Community rallies against demolition of historic homes in Providence
This is a photo of city officials and community members coming together to oppose the demolition of historic homes on Angell Street in Providence. (WLNE)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Neighbors and community members gathered on Angell Street in Providence Monday night in opposition of the proposed demolition of three historic homes on the city’s East Side.
Members of Providence City Council, the Providence Preservation Society and representatives from the College Hill Neighborhood association met in front of 209, 211 and 217 Angell Street along with residents in the area to learn more about the proposed plans to destroy the homes, all over 100 years old.
“These buildings are all on the [National Registry of Historic Places,] and in the last 15 years we’ve seen the demolition of probably 20 or 30 buildings that were on that registry — the whole Brook Street has completely changed for the worse,” said former president of the Providence Revolving Fund Committee, Clark Schoettle said.
Schoettle further explained that being on the registry prevents federal funds from being used in the process of demolishing historic properties, but doesn’t protect them from the interests of private contractors.
Updated Notices of Proposed Demolition on the three homes read a proposed date of Tuesday, Nov. 21.
Last week, City Councilman John Goncalves made a public statement about his efforts to halt the demolition of the homes. He said he was disappointed in the Providence Planning Department and Department of Inspections and Standard’s plan to level the properties.
Goncalves also raised concerns about how demolition of the homes would impact life for residents of Angell Street and the surrounding area, citing hazards like dust, debris, noise, construction equipment.
On Monday, Nov. 13, a Legal Notice, or Stop Work Order has been posted on the proposed sites.
