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Council debates sale of Camp Cronin property; referral to finance committee set
Summary
Councilors debated the future of a 2-acre Camp Cronin property in Narragansett that the city still owns; proponents asked the mayor be authorized to sell unused land and return proceeds to the city, while others urged preserving a public asset. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee.
Council members debated whether Providence should sell its remaining two acres at Camp Cronin in Narragansett during the June 5 meeting, with sponsors arguing the unused property is a costly, idle asset and opponents urging caution to preserve public recreational access.
Councilman Oscar Vargas, who introduced the resolution, told colleagues the city has owned the property since 1957, spent approximately $1.5 million in ARPA funds on improvements and has little current use for the site. “For the last 10 years, we haven't used this property. No plans from the administration,” he said, urging authorization for the mayor to sell the parcel and direct proceeds to city priorities such as homelessness.
Opponents including Councilman Reyes and Councilwoman Ryan urged careful review. Reyes said oral histories describe Camp Cronin as a cherished public asset and said he would abstain because he lacked information to vote. Ryan said the property was purchased and improved with ARPA funds to preserve a municipal asset and recommended exploring long-term leases to keep it on the city's balance sheet while generating revenue.
Councilwoman Graves favored sale, saying the city cannot afford to hold unused assets while current resident needs go unmet. After discussion, the council referred item 32 to the Committee on Finance for further study; several members requested an updated appraisal and clearer administration plans before any final sale.
Ending: The Finance Committee will examine valuations, current uses, and potential leasing options before any decision to sell; councilors asked the administration to provide appraisals and a plan for use of proceeds.
