Different improvement plans released for Kennedy Plaza
By Melissa Randall
mrandall@abc6.com
The chair of the Downtown Improvement District, Joe Paolino, announced proposed improvements to Kennedy Plaza over chants from opponents from behind the closed door.
“There are a number of protestors outside that are upset, disappointed. I really don’t know all their concerns but with that I think it’s best we just start this.”
Community groups, like the Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project rallied prior to the meeting Wednesday morning, saying the vision is a far cry from what was discussed.
“I feel like we’ve been duped. All he wanted was his own agenda. It was all about what he wants to see for downtown and he just wants to move homeless people out of the area.”
The DID, though, pushed forward, releasing these renderings and making recommendations including a broad ban on panhandling and smoking, fast-tracking the removal of buses from the downtown area, and adding funding for social services.
“Our immediate goal is to raise $1.3 million with a more ambitious goal of raising $5 million.”
Protestors released their own transformation plan, titled: "Reclaiming Our Public Spaces."
The mayor has heard from both sides and is set to release his plan for Kennedy Plaza Thursday morning.
© WLNE-TV 2016
