Providence lawmakers say they support Atlantic Mills Tenant Union

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence lawmakers have expressed their support for the newly-formed Atlantic Mills Tenant Union, the first commercial tenant union in Rhode Island.

Tenants of Atlantic Mills announced they had formed a tenants union back on Dec. 21.

The Atlantic Mills Tenants Union was established as an affiliate as a chapter of the Rhode Island Tenants Union, and called for the mill’s current owners, The Howard and Eleanor Brynes Trust, and potential future owners, Robert Berle and Eric Edelman, to “come to the negotiating table in good faith to collectively bargain.”

The union also listed its demands from the owners, which included a 99 year lease term, immediate rent stabilization, and an eviction moratorium that began Dec. 21 and extends until “a collectively bargained agreement can be reached.”

A response deadline of Dec. 30 was also given to the owners. 

Reps. Edith Ajello (D-Dist. 1, Providence), Rebecca Kislak (D-Dist. 5, Providence), David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence) and Enrique Sanchez (D-Dist. 9, Providence) and Sen. Tiara Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence) announced their support in a joint statement:

“For decades, Atlantic Mills has been a vital hub for artists and small businesses across Providence. It provides essential studio and rehearsal spaces at affordable rates to creatives and entrepreneurs who are increasingly at risk of being priced out of Providence, our Creative Capital. We stand with the commercial tenants of Atlantic Mills in their efforts to organize and safeguard this community resource during the current ownership transition and beyond. Like the members of the Atlantic Mills Tenant Union, we believe that the Atlantic Mills property should continue to serve our community, which means that the thriving businesses and artists currently residing there should not be priced out or disrupted. We are committed to supporting the Atlantic Mills Tenant Union and look forward to working with the new owners and the city of Providence to preserve this cornerstone of Olneyville and the greater Providence community for generations to come.”

The Atlantic Mills was built in 1852 to manufacture wool muslin, and was part of group of buildings that have housed studio spaces, small businesses and community organizations since the mills stopped operating in 1953.

On weekends it hosts the Big Top Flea Market, Providence’s oldest flea market.

The sale of the Atlantic Mills property from its owners to a New-York based developer is currently pending.