by Abigail Appel | Oct 1, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-13, Ward-4, Ward-6
Councilman James E. Taylor (Ward 8) will introduce an Ordinance that requests the City of Providence and the City Tax Collector to suspend all tax sales for this fiscal year (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) at this evenings City Council meeting. The Ordinance is co-sponsored by President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), and Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13).
As of yesterday, 8,344 Providence residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Due to this ongoing global pandemic small businesses are shuttering, unemployment rates are still at high levels, and housing insecurity is becoming a greater risk for residents.
“As a City, we have an obligation to our residents to protect their interests, and with so many residents out of work, they have to make choices between food, mortgage, and taxes. Although we are asking the Tax Collector to suspend tax sales, nothing in this Ordinance shall in any way impact the Collector’s ability to collect interest on unpaid taxes as prescribed by law. Our residents and our neighbors need some relief, and the fear of losing their home to a tax sale is a relief that we as a City can provide,” stated Councilman James E. Taylor.
A property is subject to a “tax sale” when the taxes are seriously delinquent, and the city asks an interested third party to pay the taxes. In exchange for the payment, the city puts a tax lien on the property in favor of the party who paid the taxes. The property owner has a year and a day to pay the third party the back taxes and fees. If they cannot, the third party has the right to take title to the property through the court. The proceeding is called “foreclosing the right of redemption.”
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia stated, “Although we know the City is facing serious financial difficulties, we need to put the needs of our residents first. We don’t yet have a budget for this fiscal year and continue to operate on the previous year’s budget. Tax sales do provide some relief to the budget, but it’s very small. The City will be made whole in the following fiscal year, and residents will have the time they need to find the financial assistance they may need to keep their properties.”
The proposed Ordinance being presented tonight would suspend all authority for a tax sale pursuant to the Providence Code of Ordinances. While the Collector may utilize his state-mandated authority to still move forward with a tax sale for the current fiscal year, the passage of this ordinance removes all authority granted to the Collector by the Council to do so.
“Last year only 100 residential properties were part of the fiscal year 2020 tax sale,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “Residents have a year and a day to pay the back taxes and fees to retain ownership, but during these uncertain financial times we need to help where we can. I hope the Collector and the City will agree that we can delay a tax sale by one year to provide homeowners the time they need to pay their back taxes and provide the security that these residents need.”
Councilor Rachel Miller shared, “I have spoken to many residents who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The stimulus of $600.00 that was given weekly to unemployed residents has ended, and with the current COVID-19 aid package stuck in the United States Senate, our neighbors are trying to make ends meet. As an elected leader, I feel we have an obligation to support our residents when we can, and I urge the City and the Collector to consider suspending this year’s tax sale to help keep our residents in their homes without the added fear of losing it due to their inability to pay their taxes.”
The Ordinance will be sent to the Council’s Committee on Ordinances for further review and discussion.
by Abigail Appel | Oct 1, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6) will introduce four resolutions regarding neighborhood improvements in his Ward.
“I continue to fight for important neighborhood upgrades in my Ward. Improvements such as traffic safety measures and small beautification updates, all add up to improving the quality of life in the Manton neighborhood,” stated President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.
The first resolution requests that the City Forester replace trees along Atwells Avenue removed during a sidewalk replacement. The requested trees’ site is between Academy Avenue and Mt. Pleasant Avenue and will help beautify the neighborhood. This particular stretch of street is heavily trafficked, and having new trees planted will play an essential role in air pollution mitigation.
The second resolution requests that the Department of Public Property install a gate at the District 6 Police Substation parking lot entrance.
The third resolution requests the installation of a crosswalk at the Manton Skate Park entrance by the Department of Public Works and the City Traffic Engineer. Pro Tempore Correia recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly renovated Manton Skate Park, located at 588 Manton Avenue, and believes that this crosswalk will help keep pedestrians and cyclist safe as they visit the park and the Greenway.
The final resolution, a traffic calming request, calls on the Department of Public Works and the City Traffic Engineer to install additional safety signage along Manton Avenue. Specifically, the resolution requests a “SLOW CURVE” notification along the 800 block of Manton Avenue.
“I look forward to seeing these community improvements completed, and I extend my gratitude to the men and women of the DPW, Public Property, and the Parks Department who collaborate to make our City clean, safe and livable,” added President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.
by Abigail Appel | Oct 1, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-13, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-4, Ward-6, Ward-8
At tomorrow’s City Council Meeting, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) will propose a resolution requesting that Mayor Jorge Elorza and the Providence Board of Licenses create a payment plan option for restaurants and bars looking to renew their liquor licenses for 2021. The resolution is co-sponsored by President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), and Councilors Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Rachel Miller (Ward 13), James Taylor (Ward 8), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and John Goncalves (Ward 1).
On the first of December each year, any restaurant or bar in the City of Providence with an existing liquor license must apply for a license renewal. This process can cost up to $3,000.00 and is overseen by the Board of Licenses. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upset the economy, this large fee could significantly strain many struggling restaurants and bar owners.
“Providence is home to some of the best restaurants in the region. We have seen several restaurants that have had to close their businesses due to the ongoing pandemic. The trickle-down effect of those closures means residents have lost jobs, owners have lost their livelihoods, and in many cases, their dreams. Further, when a business closes, it creates losses in tax revenue for the City. We need to do what we can to support them. Our city is a destination because of our unique and diverse culinary and bar scene. As City leaders, we need to do whatever we can to ease the financial burdens that they are currently facing. I want to thank Brendan McCaughey, who brought this to our attention, and worked with Council Staff to better understand the needs of our license holders,” stated Council President Matos.
