Joe Paolino: I Think He's Confused
Today's Providence Journal has a story about former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino and the Athena group filing a law suit to prevent the City from abandoning a section of Harris Ave. The idea was originally brought up in 2005, and would involve narrowing an 800 foot long section by 20 feet in order to provide more land for development on the site of the former produce warehouse. The section of land is across the street from the 903, which is a condominium complex owned by Joe Paolino and the Athena Group.
Here's the funny part: Paolino doesn't want the street narrowed because it would reduce property values. That's right! In Joe's twisted mind, narrowing the street in order to build a huge hotel, office, and retail development that will enhance the view and convenience for 903 residents woul hurt property values. He's also complaining because the abandonment notification occurred one month before he purchased the 903, and as a result, he wasn't notified. Doesn't the former Mayor read the newspaper? Doesn't he do his homework before buying a property? I actually think the proposed development will greatly enhance values at the 903. Think about this: Would you rather live across the street from a new hotel/office/retail complex, or an abandoned warehouse full of rats? We know which one Joe prefers!
It's also pretty funny that Joe doesn't find the developer, Carpionato Properties, to be neighborly. This is the same guy who has leveled a few building downtown with the promise of new development, and there's still nothing to show for it. Where's the signature office building Joe was going to build across the street from the Hilton? How about the garage off Washington St.? Also, if I remember correctly, Joe was the City's preferred developer for a parcel of land at the interesection of Memorial Boulevard and Exchange St. What happened to that hotel? As you can see, Joe likes to talk more than develop. I think he needs to quiet down and let actual developers do what they do best, maybe he'll learn something.
Here's the funny part: Paolino doesn't want the street narrowed because it would reduce property values. That's right! In Joe's twisted mind, narrowing the street in order to build a huge hotel, office, and retail development that will enhance the view and convenience for 903 residents woul hurt property values. He's also complaining because the abandonment notification occurred one month before he purchased the 903, and as a result, he wasn't notified. Doesn't the former Mayor read the newspaper? Doesn't he do his homework before buying a property? I actually think the proposed development will greatly enhance values at the 903. Think about this: Would you rather live across the street from a new hotel/office/retail complex, or an abandoned warehouse full of rats? We know which one Joe prefers!
It's also pretty funny that Joe doesn't find the developer, Carpionato Properties, to be neighborly. This is the same guy who has leveled a few building downtown with the promise of new development, and there's still nothing to show for it. Where's the signature office building Joe was going to build across the street from the Hilton? How about the garage off Washington St.? Also, if I remember correctly, Joe was the City's preferred developer for a parcel of land at the interesection of Memorial Boulevard and Exchange St. What happened to that hotel? As you can see, Joe likes to talk more than develop. I think he needs to quiet down and let actual developers do what they do best, maybe he'll learn something.
Posted by Damien Baldino at 9/30/2008 6:42 AM 
Categories: Joe Paolino, Economic Development, Providence
Categories: Joe Paolino, Economic Development, Providence
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