PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline has implemented the Arts, Culture and Tourism Department, a Cabinet-level organization that “recognizes” the role arts play in the city’s economy.
Its aim, according to the mayor, is to “market the resources, programs, arts and cultural activities we have; expand our economy and leverage resources; promote opportunity for artists and groups; and use the arts to build community.”
Cliff Wood, former deputy director of the mayor’s Office of Policy, will head the new agency.
Also, a $100,000 revolving loan program will be available to area artists for operational-related expenses and the launching of a new department Web site. The Office of Cultural Affairs, formerly the Park Department, will be incorporated into the new agency.
Moratorium proposed on housing act
PROVIDENCE – House Majority Whip Rene R. Menard, a Lincoln Democrat, is calling for a moratorium of the 1991 housing act. His proposal would stop developers from using the low-income housing law to get fast-track approval for huge, dense developments, he says.
Menard intends to ask the House for immediate consideration of the bill on the first day of session in January.
The General Assembly recently changed a 1991 law to encourage development of low-income housing, allowing nonprofit agencies to apply for comprehensive permits for developments where at least 10 percent to 15 percent of the units would be classified as affordable housing. In 2002, private developers were allowed to apply for comprehensive permits under the same conditions.
