Statement from Majority Leader Ryan Regarding Suspension of JUMP Bikes Program

Statement from Majority Leader Ryan Regarding Suspension of JUMP Bikes Program

I support the JUMP Bikes program here in Providence, and I believe it provides an important affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation in our City. I am also in full support of the administration’s decision to suspend the program until we can review and implement the proper controls and protocols to make this program a success.

Once the company switched from their U-shaped locks to their cable lock system it became clear that the bikes were too easily compromised. This new locking mechanism created several adverse effects in our community which I believe created serious quality of life issues. Which is why in July, I introduced a resolution requesting the administration to do a comprehensive study of this program. To date, the Council has not received that. Once we do, it will be vetted in an open committee meeting.

There are a number of these bicycles unaccounted for in our community, and that causes me concern. I am hopeful that the City, the Council, and JUMP Bikes can come to a resolution that benefits all members of our community, and that we have protocols in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians and riders alike.

Jo-Ann Ryan, Majority Leader, Providence City Council, Councilwoman – Ward 5

Statement from Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. Regarding Readiness of Providence Schools

Statement from Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. Regarding Readiness of Providence Schools

A little over two weeks ago the City Council met and heard from the Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fran Gallo, along with the COO of the School Department Joe DiPina, President of the School Board Nicholas Hemond, Esq., and the City’s Director of Public Property Michael Borg where they told us that the schools were in good conditions and would be ready for students on day one. As we learn more, that’s not the case.

The City is now deploying employees from the Department of Public Works to help finish projects that will barely make the schools functional. Time and time again, we listen to this administration and take them at their word, and then to only find out that it is only lip service on their end, and it is disheartening.

I want answers, and I believe my colleagues do as well. Our students, teachers, staff, and parents deserve answers. They deserve to know that the City is doing what they say they are, and I’m not sure that’s the case.

Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 4

Councilman Salvatore Hosted Day of Service at RFK Elementary School

Councilman Salvatore Hosted Day of Service at RFK Elementary School

Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) hosted a “Day of Service” at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School today with 150 students from Providence College. These students worked alongside teachers to help prepare their classroom for the upcoming school year. This event is part of the College’s Urban Action Summer Program from incoming first-year students.

“I am very grateful for Providence College and their student’s commitment to helping improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “This annual event has become an integral part in readying Kennedy Elementary for the new school year. It helps ensure that the students at Kennedy have a clean school and that it is ready for them and their teachers on day one. It is also a great way for students, especially aspiring teachers, to work alongside some of our best educators. PC’s Urban Action is a great program, and one that I am happy to support.”

Urban Action is a five-day program for incoming first-year students at Providence College. It is designed to increase students’ understanding of urban issues while also introducing them to the Providence community. Students spend three days volunteering at local sites in the city of Providence, and one day volunteering on campus helping fellow classmates move in.

Providence College’s Campus Minister, Pamela Tremblay stated, “Before syllabi are given out, books are purchased, and even before the majority of students descend upon campus, Providence College welcomes 250 students early as a way to connect them with the college’s mission to promote ‘the common good, the human flourishing of each member of the campus community, and service of neighbors near and far.’ Participating in park clean-ups, spending time with the elderly, preparing food at soup kitchens or assisting local schools in preparing for the year, these students join the Friar Family and the larger Providence community by beginning their year in service to others. We are grateful for our community partners and city leaders, whose willingness to host students and share their commitment to the city make this pre-orientation service so successful.”

Principal Amy Burns of Robert F. Kennedy Elementary stated, “Every year, teachers at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary look forward to the influx of Providence College students, who have truly adopted our school for their day of service. From painting walls to working with teachers to set up their classrooms, our Providence College ‘helpers’ provide invaluable assistance in getting the school ready for our kids.”

For more information about Providence College Urban Action, or Providence College visit www.providence.edu.

Council President Sabina Matos Celebrates Joslin Street Playground

Council President Sabina Matos Celebrates Joslin Street Playground

City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) was joined by Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson, and William D’Abate Elementary School Principal Brent Kerman for the ribbon-cutting in celebration of recent upgrades and improvements to the Joslin Street Playground on Monday, August 19, 2019 .

