Moreau v. Flanders

OPINION

Justice FLAHERTY,

for the Court.

Background: A City in Distress

We are called upon to determine the constitutionality of G.L.1956 chapter 9 of title 45, in the face of a challenge by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Central Falls. Before we begin our analysis, we find it appropriate to pause and compliment the detailed, well-written, and scholarly decision of the trial justice, whose judgment we affirm completely and with confidence.

The City of Central Falls long has enjoyed the reputation of being one of Amer-ica’s most densely populated cities. Packed within 1.2 square miles…