Rhode Island RealEstateRama

On Monday, April 6, 2015, the State of Rhode Island received notification that Kent County was awarded a Non-Stafford Act Administrative Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist the victims of the Westgate Condominium fire that destroyed 38 apartments and displaced 56 people on March 11, 2015.

The Office of Revenue Analysis released its report on the state 5% hotel tax. The report looks at the collection and disbursement of the state's 5% hotel tax which is levied on the rental of lodging for less than 30 consecutive days at the state's hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that all the individuals involved in a violent home invasion in July 2014 on Forsyth Street in Providence that left two individuals injured have pleaded to their roles.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that 25 Rhode Island communities will receive a total of $3,292,642 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Public Housing Operating Fund. The money will be used to support the operation, upkeep, and management of public housing facilities across the state

"Helping students build the skills they need to succeed in a 21st century economy is one of the best investments we can make. It's investing directly in people to give them a ladder of opportunity, and it's also an economic driver for our state. My jobs budget will invest in each rung of the ladder - our schools, college affordability, and workforce training for adults." - Governor Gina M. Raimondo

Issued Advisory Opinion 2015-8 to Robert R. Moreau, a member of the Woonsocket City Council, opining that he may represent himself before the Woonsocket Board of Tax Review in order to appeal the tangible property tax assessed against a business that he owns, based upon a finding of hardship in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws § 36-14-5(e).

Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence) has submitted legislation that would give homeless veterans an edge when seeking public housing assistance. The bill would give veterans a priority for housing rental subsidy and housing retention assistance by amending the Rhode Island Housing Resource Act.

Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), elected officials, and community leaders to celebrate innovative work accomplished by four Ocean State communities to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in municipal and residential buildings. The communities -- East Greenwich, North Providence, South Kingstown, and Warwick – received a $497,492 EPA grant in 2010 to establish and implement climate change initiatives.

In an effort to ensure that Rhode Islanders with disabilities and special needs have access to affordable rental housing and supportive services, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Rhode Island Housing will receive a federal boost of over $5.6 million.

Governor Gina M. Raimondo today signed an executive order strengthening municipalities for future growth and success. This order will help cities and towns reduce costs and property taxes, helping Rhode Island families and encouraging businesses to grow jobs

After receiving an alarming phone call from an individual who was almost victim to a home invasion perpetrated by a person claiming to be from National Grid stating they needed access to her home to check the meter, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and National Grid are warning all Rhode Islanders to be sure to verify the identity of anyone who tries to gain access to their home.

As the nation prepares to honor veterans and servicemembers during this Memorial Day weekend, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has introduced legislation to help keep military families in their homes by protecting them against foreclosure following active duty. The Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2014 (S. 2404) would ensure that troops who serve active duty are protected against losing their home for one year following the completion of their service in the field

The Department of Environmental Management's Office of Compliance and Inspection has issued an Expedited Citation Notice (Notice) to 29 property owners who are in violation of requirements under the Rhode Island Cesspool Act of 2007. The Act applies to cesspools located within 200 feet of the coastline of tidal waters, within 200 feet of public wells throughout the state, and within 200 feet of the shoreline of surface drinking water reservoirs with an intake to the water supply. As of January 1, 2014, the use of all cesspools located within these 200 foot zones is prohibited. Those cesspools must be abandoned and the building upgraded with a new onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) or connected to available municipal sewer lines.

The Rhode Island Film & TV Office announced today that East Greenwich filmmaker Chad A. Verdi's Woodhaven Production Company and Screen Media Films have joined forces to make ten motion pictures, beginning with the thriller Almost Mercy. Each feature film will have a Worldwide video on demand release through Universal that will reach over 100 million homes

In an effort to ensure that the quasi-government agency Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation continues to meet Rhode Island's housing needs in the best manner possible, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today new appointments to its Board of Commissioners.