Richard A. Licht,
Director of the Department of Administration, said today, “Out of respect for
the concerns raised by the downtown business community, the Department of
Administration (DOA) has decided to again seek proposals for space for the Providence
Office of Probation and Parole. The DOA previously had conducted an open
competitive bid process during the summer of 2013 and only received one
response from the Urban League, which is the existing landlord. Recently,
the Urban League has entered into an agreement to sell its property, and the
facility is no longer available. Due to the lack of bids, the DOA and the
Department of Corrections proposed to relocate these offices in an existing
building that houses other State of Rhode Island functions.
“I want to mention the
misconception that the rent was ‘tripling.’ The Fountain Street location
would have provided much needed additional office space, and the rent was only
$707 per year more than the Urban League Proposal. Additionally, the Division
of Probation and Parole has nine other offices in the State of Rhode Island,
two of which are located in downtown Providence. The police in Pawtucket,
Providence, Cranston and Woonsocket have indicated that probation and parole
offices do not pose any concerns for public safety.
“In addition, Director Wall and I will meet with Providence business leaders and elected officials to discuss this matter and enlist their support in locating this essential core function of government to a viable location."
“In addition, Director Wall and I will meet with Providence business leaders and elected officials to discuss this matter and enlist their support in locating this essential core function of government to a viable location."
