by Abigail Appel | Jul 28, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Last night, I was glad to join community members at the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) meeting, to welcome the decision the CRMC made to protect public shoreline access on Public Street in Providence.
Shoreline access is a legally protected right in Rhode Island. All residents living in the Ocean State should be able to access our beautiful shorelines, including here in Providence.
I would like to thank the office of Attorney General Peter Neronha, the CRMC, the City of Providence, and the many community activists who advocated to protect this right of way.
Moving forward, I hope we can continue this momentum, working to expand environmental equity in the south side of Providence and throughout the city.
Pedro Espinal
President Pro Tempore-Providence City Council
Councilman-Ward 10
by Abigail Appel | Jul 26, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal is calling on the Costal Resources Management Committee (CRMC) to designate a public right of way to the shoreline located on a portion of Public Street in Providence. At the July 15th City Council meeting, Pro Tempore Espinal introduced a resolution urging the CRMC to protect this shoreline access point. The CRMC will be meeting on Tuesday July 27th to vote on the matter.
“Access to the shoreline is a historically important and legally protected right for all Rhode Islanders. Here in the Ocean State, it is imperative that state and local governments continue to enforce the public’s right to access our shorelines,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Espinal.
Recently, a section of Public Street has come into question as to whether or not the area is designated as a right of way for purposes of shoreline access. The CRMC is now in the process of considering a formal designation of Public Street as an official right of way. Pro Tempore Espinal’s resolution supports and endorses this designation to further codify public shoreline access.
“One of the best things about living in Rhode Island is the proximity to our beautiful shorelines. Every Rhode Islander has a right to access the water, for productive and recreational purposes. In urban areas, public access to the coast is often limited by development or environmental hazards. I call on the Coastal Resource Management Council to protect this right on Public Street and throughout the state,” added Council President Pro Tempore Espinal.
by Abigail Appel | Jul 22, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
In recent weeks, I have heard resounding concerns from members of my community regarding the Emergency COVID Housing Opportunity (ECHO) Village proposal that may be located at 545 Prairie Avenue in South Providence.
While the House of Hope Community Development Center’s efforts to build a homeless shelter is noble and necessary, I share my neighbors’ deep concern that this location is not appropriate for this development.
This homeless shelter is yet another matter which disproportionally affects the residents of South Providence. This neighborhood is constantly facing new threats to public health and safety. From the proposed garbage transfer station in 2020, to the more recent proposal to expand storage of liquid propane gas in the Port of Providence, why must South Providence continue fighting these battles?
While I believe that homeless shelters are needed in our city, I do not believe that building a shelter in close proximity to several schools, in a neighborhood with a number of other serious quality of life issues, is appropriate.
I sent the attached letter to House of Hope, further outlining my thoughts on this matter. This evening, I will be attending a community meeting along with other elected officials and community members to further discuss the ECHO Village proposal with House of Hope.
To read the letter, click here: Echo Village Letter
by Abigail Appel | Jul 22, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Last night, the Providence City Council passed Councilor David Salvatore’s ‘Green and Complete Streets’ ordinance which will pave the way for safer streets in Providence, while codifying the City’s commitment to developing infrastructure that is safe, reliable, sustainable, and accommodating to all residents.
“The passage of the Green and Complete Streets Ordinance is a big win for all Providence residents. Green and complete streets will not only improve how residents and visitors move through our city, but will also add important quality of life enhancements. This initiative will increase the number of trees in majority-minority neighborhoods, increase access to wellness pathways, and promote environmental justice,” stated Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
Green and Complete streets mean streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. The design guidelines ensure that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities can safely move along and across a street.
“Making safe and equitable streets in Providence an ordinance-guided standard is an enormous and critical step for every resident and visitor of the city, and is a dose of much-needed energy in the push for Green and Complete Streets around the entire state of Rhode Island. This is a big win that everyone should be celebrating, and the incredible support for this bill makes me confident that that’s exactly what everyone will be doing.” added C.J. Opperthauser, Co-Founder of WalkPVD and Director of Training & Placemaking at Grow Smart RI.
