Warwick is open for business

To the Editor:

In the past two weeks there has been a lot of exciting news regarding Warwick’s growing reputation as a great home for businesses. A January 11 Beacon article highlighted the rebirth of Rhode Island Mall. The space that has held far too many vacant retail spaces in recent years will now host a number of new businesses. Planet Fitness and Burlington have already opened their doors. Soon we'll see Dick’s Sporting Goods, Raymour & Flanigan, At Home and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse also adding new life to the area. The city’s Planning Department should be commended for their work in helping to make this a vibrant retail center once again. 

Tesla is moving forward with their plans to open a store in Warwick. Having a cutting edge electric car manufacturer like Tesla choosing our city as their first location in Rhode Island is another feather in the city’s cap. We've recently learned that Ikea is considering coming to the Route 2 area of Warwick. This would be another signature win for the city and taxpayers. 

The growing list of businesses in the city will bring in additional tax revenue and provide a number of opportunities to improve our community. New tax revenue from these businesses can be used to help strengthen our city services without having to raise taxes. We can use added revenue to invest additional funds into our schools, infrastructure, and city departments. 

Let’s continue to build on the positive news of the last few weeks and spread the word that Warwick is open for business!

Steve McAllister

City Council Ward 7