Residents deliver petition to save School Administration Building; council pauses demolition discussion

A group of residents presented a petition on Sept. 3 urging the North Providence Town Council to halt plans to demolish the School Administration Building at 2240 Mineral Spring Ave.

Petition organizer Hector Benacker and petitioner Jeannie Bettenker told the council they had collected approximately 400 signatures opposing demolition. Bettenker read the petition aloud, stating the 2024 assessed value for the property is $1,355,400, with a building value of $1,103,600 and land value of $242,600. The petition argued demolition in favor of a parking lot would impose demolition and construction costs on taxpayers and reduce community functionality.

Petitioners also contrasted the town—s treatment of 787 restaurant and lounge—s policing and licensing with downtown business owners, suggesting the town had placed disproportionate burdens on some establishments and questioned whether decisions reflected racial or financial bias. Council members repeatedly said no demolition decision would be made that night and emphasized that discussion and votes would follow after staff reports and further review.

Council members asked staff to continue the conversation, review options and return with analyses; members also suggested reviewing prior minutes and project histories to ensure the council has full context before any formal vote. The item was not scheduled for immediate demolition action.

The petition will be part of the public record and council follow-up before any final decision about the administration building.