Providence finance committee backs resolution urging state tax exemption for Project Web Renew site

The Providence City Finance Committee on March 13 approved a resolution urging the General Assembly to grant a property tax exemption for Project Web Renew’s facility at 45 Millard Avenue.

Project Web Renew, a nonprofit based in South Providence, asked the committee to endorse House Bill 2025 H-5512 and Senate Bill 2025 S-0191, legislation that would make the property exempt from local property taxation. Anna Jean Wilkin, identified in the meeting as the organization’s director of strategy, described the center’s services and said the site includes a state-regulated overdose prevention center.

“Project Web Renew is a nonprofit, based in South Providence, right next to the Rhode Island Hospital campus,” Wilkin said. “So far, we've seen over 400 visits since we opened in mid January, and we've done 20 overdose and good projects.”

Why it matters: Committee members said the exemption would help the nonprofit’s financial sustainability while providing services for people experiencing homelessness, people with substance use disorder and very low-income residents. Councilor Sanchez thanked the presenters and called the organization’s reported overdose reversals “awesome,” and said the center had strong supporters on the council.

The committee discussion addressed basic details about the property and tenants. Wilkin said multiple charitable organizations operate from the building — including Sojourner House and a clinic — and that the site houses services that do not all individually hold exempt status. She estimated the current tax obligation for the building is “around $20,000 a year.”

Committee action: After public explanation and questions, a committee motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilor Sanchez and seconded by Councilor Burrows; the committee chair called the vote and recorded the motion as approved. The committee also marked a supporting letter as Exhibit 1 during the discussion.

What the committee did not decide: The committee’s endorsement asks the General Assembly to act; it does not itself change the property’s tax status. Wilkin and members clarified that final exemption depends on state legislative action and any statutory conditions in the bills referenced.

Context and next steps: Committee members encouraged coordination with the state delegation and noted similar exemptions and property-use questions can affect how exemption applications are handled. The resolution will be submitted to the city’s General Assembly delegation and legislative sponsors for consideration at the state level.

Provenance: The committee read the resolution and discussed it on the record; the committee then voted to approve the substituted resolution and supporting exhibits during the March 13 meeting.