by Abigail Appel | Mar 1, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Today, City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Providence Public School District Director of Operations Jason Menard, and Patrick Barbosa, the manager of Youth Programming for Bayside FC, announce a multi-year partnership to use the historic Conley Stadium for training sessions beginning this spring.
“I am thrilled that I was able to help facilitate this wonderful partnership here in mighty Ward 5. Over the past several years, I have dedicated and fought for funding to return the historic Conley Stadium to the state-of-art stadium that it is today. With that, we can create partnerships like this with Bayside FC to help support our Providence students’ athletic pursuits. Additionally, Bayside FC has also guaranteed that two scholarships will be offered to Providence young residents currently attending the Batastini Recreation Center. I can think of no better way to honor Armand Batastini Jr.’s legacy than ensuring that young people have access to great athletic programming. This partnership is proof that by working together, we can make a difference in the lives of our young residents.” – Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan
“We are indebted to the majority leader for bringing this high-value athletic program to the community, and we look forward to a productive partnership.” – Director Jason Menard, PPSD
Additionally, Majority Leader Ryan, Bayside FC, and the Batastini Recreation Center are exploring opportunities to bring more programming there in the coming months. There is a strong desire from Providence youth who attend the recreation center for more athletic programming, and soccer is at the top of their list.
“My father’s passion for ensuring that all residents of Providence have access to, and fully participate in, sports was endless. He would be thrilled to see our community creating this partnership as it provides a premier opportunity to those who attend Batastini Recreation Center. I want to thank Majority Leader Ryan, the Providence School Department, and Bayside FC for their joint commitment to the community. My father would be proud to know his legacy lives on.” – Maria Batastini Dell’Ovo
The Bayside FC Junior Academy offers boys and girls ages 4-10 the opportunity to build a solid foundation of technical skills and tactical understanding in a positive environment. The program’s goal is to use the environment to educate players on the game’s basics and grow their love of the sport. Players are guided to learn various new skills and fall in love with the ball by experienced and enthusiastic coaches.
“We are excited to join forces with the City of Providence. This partnership will offer young players opportunities to be introduced to the game while working with some of Rhode Island’s most reputable coaching staff. Bayside FC will be devoted to helping grow the soccer community in the City of Providence.” – Patrick Barbosa, Bayside FC
The training camps at Conley Stadium will be held this spring on Saturdays beginning March 27, 2021, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for six weeks. Please note the first Saturday in April will be skipped due to the Easter Holiday.
The summer training camps will be held on Saturdays beginning May 15, 2021, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for six weeks. Please note that the first Saturday in July is skipped due to the Fourth of July holiday. The cost of each six-week training program is $99.00.
Families can learn more about Providence-based Bayside FC training camps at Conley Stadium by visiting: www.baysidefc.com.
About Bayside FC:
Bayside FC was established in 1997 and is a highly successful premier club in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. With over 475 players in their program, their club is built on a healthy foundation of player development and success. They are Rhode Island’s premier soccer club.
by Abigail Appel | Feb 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilor David Salvatore’s (Ward 14) ordinance that would curb the illegal disposal of used tires received first passage. The ordinance was co-sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
The proposal would amend the “Licenses” Chapter of the Providence Code of Ordinances to include a requirement that any motor repair business engaging in the repair, replacement, or disposal of tires must be licensed by the Providence Board of Licenses. The proposal would also require that motor repair businesses legally dispose of old tires and provide a receipt proving lawful disposal.
“Quality of life is something that we discuss as elected leaders daily. One of the complaints we most often receive is regarding abandoned tires in our parks, streets, vacant lots, rivers and woodland areas causing damage to our local environment and overall quality of life. Requiring these businesses to keep receipts as proof for the lawful and proper disposal of old tires will go a long way in keeping this litter from harming our neighborhoods,” stated Councilor David Salvatore.
Additionally, the proposal includes a provision that creates a lawful system for disposal and delivery of used/waste tires to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation or privately-operated tire storage, recycling, or recovery facilities licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Tire haulers would be permitted to transport tires to an out-of-state recycling facility in accordance with Rhode Island General Law § 23-63-2.
