Skip To Menu
Skip To Content
Skip To Accessibility Options
Skip To Language Options
Providence City Council to Hold Virtual Meeting Via Teleconference

Providence City Council to Hold Virtual Meeting Via Teleconference

by | Mar 19, 2020 | Council News, COVID-19, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9

Participants Can Call Into the Meeting With Their Phones

Providence will be the first Council Body to use this Teleconferencing Technology

In light of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak which has affected many of us here in Rhode Island, the Governor issued an executive order earlier this week lifting the Open Meetings Act (OMA) restrictions for public meetings.

The order allows for adequate alternative means of public access such as over phone, internet, and audio or videoconferencing when it comes to public body meetings.

“Our goal as a City Council is to be as transparent as possible,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15). “We have decided to move from livestreaming to teleconferencing due to the rapid spread of the virus here in Rhode Island. In the last 48 hours, we have seen an increase of 21 positive infections, totaling 44 positive infections here in Rhode Island as of 1:30 PM today. It’s with that in mind that we have made the difficult decision to host our meeting using a teleconference line, a widely used and implemented practice. This will allow for residents to hear the discussions as it happens by our body in real-time.”

In light of this executive order, in addition to the prior executive order limiting gatherings of more than 25 people, and to protect the health of our Councilors, staff, and our residents Council President Sabina Matos has decided to seek alternative public access mediums for tonight’s Council meeting. The City Council will be using a teleconferencing platform for tonight’s meeting.

Call-In Information is Below:
Please dial: 1-646-558-8656
Pin: 692739810#
Press # again to enter the conference waiting room.

This tough decision is premised on an urgency to preserve public health while also maintaining the spirit of an open and transparent governmental process.

Open Eats in Our City of Neighborhoods

by | Mar 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Providence Restaurants Open for Takeout or Delivery Thank You Eat Drink RI for This List

  1. Ahava Catering, Providence – 401-272-4835
  2. Andino’s, Providence – 401-453-3164 or delivery
  3. Angelo’s Civita Farnese, Providence – take out
  4. Anthony’s, Providence – 401-273-5900 or delivery
  5. Anthony’s Italian Deli, Providence – 401-621-8106
  6. Bagel Express, Providence – 401-455-1212
  7. Bajas Taqueria, Providence- take out
  8. Bajas Tex Mex Grill, Providence- take out
  9. Bites by Bre, Providence – delivery
  10. Cafeteria La Rueda, Providence – (401) 941-4438
  11. Carolina, Providence – 401-941-1333
  12. Cassarino’s Restaurant, Providence – 401-648-4900 or delivery
  13. Centro Restaurant, Providence – 401-228-6802
  14. Ceremony, Providence – take out
  15. Chef Ho’s, Providence – 401-831-0777 or delivery
  16. Chez Pascal, Providence – take out
  17. Costantino’s Venda Bar Ristorante, Providence – 401-528-1100 or delivery
  18. Deluxe Nutrition, Providence – 401-338-8241 take out
  19. Dolores, Providence – take out
  20. Don José Tequilas, Providence – 401-454-8951 or delivery
  21. El Eden, Providence – 401-270-1446
  22. El Eden Express, Providence, (401) 490-0802
  23. El Fogon, Providence – 401-383-8239
  24. El Mogote, Providence – (401) 490-0053
  25. El Provocon Restaurant, Providence –  (401) 228-6322
  26. Enjoy Cafeteria, Providence – (401) 270-9660
  27. The Family Cake, Providence – take out
  28. Federal Hill Pizza, Providence – delivery
  29. Fire Works Catering, Providence – 401-831-9221
  30. Folklore Latino, Providence – (401) 524-1511
  31. Gasbarro’s Wines, Providence – 401- 421-4170
  32. Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches, Providence – take out & delivery
  33. Great Northern BBQ Co., Providence – 401-421-1513 or delivery
  34. Gregg’s, Providence – take out or delivery
  35. Hudson Street Deli, Providence – 401-228-8555
  36. Hometown Poké, Providence – take out or delivery
  37. The Industrious Spirit Company, Providence – take out bottle of RI made vodka (see this Instagram post)
  38. Julian’s, Providence – 401-861-1770
  39. Kabob and Curry, Providence – take out & delivery
  40. La Broa Pizza, Providence – (401) 270-4884
  41. La Gran Parada, Providence – 401-941-4610
  42. La Sonrisa, Providence – 401-228-3470
  43. Lekker Seiromushi, Providence – 401-285-9999 or delivery
  44. Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails, Providence – delivery (DELIVERY COCKTAILS!)
  45. Los Andes, Providence – 401-649-4911 or delivery
  46. Lotus Garden Noodle & Sushi House, Providence – 401-383-4774 or delivery
  47. Mi Casa Restaurant, Providence – (401) 270-0798
  48. Minerva’s Pizza, Providence – take out & delivery
  49. Murphy’s, Providence – 401-621-8467 or 401-421-1188 or delivery
  50. Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza, Providence – take out or delivery 1 or delivery 2
  51. New China Restaurant, Providence – (401) 437-8220
  52. Newport Creamery, Providence – take out
  53. Nicks on Broadway, Providence – 401-421-0286
  54. Nicks on Westminster, Providence – take out
  55. The Nitro Bar, Providence – take out & delivery
  56. Noodles 102, Providence – 401-383-5004
  57. Ocean State Sandwich Company, Providence – take out or delivery
  58. Olneyville NY System, Providence – take out or delivery
  59. Opa, Providence – 401-351-8282 or delivery
  60. Pasta Beach, Providence – 401-270-0740
  61. Pito Restaurant, Providence –  (401) 941-4320
  62. Pito’s Restaurant II, Providence – (401) 351-7988

