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kbd77 t1_jdmwhxx wrote

Reply to comment by FunLife64 in Providence Place Mall in Flux — Another Store Closing, New Restaurant Coming, and More Changes by L0v3_1s_War

I’d argue it isn’t “economic development” if the mall is self-contained and only houses big chains. If anything, that’s taking away business from the smaller shops downtown. Nothing has been built around the mall in the almost 30 years it’s been open. That whole area surrounding the train station is rife for development, but the last buildings to be built went up 15 years ago – 2 office buildings (GTECH and Blue Cross) and 3 residential towers (2 at Waterplace, the other adjacent to the Omni).

If the mall is going to continue taking up valuable real estate and only providing a place for non-residents to easily access right off the highway, park their cars in the garage, and then go right back home without setting foot outside in the city, what’s the point of giving them tax breaks?

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FunLife64 t1_jdmzw3u wrote

The lack of chains (particularly restaurants) in PVD is very diff than most cities. Would one build a mall like this in 2023? No. But it does bring people and activity to PVD - you can complain about those people but many of them are going to restaurants outside of the mall, etc. Also, walk down Westminster after 5-6 pm and none of those stores are even open. There’s been chatter about converting parts of the mall into residences, for example, which I think is interesting.

The land around the mall is developed. The Jewelry District/195 plots have been sitting vacant for sale for years.

Yet there’s still people complaining about those lots getting developed. One company was trying to build their HQ in one plot by the Shell station/Trader Joes - right off of interstate exits. And residents complained it would bring too much traffic. Yes, let’s run businesses out of PVD because of…traffic.

I wouldn’t say “growth mindset” is Providence’s forte. 🙃

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Vo_Mimbre t1_jdmy256 wrote

How much would the lack of real estate tax be offset by sales tax on store purchases?

I have no idea what revenue the place generates, but am curious if the City calculates things like that.

Also glad to see more experiences coming like Level 99. Fashion and shopping alone can’t keep Malls going like they used to in the 80s/90s.

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kbd77 t1_jdmzjah wrote

A valid question, and I have no idea what the answer is. But that sales tax goes to the state, not the city, right? So it’s not like we directly benefit from it (unless I’m totally off-base there).

Agree about the mall pivoting to offer more “experiences” – the new Night Shift thing should be cool. Would love to see more food hall-style things, arcades, or event spaces, as opposed to a litany of redundant retailers.

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Vo_Mimbre t1_jdn4eo9 wrote

Great point about state tax vs city. Hadn’t thought of that. Love the idea of the Mall returning to a place to just “be” and to shop.

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UnicornShitShoveler t1_jdoj6qm wrote

Make a section of the mall into little store fronts. Allow people to try and establish and grow a small business. Make a section for food, apparel, tech, hobbies whatever. Allow them access to a POS system, shelving, equipment etc. Have a website community where the employees of these establishments can seamlessly move to a new vendor to keep it fresh and learn a new business or gather new clients. I feel like we need some fresh ideas for commerce in this state.

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