To the Editor:
Brown’s decision to potentially sell several properties in response to the current budget crisis is understandable, but it deserves careful scrutiny for its possible long-term impact. Take 172 Cushing St., for example. It’s a spacious rental property situated across from Pembroke Field. In 2023, Brown attempted to acquire the section of Cushing Street between Hope and Brook streets from the City of Providence, only for the City Council to vote against the provision from the Memorandum of Agreement at the last moment. The purchase would have provided an opportunity for more green space on campus. If Brown sells 172 Cushing St., it will not be able to acquire the section of Cushing Street in question, since the city requires the University to own all surrounding properties to acquire a public street. The University needs to think carefully about any such trade off.
Peter Mackie ’59
