No time to stop improving

There are those who say things because they want to be heard. There are those who don’t say things for a fear of being heard. And there are those who say things because they must be heard.

We are a city on a precipice. Do we ascend toward goals of innovation and growth or do we fall back into the shadows of corruption and fiscal miseries?

Without a doubt Providence has progressed during the past five years. As a resident of downtown since 2009, I can attest to the changes. An injection of commerce and youth blankets Westminster Street.

From the renovation of the Arcade to the shops, restaurants and revived apartments across the Dorrance Street intersection, the energy spreads outwards from the city’s heart. Projects have begun to transform areas once occupied by highway overpasses and vacancies like the Dynamo House. Dedicated developers continue to produce residential options throughout the capital city, which draw millennials and empty-nesters alike.

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This is the good. This is the growth. But this is not where we can afford to stop.

n The Superman Building still sits vacant. This landmark represents more than 350,000 square feet of Providence’s available space. New York wouldn’t let the Empire State Building erode. Boston wouldn’t let the Prudential Center erode. Why are we?

n Kennedy Plaza is an eyesore. This is literally the epicenter of Providence. However, it has become something that residents and visitors alike avoid. The bus station and taxi stands create unsafe conditions for pedestrians, bus drivers and private passenger vehicles. The reality is that businesses don’t want to see shattered bus terminals and ambulances every day. The tough truth is that both businesses and people will just go elsewhere.

n Providence Place mall needs help. We no longer believe in the “break fix” method for infrastructure or technology, so we cannot use this to manage a city. Increased crime and vacancies left by anchor tenants threaten the health of the area.

As stated above, there are an equal number of positives taking place in Providence. This is why it is important that leaders help take this city to the next level. We need leaders who are visible and engaged with the public.

Marveling at what has already been done should be left for retirement and civic ceremonies. •

Gregory A Paolino Jr. is a broker with Paolino Insurance Agency Inc.

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