by Abigail Appel | May 5, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
I am fully opposed to any expansion of any development by Sea 3 Providence in the Port of Providence.
The industrial operations already taking place in this neighborhood have repeatedly created major threats to public health, safety and the local environment. Any economic gains presented by Sea 3’s expansion proposal are far outweighed by the risks of further polluting the Port of Providence and South Side neighborhoods.
As the Councilman to Ward 10, protecting public health, safety and quality of life remains my top priority. For this reason, I will be submitting a letter of opposition to this proposal as part of the public comment period.
Pedro Espinal
Councilman, Ward 10
President Pro Tempore, Providence City Council
by Abigail Appel | May 4, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12
On Thursday, May 6 the North End Outreach Association will be hosting a community football game at Davis Park at 6:00 PM. The football game is a part of the work that the North End Outreach Association has been doing to address the deeply rooted issue of violence in the community. The North End Sea Hawks will be facing the Mt. Hope Cowboys.
“The North End Outreach Association does great work to foster productive and empowering community engagement. Too many young people in our City are brought up surrounded by violence and conflict. This football program is a great initiative to encourage camaraderie and rewarding pastimes in our neighborhood. I am especially grateful to Chester DeWitt who works every day to bring health, growth and safety to our community,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin (Ward 12).
Comprised of current and former residents of the Chad Brown and North End Neighborhoods; the North End Outreach Association aims to positively impact the community through service and leadership such as community food drives, holiday functions and sporting events. The Association works at the ground level to connect residents with needed resources that address relevant community needs such as food security and local youth programming.
“I am looking forward to this football game as a chance to encourage our kids to be active, competitive and connected with one another in a way that is healthy and safe. Youth programming like athletics is an important way to keep our community engaged and prevent our youth from turning to more dangerous alternatives in their free time,” added Chester DeWitt of the North End Outreach Association.
The City Council and local organizations like the North End Outreach Association continue to work to steer City youth away from local violence and create City programming that keeps young people safe, active and immersed in their community.
“Some have to ask themselves ‘why do they coach’. I coach because I love mentoring our youth and I vow make change. If we properly educate our children we can end all the madness in this world, especially local violence. Football is just a carrot. Once you have there attention, we can begin properly educating our youth,” stated Mt. Hope Cowboys Head Coach Nadim Robinson.
by Abigail Appel | Apr 23, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
Council President John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7) today announced several changes to the Providence City Council’s administrative office structure as his transition into the office of Council President continues.
“The City Council’s administrative office provides essential City services to our constituents, to all fifteen Council members, and local media outlets. To best serve the City of Providence, the Council Office must operate in a way that is efficient, sustainable, and productive. In my role as Council President, I am prioritizing creating a constructive and dynamic workplace for the many staff members who work hard every day to serve the City Council and our constituents,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi Esq.
James J. Lombardi III will be acting in the role of Chief of Staff to the Council office. He also serves as the City Treasurer to the City of Providence and is closely acquainted with Council staff and operations. He will be leading the Council staff through the restructuring process and the eventual return to a full-time in-office work schedule.
“During this period of transition, I am committed to ensuring that all Council staff members have access to the resources and assistance that they need to best serve the City Council and Providence residents. City service can often be strenuous work, but I am confident that with the leadership of Council President Igliozzi and myself, our office will evolve to better serve our constituency,” added James J. Lombardi III.
Yvonne Graf will be brought on as the Senior Deputy Chief of Staff. Ms. Graf has an impressive knowledge and understanding of city government as well as all aspects of the roles and responsibilities of the legislative branch and will bring additional resources in legislative affairs, policy, and communications. She has previously served the Providence City Council as and acting Chief of Staff and as the Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications. Most recently Ms. Graf worked for the Providence Public School District as the School Board Policy Advisor and Director of Policy and Planning.
Additionally, Mary Lee Dixon will serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff leading the constituent services team, Sean Bouchard Esq. will be promoted to the Deputy Chief of Staff leading the Policy Department. Both Ms. Dixon and Mr. Bouchard have extensive experience in City services with the City Council and these new roles will create a more structured and productive office atmosphere.
The Council office is actively working to expand its capacity for constituent services and City communications as more in-person interaction becomes a possibility in the coming months. As this restructuring moves forward, the City Council remains committed providing the highest quality of service and representation to all residents in all neighborhoods of the City of Providence.
by Abigail Appel | Apr 22, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
While we would all like to be celebrating Earth Day today, I am concerned with our City’s poor trash collection and the performance of our vendor Waste Management Company.
As many residents are aware, there has been an ongoing issue with trash collection in all neighborhoods of our City for months. Entire streets are not being serviced, and most recently, yard waste has been sitting curbside for weeks.
I would like to reassure my constituents that I share your concerns and frustration. I am working with senior executives at the company and have asked for a comprehensive plan to address their staffing challenges and to return their performance to an acceptable standard.
I remain committed to working with the City administration, DPW Director and my Council colleagues to hold our vendor accountable. I would like to thank all of our residents who have reported missed streets and neglected pickups through the City’s 311 system and by reaching out to me personally. For example, from April 8, 2021 to April 22, 2021 for the 311 system alone, 148 of the total of 514 complaints received were for missed trash pickups. These records are important and will be tabulated for use by the Council during its ongoing contract review.
Trash pickup and waste management is a basic City service that must be completed efficiently and reliably. Please continue with your calls so we may address this genuine public health and safety issue head on so as to avert a growing rodent and infestation crisis if left unchecked. As we observe Earth Day today, let us remember the importance of being good stewards of our environment and good neighbors in this beautiful City we call home.
Jo-Ann Ryan
Majority Leader, Providence City Council
Councilwoman, Ward 5
by Abigail Appel | Apr 20, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, workers from all different trades, fields, and backgrounds have faced unprecedented challenges. Continuing to work and keep the organizations that they work for running smoothly has come at the risk of their health and financial stability. Unfortunately, it is often the workers who are paid the least that are taking these risks to keep their workplace afloat.
That is exactly why the members of the Graduate Labor Organization at Brown University deserve the raises, rights, and respect that they are asking for. For the duration of the pandemic, Graduate students employed by Brown University have incurred extra expenses and put their health at risk in order to sustain the labor they provide for the University. From purchasing in-home office equipment to maintaining in-person labs by purchasing their own protective equipment; members of the GLO have done the work, paid the price, and deserve to be paid fairly and treated with respect by Brown University.
Brown University leads Ivy League schools across the country, with a twelve percent growth in their endowment in 2020 despite the global pandemic. With a growing $4.7 billion endowment and prosperity that is at odds with the current financial circumstances of most institutions and individuals in today’s economy, Brown University must lead by example, both in its contributions to its workers and its contributions to the City of Providence.
Employees of any organization should never have to pay to work. Especially when that institution has the financial resources that Brown University has. And especially when those employees have done so much to keep classes, research projects, and other commitments going throughout a global pandemic.
As a two-time Brown alumnus, there isn’t an institution more near and dear to my heart. However, for the aforementioned reasons, I am calling on Brown University to listen to the Graduate Labor Organization and heed their requests for a fair raise, a COVID-19 safe workplace, and appreciation for the work they have already done to keep the University prosperous and growing.
John Goncalves
Councilman, Ward 1
Providence City Council
