Should Cesar Chavez Be Exiled from Davis Park? I Say “Yes.”

by Bob McMahon

He stands calmly with a reassuring smile near the entrance to Davis Park, seemingly waving to the cars going by on Chalkstone Avenue, across from Nathaniel Greene Middle School. There’s no sign indicating that this bronze statue is a statue of Cesar Chavez. It is [...]

Tallying Up Local Colleges and Universities’ Contributions to Providence

by Jonathan Howard, Bob McMahon

Providence is home to numerous colleges, universities, and hospitals that provide significant value to the city. However, unlike residents and businesses, these institutions pay no property taxes due to their nonprofit status. In lieu of these institutions not paying property tax, how is the value [...]

We Can’t Succumb to Numbness After the Brown Shooting. We Must Act.

by Bob McMahon

The Sandy Hook massacre in 2012 – which claimed the lives of 26 people, including 20 children – shocked us all. In its wake, I remember my wife telling me that “this tragedy will finally result in sensible gun control laws.” But mass shootings over [...]

Seven Things to Know About the Proposed Providence City Budget and Tax Changes

by Bob McMahon

As the early summer days slip from June into July, there is some certainty in Providence life.  The weather forecast will start using the phrase “heat wave,” frozen lemonade will be sold by the cup, and the first quarter City of Providence tax bills will [...]

Providence is Strapped for Cash. Are Tax-Exempt Institutions Doing Enough to Help?

by Bob McMahon

Nearly half of Providence’s tax base (44%) is tax exempt. This fact requires that the 56% who pay taxes as existing property owners bear the burden anytime the city faces fiscal problems. Next year, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley wants to increase city property taxes on [...]

Stormwater Runoff Now Getting City and Resident Focus

by Bob McMahon

This year, it has rained 55 inches in Providence so far, and with the projected rainfall in the remainder of December, the accumulated rainfall will equal 2023’s 58 inches.  Normal annual rainfall in Providence used to be 44 inches.  As more and more storms deliver [...]

Providence Water:  Below and Above Ground

by Bob McMahon

While Providence is known as the City of Seven Hills, it’s important to recognize that it is also a City of Seven Rivers.  Protecting those rivers and Narragansett Bay is tough in this era of drastically increasing storms and rainfall.  These numbers tell the story [...]