PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — As frigid temperatures grip the region, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is calling the regulatory delays for the city’s pallet shelter village “unrealistic,” warning that the alternative for the homeless is dangerous. The pallet shelter community on Victor Street, known as Echo Village, remains unopened because it has not yet met fire code requirements, according to Rhode Island Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin. On Thursday, Dec. 12, state officials announced the community won't be operational until early 2025. Advocates and unhoused Rhode Islanders have expressed frustration over what they call “unacceptable delays” in opening the 45 pallet shelters, which were constructed in April. Last month, protesters rallied outside the State House, demanding faster action. Smiley echoed those frustrations, saying the shelters should already be in use as cold conditions worsen. ‘It’s time to listen’: Protesters demand action on homelessness as pallet shelters sit empty “Many of these encampments are in my city, and we’ve had fires, overdose deaths, and incidents of violence,” Smiley said. “The alternative housing options for the folks who would stay in these shelters are unsafe, and the extra protections required by the fire marshal are totally unrealistic and totally unreasonable.” McLaughlin said crews will begin final utility hookups and apply fire-retardant paint in the coming weeks. But Smiley argues these requirements have caused months of delays and driven costs higher than anticipated. Originally budgeted at $3.3 million, the project has already incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional expenses. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW