Everyone loved former Mayor Joseph R. Paolino’s plan to give downtown Providence a makeover. The challenge, when it was first proposed in late 2024 and now, is paying for it.
Mr. Paolino told PBN there has been no movement on the proposal since he first unveiled the results of a $25,000 beautification plan to city officials and business leaders.
“It’s very disappointing,” said Mr. Paolino, now managing director of Paolino Properties LP. “The private sector can’t do this alone. I think everybody likes it. I just don’t think there’s anybody who wants to step up and write a check for it.”
The project would involve street-by-street recommendations, including widening sidewalks, upgrading lighting, installing trees and other landscaping improvements.
Mayor Brett P. Smiley was an enthusiastic early supporter and still likes the idea, according to a spokesman. So were business groups, including the Providence Foundation.
Mr. Paolino proposed the vision, now city and business leaders need to back their words with actions to help him make it a reality.
Just have Paolino pay for it. I live downtown and own property downtown and all I heard was “Paolino has a great plan where everyone else pays to improve his personal property investments.”