Providence legislators support unionization of Atlantic Mills commercial tenants

"We stand with the commercial tenants of Atlantic Mills in their efforts to organize and safeguard this community resource during the current ownership transition and beyond."

From a Rhode Island General Assembly press release:

Providence lawmakers expressed their support for the newly formed Atlantic Mills Tenant Union, the first commercial tenant union in Rhode Island.

Representatives Edith Ajello (Democrat, District 1), Rebecca Kislak (Democrat, District 5), David Morales (Democrat, District 7), and Enrique Sanchez (Democrat, District 9) and Senator Tiara Mack (Democrat, District 6) announced their support in a joint statement.

“Atlantic Mills has been a vital hub for artists and small businesses across Providence for decades. It provides essential studio and rehearsal spaces at affordable rates to creatives and entrepreneurs increasingly at risk of being priced out of Providence, our Creative Capital. We stand with the commercial tenants of Atlantic Mills in their efforts to organize and safeguard this community resource during the current ownership transition and beyond. Like the members of the Atlantic Mills Tenant Union, we believe that the Atlantic Mills property should continue to serve our community, which means that the thriving businesses and artists currently residing there should not be priced out or disrupted. We are committed to supporting the Atlantic Mills Tenant Union and look forward to working with the new owners and the city of Providence to preserve this cornerstone of Olneyville and the greater Providence community for generations to come.”

Built in 1852 to manufacture wool muslin, Atlantic Mills is a group of buildings that have housed studio spaces, small businesses, and community organizations since the mills stopped operating in 1953. On weekends, they host the Big Top Flea Market, Providence’s oldest flea market.

The sale of the Atlantic Mills property from its long-time owners to a New York-based developer is pending.