Cranston committee approves abandonment of portion of Elmhurst Avenue, subject to easements

The Cranston City Council Public Works Committee voted to approve a resolution to abandon a 6,500-square-foot portion of Elmhurst Avenue, allowing half the former public right-of-way to be transferred to abutting property owners after the petitioner pays $15,000 to the city.

The abandonment petition, filed August 26, 2024, was presented Tuesday by attorney Robert Murray and petitioner Brian White of 145 Wayland Avenue. Murray said the tax assessor valued the parcel at $15,000 and that the petitioner will pay administrative and recording costs and work with the planning department on an administrative subdivision to split the former roadway between Mr. White and CGI Cranston LLC, the owner of the Ocean State Job Lot property abutting the site.

The committee’s approval was conditioned on recorded easements. Council members voted 5–1 to approve the resolution subject to the creation and recording of easements and final review by the city solicitor: Councilman Campiano — yes; Councilman Bonanno — yes; Councilman Andrew Hart — yes; Council Vice President Wall — yes; Councilwoman Haroyan — yes; Councilwoman Graziano — no.

Why it matters: Abandoning a public right-of-way transfers ownership and responsibilities from the city to private parties and can affect…