Aponte Issues Statement Regarding Relocation of Blue Cross Employees

Providence City Council President Luis Aponte issued the following statement in response to news that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island intends to relocate employees to East Providence:

«I am extremely disappointed in this news and will seek an immediate meeting with the president of Blue Cross Blue Shield to discuss the company’s recent decision to deplete employees from its downtown Providence campus. The City provided to Blue Cross an attractive Tax Stabilization Agreement (TSA) based on the understanding that the company would be a highly active participant in the City, make improvements to the building, and maintain a significant employee base that would contribute to the vibrancy of the City by eating in its restaurants and shopping in its stores. The City did not enter into this sort of a generous TSA only to have Blue Cross slowly but surely become a glorified landlord. It would appear as though they have broached the spirit of the Agreement, if not the actual legality of it, and this is deserving of the Council’s immediate attention.»