DOT to auction former Park and Ride lot

NORTH KINGSTOWN – The state Department of Transportation on Aug. 1 will auction a former Park and Ride lot, at Route 2 and Route 102. The property is approximately 72,200 square feet. The auction will be conducted by Irving Shechtman & Co. Inc.
The public auction requires a $50,000 deposit, in cash, certified or bank check to participate. Conditions and other requirements are available at www.auctionsri.com.
The Department of Transportation expects the sale to generate nearly $2 million, according to spokesman Charles St. Martin. The proceeds will be directed to transit improvements and will put the property back on the local tax rolls, as well as provide an opportunity for private development.
The sale of the lot is a step in a process begun last year to establish a transit hub at Wickford Junction, with bus and train service at one location, along with covered parking. “This will increase the usefulness of the underutilized Wickford Junction station,” St. Martin said.
The state last year assumed operations and maintenance of the station, which is expected to save $370,000 annually, he said.