Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA)

About

In 1946, the State enabled the creation of redevelopment agencies in every city and town in Rhode Island. Pursuant to this authority, the Providence Redevelopment Agency was established in 1947. Currently, the Agency operates under the powers set out in Chapters 31-33 of Title 45 of the Rhode Island General Laws, the “Redevelopment Act of 1956”.

Process

The focus of the Redevelopment Agency is the elimination and prevention of blighted and substandard areas. The Redevelopment Agency is also granted broad power to foster economic development in substandard and blighted areas.

Historically, Redevelopment Agencies across the country have used their broad powers to acquire properties and clear large tracts of land for redevelopment, based on their purpose of the elimination of blight.

Today, conditions have greatly changed. Fewer dollars are available for large-scale projects. Therefore, the Agency is taking a more nuanced approach to redevelopment which fosters neighborhood revitalization and private investment.

Through the Redevelopment Agency and the Providence City Plan Commission, and with the approval of the Providence City Council, areas of the City which contain blighted and substandard conditions are established as Redevelopment Areas. Redevelopment Plans are then created to establish project areas within the larger Redevelopment Area. This process is designed to create a coordinated strategy that proposes specific improvements to an area.

General Powers and Activities of the Redevelopment Agency:

  • Acquisition and lease of property; Eminent Domain;
  • Relocation of individuals or businesses;
  • Renovation or demolition of property;
  • Sale or lease of property;
  • Restrictions on use of property;
  • Preparation and implementation of Redevelopment Plans;
  • Design layout and install sidewalks, public utilities, parks, off-street parking areas and other public improvements through requests for proposals and direct solicitation;
  • Proposal of zoning changes;
  • Lending and mortgaging of property;
  • Issuance of bonds; and,
  • Tax Increment Financing plans.

Members

The membership of the Providence Redevelopment Agency consists of the Mayor of the City of Providence, ex officio, and seven members. Five of the members are required to be resident electors of the City and are appointed by the Mayor, and two are required to be members of the City Council, appointed by the City Council.

Current membership is:
Manuel Cordero, Chair
Samuel Bradner, Vice-Chair
Nicholas Cicchitelli, Secretary
Ramiro Encizo, Member
Jill Padwa, Member
Jeffrey St. Sauveur, Member
Pedro Espinal, Councilman
Miguel Sanchez, Councilman
Mayor Brett Smiley, Ex-Officio

Notice of Funding Availability

Requests for Information and Proposals

 

Meetings & Agendas

The Providence Redevelopment Agency typically meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 4:00 pm at 444 Westminster Street, 1st-floor conference room to review pending applications.

Click here for the 2024 meeting schedule of the Providence Redevelopment Agency.

Click here for agendas and minutes for the Providence Redevelopment Agency.

Contact Information

Darcy Charleson, Recording Secretary
Providence Redevelopment Agency
401.680.8501
dcharleson@providenceri.gov

Providence Redevelopment Agency
Joseph A. Doorley, Jr. Municipal Building
Department of Planning & Development
444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A
Providence, RI 02903-3215
Phone: 401.680.8400
Fax 401.680.8492

Office Hours

January-June and September-December
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

July-August
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday