Council Requests General Assembly to Establish Historic Tax Credit Program

At their March 11 meeting, Town Council members approved a resolution requesting the Rhode Island General Assembly to establish a new historic tax credit program. This kind of program would provide a generous credit against RI state income taxes for the rehabilitation and development of qualifying historic structures. 

Due to budget constraints, the 2008 session of the RI General Assembly terminated the RI Historic Tax Credit Program for all projects for which an application was not filed prior to Jan. 1, 2008. Between its effective date, Jan. 1, 2002, through June 2007, 277 projects were enrolled in the program that generated thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity.

"We've actually been one of many communities that have been asked to jump behind this," said Town Manager Tom Hoover. "I strongly urge that the Council consider and approve this resolution."

School Improvement Project Contract Award

Council approved the award of a $375,000 contract for architectural engineering services to Torrado Architects, 35 Greenwich St., Providence, subject to the successful sale of bonds. The contract will be paid from these bond proceeds for various school improvement projects passed by voters last November.

The Coventry School Building Committee recommended Torrado to council members after selecting the firm's bid proposal and qualifications on March 5. 

Other Business

• The Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School Girls' Basketball team was recognized by Council members for winning the State Championship on Feb. 13 when they beat Barrington Middle School 49-43. This is the team's second consecutive year as state champs.

The Coventry Town Council approved the following agenda items on Monday:

• A new Private Detective license for David Cross of Laurel Ave.

• A new victualing license for Jim's Pastries Inc., (Borrelli's Pastries, 765 Tiogue Ave.)

• Sewer tie-in for Clariant Corp., Phase III High Rise (500 Washington St.)

• Sewer tie-in for Harris Mill (618 Main St.)

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