Providence City Council Public Hearing on Street Abandonment Petitions - September 28, 2026

This public hearing was held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The committee, including Councilman Justin Reyers and Councilman Miguel Sanchez, heard testimony on several petitions to abandon city streets but took no votes or decisions. The hearing was limited to listening to public concerns.

Item 7: Utah Street Abandonment (Withdrawn)

• The petitioner, Jeffrey Padua (Padwa Law LLC), requested to abandon the northerly portion of Utah Street. The petitioner asked to withdraw the matter, and no testimony was taken. Letters and emails requesting withdrawal were entered into the record.

Items 1 & 2: Providence College Petitions (No Testimony)

• Item 1: Petition from Mark Raposa (Providence College) to abandon the south portion of Cumlin Street from Sandringham Avenue. No one testified.
• Item 2: Petition from Mark Raposa to abandon the south portion of Dante Street from Ventura Street. No one testified.

Item 3: Divine Street Abandonment (Eddy Street LLC)

• Petition from Kelly Morris Salvatore (Darrow Everett LLP) on behalf of 888 and 908 Eddy Street LLC to abandon portions of Divine Street.
• Joseph Baxter, attorney for the applicant, described the two portions: one paved but used only by the client and an abutter, and one unpaved and overgrown. He noted the City Plan Commission recommended approval and that the paved portion accumulates debris.
• Dan Gory, owner of HookFast Specialties on Seymour Street, opposed the abandonment. He stated that Divine Street is a critical access route for his 22 employees, suppliers, and customers to reach Allen’s Avenue and I-95 North, especially when Eddy Street is congested. He argued that closing the street would add minutes to travel daily.
• Jason Sister, one of the applicants, supported the abandonment. He testified that the street is constantly filled with debris (boats, trailers, mattresses) and that the city (DPW) does not respond to calls. He and the co-applicant have been fined and have spent thousands cleaning the street. He claimed that access to Allen’s Avenue is not via Divine Street, and that abandoning the street would reduce burden on DPW and allow the property to go back on the tax roll.

Item 4: Nancy Street Abandonment (Destiny Partners LLC)

• Petition from Dylan Conley (Rhode Island Land Use Law) on behalf of Destiny Partners LLC to abandon portions of Nancy Street.
• Lily Porchfield and Mark Clinton expressed support and deferred to the attorney.
• Dylan Conley, attorney for the applicant, explained that the paper street behind their lot is unimproved and part of a larger site subject to a DEM remedial action plan for environmental cleanup. The applicant seeks to acquire the right-of-way to roll it into cleanup efforts and overall site development. There is also an abandoned cemetery on site; the applicant seeks city permission to clean and maintain it but not acquire it. Conley noted the area is a dumping ground. He requested ability to respond to the appraisal figure and to present cleanup costs. Conley stated no development is planned on the green area (right-of-way) but only use as buffer, and any future development would require planning and zoning review. He confirmed willingness to grant an access easement to the cemetery for families.
• Councilman Royus asked about the cemetery and access for families; Conley agreed to provide an access easement.

Item 5: West Park Street Abandonment (Eric Bright)

• Petition from Eric Bright (124 West Park Street) to abandon a portion of West Park Street.
• Mr. Mott, attorney for the petitioner, reported that police, fire, DPW, parks, and planning raised no objections, and the City Plan Commission unanimously voted support subject to an administrative subdivision and easements. He submitted a letter of support from neighbor Neil Kaplan.
• Eric Bright, applicant, stated he owns property on both sides of the road. He described neglect: street light not working for 10 years, no sidewalks, overgrowth, and a falling fence. He proposed to address safety at the street end, put the street light on his own electric bill, and keep the street open for snow plowing. Goal is to beautify and reduce blight.

Item 6: Western Street Terminus Abandonment (Sandra Lee)

• Petition from Sandra Lee (23 Western Street) to abandon the northern terminus of Western Street (30 ft wide, 35 ft deep).
• Sandra Lee testified that for 25 years she has parked on this parcel, but it belongs to the city and she does not have legal permission. She wishes to purchase and absorb it into her lot. She noted only one abutter (neighbor on Duncan Avenue) whose backyard abuts the terminus; she sent him a note but received no response. The neighbor does not use the land.

Key Outcomes

• No motions or votes were taken. The hearing was solely for receiving public testimony.
• All petitions remain under consideration for future committee action.
• The meeting was adjourned after completion of all agenda items.