Robert Azar, deputy director of the Department of Planning and Development, told the Providence Committee of Public Works on Dec. 1 that Falmouth Street is an undeveloped "paper street" that exists on maps but not as public roadway on the ground. Azar said the city plan commission reviewed the petition and recommended approval of abandonment "subject to several conditions," including that abutters agree on a plan depicted on a survey, apply for an administrative subdivision to merge the abandoned street with their properties, limit abandonment to the portion within Providence, and grant easements for utility access and maintenance.

George Luff, representing the petitioners, presented photographs showing dense vegetation and said the abutters are in agreement. "The only practical use probably in this case would be the abandonment," Luff said, adding that next steps would include assigning a value and delineating how the land would be divided among abutters. He also said utilities currently on the strip would remain and there is no current plan to pave or otherwise hardscape the area.

A representative from the tax assessor's office said staff were unable to value the parcel at the time of the original application because the submission did not clearly identify what portion of the land lies in Providence versus North Providence. The assessor requested a Providence-only square-footage figure to proceed with valuation.

No formal vote or motion on Falmouth Street was recorded during the hearing; staff and petitioners said they will work on the required survey and subdivision materials and return to the council as appropriate. The city plan commission's recommendation was presented to the committee; committee members asked the petitioners to confirm abutter agreements and easement language before advancing the matter to council consideration.