by Billy Kepner | Sep 24, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
I am disappointed that Mayor Elorza has only elected to review the budget of one department out of nearly fifty under the City’s purview. Why and what will this accomplish? We know that the Providence Police Department is not funded at capacity and that even if it were; we don’t have enough officers to be in each of our neighborhoods to deal with the quality of life issues that so many people call their Councilor’s about; like ATVs and motorbikes, fireworks, and other nuisance issues.
The incidents of police brutality that have occurred around the United States have rarely happened here, and when it has, our Chief of Police has acted swiftly and beyond reproach. This administration seems to be singling out one department when we are facing a fiscal cliff like we have not seen since the Great Recession of 2008. The City should have hired an outside firm to look at all of the city departments to see how we can best navigate these difficult times.
Instead, we are sending a message to the very people that we ask to protect us – that they are devalued. Every day our men and women of the Providence Police Department go to work to serve and protect us, the residents of Providence. If it were not for police officers like Officer Jose Deschamps, the Figueroa family would have lost their 8-month old baby boy, Dylan. This is one example of the hundreds of acts of bravery and courage that our officers have shown daily. Even when they are being called names, having bottles thrown at them, spit on, and all the while, they stand by to ensure the safety of those same people.
I see this as nothing more than political grandstanding and a waste of money that we could have used to invest in social service programs to build a better and more resilient community.
I’m not going to say that there have not been bad cops or cops that would do harm based on a bias. There most certainly has, and unfortunately, there will be again, but those individuals must be rooted out, and our Chief of Police is committed to doing just that. We need to provide more supports to our officers who are working longer hours, with fewer officers in the division, and doing more with less.
If we are to review one department, let’s review them all. Certainly, we can find abundant cost savings in other departments to keep our City fiscally afloat and address the social service needs that are lacking and taking our officers away from crime prevention and reduction.
Nicholas J. Narducci, Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Sep 19, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
We want to thank the Providence College administration for their swift action in the wake of the 120+ positive cases of COVID-19 amongst their student body.
As a community, we must remain vigilant in our fight against the virus. We know that by wearing face coverings, hand washing, staying home when we feel sick, limiting the number of interactions we have with others, and using hand sanitizer we can do our part to protect ourselves and others. The world’s leading epidemiologists have all shared concerns that as the fall approaches that we would see a resurgence of the virus, and that remains true.
We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe, including the student population that live in close quarters. That’s why it is so important for our student population to adhere to social distancing mandates and the number of people that can gather at any one time. To not only keep themselves safe, but the residents that live around and work on the campus.
Providence College has been in constant contact with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the City of Providence from the beginning of this current incident. In addition, to implement and enforce the stay-at-home order, the college has contracted with the Providence Police Department at their expense and are deploying their own security team.
As elected officials, we are concerned for the safety of our community. We ask that you please wear a mask, practice social distancing, limit your interactions with as few people as possible, get your flu shot, and remember that the State is offering free asymptomatic testing.
Please visit pvdcovid19.com for the latest City information and call your physician or visit health.ri.gov if you feel like you need to be tested.
by Billy Kepner | Sep 4, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
In February of this year, there was a proposal for a waste facility on Allens Avenue that would have been able to accept, process, and haul 2,500 tons of construction and commercial waste per day. This would have caused an increase in industrial traffic and would have undoubtedly caused more pollution along Allens and Thurbers Avenues. This is in an area that is already considered a “frontline community” by the City of Providence’s recently published Climate Justice Plan and also has some of the highest rates of childhood asthma in the nation.
I, along with invested community partners and neighbors, testified before the City’s Planning Commission against the requested zoning variance for the site. After hearing from concerned residents, the petitioner decided to pull their zoning request for this property. To ensure that no other waste facility would be considered for this site or any site in Providence, I introduced an amendment to the City’s Zoning Ordinance in May that would eliminate any new incinerators or waste facilities from being able to open in the City of Providence.
Last night, the City Council unanimously voted and passed for the second and final time this significant environmental change to our City’s Zoning Ordinance. As a Councilor, it has never been my intention to stand in the way of bringing new businesses to our City. However, I believe that these types of industries would only serve to harm our residents and create more air and water pollution in Providence.
There is no viable place for such facilities in a city as densely populated as ours, and by removing this from our Zoning Code, we have ensured the health and safety of our residents.
I want to extend my thanks to my community members, the City Plan Commission, my fellow Council colleagues and fellow elected officials, and community groups who helped make this change a reality. As we face a changing climate, we have to do everything we can to protect our environment.