“By putting these legal standards in place for the proper disposal of tires, we are working towards building a system that encourages sustainability and ethical business practices in our City. Changes like this will improve the health and quality of life for Providence residents in a thoughtful and impactful way,” added Councilor Salvatore.
This ordinance will have minimal effect on law-abiding auto repair businesses. Any business that is legitimately licensed already embraces ethical and proper tire disposal procedures. Instead the ordinance is intended to stop individuals who may be collecting used tires for cash and disposing of them illegally throughout the City.
To read the full ordinance, click here: https://bit.ly/2M8bhk4
by Abigail Appel | Feb 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
“Providence is Open for Business”
Tonight, the City Council approved a Tax Stabilization Agreement (TSA) for a new development to be located along Parade Street across from Dexter Park. This is significant for the City, and it signals to developers and other businesses that even though the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe financial hardships, growth and new building continues to happen.
“When you look at how much the City has suffered financially from the ongoing pandemic, it is rewarding to see developers that believe in our future,” stated Councilman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. and Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Finance. “TSAs are an important tool to help developers create new developments and spur growth in the City. As we know, the City is facing a serious housing shortage, and I believe that the developer is committed to ensuring equity and affordability along with much-needed new units.”
This project will repurpose and rehabilitate an existing abandoned historic structure and add a new building to the neighborhood. They are creating jobs during the building phase and new residential units. The developers have stated that they intend to keep them affordable and in line with current rents in the community.
Currently, the City realizes around $32-Thousand in taxes annually from this property. At the end of the agreement, taxes realized by this property will be over $400-Thousand. The TSA the developers have applied and were approved for is a 15-year TSA and they have committed to reaching specific benchmarks:
- 10 percent of the dollar value of the construction will be used to hire women and minority-owned businesses;
- The developers with the Director of First Source Providence to hire local trades people for the construction;
- The developers have agreed to make a reasonable faith effort to buy all construction materials locally from vendors within the City of Providence;
- The developers have agreed to ensure that 100 percent of the hours worked on the project will be performed by trade construction subcontractors who have or are affiliated with an apprenticeship program;
- The property owner will also make annual payments of five percent of the abated tax for each year during the agreement to the City Council Parks and Recreation Fund.
Additionally, 10 percent of all tax revenue realized from the project will be earmarked for the Providence Affordable Housing Trust Fund. In October of 2020, the Council approved the Providence Redevelopment Agency to capitalize the Fund through a $20-Million bond, which is anticipated to make up to 1,500 affordable homes possible in the next three years.
To read the full ordinance, click here: https://bit.ly/37stlN1
by Abigail Appel | Feb 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
I am saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable Superior Court Judge Alton Wiley, an accomplished jurist and a man who broke down barriers.
Judge Wiley’s role as the first black judge to sit on the Rhode Island District and Superior Courts was proof that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Not only did he break barriers, but he served the State of Rhode Island for decades with integrity, intellect, and allegiance to the law.
It is public servants like him who value virtue, equality, and opportunity that make the State of Rhode Island such a wonderful place to be. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
I extend my most sincere condolences to Judge Wiley’s family and friends and pray that his memory is a blessing to all who knew him.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
by Abigail Appel | Feb 12, 2021 | Council News, Ward-11, Ward-15
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) and the Providence City Council has teamed up with the Providence City Archives to create a Black History Month Online Exhibit and online panel discussion to honor the life and legacy of Michael S. Van Leesten entitled “Michael S. Van Leesten: Bridge Builder.”
