Councilman Goncalves calls for pause in demolition of historic homes in Providence

November 13, 2023 7:27 pm

Alex Dube,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — On Monday, City Councilor John Goncalves made a public statement about his efforts to halt the demolition of three historic homes in Providence.

According to Goncalves, the City of Providence’s Planning Department and Department of Inspections and Standards could soon issue demolition permits to level historic homes located at 209, 211 and 217 Angell Street.

This is a photo of the Notice of Proposed Demolition posted to a historic home on Angell Street. (John Goncalves)

Goncalves further shared his disappointment in the departments’ late notice of the plans to demolish the homes, recalling when the historic Duck and Bunny restaurant was demolished overnight on Easter Sunday in 2021.

“I have contacted the Planning Department and the Department of Inspections to ask if there is any recourse to prevent the razing. Since this is not in a local historic district, demolition is allowed by right,” Goncalves explained.

“Additionally, Angell and Brook Street are highly traversed and are in very close proximity to many students, families, employees, residents, schools, and businesses. The hazards posed by demolition, including dust, debris, airborne particles, noise, equipment, etc., are not to be taken lightly and should not come as a surprise to our constituents,” Goncalves continued.

The City Councilor said the notice posted on Nov. 7, for the demolition is defective and the current notices of proposed demolitions need to be revoked at this time.

As of Monday, a Legal Notice, or Stop Work Order has been posted on the proposed sites.

This is a photo of a Notice of Stop Work posted a the sites where historic homes on Angell Street were given notices of proposed demolition. (John Goncalves)

“It is beneficial to develop our city and grow our tax base. However, demolition and development without a clear plan informed by neighbors and abutters is inappropriate, and as a result, if demolition does occur, I will strongly oppose any forthcoming zone changes proposed at this site,” Goncalves concluded.