NEWS

By John Howell Shortly after the election, Mayor Scott Avedisian suggested to Courtney Marciano, director of communications, they take a ride. He offered no explanation, which had her guessing who they might be visiting or where they might be going. She wasn’t kept in the dark for too long, as they pulled into the short term parking at Green Airport. At the terminal they met Patti Goldstein, vice president of marketing and communications for the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. Goldstein hadn’t been briefed on what exactly the mayor had in mind, but she and Maricano followed as Avedisian took the people mover heading for the rental car garage. As they arrived at the crossing over Post Road, Avedisian sprung the question. What did they think of that location as the venue for his inauguration and that of the City Council and two members of the School Committee? Marciano remembers getting excited about the concept. The possibilities kept occurring, as did the challenges of holding an event expected to attract 350 to 400 people during a period when there are 22 flights in and out of the airport. The inauguration is slated to start at 7 p.m. and run for an hour and a half. “It would be so cool if we could pull this off,” she recalls thinking. Now the die has been cast. Inaugural ceremonies will be held Tuesday, Jan. 3 above Post Road in the Interlink. The location between sections of the moving walkway will have seating for 350, a podium and possibly a riser with seats for the City Council and the School Committee. Avedisian was looking for a location that got people thinking about the city’s future. “It’s a great view,” he said Tuesday. “It’s really symbolic of where the growth is going to be.” He said his remarks that night will be linked to two, three and possibly four significant developments planned for City Centre. The Interlink connecting the terminal with commuter rail service as well as rental car operations runs like a spine through City Centre. And, in fact, following the formal ceremonies attendees are invited for refreshments at the Iron Works Tavern, which is adjacent to the Hilton Gardens Inn and the first development in City Centre. The tavern is directly across Jefferson Boulevard from the Interlink, meaning people will be able to leave their cars parked in the Interlink garage and join the party. Free parking will be available in the garage that is accessible from Fresno Street off Post Road. Marciano feels there couldn’t be a location that better articulates the mayor’s love and vision for the city. “He’s taking the city to new heights. It’s a message of growth; what better place to do it in the center of the city, the center of the state.” Two years ago, Avedisian likewise used his inauguration to direct the spotlight on City Centre and how it is an apex of transportation. The event was held at the Ocean State Theatre Company on Jefferson Boulevard with the mayor arriving by a RIPTA bus. There will be some familiar aspects to this year’s inauguration. As she has done for all of his inaugurals as mayor, retired Justice Haiganush Bedrosian will administer the oath of office to Avedisian. He, in turn, will administer the oath to members of the City Council and the School Committee. The police and fire color guards will participate, as will the Pawtuxet Rangers. The RI Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drum Corps will also participate. Marciano said Gov. Gina Raimondo would give remarks. Following the installation, the City Council will convene for the election of its president, adoption of rules and the appointment of committees. During a caucus following the election, the all-Democratic council-elect named Ward 4 Councilman Joseph Solomon as president. Marciano said Solomon is also expected to address the gathering. City council members taking office are: Richard Corley, Ward 1; Jeremy Rix, Ward 2; Timothy Howe, Ward 3; Joseph Solomon, Ward 4; Ed Ladouceur, Ward 5; Donna Travis, Ward 6; Steve McAllister, Ward 7; Joseph Gallucci, Ward 8 and Steve Merolla, Ward 9. At-large members to the School Committee are Karen Bachus and David Testa. http://warwickonline.com/stories/ceremony,120633