R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31.1-1: Declaration of policy.

It is found and declared that there exist in the communities of the state certain areas which are basically sound residential areas, but are evidencing the early signs of deterioration and blight because of conditions attributable to noncompliance with provisions of codes of the communities, and if allowed to continue, will create a “deteriorated blighted area” as defined in § 45-31-8(6) as amended, and that a project of intensified code enforcement is required to assure the continuing stability of these areas.