West End neighbors protest Governor McKee over his mishandling of Cranston Street Armory revitalization

"I am personally concerned about retribution [from Governor McKee] against [whistleblowers like] Scout that speak out against racism and sexism."

Over two dozen people carried signs outside the Asa Messer Elementary School on Broadway in Providence to demonstrate their support for the revitalization of the Cranston Street Armory by Scout Developers. Governor Danial McKee was scheduled to arrive at the school with Education Department officials to celebrate books and reading. It is unclear whether he arrived or not.

"We've been advocating to save the iconic, historic Cranston Street Armory for three decades or more," said Rebecca Atwood, President of the Board of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA). Atwood was careful to say that the protest was made up of allied community members, and not necessarily representative of any official position the WBNA may hold. "The Scout proposal to redevelop the Armory is based on an RFP [Request for Proposals] that the state developed a few years ago through a really great, inclusive, community-oriented process where community stakeholders were able to help the state carve out a vision for the Armory."

Rebecca Atwood, holding “THE”

After a national call or proposals, Scout Development submitted the winning plan. "Under the Scout proposal the state would retain ownership of the Armory and have all sorts of cool things inside, including community uses like an indoor soccer field and State offices," said Atwood. Currently, the state spends "a ton of money in rent for state offices,” she added.

"The project is projected to be cash flow positive by year six," said Atwood, adding that Channel 12 reports that keeping the Armory empty incurs millions in upkeep costs.

The issue blew up recently when it was revealed that two high ranking members of the Administration of Governor Daniel McKee, James Thorsen, director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA), and David Patten, head of a properties division at DOA, traveled to Philadelphia to tour a Scout project there and allegedly engaged in racist, sexist and unprofessional behavior, as well as extorting lavish meals and free gifts from their hosts.

The McKee Administration revealed the contents of the letter to Channel 12 and The Boston Globe only after weeks of stalling and only under order from the Rhode Island Attorney General's office. The State Police are investigating the incident, but the Attorney General was unaware of the investigation.

Before the story made national news and Rhode Island was embarrassed nationally by the behavior of McKee officials, Thorsen left his position for a job in the federal government. Patten was let go yesterday after a public outcry.

See also: Richard Asinof: Could Gov. Dan McKee face impeachment for condoning alleged corrupt behavior by high-ranking officials in his administration

"A lot of people in this neighborhood feel this project would be a real win for all the taxpayers of Rhode Island, as well as a wonderful neighborhood project that would attract positive regional and national attention," said Atwood

"Due to the actions of Thorsen and Patten, it looks like the Scout deal might be in trouble," I suggested.

"That's why we're here," said Atwood.

"Do you think the Governor might be trying to scuttle this deal?" I asked.

"We are very concerned because it seems that way," said Atwood, choosing her words carefully. "I am personally concerned about retribution [from Governor McKee] against [whistleblowers like] Scout that speak out against racism and sexism. And if this project gets kills as punishment for whistle blowing, that's a huge problem. It would be a terrible precedent that we should not stand for."