
Current and former elected officials in Providence, Rhode Island are divided over whether the Superman building redevelopment project should receive additional taxpayer support as costs rise. The project, which was initially estimated at $220 million, has seen its costs increase since its announcement a year ago, with developer High Rock meeting with state and local leaders to discuss funding alternatives. While the project is already set to receive $65 million in federal, state, and city funding, as well as a $29 million tax break, the possibility of requiring more public funding has led to conflicting opinions. While former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino supports renovating the vacant skyscraper using taxpayer funds, State Sen. Sam Bell argues that the project does not make sense and that state leaders should reconsider the deal.