This is the news from Cranston Citizens for Responsible Zoning and Development:
If we thought we had the market cornered on spineless leadership here in Cranston, it’s time to think again. On Monday, April 9, the RI DEM granted an “Insignificant Alteration” Permit to Cullion Concrete, clearing the way for them to continue erecting a concrete plant on wetlands near the confluence of the Pawtuxet and Pocassett Rivers. Evidently, DEM considers a concrete plant and accompanying trucks, caustic truck wash, and carcinogenic silica dust a trifling disturbance to a documented wetland area. Tell that to home owners who have waited months or even years for DEM to determine whether their shed or garage plans interfered in any way with a seasonal run-off or standing water puddle.
When DEM Director Dr. Michael Sullivan showed up at our last public meeting on March 22 at the Central Library, we thought he had come to listen to what residents had to say. We know now that his visit was a scouting trip to test the political climate in Cranston, and the hundred or so concerned residents who packed the room were not a big enough crowd to impress the DEM. Cullion won. We lost.
And what about the “home team” here in Cranston? In the interim between November 20, 2006, and April 9, 2007, when Cullion had no DEM permit and therefore no legal basis for a Cranston permit, did the new leadership step forward and exercise its legal authority to revoke the invalid permit? Evidently, they were too busy with other matters. Well, it seems that the Cullion attorneys were also busy during that time, busy preparing and perfecting a new DEM permit while they stalled the City with fancy footwork and Legal shenanigans. The result was a bungled opportunity by the City and a new lease on life for the concrete plant. As it stands now, Cullion has its DEM permit as well as its Cranston permit while our mayor and council wring their hands and assure Eden Park/Garden City residents that the City is doing its best. Unfortunately, the City’s “best” is looking a lot like “second best” these days, and residents are now hoping for a miracle. And assuredly, unless that miracle happens before the next election, the mayor and council had better hope for a miracle of their own.
Keep those letters, faxes, and phone calls coming. We’ve got to let our elected officials know just how upset we are. Also, take a look at our new billboard just outside CLCF (By the way, why haven’t we heard from CLCF? The silica dust will fall in their back yard too.) This is the first board in our new outdoor advertising campaign. Others will follow.
Set aside an hour of your time on this date: Monday evening April 23rd. Details to follow.
Frank Mattiucci, President
CCRZD
Kmareka.com 
Unbelievable.
Except, it’s not. Given the level of cronyism in this state, it makes perfect sense.
I agree with Klaus. It is unbelievable – except it’s not. There has been a good deal of speculation that DEM would approve the permit because having a more conveniently located concrete facility would fit well with the state’s road construction programs. There were even rumors about political interest/intervention in the process from surprising sources. None of this, at least to me is verifiable, but it certainly has more credence than it did last week.
But the ball, as it’s always been, is still in the city’s court. There is still the appeal to the ZBR that has to be heard and resolved. There is still litigation in the works that needs to be brought to some conclusion.
In the end, this comes down to a simple question – do the city officials have the courage and integrity to do what they promised the citizens that they would do?
Well they certainly didn’t have the courage and integrity to do anything for the Flooding victims what makes you think this will be any different?