Council Preview: Nov 14 Meeting

The Woonsocket City Council will meet at City Hall tonight at 7 p.m. for a regular meeting. The following is a summary of the major issues they are expected to address.

Incentive for Le Moulin-

The council will vote for the second time tonight on an ordinance allowing provisions of the Job Creation Incentive Program to be applied to . The program creates a tax deferment for businesses that create jobs in the city and the South Main Street mill complex, which houses businesses including Stage Right Studio for Arts and Wellness and RiverzEdge Arts Project, has undergone extensive renovation by owner Marie Deschenes. Although the property was not enrolled under the previous city administration, Economic Development Director Matt Wojcik has said that Deschenes's work has helped more than a dozen city businesses.

Hearing on renewal of 71 liquor licenses

Tonight's meeting will also serve as a public hearing for the renewal of 71 liquor licenses in Woonsocket including licenses for various stores, restaurants, bars and private clubs.

Man seeks damages for wrongful imprisonment-

Howard Nightengale is requesting compensation for damages related to his arrest in connection with the armed robbery of Sovereign Bank on Oct., 19 2010. According to the petition, the Woonsocket Police Department received a report from the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory on Dec. 10 stating that the fingerprints found at the bank did not belong to the suspect, but "failed to review the report on a timely basis" and "unreasonably delayed forwarding the report to the Attorney General's office."

The petition further alleges that because of the omissions, Nightengale has suffered wrongful imprisonment, violation of his civil rights, emotional pain, humiliation and disabilities.

The claim has been forwarded to the city's law department for advice and recommendation.

Fernandes gives notice of litigation-

Gary Fernandes, owner of 167 Blackstone St. is seeking damages related to the denial of his application for relief of the minimum lot size requirement for a 17 unit property at the former St. Francis House. In a complaint that lists as defendants Finance Director Thomas Bruce and all of the members of the zoning board of review, the developer, who has rehabilitated several properties throughout the city, is alleging, among other complaints, that input from residents who were in opposition to the application created illegal bias against his request.   

Financing improvements for wastewater-

The council will vote for the second time tonight on an ordinance authorizing the financing of improvement to the wastewater treatment plant. The ordinance would authorize the city to borrow an amount not to exceed $26 million from Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency for the project. 

The agenda for the meeting is attached above.