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Council clears emergency easement to allow school transformer installation
Summary
After debate over procedural norms, the council approved an easement so a school can install an electrical transformer and continue construction on schedule; supporters said delay risked forfeiting reimbursements.
The Providence City Council approved an easement request on the floor to allow installation of an electrical transformer at a school currently under construction, after an exchange over whether the matter should have been sent to committee.
Sponsor Councilwoman Graves told the council the request is urgent because school construction schedules and reimbursement timelines were at risk if the work did not proceed. “This is a matter of urgency because they’re in the middle of construction,” Graves said, pressing colleagues to pass the item so the project would not lose funding.
Council members split on process. Councilman Escobar, chair of the Department of Public Works committee, argued that the council’s committee process exists so chairs can review matters and recommended referral for committee consideration. “That’s why we have a process to follow,” he said.
Supporters framed the item as a technical, no-cost request to the city. Councilwoman Ryan said the matter concerned "installing a transformer, not costing the city a dime," and supported granting the waiver so construction could continue.
The council approved the item on a voice vote; the clerk recorded the result as 11 ayes and 1 abstention and announced the motion carried. Council members said the decision would allow the school’s contractor and construction schedule to move forward without delay.
What’s next: With the easement approved on the floor, staff and the school’s construction team are expected to proceed with the transformer installation under the project’s existing schedule and reimbursement arrangements.
