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Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center seeks property tax exemptions for two Pawtucket addresses; committee files communications, asks for documentation
Summary
The Pawtucket Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center and filed communications on requests that two properties — 727 Central Avenue and 1202 Newport Avenue — be considered for nonprofit property tax exemptions, while asking the agency and city staff to provide documentation and to resolve any prorated tax liabilities.
The Pawtucket Finance Committee heard a request from the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center on a petition for tax-exempt status for two properties, including 727 Central Avenue and 1202 Newport Avenue, and filed the communications for further review.
The committee took up written communications from the advocacy center and from Robert W. Burns, the city’s tax assessor, about the exemption requests. The agency’s representative described the center’s services, said the organization is a 501(c)(3) in good standing and that roughly 85% of its revenue comes from federal sources, and said the location at 727 Central Avenue is being used for confidential, appointment-only counseling and case management rather than for residential shelter.
Committee members voted to file both communications and then discussed next steps. Members asked the agency to provide documentation: the organization’s 501(c)(3) certificate and state tax registration, the most recent IRS Form 990, and evidence of compliance with zoning, fire inspections and a certificate of occupancy. The committee also asked the agency to consult the attorney who handled the property closing to resolve whether any prorated taxes remain owed; Director Burns had flagged that up to six months of prorated taxes might still be assessed. The committee directed the clerk’s office to collect those documents and return the item to the committee for a follow-up meeting; members suggested bringing a supporting resolution to the Rhode Island General Assembly and encouraged the applicant to secure a state representative or senator to introduce any enabling legislation.
No final tax-exemption decision was made at the meeting. The committee’s immediate action was procedural: to file the communications for 727 Central Avenue and 1202 Newport Avenue and to set further review once the requested documentation and clarifications about outstanding taxes are provided.
Details provided at the meeting indicate the agency purchased 727 Central Avenue in 2023 and moved operations there during the summer; the organization said it operates statewide programs but has worked in Pawtucket and Central Falls since 1987 and owns emergency-shelter buildings in Central Falls. The agency said services at the Pawtucket location are confidential, staffed by about nine employees at that site (42 employees agency-wide), and secured with controlled access. Committee members repeatedly emphasized the city’s need to confirm zoning and fire approvals and to ensure any taxes owed at closing are collected before a final exemption is considered.
The committee asked the applicant and the clerk’s office to return the item at the council’s first meeting in May (members discussed scheduling earlier if possible) with the requested paperwork so the council can consider formal action and, if appropriate, proceed with supporting legislation at the General Assembly.
