Providence Journal 2/02/08

Business Roundup

01:00 AM EST on Saturday, February 2, 2008
Compiled by The Journal’s suburban and business staffs
Cullion Concrete buyout resolution OK’d

CRANSTON — The City Council has approved a resolution backing the proposed $1.9-million buyout of the controversial, half-built Cullion Concrete Corp. batching plant in the Eden Park neighborhood. The 6-to-3 vote, although nonbinding, provided critical political support for a deal that appeared tenuous in recent weeks. “I’m happy that they’re moving forward to resolve this matter,” said Mayor Michael T. Napolitano, who urged the council to back the resolution in a series of emotional appeals. Napolitano, a Democrat, announced his tentative settlement last month, winning plaudits from neighbors who worried about the potential for traffic, noise and pollution should the plant be completed. But several council members said they still had questions about the settlement that they would like answered before they sign off on financing for the deal.