(Providence, RI) -- The board chairman of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is announcing he is stepping down. The Providence Journal reports Wayne Kezirian informed fellow board members on Tuesday about his decision amid concerns about conflict of interest. Kezirian serves as general counsel for Paolino Properties, which is suing RIPTA over projects it is pursuing in downtown Providence. Kezirian had been reportedly recusing himself from board discussions on matters related to downtown bus service.