by Abigail Appel | Jun 21, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
At the June 17th City Council meeting, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan introduced and the Council passed a resolution calling on the City’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Traffic Engineer to conduct a comprehensive study on all of the speed control measures and signage installed in the City in the last year.
“While not all may agree on Traffic calming measures, they are an important tool in protecting public health and safety when implemented correctly and after appropriate community engagement. The most recent traffic calming measures that have been installed across the City have come under scrutiny surrounding their design and effectiveness. Some speed humps were ultimately removed resulting in additional cost. I am advocating for a comprehensive study of our City’s use of traffic calming measures so that we can ensure that they are designed and installed in the correct manner and that after installation they are evaluated for effectiveness,” stated Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
The resolution requests that the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Traffic Engineer provide the City Council with a comprehensive analysis and report of all traffic calming measures installed in the last year, pre and post installation traffic data, costs of installation, and an implementation plan to immediately undertake all necessary steps to correct any identified deficiencies.
“Residents want to feel safe and comfortable on their own streets. I am optimistic that this study will give us a better understanding of what works for all, and we will be able to use this information in future planning. I look forward to the continued work with our Public Safety and Traffic Engineering departments to ensure that we make our city safe and welcoming for everyone”, added Councilwoman Ryan.
Upon passage, copies of this resolution will be sent to Mayor Jorge Elorza, the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Traffic Engineer.
This resolution was co-sponsored by Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7), Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Majority Whip Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) and Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
by Abigail Appel | Jun 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-6
Providence Police Fireworks Task Force to Begin Operations on June 18th, 2021
In May of this year, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan introduced a resolution to reinstate the City’s Fireworks Task Force. After the successful roll out of a fireworks task force in 2020, Councilwoman Ryan has coordinated with the Providence Police Department and Fire Department for another year of fireworks safety and enforcement.
“After the success of the fireworks task force I organized in 2020, I felt it was appropriate to reconvene our City’s law enforcement, public safety and administrative officials to coordinate enforcement and community education regarding the use of illegal fireworks. With summer approaching, so too is the major threat to public safety presented by the rampant illegal use of fireworks in our neighborhoods. I look forward to continuing last year’s progress and I thank our local law enforcement and fire officials for the work they do every day to maintain the quality of life and public safety of our community,” stated Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
Starting on June 18th, the task force will dedicate over a dozen law enforcement officers to respond to calls involving fireworks, and provide community education on how to report violations of the law and how to assist in the identification of locations where fireworks were being discharged.
To report the use of illegal fireworks in Providence or file a complaint, call the police department’s non-emergency line (401) 272-3121 or use visit the 311 webpage and select “Quality of life” and then “Excesscive Noise-Fireworks”.
To learn more about what you can do to stop the use of illegal fireworks, and what is legal or not legal in Providence, watch this video: https://vimeo.com/432876565
by Abigail Appel | Jun 18, 2021 | Council News, Ward-11
The City Council unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Council Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris which calls for action on the growing homelessness crisis and adjacent affordable housing crisis in Providence.
“The homelessness crisis in our city needs to be immediately addressed. Providence’s homeless residents deserve a rapid expansion in temporary shelter space in the city, so that there are places where people can go to have safe and dignified living conditions until they are able to find permanent affordable housing. We have the resources to provide safe and reliable temporary housing, and there is no excuse for delay,” stated Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
The Council resolution calls on the Mayor to work with state and local partners to find the necessary funding to quickly expand the amount of temporary shelter space and affordable housing opportunities that are available to individuals suffering from homelessness in the city.
“Homelessness results from a combination of factors, but the lack of affordable housing options, made even more challenging as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—has deepened the problem. I have been working to address affordable housing and homelessness on the Council and in my community for years. We must continue our efforts to expand opportunities for affordable housing in Providence as a long-term solution to homelessness,” added Councilwoman Harris.
Earlier this year, the Council capitalized the Affordable Housing Trust Fund with over $20 million to help finance, construct, and maintain affordable housing units throughout the city. Tonight’s resolution reaffirms the Council’s commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis in the city which the resolution cites exacerbating the prevalence of homelessness in our communities.
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) who led the effort to grow the Housing Trust Fund through the bond issue, said that, “The City needs a plan to address the immediate homelessness crisis, while investing thoughtfully in long-term affordable housing solutions. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund has been a priority of mine, and I look forward to using it to provide housing security for Providence residents.”
by Abigail Appel | Jun 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release
At tonight’s City Council meeting, the Council formally recognized June 19th as Juneteenth in the City of Providence.
