Advocacy

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. A bill now moving in the Senate, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S. 5653), would effectively kill Section 106, the provision that gives communities a voice when governmental decisions threaten the places that matter to them. The bill covers many kinds of permitting, and we’re not weighing in on all of it. But its historic preservation provisions deserve our full attenti

September 28, 2026 Jaime Loichinger Director of the Office of Federal Agency Programs Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Re: Comments on the Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle Dear Ms. Loichinger, Preserve Rhode Island (Preserve RI) serves as the statewide advocate for historic preservation for the state of Rhode Island. When advocacy is needed beyond the borders of our state that affect Rhode Islanders, we feel that it is our duty to respond. Regarding the prop

Demolition of 108-110 Waterman Street Brook Street: Since August of 2025, the impending demolition of four homes at 277, 281-283, 287 and 291 Brook Street, owned by Brown University, has been in limbo and stands a chance to be added to Brown’s list of demolitions on the East Side. Providence Preservation Society (PPS), the Black Heritage Society of Rhode Island, and concerned neighbors have spearheaded advocacy efforts to work with Brown University and avoid demolition. These