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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the local newsletter that’s as quick and easy as snapping your fingers.

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Providence and Lifespan’s PILOT deal 💵 

• Round 2 of bridge bids 🏗️

• 🏘️ Investments into Providence housing

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Currents & Waves

🏗️ R.I. Plans Second Bid for Washington Bridge Construction

The McKee administration plans to issue a second bid solicitation for the new westbound Washington Bridge this week, following a failed first attempt with no bidders. The bridge has been closed for nine months due to structural issues. RIDOT adjusted its initial request after receiving feedback from contractors, dropping the option to reuse existing pilings, which could speed up construction. The project is estimated at $368 million, but costs may rise with new bids. RIDOT aims to build the bridge quickly, but a completion date by 2026 is uncertain.

🏘️ Providence Reinvests $4.4M in Housing & Community Programs

Mayor Brett P. Smiley has announced amendments to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ordinances and the COVID-19 Equities Program to redirect unspent funds towards urgent community needs, particularly housing. The Providence City Council will introduce these amendments, which include allocating all ARPA funds not contracted by year-end to the Housing Trust. This ensures that the city fully commits its federal funds before the end-of-year obligation deadline.

Out of $166M in ARPA funds received by Providence, $1.47M remains unspent, which will be reinvested in housing and community-based programs. Additionally, $2.94M from the COVID-19 Equities Program will be redirected to community initiatives, aligning with recommendations from the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This plan represents over $4.4M in targeted investments to address community needs.

Lifespan’s PILOT Agreement with Providence 💵 

Mayor Brett Smiley, City Council President Rachel Miller, and Lifespan CEO John Fernandez announced a new proposed Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement between Providence and Lifespan. For the first time, Lifespan will formally contribute $1.5 million to the city over the next three years, marking their largest voluntary payment since 2014. The funds will be split into two payments of $750,000, one this year and the next in 2026.

In addition to the financial contribution, Lifespan also provides about $50 million annually in community services. This new agreement formalizes those efforts and sets the stage for future negotiations to ensure Lifespan continues supporting Providence. The proposal will be introduced to the City Council on October 3 for further review.

Coastline Commerce

🥞 Wayland Square Diner Closes After 65+ Years

Wayland Square Diner marks the third restaurant in the Wayland area to close in the past 6 months. The first two were Minerva’s and Salted Slate which both closed in May. Feed the Cheeks, a cookie shop, also closed their Wayland location earlier this year. Read the statement from the Wayland Square Diner owners below:

Seaside Skies

WEDNESDAY

68°🌡 50° | ☁️ | 💧 11% | 💨 ENE 6 mph

THURSDAY

72°🌡 52° | ⛅ | 💧 8% | 💨 SSE 8 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

WEDNESDAY

Nick-a-Nee’s | Bluegrass Throedown | 8:30pm

THURSDAY

The Vets | Tedeschi Trucks Band: Deuces Wild 2024 | 7:30pm | Buy tickets here.

Bar'Lino Pizzeria | Live Music | 7:30pm

Moonshine Alley | Kevin Herchen | 8pm

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Friday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current