Pedro Espinal
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 10
by Billy Kepner | Sep 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-2, Ward-3
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilwomen Helen Anthony and Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), and John Goncalves (Ward 1) put forth a resolution in opposition to the proposed multi-hub bus system Downtown Providence. This resolution is also co-sponsored by Councilor Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12) and Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13). It will be referred to the City Council’s Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning (URRP) for further discussion.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has proposed a substantial redesign of the Kennedy Plaza bus hub in downtown Providence. This redesign decentralizes bus activity in Providence which adversely impacts the transit riders. Significant opposition has been voiced by many community members and groups, including Rhode Island Transit Riders, Providence Streets Coalition, Grow Smart Rhode Island, Jewelry District Association, and the Providence Foundation.
“RIDOT presented a final plan without involving the stakeholders it most affects. Specifically, the plan causes longer commutes and increases the required number of transfers per trip for individuals who use this essential service. The process is so flawed, we shouldn’t even be looking at the merits of the plan.” RIDOT should stop, engage in a robust public process and make sure that new plan does no harm to the diverse group of Rhode Islanders who rely on transit service that passes through Downtown Providence,” stated Councilwoman Anthony.
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority serves up to 45,000 commuters a day, with many Rhode Islanders relying on the bus system to get to and from work. RIPTA provides an essential service to some of the most economically vulnerable individuals in the state.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune stated, “The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus service is the primary mode of public transportation in our state. Access to public transit amplifies our residents’ freedom and mobility to go anywhere. Any changes to a public service in which people rely on require a public process. Unfortunately, this plan was not designed with the community’s input or from an equity framework that prioritizes accessibility, cost, safety, or environmental implications. The community is open to working with RIDOT to designing a plan that improves public transit in or city and state. I urge residents to reach out to the Governor and the Department of Transportation to express their continued opposition.”
The current plan was proposed with little public input and data to support the siting of new hub locations. Several community members from around the state have expressed opposition to the proposed redesign of routes and bus stops from Kennedy Plaza to near the Providence Train Station.
“I have serious concerns about the proposed RIDOT Multi Hub Bus plan, and strongly urge RIDOT to change their current proposal,” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “I have had several constituents from Ward 1 express significant concerns about the proposed Dyer Street/Innovation District Hub, and the plan as it stands will disproportionately inconvenience low-income communities, seniors, and persons with disabilities. I fully understand and support the need to beautify Kennedy Plaza for our downtown residents and visitors alike, but not at the expense of the most vulnerable amongst us.”
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris shared, “This is not just a transit issue, but an equity issue. Transit riders come from predominantly low-income communities, are people of color, have disabilities, or are seniors. If RIDOT continues with these plans, they will only be making it more difficult for these marginalized groups to have a reliable way to get to work on time or get home safely. Any plans to drastically change public transportation should prioritize the input of the people who rely on RIPTA every day. This is why I am planning to hold an URPP meeting next week so that the Council may engage in discussion with the community regarding this proposal.”
The resolution was referred to the URRP [spelled out] Committee which will convene Wed. September 9th at 5:00 to hear from the stakeholders regarding the proposed resolution.
Upon passage, this resolution will be sent to Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, The Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 26, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Late yesterday afternoon and then again later last night, two separate shooting incidents took place on Smith Street. The first took place at the intersection of Smith and River, where it is believed that two cars were chasing each other, and shots were fired. Neither of the vehicles in question was hit. Unfortunately, an uninvolved vehicle was hit by a stray bullet, and thankfully there were no injuries. Thanks to the fine men and women of the Providence Police Department, one of the alleged suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident in the near vicinity.
Then at approximately 11:30 PM last night, two males ages 16 and 20 were shot near the 400 block of Smith Street, and they sustained non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made at this time, and the Police are still investigating.
Our City is facing what seems to be an unprecedented amount of violent crime in the past few weeks. We must work together with our community partners, public safety officials, and elected officials to restore order and peace on our streets.
I am once again committing to advocate for sensible, enforceable, and meaningful gun legislation with our state and federal representatives that would remove guns from those that would use them to do harm, rather than for sport or self-protection.
When these incidents happen in our neighborhoods, witnesses and other concerned neighbors are often not updated on outcomes, and it perpetuates a feeling of considerable uncertainty and fear for those who live in the affected areas.
I plan to introduce a resolution calling on the City’s Public Safety Department to institute a City-wide gun-buy-back program in the hopes of getting some of these weapons off of our streets in the upcoming City Council legislative session beginning in September.
I have been in contact with our police department leadership, and the incidents yesterday are active investigations. As I learn more, I will share with the community as soon as allowed.
Quality of life for our City’s residents is paramount, and something that I fight for every day as a City Councilor.
If you have any information regarding these incidents, please call the Providence Police Department’s non-emergency number at 401-272-1111 or filing a report online at https://bit.ly/PVDPoliceReport
Jo-Ann Ryan, Majority Leader
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 5
