Assembly passes I-195 commission legislation

PROVIDENCE – Legislation creating a powerful commission to oversee the development of former Interstate 195 land cleared the General Assembly Thursday.
The twin House and Senate bills now head to the governor, who has indicated support for the legislation that would guide the sale of some 20 acres of land in Providence. (Other land is expected to be set aside for parks and roadways.)
The legislation creates a seven-member commission to oversee the project. The governor will appoint all the members, including three from a list submitted by the mayor of Providence and one from a list submitted by the speaker of the House. The state Senate must confirm all the members.
The legislation calls for the commission to encourage the development of life sciences and health care research as part of the state’s effort to build a knowledge economy in the area.
It expressively forbids the development of a casino or “any form of gambling” on the land.
For projects within the I-195 district, the commission will assume the powers of a number of city boards, including planning, the historic district commission and zoning. However, the bill requires that developments in the area be consistent with Providence’s comprehensive plan and the city’s zoning ordinances.
The legislation also sets up a tax credit for life sciences companies if they create jobs.
It gives also Johnson and Wales University the first opportunity to buy two parcels adjacent to property the school already owns.
For nonprofit institutions wanting to locate on the property, the bills require them to enter into payment in lieu of tax agreements with the city or pay taxes the property.
The requirements for nonprofits and for the commission to follow city zoning were added at the 11th hour to mollify concerns by the city of Providence.
The bill also gives the R.I. Economic Development Corporation authority to borrow $42 million to purchase the land from the R.I. Department of Transportation, which needs the money to pay off the Iway project’s cost.