By WPRO News and The Associated Press
Providence officials have approved a zoning change that will allow a proposed 46-story skyscraper in the city.
The City Council voted Tuesday to approve the variance that raises the maximum building height at Parcel 42 to 600 feet for New York developer Jason Fane’s proposed Hope Point Tower. If built, it would be the tallest building in the state.
The measure will now go to Mayor Jorge Elorza for approval.
The Democrat says he won’t sign the change unless the city has final approval of the tower’s design and Fane contributes a feature benefiting the public.
Elorza has threatened to veto the measure unless Fane meets the requests. Asked on Wednesday about the Council’s vote, he reiterated his conditions.
“The design is important to me. If this is going to reshape our skyline, then the city should be able to approve what goes forward and what doesn’t,” he said.
Elorza said he has not spoken with the developer following the vote, but expects to hear from them soon and that “the ball is in their court” when it comes to when they’ll talk next.
Opponents say the project undercuts Providence’s zoning plan and luxury apartments ignore the city’s need for affordable housing.
