Here’s the wording.  If you live in Providence, thank your councilor!  And let the mayor know you agree with the City Council

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Sponsored by Councilor AnderBois with Councilor Sanchez and Councilor Goncalves

WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s central bus hub at Kennedy Plaza is an essential component

of our state’s transportation infrastructure, providing vital connections for residents and visitors

alike; and

WHEREAS, The proposal to relocate the central bus hub from Kennedy Plaza to a vacant

lot near Interstate 95, specifically known as “Parcel 35,” raises significant concerns for our

community, particularly in light of RIPTA’s budget crisis and impending service cuts; and

WHEREAS, The City Council is aware and concerned that up to this point, Kennedy

Plaza has not been presented or considered as an option for the bus hub relocation, and urges all

relevant authorities to include Kennedy Plaza in the discussion and decision-making process

regarding the future location of the central bus hub; and

WHEREAS, Kennedy Plaza should be considered the default option and treated at least

as equally as the other options being presented, and RIPTA should not be working from an

assumption that the City wants the hub moved; and

WHEREAS, We believe we need to make an affirmative statement to clarify that the

City Council is not pushing for the hub to be moved from Kennedy Plaza, as Kennedy Plaza is a

City property and belongs to all people, serving as a central location walkable to housing, jobs,

City Hall, the Courts, the State House, and rail, which is the definition of transit-oriented

development; and

WHEREAS, The opinions of Transit Riders are of utmost importance and should be

central to the decision-making process regarding the future location of the central bus hub; and

WHEREAS, Transit riders, who rely on the central bus hub for their daily transportation

needs, were denied the opportunity to voice their opposition to the relocation plan at any public

forums, including the meeting of the 195 Redevelopment District Commission; and

WHEREAS, Moving the central bus hub to a location near Interstate 95 would likely

disrupt existing transit routes, increase travel times for passengers, and hinder accessibility for

those who depend on public transportation; and

WHEREAS, The proposed relocation to Parcel 35, commonly referred to as “Siberia” by

critics, lacks the central location and proximity to essential services, such as City Hall, the

Financial District, Providence Place, and the train station, that Kennedy Plaza offers; and

WHEREAS, The decision to relocate the bus hub to Parcel 35 has raised significant

concerns among community members, as evidenced by public opposition and financial

implications highlighted by various news outlets, indicating a potential disconnect between the

project’s execution and the community’s needs and expectations; and

WHEREAS, The financial arrangements surrounding the Providence Transit Center

project, including the $16.9 million contract with Next Wave Partners and the allocation of a

significant portion of available bond money before securing the land or beginning construction,

raise questions about the stewardship of taxpayer funds and the project’s feasibility; and

WHEREAS, The 2014 bond money was designated for capital improvements and can be

used for existing RIPTA infrastructure, including Kennedy Plaza, and other central bus facilities,

making it a viable option for enhancing public transportation services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Council vehemently opposes the

relocation of Rhode Island’s central bus hub from Kennedy Plaza to Parcel 35 near Interstate 95;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Council explicitly emphasizes that it is not

and has never advocated or expressed in any way to RIPTA and any other relevant authorities

that they would like the bus hub moved from Kennedy Plaza, reaffirming the Council’s

commitment to preserving Kennedy Plaza as the central bus hub for the benefit of our

community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Council urges the 195 Redevelopment

District Commission and the RIPTA Board of Directors to pursue meaningful public input and

discussion regarding the future of the central bus hub, emphasizing the importance of

maintaining Kennedy Plaza as a viable option for the bus hub and not proceeding with a process

that excludes it from consideration as a potential location; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution shall be transmitted to the

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, the 195 Redevelopment District Commission, the Rhode

Island Department of Transportation, the Office of Governor Daniel J. McKee, the Office of

Rhode Island Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, the Office of Rhode Island Senate

President Dominick J. Ruggerio, and the Office of Mayor Brett Smiley to emphasize the

importance of preserving the central bus hub at Kennedy Plaza for the benefit of our community