“Nature is as important to learning as are books,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “Outdoor classrooms give kids the opportunity to learn about the natural world in a way that makes sense and has proven to improve STEM learning amongst students. In addition, scientists have proven time and time again, that giving children time in nature helps them to focus, relax, and decompress. Something that I think we could all use. I am proud of the work that the Parks Department has done to make these improvements not just for the students at William D’Abate but for all the residents of mighty Ward 15.”

Council President Matos continued, “This is a project that began in 2011 with the creation of the Joslin Street Playground Master Plan, and I am so glad to watch these pieces come together. This is quickly becoming the crown jewel of the Olneyville and surrounding neighborhoods!”

Aligned with the City’s Green Schoolyards initiative, the new playground installations feature natural elements and a new outdoor classroom meant to encourage youth connection to nature, support afterschool activities and recess time, and provide a neighborhood resource. Resources and labor were provided by the Providence Parks Department, with engagement from community organizations and partners including ONE Neighborhood Builders, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, and the William D’Abate School community. This project completes the second phase of improvements, funded by the City’s Capital Improvement Plan for $115,000.

These improvements are the latest in achieving the goals set by the Master Plan for the Joslin Street Playground in 2011. Since that time, the park saw the installation of an innovative waterpark, amongst many other additions and yet more to come.

Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan, MPA the Resident Engagement Project Manager at One Neighborhood Builders said, “At One Neighborhood Builders we believe that projects like this one at Joslin Playground not only benefit the students from William D’Abate Elementary but the whole community. Our goal as an organization is to help build strong, healthy communities which include affordable housing, and supporting programs that vitalize neighborhoods and provide quality of life enhancements to all we serve.”

Statement from Majority Leader Ryan Regarding Suspension of JUMP Bikes Program

Majority Leader Ryan Hosted Community Clean-Up on Pleasant Valley Parkway

Majority Leader Ryan and Providence College Urban Action Volunteers

City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) hosted a community clean-up and stormwater management project on Pleasant Valley Parkway today with 125 incoming freshmen from Providence College. This event was part of the College’s Urban Action Summer Program from incoming first-year students.

“I was excited to meet some of Providence’s newest residents,” stated Majority Leader and Ward 5 Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. “Having these students volunteer in our community is a great way for them to meet their neighbors, learn about their new home for the next four years, and to build lasting friendships.”

The volunteers from Providence College will be helping with a clean-up of the Pleasant Valley Parkway, along with working on the stormwater management project currently taking place on the Parkway. Majority Leader Ryan continued, “Stormwater mitigation is important to the ecosystem of the Pleasant Valley Parkway and stream. Because the Pleasant Valley Parkway is the largest section of the Woonasquatucket River that makes ground in a residential neighborhood, we must ensure that the area’s stormwater runoff is cleared of contaminants and pollutants. This is not only good for the environment but also benefits the Narragansett Bay cleaning effort.”

Ryan went on to say, “Green infrastructure has been a priority for me as a legislator. This is why I have been so passionate about stormwater management initiatives, green education, and my Plastic Bag Reduction Act. It was great to work with these new students from Providence College to make Providence greener and a more sustainable City.”

Urban Action is a five-day program for incoming first-year students at Providence College. It is designed to increase students’ understanding of urban issues while also introducing them to the Providence community. Students spend three days volunteering at local sites in the city of Providence, and one day volunteering on campus, helping fellow classmates move in.

In addition to the clean-up, Jonathan Bearard from Clean Water Action hosted a lunch and learn for the Providence College students at Roger Williams Hospital. Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking, and people power to the table around the Country since 1972.

Majority Leader Ryan partnered with the Armand E. Batastini Jr. Recreation Center, the Providence Parks Department, Providence Department of Public Works, Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, Partnership for Providence Parks, Friends of the Pleasant Valley Parkway, the Providence Police Department, the Providence Fire Department, Clean Water Action, and Roger Williams Medical Center to make this community clean-up possible.

For more information about Providence College Urban Action, or Providence College visit www.providence.edu.

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