Council approves first passage to repeal downtown tax‑stabilization ordinance; work session planned before second passage

The Woonsocket City Council on Jan. 13, 2025 approved first passage of an ordinance repealing Ordinance 16 O 16, the omnibus tax‑stabilization agreement for the Downtown Woonsocket Revitalization Area, by a 7–0 vote. Council members said the repeal does not remove the city’s ability to offer tax‑stabilization agreements (TSAs) but would remove that specific omnibus authorizing ordinance.

Garrett Manseri, a downtown revitalization advocate, asked the council to table repeal and to allow edits to preserve the district’s ability to attract long‑term investment. Manseri said the district has attracted “millions of dollars” of private investment since its creation and warned that removing the program without replacement language could slow or deter developers.

Council members said they wanted deeper review. Councilman Kenoyer moved to table the zoning code update earlier in the meeting; for the TSA repeal the council proceeded to first passage but directed staff to schedule a work session before the ordinance’s required second passage so councilors can review specific changes and potential guardrails.

Councilwoman Gonzales said she wanted to confirm whether existing agreements or active developer negotiations would be affected; the solicitor answered that repeal would be prospective and would not retroactively change TSAs already enacted under the ordinance. Councilmembers and public commenters urged the council to explore options such as targeted hiring or local‑hire requirements tied to future TSAs.

The council’s vote was the first of two required regular‑meeting passages. Council President Gendron said a work session will be scheduled either Jan. 20 or the week of Jan. 27 so councilors have an opportunity to review language and stakeholder concerns before the second reading.