It’s that time of the year to look back and look ahead with “new” New Year’s Resolutions for our city and state. It’s a chance to reflect on the past year and identify areas for improvement. It’s time to look ahead with increased optimism, filled with solid aspirations for a better future. So, in that spirit, we look back and forward with our slate from last year, which unfortunately, is slightly broken and very stained! So here’s our resolution list or wish list as it may appear.
On December 11, 2023, the Westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge were closed. Two years later, we know the cause, we know the government mismanagement and lack of oversight, we know the complete leadership failure, and we know the economic impact is hundreds of millions of dollars. What we don’t know is what the new bridge will look like, what it’s really going to cost, and while RIDOT has recently installed signs at the bridge thanking us for our patience and promising a 2028 opening, we feel that if you believe this, we have a bridge to sell you!
This can’t come soon enough. Helena Foulkes remains our resolution, but Joe Shekarchi could make it interesting with his war chest, if he can ever make a decision.
In April of 2013, this iconic building was emptied. So much time has passed and nothing has happened. The costs have spiraled to over $325 million if you actually believe the numbers (which we don’t), including $90-100 million in government subsidies. However, there is no realistic timeframe, let alone an end in sight. The complete lack of parking is still a major issue for the 325 residents expected to live there, unless they all take the bus. We don’t want to let this iconic building go, even though pieces have already fallen off … but how much longer can we keep kidding ourselves? Even Superman gets tired trying to leap over the same building in a single bound.
Government officials need to stop and think about ALL of the constituencies before reacting every time a few people complain. Why do we need multiple speed bumps within 100 yards? Where is the safety benefit as cars slow to a virtual stop and then race after they bounce past or even increase traffic on nearby streets? Can we resolve to conduct an unbiased bike lane usage study to accurately measure their actual usage, so we stop wasting money and creating unnecessary traffic flow issues?
As it turns 100 this year, nothing is more important than keeping this beloved hospital at its best. With Memorial Hospital’s closing and Roger Williams and Fatima’s status up in the air, having a bigger, brand-new emergency wing is critical. Resolve to support it. And better yet, resolve to do your best not to need it!
The state took them over in 2019. There are no truly positive metrics. Maybe this is the year to change that. Right now, the city and state are locked in a tie for first. And last. Time to try something new.
There should be a red hurricane warning flag flying over City Hall. We now have 15 councilors trying to act like an uber-mayor, causing progress on many of the city’s ills to remain at a standstill. Was the amount of time spent on gas leaf blowers really worth it? Are gas snowblowers next?
Resolve not to watch and hope others follow suit!
Brown gave President Paxson a 74 percent pay increase after a less-than-stellar year in many areas. Times are tough for all non-profits. Boards that oversee these organizations have been asleep at the switch as the compensation packages have gone off the rails. We don’t have the wealth or corporate base (and it’s dwindling) willing to support all the great causes that need our help, and the overhead costs mean less to the beneficiaries. The RI Foundation should take the lead on this, but it’s one of the few boats they missed.
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