  63. Pizza J, Providence – take out

  64. Pizza Pie-er, Providence – take out

  65. Plant City, Providence you can order from their apps Apple & Android – take out & delivery

  66. Providence Pizza Palace, Providence – (401) 415-8967
  67. Providence Bagel, Providence – take out
  68. Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Providence – take out or delivery
  69. Rebelle Artisan Bagels, Providence – take out
  70. Roma, Providence – 401-331-5000
  71. Rosmarin, Providence – 401-500-5189
  72. Rue Bis, Providence – 401-490-9966
  73. Salted Slate, Providence – take out
  74. Serendipity Gourmet, Providence – 401-270-2233 or delivery
  75. Schasteâ, Providence – take out
  76. Sicilia’s, Providence – 401-273-9222 or delivery
  77. Shake Shack, Providence – 401-214-1823

  78. The Shop, Providence – 401-684-1140

  79. Sin, Providence – 401-369-8427

  80. Spike’s Junkyard Dogs, Providence – take out or delivery
  81. Subway Waterman St., Providence – 401-490-8178
  82. Sydney, Providence – 401-648-4994 ex. 1
  83. Tavolo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille, Providence – take out & delivery
  84. Trinity Brewhouse, Providence – take out

  85. Tommy’s Pizza, Providence – 401-351-4141 or 401-621-3509

  86. Tori Tomo, Providence – 401-409-2077

  87. Trattoria Zooma, Providence – 401-383-2002 or delivery

  88. Troop, Providence – take out or delivery

  89. Wes’s Rib House, Providence – 401-421-9090
  90. Umelt, Providence – take out or delivery
  91. Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill, Providence – 401-369-7974
  92. Wise Guys Deli & Pizza, Providence – 401-621-8111 or delivery
  93. Wok & Pot, Providence – take out & delivery
  94. Y Noodle & Bar, Providence – 401-661-9666
  95. Yang Restaurant, Providence – (401) 780-0777
  96. Yoleni’s, Providence – take out & delivery
Thursday’s City Council Meeting to be Livestreamed

Thursday’s City Council Meeting to be Livestreamed

by | Mar 17, 2020 | Council News, COVID-19, Press Release, Ward-15

In light of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak which recently reared its head here in Rhode Island, the Governor issued an executive order today lifting OMA restrictions for public meetings.
The order allows for adequate alternative means of public access such as over the phone, internet, and audio or videoconferencing when it comes to public body meetings.
In light of this executive order, in addition to the prior executive order limiting gatherings of more than 25 people, and to protect the health of our Councilors and staff we decided to seek alternative public access mediums for our Thursday Council meeting. Between Councilors and essential staff, the number of individuals in the chamber totals 24.
This tough decision is premised on an urgency to preserve public health while also maintaining the spirit of an open and transparent governmental process.
After careful consideration of what options the Providence City Council had available to deliver it’s Thursday meeting in the most accessible, equitable, and transparent manner, we made the decision to livestream our meeting over our social media platforms and our YouTube channel.
This past winter we equipped our City Council Chamber with livestreaming capabilities that put us technologically ahead of almost all of our municipal legislative peers and perfectly equipped to adhere to the mandate issued today by the Governor.
Providence City Solicitor, Jeff Dana, stated, “Municipalities were directed today to observe to the spirit of OMA to the best of their abilities in light of the public health crisis. The livestreaming capability inside of the Council Chamber would appear to be exactly the type of measure the Governor envisioned municipalities would administer when she signed the executive order.”
This is an unprecedented moment in the history of our State and City. With that in mind and our commitment to transparency, the Council will work with local media outlets to designate a pool reporter, whom will be stationed in the balcony of the Chambers, to limit the number of individuals at our meeting, and to ensure that the Council is being held to the highest standard.
Statement from Council President Sabina Matos and the Members of the City Council

