Place and Environment Commons^™

In Economic Terms People Count!, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The economic picture for Rhode Island is looking brighter. Recent forecasts by Manpower, Inc. and the New England Economic Project (NEEP) paint a positive picture in the short-term future, reflecting on favorable signs evident in the slow recovery of the economy being experienced throughout the region."

Providence's Unending Quest For Cash, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The mayor of Providence has a big problem. How can he balance a budget that addresses the needs of an increasingly large number of people, yet deal with a declining tax base that is less able to pay for theses extra services?"

Smaller Homes May Spark Recovery, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"On the surface, it looks good: The stock market has recently broken through the 3200 level, the Federal Reserve Board has cut the discount lending rate by half over the past year to a 27-year-low of 3.5 percent, the average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage has reached an 18-year low, and the housing affordability index has reached its highest level in 17 years. So why is housing still in the doldrums?"

Some Thoughts On Regionalization, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"New Englanders pride themselves on their self-reliance, their fortitude, their independance and, some would say, their obstinacy. Generally good qualities, but they come at a price: not cooperating with others around you. And this has been a tradition in this part of the country since its founding.

But now the 39 cities and towns are faced with severe cutbacks in funding from federal and state sources, and major questions are being raised by taxpayers who are expressing their anger by voting to reduce all types of programs, especially the biggest expense in most communities--the schools."

Housing Problems Grow More Acute For The Poor, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"One in seven people live below the poverty level in this rich country, and the result of this inexcusable condition is that housing is the principal problem for these more than 32 million people.

Nearly two of every three poor people rent their housing, and while home owners are experiencing increased equity because of increasing house values, low-income renters are having to pay higher rents with fewer dollars."

Invisible Industry, Visible Rewards, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The week of May 17 to May 23 appeared to be an ordinary one, but it was singled out at the national level as National Tourism Week and, in the state, as Rhode Island Tourism Week, in case you did not know, and it was recognized by both the governor and by the mayor of Providence at recent luncheons. Well, ho-hum, another of the many proclamations and paper awards that so often come out of these offices that few give them much attention. But this one should cause Rhode Islanders to sit up and take notice."

Meet A Leader In Urban Renovation, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"This city of 35,000 residents in a small, rural county of Piedmont in north-central South Carolina has become a leader in urban innovation--innovations that have been implemented and are now starting to pay off."

Ways To Offset High Interest, Rising Cost Of Housing, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Little noted by the general public, the recent decision by the Federal Reserve Board to make credit more costly and less easily available is having a marked impact on that same public, especially in the area of housing."

Waste, Abuse Assure Changes In Section 8 Housing, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The series of articles and subsequent editorials on the Section 8 program that appeared in these papers have drawn several angry responses to the editor from residents of this government-assisted housing. Typical is the following: 'When something worthwhile is being done for the handicapped and elderly in Rhode Island, why do you do your best to kill it?...If the Section 8 program is hurt in any way because of your articles, you can sit back and laugh while 1,700 future applicants for housing are crying.'"

Questions Raised On Railroad Location, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"A second public hearing on the proposed relocation of the railroad station and tracks in Providence was held on October 25 in state capitol. Approximately 40 people were in attendance: most of whom were from Providence; most of whom raised substantive questions about the proposed relocation; and most of whom were opposed to it."

Despite The Heartaches, Urban Renewal Deserves High Marks, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"The term "urban renewal" draws a mixed reaction. For some, it has meant relocated families, destroyed neighborhoods and heartache, even years after the fact. For others it has meant new construction, new jobs, increased taxes, reconstructed neighborhoods and visible signs of process."

Would A Westerly Mall Benefit The Entire Town?, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"It is the largest urban center in southwestern Rhode Island but, in reality, it is just a small town with a population approaching 20,000. A good example of small-town America, it is an attractive community and one in which residents take a good deal of pride."

Make The Full Investment In Downtown Renewal, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"Just how much money is the city of Providence willing to invest in revitalizing its downtown? The answer to this question is soon to be given when the City Council acts on the recommendations of the Committee on Urban Redevelopment headed by Councilman Ralph R. Fargnoli. the committee voted Wednesday in favor of a $6-million downtown renewal project."

Revitalization, Chester Smolski

Smolski Texts

"When he was campaigning for election to the presidency of this country, Abraham Lincoln made a rash promise. Detailing his ideas on giving freedom to black slaves to an unsympathetic audience, Lincoln was confronted by a white heckler from the rear who shouted, "Yes, but what are you going to do for me?"