresty