Community Corner

Ocean State Job Lot Improvements Underway

The store struck a deal with the town to avoid paying taxes on improvements. Have they finished the improvements promised for 2012?

 

Late last year, the owners of Ocean State Job Lot requested a tax abatement on cosmetic improvements made to their parking lot and building. The abatement on the improvements will last through 2016 and could amount to "no more than $3,000"

The request was an easy yes for a town that has been asking the store to clean up its lot for years but residents who attend to the general care and maintenance of their own property and promptly pay taxes on improvements may come to resent the place even more.

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One Patch user wrote, "Make OSJL pay their own way or leave. It really is just that simple.. If they were to bulldoze that complex and leave a gravel lot, it would be an IMPROVEMENT over what it is now."

Patch took a look at their progress thus far. OSJL erected a new sign at the entrance of the lot and new lighting in the parking lot, as promised but those were supposed to be done by the end of 2012. And, we did note that they did fill in the holes in the parking lot although it was not striped, as promised. Nor were the planters updated.

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But according to some, any improvement to that property is worth the time and money to the town.

One Patch user wrote, "This IS a start and yes, in other towns their stores do look much better. This one will, and beginning improvements is a place to start."

Here is the schedule of the planned improvements as submitted by OSJL:

Phase One, 2012

Paint and repair pylon

Enclose with field stone wall

New tenant panels

New OSJL panel

Repair, seal and stripe parking lot

Remove small store walkway

Upgrade planters

Remove mildew and paint back of center

New parking lot lighting

Phase Two, 2013

New OSJL canopy

New OSJL fascia sign

Add face cap to columns

Add panels to store front

Repaint building

Clean and resurface sidewalks

Remove paving in future out parcel

Seed and plant

Phase Three, 2014

New canopy on former supermarket and shops

Repave loading area as needed


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