The ordinance was first proposed in December 2020. At that time, it was referred to the Committee on Ordinances, where residents and stakeholders submitted written and verbal testimony in support of the plan. Last night, the full Council approved the ordinance for final passage. Councilor Salvatore consulted with community advocates while drafting this ordinance to ensure that local needs are met as the City continues to move forward with street development.
“The American Heart Association (AHA) applauds the Providence City Council for supporting safe streets and active neighborhoods in the capital city by passing the Green and Complete Streets Ordinance. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things we can do to improve our cardiovascular health. Complete streets – sidewalks that connect to parks, public transportation, and schools; roads that include designated and protected bike lanes; and streets that accommodate all users – can help us safely be active and improve our quality of life. The AHA thanks Councilman Salvatore for his leadership on this important measure, and we hope other municipalities will follow Providence’s lead,” said Megan Tucker, RI Government Relations Director for the AHA.
The ordinance also aims to visually enhance city streets by expanding exposure to natural elements, and improves environmental quality by providing for reduction and on-site pretreatment of stormwater. The Green and Complete Streets ordinance will also play a role in improving air quality by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the city’s neighborhoods through the expansion of trees and greenspace.
“Planning, designing, and building roads that respond to the needs of all users will provide children, families, older adults and people of all abilities a variety of options for getting around –– walking, biking, taking public transportation, driving their own cars, and sharing rides with family and friends. Green and Complete Streets design allows everyone to share the road and get their own safe piece of the street. We applaud the sponsors and the city of Providence for taking up this important work,” stated Catherine Taylor, State Director, AARP RI.
The Green and Complete Streets ordinance requires the City of Providence to track the development of street performance measures, including, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks, traffic complaints, total miles of bike lanes and an inventory of street trees. This aggregated information will be publicly updated on the City of Providence website.
“The deep and broad support for this bill shows how Providence residents are ready for safer streets and more transportation choices, and we applaud the City Council for taking swift action. While the City is making progress on our physical street infrastructure, this bill will change our legal infrastructure to incorporate and normalize Green and Complete Streets designs into each new road construction project. This is literally how we design a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for our community and future generations”, said Liza Burkin, Organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition.
This ordinance took effect upon passage. Councilor Salvatore will be immediately working with Mayor Elorza’s administration and community stakeholders to implement this new legislation.
by Abigail Appel | Jul 19, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
At the last City Council meeting, Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7) introduced a resolution calling on Mayor Elorza to enforce the multiple laws that the Providence City Council has enacted to mitigate the dangers and nuisance of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the City of Providence.
By law, recreational off-road vehicles are banned from operating on city streets as they are not designed for that use which creates significant safety hazards for the public as well as the operators of the vehicles and greatly compromises quality of life for residents.
Working with Public Safety officials and the community, the Council has passed multiple ordinances and resolutions to stop the illegal use of ATVs in the City. However, the illegal operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes in Providence continues to create significant public safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians, and residents.
“As a freshman Councilor, I got to work drafting and enacting legislation that would keep dangerous ATVs off our City streets. In doing so, my Council colleagues and I created a clear, legal framework that prohibited the operation of illegal ATVs and gave the Providence Police Department the power to seize and destroy any ATVs operating illegally. Yet years later, these laws are not being enforced to the level that is warranted or at all. Our City is still facing the major threats to traffic and pedestrian safety that ATVs create. Significant action from the Mayor is overdue,” stated Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
The reckless operation of these vehicles on city streets and sidewalks can result in collisions with pedestrians and other motorists, confusion and fear for other motorists trying to safely use city streets, and significant noise pollution for residents in the surrounding area.
“It is very disappointing that ATV’s continue to degrade the quality of life in the City of Providence. As President of the Providence City Council, I am calling on Mayor Elorza and his administration to enforce the laws that the council has put in place. Every week, there is a new story about an accident, injury or traffic jam caused by these reckless drivers. It is time the administration takes action and protects our residents,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi.
