I was surprised and disappointed to read the opinion of our paper that the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) is the wrong entity for spending RDA money to purchase tables/chairs etc. to help downtown businesses expand business opportunities based on input from our city planner. The reason given was that “purchasing furniture to help businesses grow using RDA money can lead to costly audits and limit outside money coming into Warren”.

On April 21, the Times Observer reported of the City Council meeting, where the same city planner said the city-owned tables and chairs — specifically along Second Avenue — have been popular… but that the city isn’t in a position to purchase more. The planner continued by saying that (tables and chairs) would increase seating opportunities for patrons. “Mayor (Maurice) Cashman called the expanded tables and chairs an economic development issues and a “win-win situation for both sides.” Councilman John Wortman, speaking in support of the ordinance, emphasized that the city has an obligation to do whatever it can to grow businesses.

During the April 21’s RDA meeting it was reported that the RDA had around $300,000 cash on hand, while the funds needed for tables/chairs would come to possibly $25 to 30,000, (approximate cost), exactly what the planner and Council wanted.

The Times Observer may have spoken prematurely as according to the City Solicitor, Andrea Stapleford, the purchase of tables and chairs is a legally acceptable expense of the RDA.

According to Lawyer Stapleford: “Powers granted to the RDA by the Urban Redevelopment Law would seem to make this purchase acceptable. Section 1709(h) of the Law provides that redevelopment authorities have the power, among other things, to ‘assemble, purchase, obtain options upon, acquire by gift, grant, bequest, devise or otherwise any real or personal property or any interest therein from any person, firm, corporation municipality or government ….’ (35 P.S., 1709(h)) Generally speaking, it would seem as if this provision in the Law would permit the RDA to purchase outdoor furniture.”

In my opinion, let’s not let bureaucracy get in the way of revitalizing our downtown businesses as businesses are struggling to recover from the pandemic.

Now more than ever, it is imperative we take care of our local businesses before we do anything else. If the RDA can fund purchasing tables and chairs to regenerate our downtown and help our local businesses — to do exactly what the planner and City Council wants … how is it a bad idea?

RDA has the money and Lawyer Stapleford believes it is a legal expense.

So, let us all put our shoulders to the wheel and make progress happen.

Wendy McCain is a Warren resident and RDA member.