Johnston mayor plans to seize land for public safety complex

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. plans to seize 31 acres of land intended for a 252-unit affordable housing project, using eminent domain to build a new public safety municipal complex. Polisena Jr. argues that the current police, fire, and town hall facilities are in disrepair and unsafe, lacking basic amenities such as a fire alarm system and hot water. Despite the project's alignment with Rhode Island's housing crisis initiatives, Polisena Jr. has been a vocal opponent, citing potential traffic issues and an influx of residents as concerns. The mayor's proposal represents a significant challenge to state laws aimed at increasing affordable housing, which restrict towns from blocking such projects if less than 10% of their homes are affordable, a threshold Johnston has not met. The Town Council is expected to support the mayor's proposal, with a vote scheduled during a special meeting. This move has sparked controversy as it counters significant state efforts to address affordable housing shortages.