Council suggests sale of Rhodes School

John Howell
Posted 10/21/14

The Artists’ Exchange, now based in Cranston, may end up getting much more than it bargained for when it was the only bidder for the use of the former Christopher Rhodes School in the Norwood …

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Council suggests sale of Rhodes School

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The Artists’ Exchange, now based in Cranston, may end up getting much more than it bargained for when it was the only bidder for the use of the former Christopher Rhodes School in the Norwood section of the city.

The exchange, owned and operated by Gateways to Change Inc., submitted a one dollar a year offer to rent the former elementary school for 10 years. As part of its bid, it has offered to provide Warwick residents with a host of free and discounted services, in addition to investing substantially in the upgrading of the school. Rhodes was built in 1952 and closed in 2008 as part of a consolidation of elementary schools resulting from declining school enrollment.

On Wednesday, the City Council embraced the concept of the Exchange occupying the building. That was the recommendation of a study committee chaired by former Ward 2 Councilman and City Council President Bruce Place. But as council members Steve Merolla (D-Ward 9) and Ed Ladouceur (D-Ward 5) dug into the details, the concept of the outright sale or a lease-purchase of the property flowered.

Richard Crenca of the city’s planning department outlined city efforts to sell or lease the building for “adult housing” in 2012. The concept was to convert the school into an assisted living facility but there was no response to the city’s request for proposals. With the school department considering closing Aldrich Junior High School next to Rhodes, the city delayed pursuing other options until this spring, when the School Committee elected to conduct additional studies before adopting a long-range plan on consolidation.

The city issued another request for proposals but did not restrict it to housing this time.

“The benefits we [the city] would get are above and beyond what we could get from private development,” Crenca told the council. “The city won’t invest a dollar into this agreement.” Furthermore, he explained, the vacant school has been a constant problem, with vandalism, graffiti and break-ins.

But Merolla had questions. He asked whether the Exchange would pay taxes at the residential or commercial rate; would there be issues with sub-leasing the property; and what would be the city’s obligation and liability for asbestos removal and major repairs or improvements.

Ladouceur raised the question of mold and whether the city would be liable for mold remediation if it was found. He suggested a lease-purchase with the exchange, whereby a percentage of monthly payments would be applied to an agreed upon sales price.

“This is why I love sales; we don’t have liabilities,” said Merolla.

Despite the potential liabilities raised by Merolla and Ladouceur, the proposed use of the school – 90 percent of the building would be used for programs and the remainder used for administration – received the praise of council members.

“I have full confidence in this. I think this is a phenomenal project,” said Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson. Council President Donna Travis said there has been community talk about an arts facility for years and “it’s good that it’s finally coming.”

Ward 4 Councilman Joseph Solomon called it “a great concept” but questioned whether the Exchange could financially take on the costs of upgrading the school and maintaining the property, “Would there be sufficient cash flow to make your dream?”

Catherine Sadlier, Gateways to Change president, said the Exchange operates on a $7 million budget and is paying $6,500 a month to lease facilities in Cranston.

“We could sink all the rent money into renovations,” she said. Solomon was satisfied.

A vote on the lease was postponed to next month.

Elaine McKenna-Yeaw, Director of the Artists' Exchange and Theatre 82 & Café, said that the delay should not alter plans for the Exchange to relocate by next spring.

Sadlier was amenable to the concept of a sale or lease-sale of the building, saying it would need to be vetted by her board.

Reached later in the week, Mayor Scott Avedisian said he would also need to know the details of any proposal before making a commitment.

According to its website, Artists' Exchange is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts collaborative whose mission is to create a special atmosphere in which creativity, learning and discovery converge and individuality is celebrated. Artists' Exchange is home to multiple art studios, a gallery, art boutique and café and a secondary venue, Theatre 82 & Café, a multi-use performance, meeting and instructional space.

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  • Reality

    Another example of the ineptitude of former Councilman Place......Spoke a big game but was all about himself. Place was an empty suit.

    Wednesday, October 22, 2014 Report this

  • allent

    give this away yet propose a $5 million bond to fix roads? wtf!!!!

    Wednesday, October 22, 2014 Report this