With the start of early voting, today’s letter will discuss Question No. 6 on the ballot and an upcoming public meeting to discuss the Washington Bridge demolition. (Last week, I discussed Question 1, and in future letters I will discuss other choices on our ballot.)
1. Ballot Question No. 6 (Providence school facilities bond)
Ballot Question No. 6 asks Providence voters to approve the issuance of $400 million of bond financing for public school facilities construction and renovation. I will be voting “Yes” on this question and I encourage you to as well, given the benefits that can result from approval, and the details of the funding.
a. The condition of Providence’s school buildings
Many of our school buildings are more than 50 years old, and many of them have not been adequately maintained. It is demoralizing for students and teachers to meet in buildings with leaking roofs, failing ventilation systems and the like – the conditions send a message that we do not care about them. There need for improvements cannot be disputed.
b. The role of State funding
School construction projects in Providence are funded with significant State aid – more than 80% of each project is paid for with State dollars. Cities and towns are reimbursed as the projects are completed; in other words, the $400 million of financing will ultimately cost the City less than $80 million after State reimbursements. (I believe it would make more sense for the State to supply its 80% as the costs are incurred, rather than afterwards; however, I learned that the State’s cash flow is not sufficient for “pay as you go” financing.)
c. State review of construction decisions
The Rhode Island Department of Education staff reviews the design, budgeting and construction aspects of proposed school projects. They provide a useful guardrail against unwise spending; indeed, my objections in the past have come from what I consider to be their stinginess in denying some features that they consider unnecessary. I also believe that, during the State takeover, the School Department has failed to engage the public sufficiently in discussing school facilities plans.
d. Conclusion
Despite these imperfections, I believe the net benefits of approving Question No. 6 are clear for Providence residents and taxpayers.
2. The Washington Bridge demolition
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) began demolition of the Washington Bridge in August. According to their policies and procedures, RIDOT and its contractor should have engaged the affected neighbors concerning the disruptions (including noise) prior to beginning this work. They failed to do so. Last Friday night, RIDOT scheduled a public meeting to discuss the demolition. The meeting was not a success, ending after fewer than 10 minutes without any opportunity for public discussion. In response, RIDOT scheduled a more substantive meeting that will take place virtually tomorrow night, October 17 at 6:00 p.m. You can register for this meeting by clicking on this link. For additional information, you can review RIDOT’s Washington Bridge web page, which includes a recording of last Friday’s meeting along with other relevant information.