Helen Baskerville Dukes, President of Juneteenth Rhode Island, opened the Council meeting with an invocation and spoke briefly about the significance of the holiday. The Council then voted to approve the unanimously sponsored resolution to recognize Juneteenth in perpetuity.
“Juneteenth is an important date for our nation. On June 19, 1865, United States General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and slavery. This was a turning point in our nation’s history that we must celebrate as we acknowledge our past and continue the fight for racial equity. I look forward to celebrating Juneteenth and observing the history of slavery and freedom, oppression and progress that extends all across our nation, including here in Providence,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi.
Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866, a year after General Granger’s announcement that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. Formerly enslaved people in Texas organized ‘Jubilee Day’ to celebrate their freedom with music, dancing, prayer and feasts. The celebrations continued each year, spreading throughout the country and evolving into what is now recognized as the official holiday of Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth serves as a day of joy and reflection. We remember the horrors of slavery, and the disparities that still exist today. But we also rejoice in the emancipation of enslaved populations, and energize ourselves to keep pushing forward in the fight for freedom and equality. For generations, enslaved people and their descendants have made countless contributions to our country. It is time for us to recognize and celebrate this history,” added Senior Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
The United States Congress has recognized the cultural and historical significance of Juneteenth as part of the history and heritage of the United States by passing a bill this week establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Earlier today, President Joseph R. Biden signed that bill into law; federal offices will be closed tomorrow in observance.
“I am proud to see the progress our City and country has made in recognizing the major role that enslaved people and generations of African Americans have played in our collective history. I look forward to celebrating Juneteenth as a City and as a nation this weekend,” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza signed an executive order on Tuesday, June 14th recognizing Juneteenth as a City holiday and ordering City Hall closed tomorrow.
“The City Council has taken a decisive step to make Providence a place where the history and truths of communities of color are recognized and celebrated. Juneteenth embodies a cornerstone of American history, and it’s powerful to see that it is now being codified at the National and local level,” added Councilman John Goncalves.
An ordinance that would make the holiday an official and permanent paid holiday in the City is currently under consideration by the City Council Finance committee.
“Juneteenth is an historically significant day that should be celebrated and embraced as a permanent and legal government observance,” stated the Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “There are important lessons to be learned, and establishing Juneteenth as a legal holiday in the City is the proper vehicle by which to achieve this goal. We as a city will only grow better and stronger as we recognize the full breadth of our collective heritage, and celebrating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans is fundamental to achieving a more equitable society.
Ryan noted that the Finance Committee will review the nuances of ensuring that this holiday remains a permanent date “for all to celebrate and to ensure that contractual obligations, notifications, City services and policy issues are delivered and are accounted for.”
Members of the City Council will be joining community members at Juneteenth celebrations throughout the weekend.
by Abigail Appel | Jun 17, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a resolution calling on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to immediately re-open the public restrooms located in Kennedy Plaza.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Majority Leader James Taylor (Ward 8), Majority Whip Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
“It is imperative that RIPTA makes the public restrooms at Kennedy Plaza open to the public as soon as possible. The lack of access to bathroom facilities for transit riders, and anyone spending time in or around Kennedy Plaza, has led to serious public health and quality of life concerns. With the City coming back to life as more residents are vaccinated, our City must be ready to meet the needs of our residents and the public facilities they use,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
The restrooms were closed to the public in early 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as local businesses and public facilities have reopened in recent months, the bathrooms at Kennedy Plaza have remained closed. A host of elected officials and local organizations have called on RIPTA to act, including Rhode Island Governor Dan Mckee and the Providence based Project Weber/Renew.
“Not having bathrooms is a public health emergency: not only for the people who need the bathrooms, but for every single person who is walking or working downtown and is forced to deal with human waste on the streets. In this time of COVID, we see how important public health is. The bathrooms are beyond a matter of simple public health, they are a matter of human rights,” stated Haley Carbonneau, Project Weber/RENEW, Kennedy Plaza Project Coordinator
In July of 2020, a letter to RIPTA was signed by 30 different public health and medical organizations, highlighting the risk presented by the continued closure of the public bathrooms at Kennedy Plaza, including the presence of human waste on City streets.
“RIPTA has a responsibility to reopen their bathroom to uphold the health and dignity of people downtown. With the City Council’s support, we now look to RIPTA to do their part to offer this important service to our community,” added Annajane Yolken, Project Weber/RENEW, Director of Programs
Upon passage, this resolution will be sent to Rhode Island Governor Dan Mckee, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Scott Avedisian.
