Woonsocket City Council OKs Sims Metal's Dealer License

The City Council unanimously approved Sims Metal Management's application for a second-hand dealer's license at 433 Cumberland Hill Road Tuesday night, opening the door for 15-20 new jobs in Woonsocket.

Joshua Celeste, an attorney with Duffy & Sweeny Ltd. of Providence, addressed the council on behalf of Sims, which he said is the world's largest metals recycler. 

Celeste said the company would operate a metals collection facility on unused property owned by Beam Truck & Body Inc. at the same address. He said separate curb cuts for their own access to the property already exist. Celeste was also prepared with a decision from the City Zoning Official Chris Chianese ruling the business is allowed on the property by right. The facility will only store metals in Woonsocket. "There'll be no processing here," Celeste said.

Instead, metals will be transported daily to the company's processing facility in Providence, the attorney said. Councilman Christopher Beauchamp pressed him on that point, asking him to confirm metals would not stay at the site for weeks. "That's correct," Celeste said.

Council President John Ward, noting the potential for stolen metals to find their way to such businesses, asked what measures the company took to stymie illegitimate sales. Celeste said the company keeps a record of every transaction. Mike Mcintyre, an employee of Sims who lives in Woonsocket, spoke on the subject, noting photographs are taken of every item sold to the company, to ensure they collect, "As much information as we can get."

Councilors quickly warmed to the idea of the company moving into the city. Councilman Marc Dubois said he was excited to hear about a potential 20 jobs coming to Woonsocket. Councilman Roger Jalette was also enthusiastic. "Speaking for myself, welcome to Woonsocket. We need all the jobs we can get," Jalette said.

Councilman Albert Brien voiced concern that the company might not have all it needed to open at the site, asking for confirmation on Chianese's assessment of the zoning, which Public Works Director Sheila McGauvran provided with a display of a city zoning map on her laptop.

With discussion over, all councilors voted to approve the license application.