Johnston Mayor Polisena issues statement on safety complex eminent domain case

Christopher Boardman,

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, Jr. issued a statement Wednesday regarding the town’s eminent domain case for a parcel of land now earmarked for a new public safety complex.

The 178-200 George Waterman Road site was initially intended to hold a new 252-unit low-income housing complex before the town seized it under eminent domain, which was announced on March 14.

The owners of the land sued the town, claiming “eminent domain under false pretenses.”

The Santoros accused the town of not informing them of the new public safety complex plans.

Mayor Polisena released a statement Wednesday reading:

The recent court decision simply means that the status quo is preserved. We will continue to make our case in the hearing scheduled for April. This legal process is ongoing, and we remain committed to advocating for the best interests of the current residents of Johnston. I have no intention of succumbing to these developers or their elitist, California-based legal organization.

This is about prioritizing the future of Johnston and its current taxpayers — not about some rich developers making a major profit.

My mission remains to provide our first responders with the facilities they deserve and to ensure that residents receive the services they pay taxes for and are entitled to. We will continue to promote owner-occupied, single-family home construction, such as the projects off Shun Pike, Pine Hill, and other smaller projects around Johnston.

Let’s make this crystal clear: My first priority is to ensure stable taxes, high-quality public safety, and efficient town services for our current taxpayers. That will remain my focus as long as I am mayor.

The Santoro family is set to hold a press conference regarding the case Wednesday.

 

Categories: News

Related