Hotel Hive project on hold; developer may seek deadline extension
THE HOTEL HIVE project slated for two vacant properties on Westminster Street is on hold due to the pandemic, with the developer considering asking for an extension on deadlines in agreements with the city. / COURTESY ABDO DEVELOPMENT PROVIDENCE – A controversial tax deal inked between the city and a hotel developer may need to be revised due to the pandemic. Jim Abdo, the D.C.-based developer behind the $39 million Hotel Hive Providence project, told Providence Business News on Monday that COVID-19 has stalled plans for the combined hotel, microloft and cowork space…
Wage requirements in Providence TSA proposal pit developers against unions
Updated at 4:59 p.m.
A PROPOSAL to require developers who receive city tax breaks to abide by state prevailing wage laws has stirred controversy between developers and union representatives. Lack of wage standards was a source of criticism for the Tax Stabilization Agreement for the Hotel Hive project slated for the former Providence Journal building, pictured above. / COURTESY ABDO DEVELOPMENT PROVIDENCE – A proposal to add wage and labor requirements for developers whose projects receive property tax breaks in the city has fanned flames of longstanding disagreements between developers and union representatives. At issue is how much the city can and should set requirements on developers whose projects are awarded tax stabilization agreements, and whether…