Statement from Council President Sabina Matos and the Members of the City Council

by | Mar 16, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15

Statement Regarding Recent Updates around the State and City’s Response to COVID-19

This morning, Governor Gina Raimondo issued an executive order to close all bars and restaurants in the State of Rhode Island. The executive order only allows for carry-out and delivery service at these businesses. In addition to this, the Governor has instructed that no gatherings of 25 or more people will be allowed in the State until at least March 30, 2020.

The City Council understands the need for this broad action and is in support of this decision. In addition to the Governor’s announcements, Mayor Jorge Elorza, has issued an executive order to close the Providence Place Mall. We are acutely aware of the impact this has on so many of our hard-working residents who depend on reliable income to pay rent, childcare, and other necessities. We want to reassure our neighbors that we are working with our Federal, State, and Local officials to find ways to ensure the economic welfare of all our residents.

The Council has launched a COVID-19 Information Resource Page that provides links for residents with information regarding Workplace Aid, information regarding the State’s Paid Sick Leave legislation, and where to apply for Temporary Disability Insurance if you have or are caring for someone with COVID-19, as well as how to apply for Unemployment Benefits.

The City Council, which oversees the Municipal Courts, has stopped all Collection Services relating to unpaid parking, environmental, or speed camera violations. We have also suspended scofflaw “booting” of vehicles in the City of Providence, and as of Friday, March 13, 2020 the Courts have suspended the doubling, and tripling of fines until further notice.

We are doing everything within our powers to ensure that no added economic hardship is added to our residents. Your safety, well-being both physically and financially, and quality of life are our top concerns. Where we can, we will work to help our neighbors during these trying times.

If you need assistance please visit our COVID-19 Information Resource Page, call our office at 401-521-7477, or email us at council@providenceri.gov.

Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15

Statement from Council President Sabina Matos and the Members of the City Council

Meal Distribution Centers During School Closures Due to COVID-19

by | Mar 15, 2020 | COVID-19, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9

There are 13 sites across the city where children ages 18 and younger, can access several days worth of “Grab & Go” meals (breakfast and lunch). The locations will be open from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday during the duration of the school closure.

Service lines will be located at the front entrance of each school. No families will be allowed in the buildings. Sodexo staff will hand each student pre-packaged meals. Please note that children do not need to be enrolled in the Providence Public School District to access this program. This is a change to what has been previously shared.

The 13 Sites Are:

  1. William D’Abate Elementary School School located at 60 Kossuth Street.
  2. Gilbert Stuart Middle School located at 188 Princeton Street.
  3. Providence Career and Technical Academy located at 41 Fricker Street.
  4. Mt. Pleasant High School located at 434 Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
  5. Reservoir Elementary School located at 156 Reservoir Avenue.
  6. E-Cubed Academy located at 812 Branch Avenue.
  7. Juanita Sanchez High School located at 182 Thurbers Avenue.
  8. Hope High School located at 324 Hope Street.
  9. DelSesto Middle School located at 152 Springfield Street.
  10. Vartan Gregorian Elementary School located at 455 Wickenden Street.
  11. Nathanael Greene Middle School located at 721 Chalkstone Avenue.
  12. Alan Shawn Feinstein Elementary School, 1450 Broad Street.
  13. Times2 Academy, 50 Filmore Street.

In addition, the City of Providence will be offering free, several days worth of packaged dinner meals at each of Providence’s eleven recreation centers. Meals can be picked up between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are available for those 18 and under, but they must be personally present at the distribution site.

  1. Vincent Brown at 438 Hope Street.
  2. John H. Rollins at 674 Praire Avenue.
  3. Madeline Rogers at 60 Camden Avenue.
  4. Davey Lopes at 227 Dudley Street.
  5. Zuccolo at 18 Gesler Street.
  6. Armand E. Batastini Jr. at 50 Obediah Brown Road.
  7. Joslin at 17 Hyatt Street.
  8. Neutaconkanut at 675 Plainfield Street.
  9. West End at 109 Bucklin Street.
  10. Sackett at 159 Sackett Street.
  11. Kennedy at 195 Nelson Street.

Please note that all childcare centers have been ordered closed by Governor Raimondo effective Monday, March 16, 2020 for at least one week. This is a change from what was originally reported.

We will update as other sites are designated for this service.