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Central Falls moves to buy three parcels of former Osram site for mixed‑use redevelopment and ties plan to comprehensive update
Summary
Council heard staff describe a HUD‑funded acquisition of three parcels that are part of the former Osram facility; planning staff said the $2.6 million purchase amount includes closing costs and the city will sequence development decisions with a forthcoming comprehensive plan and an RFP for developers.
The City Council of Central Falls voted to proceed with a resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase three parcels that form part of the former Osram industrial site, a planning official said during Tuesday’s meeting.
Planning director Jim Bedter (Speaker 8) told the council the city had worked with the federal congressional delegation to secure congressionally directed spending administered through HUD, completed environmental review steps required by federal and state rules, and was near a point at which it could close on the parcels. Bedter read the three addresses into the record and described each as largely paved lots; in some cases the parcels have sat underutilized for nearly a decade.
Bedter said the purchase price in the sale agreement equals the HUD grant amount and is below the appraised value; staff stated the $2,600,000 figure discussed in the meeting includes acquisition and reasonable closing costs. The administration emphasized the intent to use the property for a mix of residential and commercial uses and said it will issue a request for proposals to developers under clear city guidelines once the acquisition is complete.
Councilmembers asked questions about parking, potential density, and how additional housing would affect city services such as schools and public safety. Speaker 5 and planning staff said those questions will be addressed through a comprehensive planning process the city will begin in the coming months; Josh Hadnome (named in the record) was identified as the principal deputy director who will be the point person for the comp plan.
Council recorded the resolution vote in the meeting record. The acquisition is intended to seed redevelopment and dovetail with a broader comprehensive plan process that will include public engagement, a housing element and an economic development component.
Next steps: close on the parcels per HUD/transaction requirements; issue an RFP to solicit developer proposals; integrate site decisions with the comprehensive planning process.
