WARWICK, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) says his office is examining the legalities of seizing by eminent domain the site of a 2003 nightclub fire where 100 people were killed so a memorial can be built there.
Chafee said Tuesday the state must proceed deliberately. He says the approaching 10-year anniversary of the Station fire in West Warwick is an appropriate time to renew focus on the site.
Families of the victims have been fighting for years to build a memorial at the site of the blaze, which was started by a rock band's pyrotechnics.
The land is owned by a private company, which has so far refused to sell or donate it.
Chafee says working with the landowner is preferable to seizing the site.
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