The panel discussion will take place on Monday, February 15, 2021, at 7:00 PM. The discussion can be viewed on the City Council Facebook Page, YouTube Channel, or individuals can join the conversation on Zoom. Pre-registration is required: https://bit.ly/PVDBHM
“Every year, I am proud to work with the City Archives to create a Black History Month Exhibit that showcases the numerous contributions that people of color have made to our City. Michael S. Van Leesten was a rock in our community for so many years and touched the lives of everyone he worked with and advocated for. When I was a working single mother, Mr. Van Leesten’s support helped me to build a career as a welder. Later, I had the honor and pleasure of working with him as a community organizer. I am so excited to be honoring him this year and so grateful to his family for sharing so much with us so that we could share his inspiring story with the world,” stated Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris.
The panel will include: Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, Ms. Mary Harrison, Mr. Jordan Van Leesten, Mr. Frank Santos, and Mr. Ray Rickman and will be moderated by City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15). The discussion will range from his long history as a freedom fighter to his dedication to education and workforce development. In addition, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza will provide welcoming remarks, Superintendent of Providence Parks, Wendy Nilsson, will join us to give an update on the renaming of the Providence Pedestrian Bridge after Mr. Van Leesten, and City Archivist Caleb Horton and Ziggy Giles from the Providence City Council will discuss the companion online exhibition.
Caleb Horton, Providence City Archivist, shared, “For the past six years, I have had the pleasure of working with Deputy Majority Leader Harris to tell the story of the black community here in Providence using items from our archives. Past exhibits have highlighted both the struggles and the successes of the fight for equality in our City. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic did not allow us to have an in-person gathering as we have done in years past, but it forced us to think outside the box. Working with Ziggy Giles, Abigail Appel, and Jill Van Leesten, we have put together what I believe to be one of the best exhibits we have ever created. It is interactive, moving, and tells an icon’s story – Mr. Michael S. Van Leesten. I look forward to sharing this special project with the community.”
The exhibit will feature photographs and stories from the decades Mr. Van Leesten spent as an activist for racial equity in voter registration, workforce development, and education reform.
The Van Leesten family has generously shared photographs, articles, and personal stories to help build this exhibit highlighting his lifelong devotion to the City of Providence and social justice throughout the country.
“Mr. Van Leesten’s lifelong dedication to activism and public service will forever serve as a model to all who want to effect positive change in their communities. I am humbled by the many stories of bravery, leadership, and integrity that he left behind. As we celebrate Black History this month, and throughout the year, let us remember those who came before us; the men and women who built the bridges that we have walked across,” stated Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15).
Michael S. Van Leesten was a graduate of Hope High School, Rhode Island College, and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was active in the Civil Rights movement and participated in voter registration efforts in rural Alabama. He later founded and served as the Executive Director of Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Rhode Island. Additionally, Van Leesten was a consultant and the owner of Van Leesten Associates and served as the Director of Planning and Development for Providence. Van Leesten also went on to serve as the Director of Public Affairs for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe. In addition to this expansive career, Michael S. Van Leesten was a board member of numerous organizations, including the Board of Regents, Peerless Precision, and Fleet Bank. Van Leesten sadly passed away in August of 2019, leaving behind five grown children and four grandchildren.
“It has been an honor for our family to take part in this event to show the community his passion around his family, friends, and work,” stated Ms. Jill Van Leesten. “He was an amazing and humble man. We miss him dearly and pray that his level of kindness and positive way of being will continue within us and be a gift to share with others. We want to thank the Providence City Council for all of their hard work and dedication. It has been such a pleasure working together on this special project.”
In June of 2020, the Council’s Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning (URRP), chaired by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, voted to rename the Providence Pedestrian Bridge in honor of the late Michael S. Van Leesten. As a man who spent his life building bridges for future generations to succeed, it is only fitting that this Providence landmark be named in his honor. In continuation of the Council’s gratitude to Mr. Van Leesten, this Black History Month exhibit was created to share the story of his dedication to the cause of racial and social justice in our City.
Visit the Providence City Council and the Providence City Archives on the web to view the online exhibits and look out for social media posts highlighting Mr. Van Leesten’s life throughout the month. The Michael S. Van Leesten: Bridge Builder online exhibition will permanently remain on the Council and Archives web pages and will continue to be updated with new stories of the rich history that people of color have built in the City of Providence.
