By Paul Davis
CRANSTON, R.I. -- A demolition crew Wednesday will knock down the first of more than a half dozen flood-prone homes on Perkins Avenue.
City officials hope to use state and federal money to demolish nine or 10 homes on the dead end street near the Pawtuxet River.
In March 2010, the rain-swollen river sent sheets of water across the street and into nearby homes, forcing many residents to flee.
Mayor Allan Fung and Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse will attend the 1 p.m. demolition. Reed, Whitehouse and Rep. James R. Langevin helped secure federal money for the project.
About half the residents in the flooded area have moved away.