Committee votes to evict Skyline in Providence, services held for man who died there

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A committee approved a settlement that will ultimately result in the eviction of the Skyline at Waterplace in Providence.

Mayor Brett Smiley told ABC6 they’ve been trying to evict Skyline for months, as the business and the city of Providence have been at odds over outside upkeep of the restaurant.

“I would like to thank all members and legal representatives who led us to this settlement that will help us all move forward,” said Chair John Goncalves in a statement.

“The Skyline space and Waterplace Park are important assets to the city. With the Providence Parks Department taking over management of the property, we are looking forward to using the future of the space to enhance our city’s downtown,” he stated.

The body of a man was found at the venue, located at 1 Finance Way, in August.

Providence police said the man was homeless, and the owner had allowed him to sleep there.

Representatives from Skyline have since come out and stated that the man who passed away, identified by the venue as Miguel Perez, was not homeless. 

A service for the man was held last night.

Photos of the event were shared on Facebook by Skyline.

“The Skyline at Waterplace Family would like to send prayers to our very own, Miguel Perez, who had a beautiful send off today. He said his final goodbye’s to his family and the place he loved the most, Skyline,” they said.

“Miguel was born and raised in Providence and spent the last six years working for Skyline at Waterplace, an events venue, where he ultimately left this world to join his daughter and other loved ones in heaven,” states his obituary.

ABC6 received the following statement from Skyline:

While Skyline is disappointed that this will mark the close of its operations, the owner is satisfied that a settlement has been reached. The original plan was to operate a top scale event facility on the city’s skyline for a minimum of 20 years which was the term of the lease. Unfortunately, a confluence of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events (especially the pandemic) prevented my client from achieving its business goal.

We will next work with the city to formally memorialize the settlement and voluntarily turn over possession of the premises.