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The Proposal: Mayor Charles Lombardi has proposed a 7% tax increase, significantly exceeding Rhode Island’s state-mandated 4% municipal tax cap.
The "Why": * New Schools: The primary driver is an $8.5 million debt service payment following a voter-approved $125 million bond for all-new elementary schools.
Hospital Revenue Loss: A $3.3 million shortfall caused by the sale and status change of Fatima Hospital.
The "Cap" Hurdle: Because the increase is 7%, the Town Council must seek special authorization from the Rhode Island General Assembly to override the 4% limit.
Mayor’s Defense: Lombardi highlights that the town had no tax increases for 10 of the last 12 years and frames this as a necessary cost for infrastructure the public voted for.

<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Proposal:&nbsp;Mayor Charles Lombardi has proposed a&nbsp;7% tax increase, significantly exceeding Rhode Island&rsquo;s state-mandated&nbsp;4% municipal tax cap.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The "Why":&nbsp;*&nbsp;New Schools:&nbsp;The primary driver is an&nbsp;$8.5 million debt service&nbsp;payment following a voter-approved $125 million bond for all-new elementary schools.</li>
<ul data-path-to-node="5,1,1">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Hospital Revenue Loss:&nbsp;A&nbsp;$3.3 million shortfall&nbsp;caused by the sale and status change of Fatima Hospital.</li>
</ul>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The "Cap" Hurdle:&nbsp;Because the increase is 7%, the Town Council must seek special authorization from the&nbsp;Rhode Island General Assembly&nbsp;to override the 4% limit.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Mayor&rsquo;s Defense:&nbsp;Lombardi highlights that the town had no tax increases for 10 of the last 12 years and frames this as a necessary cost for infrastructure the public voted for.</li>
</ul>

The Dan Yorke Show

The Dan Yorke Show 3pm-6pm on WPRO.

 Mayor Lombardi’s 7% Push for Infrastructure

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The Proposal: Mayor Ken Hopkins proposed a 7.44% tax levy increase for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
The "Why": * Budget Deficit: The city is facing a looming $10 million deficit.
Financial Recovery: Hopkins argues the hike is essential to stabilize city operations and address long-standing financial "missteps."
The Political Clash: * The Cranston City Council unanimously rejected the proposal in late April 2026, calling the 7.4% hike "insulting."
Like North Providence, this increase would require a 4/5ths vote from the council or state legislative intervention to bypass the 4% cap.
Local Impact: For the average single-family homeowner, the proposal would mean a roughly $500 to $700 increase in annual property taxes.

<ul data-path-to-node="10">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Proposal:&nbsp;Mayor Ken Hopkins proposed a&nbsp;7.44% tax levy increase&nbsp;for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The "Why":&nbsp;*&nbsp;Budget Deficit:&nbsp;The city is facing a looming&nbsp;$10 million deficit.</li>
<ul data-path-to-node="10,1,1">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Financial Recovery:&nbsp;Hopkins argues the hike is essential to stabilize city operations and address long-standing financial "missteps."</li>
</ul>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Political Clash:&nbsp;* The Cranston City Council&nbsp;unanimously rejected&nbsp;the proposal in late April 2026, calling the 7.4% hike "insulting."</li>
<ul data-path-to-node="10,2,1">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Like North Providence, this increase would require a&nbsp;4/5ths vote&nbsp;from the council or state legislative intervention to bypass the 4% cap.</li>
</ul>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Local Impact:&nbsp;For the average single-family homeowner, the proposal would mean a roughly&nbsp;$500 to $700 increase&nbsp;in annual property taxes.</li>
</ul>

Breaking the Cap: Mayor Hopkins vs. The Deficit

Guest: Joe Paolino Jr., Former Providence Mayor & Managing Partner of Paolino PropertiesTopic: The Future of Providence Place Mall and Rhode Island’s Political Landscape

Executive SummaryDan Yorke welcomes former Mayor Joe Paolino Jr. to the WPRO studios for a deep dive into the blockbuster $133 million acquisition of the Providence Place Mall. Paolino discusses his vision for transforming the struggling landmark, his thoughts on the current housing crisis, and how the "political ecosystem" in Rhode Island is shifting ahead of the next election cycle.

Key Discussion Points1. The Providence Place Mall Acquisition
The Full Circle Moment: Paolino reflects on his role in the mall’s original development in the 90s and why he felt compelled to step in now.
The Bid Process: Insight into why his group’s $133 million bid was selected by the court-appointed receiver over higher cash offers from out-of-state firms.
A New Vision: * The "long shot" goal of bringing a supermarket (possibly Costco or Wegmans) to downtown.
Focusing on safety and security to restore consumer confidence.
Addressing the departure of major anchors like Macy's and the strategy for new mixed-use elements.

