Grant Money Has More Urgent Use (This ran in Projo - May 20, 2005)

In the May 6 article, "Council slashes funding to Trinity Rep, PPAC, " I was (rightfully) quoted as believing that Community Development Block Grant money should be used as it is intended: to serve populations of low and moderate income. That CDBG money be spent wisely is of particular import today, as Providence's allotment has fallen by about 15 percent since George Bush took office, with sharper cuts expected next year.

PPAC and Trinity Rep serve critical roles in our community, as does arts programming in general. But the Journal omitted some crucial information from its discussion of this year's CDBG allocation. The "slashed" funds are designated for infrastructure, as opposed to services. In particular, PPAC had requested funding to upgrade its doors from steel to golden in appearance. Yes, as we cut funding for schools and community organizations, PPAC was initially recommended to receive $100,000 to gild its doors. I, for one, am confident that the funds that would have gone to that project will be better spent in our parks, and by organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs and the city's communit centers.

David A. Segal
Providence

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