Johnston mayor to use eminent domain for public safety complex land

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena has proposed ending the construction of low-income housing for a new public safety municipal complex.

He said that the developer used state law to override local zoning restrictions for the units.

Mayor Polisena’s proposal would put an end to the 252 low-income housing units by George Waterman Road in Johnston.

Polisena said that the project would cost tax payers millions to implement the units and that there are already homelessness initiatives and budgets put in place.

Instead, he is proposing to take the property for public use to construct a new municipal complex.

This includes a new police station, a fire station and town hall.

Town firefighters are facing safety issues like no fire alarm system and a leaking roof.

Similarly, the police station is facing safety concerns like no hot water and an outdated electrical system.

The town hall has no handicapped accessibility or HVAC system.

When reached for comment on this story, Housing Network of Rhode Island Executive Director Melina Lodge said:

Using eminent domain to block affordable housing sets a dangerous precedent and undermines efforts to address the housing crisis in Johnston and across Rhode Island.

Johnston town council is holding a meeting Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Johnston municipal court to discuss the proposed changes in the town.