PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The capital city has reached a tentative agreement with Skyline at Waterplace in a months-long eviction dispute, 12 News has learned.

Josh Estrella, a spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley, confirmed to 12 News that the Providence Committee on Claims and Pending Suits will take up the proposed settlement on Monday.

Skyline and the capital city have been embroiled in a legal battle since April 2023 when the venue’s owners were accused of violating their lease agreement by not keeping the property in good condition.

The city warned that if the venue didn’t address the supposed violations, it would demand Skyline pay back nearly four years worth of rent, which was abated throughout the pandemic due to financial hardships.

The capital city was given the greenlight last November to evict Skyline for missing several key deadlines throughout the legal proceedings. Skyline at Waterplace quickly appealed the decision, which allowed the venue to remain in the space for the time being.

Skyline attempted to transfer its lease to East Greenwich-based Ithaka, LLC earlier this year, but the Providence Board of Park Commissioners refused to allow it citing financial concerns.

It’s unclear exactly what the proposed settlement entails, other than that it is connected to the eviction case.

In a statement to 12 News, Skyline’s lawyer Michael Lepizzera acknowledged that it is in their best interest to mutually resolve the ongoing dispute.

“I anticipate that neither party will be completely satisfied if the claims committee approves the proposed settlement,” he wrote. “But the settlement will achieve complete finality for Skyline and the city.”

Estrella said the settlement was in the works long before the decomposing body of a former employee was discovered inside the venue last week. Police said the man was living there at the time of his death, but Skyline later claimed that he was sick and resided with his family.

Alexandra Leslie contributed to this report.

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