2. Housing Policy & Development
Rent Stabilization: Paolino shares his perspective on recent Providence rent control debates and why he believes production, not regulation, is the answer.
Urban Revitalization: How the mall’s "repositioning" fits into the broader need for downtown housing and infrastructure.

3. The Changing Political Ecosystem
Local Leadership: Assessing Mayor Brett Smiley’s administration and the city's current trajectory.
The Business Climate: Why Paolino believes "local skin in the game" is necessary to combat the influence of national investment firms that don't understand the Rhode Island market.

Guest:&nbsp;Joe Paolino Jr., Former Providence Mayor &amp; Managing Partner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.costar.com/article/1570322833/rhode-island-mall-that-once-hid-artists-apartment-nears-133-million-deal" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwj2yee3gKOUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQGA" data-linkindex="0" data-ogsc="">Paolino Properties</a>Topic:&nbsp;The Future of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/former-providence-mayor-set-buy-providence-place-mall/PAQC4XJNOZD5DG3Y3LLRKDLVWI/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwj2yee3gKOUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQGQ" data-linkindex="1" data-ogsc="">Providence Place Mall</a>&nbsp;and Rhode Island&rsquo;s Political Landscape
<hr data-ogsc="">
Executive SummaryDan Yorke welcomes former Mayor Joe Paolino Jr. to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rinewstoday.com/providence-place-mall-sold-to-partnership-including-paolino-properties/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwj2yee3gKOUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQGg" data-linkindex="2" data-ogsc="">WPRO</a>&nbsp;studios for a deep dive into the blockbuster&nbsp;$133 million acquisition&nbsp;of the Providence Place Mall. Paolino discusses his vision for transforming the struggling landmark, his thoughts on the current housing crisis, and how the "political ecosystem" in Rhode Island is shifting ahead of the next election cycle.
<hr data-ogsc="">
Key Discussion Points1. The Providence Place Mall Acquisition
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Full Circle Moment:&nbsp;Paolino reflects on his role in the mall&rsquo;s original development in the 90s and why he felt compelled to step in now.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Bid Process:&nbsp;Insight into why his group&rsquo;s&nbsp;$133 million bid&nbsp;was selected by the court-appointed receiver over higher cash offers from out-of-state firms.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">A New Vision:&nbsp;* The "long shot" goal of bringing a&nbsp;supermarket&nbsp;(possibly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf7Mc-6-iiA" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwj2yee3gKOUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQGw" data-linkindex="3" data-ogsc="">Costco</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://rinewstoday.com/providence-place-mall-sold-to-partnership-including-paolino-properties/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwj2yee3gKOUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQHA" data-linkindex="4" data-ogsc="">Wegmans</a>) to downtown.</li>
<ul data-path-to-node="8,2,1">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Focusing on safety and security to restore consumer confidence.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Addressing the departure of major anchors like Macy's and the strategy for new mixed-use elements.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
2. Housing Policy &amp; Development
<ul data-path-to-node="10">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Rent Stabilization:&nbsp;Paolino shares his perspective on recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/1sz2eqk/joe_paolino_development_group_picked_to_buy/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwj2yee3gKOUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQHQ" data-linkindex="5" data-ogsc="">Providence rent control</a>&nbsp;debates and why he believes production, not regulation, is the answer.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Urban Revitalization:&nbsp;How the mall&rsquo;s "repositioning" fits into the broader need for downtown housing and infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
3. The Changing Political Ecosystem
<ul data-path-to-node="12">
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">Local Leadership:&nbsp;Assessing Mayor Brett Smiley&rsquo;s administration and the city's current trajectory.</li>
<li data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">The Business Climate:&nbsp;Why Paolino believes "local skin in the game" is necessary to combat the influence of national investment firms that don't understand the Rhode Island market.</li>
</ul>

IN STUDIO: Joe Paolino on Providence Place Mall, Housing Policy and a Changing Political Enviorment

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Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) shares insights into the legislative process behind the Providence Rent Stabilization Act. As a key voice in the council discussions, Roais touches on the months of public testimony and the amendments intended to balance tenant protection with landlord sustainability.

Councilor <a href="https://council.providenceri.gov/2026/03/26/committee-advances-rent-stabilization-with-positive-recommendation/" data-hveid="6">Justin Roias</a> (Ward 4) shares insights into the legislative process behind the Providence Rent Stabilization Act. As a key voice in the council discussions, Roais touches on the months of public testimony and the amendments intended to balance tenant protection with landlord sustainability.

Mayor Lombardi’s 7% Push for Infrastructure

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