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Committee backs tax‑exemption request for Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, noting modest local revenue impact
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Summary
The Finance Committee voted to support a city resolution backing state legislation to grant tax‑exempt status to Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center; the city's estimate of the exemption value is roughly $21,000.
The Providence City Council Committee on Finance voted April 7 to accept a substitute resolution supporting tax‑exempt status for the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center and to enter supporting documents into the record.
Tony Marie Roderick, representing the organization, described services the center provides to victims of domestic and sexual violence, including a walk‑in center, transitional housing units at 728 Broad Street, court and law‑enforcement advocacy, and a 24/7 helpline. Roderick said the center operates its services free to users and is grant funded.
Council staff provided a fiscal analysis: the city estimated the value of the exemption at $18,969 for the building plus $1,775 for a vacant lot, about $21,000 in total. Supporters emphasized the center’s role in housing and victim services; union and neighborhood speakers urged committee approval to sustain programming. The committee received exhibit materials from the organization and voted in favor of the substitute resolution; the matter will be included in the paperwork forwarded to the state as the organization pursues companion house and senate bills.
The committee also discussed whether the property had previously contained commercial space and the planned use for the units; presenters said the first floor had been a barbershop and two upstairs units were housing and will continue in similar configuration to provide transitional housing and a walk‑in advocacy center.
