Building torn down under Woonsocket blight elimination program

By: Melissa Randall

E-mail: mrandall@abc6.com

Twitter: @MRandallABC6

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE-TV)— What goes up must come down and in Woonsocket it’s been a long time coming for the vacant city–owned building at 44-52 Blackstone Street.

“I can’t wait until it’s gone because it’s dangerous,” said neighbor Barbara Casto.

The property previously housed residential units and commercial space but neighbors say in the last few years it’s become a big liability.

“There’s wild animals that live in there—cats, rats, probably roaches too,” said neighbor Cathy Crippn.

Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt says properties like that one attract the wrong people and put a strain on public safety resources. It’s why she’s made eliminating them a big focus while in office.

“My feeling is if I don’t want to live on the side of a blighted property nobody should have to live on the side of a blighted property,” said Baldelli-Hunt.

Since 20–14, two dozen properties have come down under the ‘blight elimination program’. Blackstone Street makes number 25.

Neighbors say they are excited about the potential for this space but the Mayor says the city is going to take its time and carefully consider the options.

“What we do is encourage the sale but not for redevelopment because we are trying to get rid of density in some areas,” explained Baldelli-Hunt.

The program is costly, with $400-500,000 allocated towards it each year. But those living nearby say the extra space makes it worth it.

“It’s getting better little by little. Everything takes time,” said Casto.

© WLNE-TV 2018