by Billy Kepner | Oct 17, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Tonight Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced an amendment to the Code of Ordinances that would help homeowners and tenants be better informed about their responsibilities when it comes to waste and recycle barrel offenses.
The amendment to the Code of Ordinances proposed by Councilman Salvatore would change the fine structure as it relates to trash and recycle barrels being left out past the designated curfew. The first offense will be a warning, and all subsequent offenses will be tiered beginning with $25 for the second offense (first after warning), $50 for the third, and $100 for all subsequent fines – not to exceed $1500.00 per calendar year. If a homeowner or tenant is fined four times or more they will be considered a chronic violator and will be subject to appear before the Providence Municipal Court.
“For too long residents have not had a clear understanding of their responsibilities when it comes to the storage of their trash and recycle barrels,” Stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “The fines – to date – have not been consistent with the ordinance and the amendment to the code will address that issue. The amendment will also educate residents who might not know the statute.”
The amendment to the Code of Ordinances will be sent to the Committee on Ordinances before the Council will vote on the matter.
Councilman Salvatore continued, “It is important that each and every resident have clear and predictable knowledge of the workings of our City. Implementing a warning phase will help residents better understand their responsibilities for the storage of their trash and recycle bins.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 16, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
It was alarming to hear a public official condoning an act of vandalism.
An act of vandalism is not political discourse, it is not freedom of speech, and it is not a form of dissent. It is a crime.
As elected officials we have a sworn duty to uphold the law and not waste precious resources cleaning up the mess that vandalism leaves behind.
As City Councilors we don’t represent just our Wards; we represent the City as a whole – including factions of constituents we may disagree with.
I believe wholeheartedly in one’s right to their freedom of speech and expression, but I will not and can not condone vandalism of any kind.
Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Oct 15, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Today Commissioner Infante-Green issued her final reconstitution order of the Providence Public Schools.
I believe that we all must take part in this transformational change. We live in the 21st Century, and our students are being left behind. No one person or entity can do this alone, and we are in this together.
This process is not going to be easy, but I hope this will be an opportunity for true transformation for our school system, and that it serves all of our students. It is essential that all stakeholders, including the City Council, have a seat at the table as we navigate these changes.
The Commissioner has proposed a bold plan, and I look forward to working with her to make sure that Providence City Schools are no longer at the bottom, but that we fix the systemic issues that have plagued our schools for generations, and rise to the top. It’s what our children deserve.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 10, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Providence City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan, (Ward 5) announced today that the striping and signage on Eaton Street will be reversed before November 1, 2019. Planned sidewalk and curb cut work will be completed by December 1, 2019 weather permitting.
“I am pleased that the administration has provided a deadline for bringing this project to conclusion,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “While I am not opposed to bike lanes or opportunities that offer multimodal transportation, the city needs to balance all new initiatives with the needs of the surrounding community, particularly when it is a matter of public safety.”
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “I want to once again thank my neighbors for working together to address these genuine issues of public safety. I would also like to thank the Administration for working collaboratively to get this job done as quickly as possible.”
Leader Ryan will continue to advise community members as information becomes available. Please look to City Council social media channels and website for further updates.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 10, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
I am disappointed, but not surprised to hear that the developer of the proposed Hope Point Tower, Jason Fane, has asked for an extension on his deadline to file his Tax Stabilization Agreement (TSA). More concerning is that Mr. Fane is also requesting a payment agreement for the estimated $300,000 fee required for his TSA.
I have long advocated for a standardized TSA for the I-195 land and throughout Providence, which should avoid a situation exactly like this. Mr. Fane’s latest requests underscore my argument that Providence needs a fair, predictable process for development and TSAs – not just for the benefit of the development community, but also our taxpayers.
We should not be able to cherry-pick projects or developers who circumvent the rules set forth by the City and State. It is not fair to our taxpayers, who subsidize these projects, and it lacks transparency and honesty.
If Mr. Fane needs a payment plan for his filing fee, which is just a fraction of the cost of this proposed building, then how will he be able to finance the $300 million needed to actually build the Hope Point Tower? Our taxpayers cannot afford to foot the bill if this development fails.
David A. Salvatore, Councilman – Ward 14