“The City of Providence must follow in the footsteps of our neighbors in Warwick and Pawtucket,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia. “A liquor license is an integral part of any restaurant or bar operation. As business owners struggle to comply with new guidelines and grapple with financial loss, we must provide avenues for them to remain operational and on sound footing. A phased payment plan will surely help.”
In response to similar challenges, the Cities of Warwick and Pawtucket have already enacted similar plans, allowing license holders to adopt payment plans rather than paying all at once. While the cost will remain the same, this payment plan method aims to make the renewal fee easier to bear.
“It is critical that we take immediate action to support struggling restaurant and bar owners and do what we can to help them remain operational and fluid. This pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, and our small business community – including restaurants and bars – have been hit hard. The livelihood of many depend on this relief,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller.
Brendan McCaughey, the owner of Nolan’s Pub, stated, “I would like to thank the City Council, in particular, Councilwomen Matos and Miller, for their swift attention to this matter. As the weather turns cold and outdoor seating becomes impractical, many bar and restaurant owners are concerned about how to financially survive the winter. I think I speak for all of my fellow license holders when I say that any payment relief from the City’s license renewal fees will be a tremendous help at a time when some of us desperately need it.”
Upon passage, copies of this resolution will be sent to Mayor Jorge Elorza and the Providence Board of Licenses.
by Abigail Appel | Sep 29, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
On Friday, September 25, 2020, three Providence businesses were awarded with a Providence Commercial Corridor Micro-Business Loan. This program was created by the Providence Revolving Fund in collaboration with the Providence City Council.
The Family Bakery located at 243 Manton Avenue, El Primo Fruits & Vegetables located at 212 Manton Avenue and Iluminada Hair Salon & Barber at 161 Manton Avenue all received financing to help address necessary safety measures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Council President Sabina Matos and Providence Revolving Fund Director Carrie Zaslow visited the three businesses to congratulate the owners, and learn more about how they will use their funding to meet the current conditions required by the State’s response for reopening of businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
Congratulations and best of luck to Juan Lantigua, owner of The Family Bakery; Ramon Hernandez, owner of El Primo Fruits and Vegetables; and Virgen Borges, owner of Iluminada Hair Salon and Barber Shop.
These are difficult times for many local businesses throughout the City of Providence and this loan program has been created in an effort to mitigate the financial stresses caused by this global pandemic and the changing health and safety regulations for business owners.
If you are interested in applying for the Providence Commercial Corridor Micro-Business Loan, please visit the City Council website here: https://bit.ly/3je4DEd to see if you qualify and to learn how to apply.
A local bakery, grocer or hair salon are all key threads in the fabric of a neighborhood, and are important parts of creating community. Not only do they provide goods and services to their neighborhoods, but these small businesses also provide a livelihood for those who work hard to keep them up and running. For this reason, the Providence City Council is committed to assisting local business through these trying times. We take pride in our neighborhoods and the men and women who run the small businesses that are the economic engines of our city of neighborhoods.
Council President Matos, President of Providence Revolving Fund Carrie Zaslow and Ramon Hernandez, owner of El Primo Fruits and Vegetables located at 212 Manton Ave
Council President Matos, President of Providence Revolving Fund Carrie Zaslow and Juan Lantigua, owner of The Family Bakery located at 243 Manton Ave
Virgen Borges holds her check outside of her business, Illuminada Hair Salon and Barber Shop at 161 Manton Ave
by Abigail Appel | Sep 18, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
I want to thank the Providence College (PC) administration for their diligence and quick action regarding the newly reported cases of COVID-19 amongst their student body.
Last spring, I convened the colleges and universities in Providence to discuss their mitigation plans around bringing students back to campus. I am pleased to know that PC has followed their plan accordingly and has been committed to keeping the communities adjacent to campus informed of emerging COVID-19 cases and managing the pandemic.
As cases continue to rise on college campuses across the country, and as the World Health Organization just stated that the virus is projected to hit Europe in another wave in the coming weeks, it is now more important than ever that we stay vigilant and all do our part. This includes the students who attend PC and the other colleges and universities in our city who reside on-campus and off.
This morning, I was driving down Eaton Street and saw the road littered with red and blue solo cups and beer cans. Visually this tells me that students were gathering last night for parties and congregating, even as 80 of their classmates are fighting the virus. This behavior is unacceptable and needs to stop immediately.
Many college students need to remember that they are guests in the City of Providence during the years they are in school here. Students just like anyone else that chooses to flaunt the rules promulgated by Governor Raimondo and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dr. Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, need to be held accountable for their behavior.
This morning I have reached out to the PC administration, the Providence Police Department, and other agencies to ensure that we are increasing patrols in the areas around PC and enforcing the stay-at-home order issued by the College.
Further, I respectfully ask our neighbors to refrain from utilizing the PC campus unless they work there. Using the facilities and walking the grounds have become part of many of our daily routines; however, we have to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus. In light of these recent circumstances, it is imperative that residents cease using the campus for recreation.
If you are concerned that you may have come into contact with any person who may have COVID-19, the State of Rhode Island allows for asymptomatic testing at several of the sites across the state, including the drive-thru and walk-thru sites at the Convention Center in downtown Providence. To make an appointment for a test, please visit the RIDOH COVID-19 Site to schedule a test:
COVID-19 Testing.
David A. Salvatore
Providence City Council
Councilor – Ward 14
