5Q: Joseph F. Azrack

Joseph F. Azrack has stepped down as chairman, and a board member of the Interstate 195 Redevelopment District Commission. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
JOSEPH F. AZRACK has stepped down as chairman, and a board member of the Interstate 195 Redevelopment District Commission. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1. How will your experience help you as commission chairman?

My experience includes working with many development projects, including office, retail, research and development, hospitality and housing. … As a trustee of the Urban Land Institute, my research interest has been on the impact of urbanization and globalization on the quality of life in our cities. I hope to bring to bear my private-sector experience to establish a strategy and economic framework for the I-195 land that will lead to the creation of a vibrant, 24/7 urban environment.

2. What are some of the challenges to attracting development to the former highway lands in Providence?

Successful redevelopment efforts require the active participation of government agencies, local institutions and private employers, developers and investors. The economic incentives in the budget proposed by the governor are vital to our success. In addition, it is important to the success of the commission’s efforts that we establish with Providence officials an efficient process for tax-stabilization agreements that produce property tax rates competitive with other markets vying for private investment capital.

- Advertisement -

3. Are there particular industries that you think would be well-suited for this area?

Rhode Island has world-class educational institutions and local businesses which have significant footprints in advanced and rapidly evolving industries such as the culinary arts and sciences, health care and life sciences, commercial applications for creative art and design, product development and lean manufacturing and robotics.

4. Will the proposed Pawtucket Red Sox ballpark conflict with efforts to attract development?

The ballpark, as described by the team’s owners to date, would be a multiuse facility that would host athletic, entertainment and community events. This type of facility would complement the commercial uses planned for the remaining 18-plus acres of I-195 land. The questions we must answer are the site’s suitability for the facility and how to pay for it.

5. How should the proposed $25 million incentive pool for the district be spent?

The key to the successful use of the proposed state incentive pool will be to use it to attract other capital to the I-195 land. We must be disciplined about how we spend the money in order to create a catalytic effect that stimulates additional development and economic activity. •

No posts to display