NEW: Solomon Unveils Plan to Create 2,000 Jobs, Rebuild Schools
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
GoLocalProv Politics Team
Providence mayoral candidate and City Council President Michael Solomon unveiled a detailed 10-year vision to rebuild Providence’s neighborhood schools and create 2,000 jobs on Wednesday.
In an eight-page plan available on his website, Solomon proposes investing $250 million to rebuild the city’s schools over the next 10 years. The plan will create 2,000 jobs and ensure proper learning environments for students and teachers.
“Our campaign’s big idea is to strategically invest in education and jobs: the two keys to expanding opportunity and rebuilding our city’s middle class,” said Solomon. “Rebuilding our city schools will achieve many important policy goals in economic development and education: creating first-rate learning environments for our children; transforming our facilities to encourage increased technology use by our teachers; and creating 2,000 good jobs for people in the community by utilizing First Source, apprenticeship programs, as well as local, minority and women contractors.”
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Outdated school facilities
Many of Providence’s schools are more than 50 years old and some are more than 100 years old. These aging school buildings are plagued by facility issues, including leaky roofs, peeling paint, water damage, malfunctioning heating systems and crumbling ceilings. According to RIDE, studies show a correlation between student achievement and the physical teaching and learning environments in which they are educated.
“I support Michael Solomon’s vision for rebuilding our city schools. We need to provide our children with school facilities that demonstrate how important their education is to us,” said East Side City Councilman and Special Committee on Education Chairman Sam Zurier. “Quality school buildings promote a productive learning environment.”
Plan calls for $40 million investment in schools
Michael Solomon’s plan begins this year with a plan to invest upwards of $40 million to make Providence’s schools warm, safe and dry. This first round of improvements will focus on emergency repairs, such as fixing leaking roofs, replacing outdated heating systems, and updating the schools’ fire systems to make sure Providence’s children are safe in their classrooms.
“It is time to invest in Providence’s schools and ensure that children in every neighborhood have access to a high quality school,” said Keith Oliveira, president of the Providence School Board. “Michael Solomon’s plan to repair and rebuild our schools will help move Providence forward.”
As Mayor, Michael Solomon will work with community leaders, the Providence School Board and superintendent, as well as parents, teachers and students, to create a comprehensive school facilities plan to redevelop the city’s schools into the first rate centers of excellence of Providence students deserve. Solomon recently sponsored a City Council Resolution calling for the Superintendent to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to get the master plan process started.
The plan proposes to bring educational experts, community stakeholders, students, parents and teachers together to prioritize school repairs. RIDE regulations require a capital or master plan every five years. Providence is long overdue for an updated plan; the last comprehensive school facilities plan with significant public engagement happened eight years ago in 2006. The plan was updated in 2010, however, an updated master plan is needed to serve as a vision document for repairing and renovating the city’s worst schools.
The plan will outline a 10-year investment to rebuild Providence’s schools. This vision will cost city taxpayers approximately $50 million as the city will be reimbursed for 80 percent or $200 million of our school construction spending, based on the school construction moratorium scheduled to sunset this June.
Over the next 10 years, $30 million in annual debt service payments will be off the city’s books. This opens the door for the city to leverage the necessary funds to implement this vision.
Modern public schools linked to future prosperity
“Safe and modern public schools are linked to the city’s future prosperity,” said Gary Sasse. “The plan to finance $250 million of public school infrastructure improvements is not only necessary, but it is affordable. The borrowing for school facility improvements are scheduled to be phased in over several years, allowing for flexibility if economic and fiscal conditions change.”
Michael Solomon’s plan to rebuild and repair Providence’s schools proposes to create 2,000 good-paying construction jobs in the city, putting residents back to work.
“This plan to rebuild our schools is long overdue,” said Rochelle Lee, a policy expert in community development. “Rebuilding our schools will create jobs in the community, generate work for our minority contractors, and create first-class classrooms for our teachers and students. This is a win-win for community development.”
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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