PROVIDENCE — The Providence City Council on Dec. 4 approved for the first reading a $6,200,000 infrastructure package for the "Mile of History" project, a Benefit Street-area plan that would repair sidewalks, restore tree wells and fund ADA accommodations.

Councilwoman Ryan, who introduced the item, said the project preserves the historic character of Benefit Street while improving accessibility and noted the city's ability to secure competitive general obligation bond financing at an estimated rate of about 2.33%. "This restoration project would repair sidewalks and the ADA accommodations and restore tree wells," Ryan said, framing it as both historic preservation and economic development.

The measure drew sustained opposition from several council members who said the financing and project selection process disproportionately favors the East Side and other wealthier areas that can attract donors or access institutional resources. Councilwoman Graves invoked historic displacement in her ward: "When we start talking about the history... they were killing people of color and taking their land because all of a sudden they wanted it," she said, arguing that concentrating bonding in the Benefit Street area risks repeating past harms.

Councilman Sanchez also opposed the project, saying it created an unfair mechanism that other neighborhoods could not access. "Until every single part of our neighborhoods have access to this pool of funding… I'm always gonna be in opposition," he said, raising questions about long-term equity and Department of Public Works capacity to deliver another multimillion-dollar project.

Supporters, including Councilwoman Anabra and Pro Tem Vicardo, said the association that prepared the proposal did thorough work and that success here could help the city win similar financing for other neighborhoods. Pro Tem Vicardo asked the administration and finance staff to be accountable in project delivery.

Roll call: The clerk opened the roll and recorded votes by name; the clerk announced an 8–5 result with one absence and declared the motion to pass for the first reading carried.

Why it matters: The vote advances a significant capital investment targeted at a famed historic corridor in Providence. Opponents said the decision intensified existing inequalities in neighborhood investment; supporters said the competitive financing opportunity and heritage tourism benefits justified proceeding.

Next steps: Item 11 was approved on first reading; further administrative steps are needed to finalize financing and implementation schedules and to address council requests for equitable distribution strategies.