by Billy Kepner | Jan 19, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
City Councilman Seth Yurdin (Ward One) is calling on city and state leaders to align funding priorities and allocate more resources for public school buildings across Providence and throughout Rhode Island. At tonight’s City Council meeting, Yurdin will introduce a call to action to Governor Gina Raimondo, members of the General Assembly, Mayor Jorge Elorza, the Providence School Board, and the Rhode Island Department of Education to collaborate and develop a plan that addresses critical issues directly affecting students’ learning environments.
“Providing a proper public education and adequate facilities in which to learn should be a priority this year,” Yurdin said. Securing funding for such infrastructure repairs is already under consideration as part of the “Fair Shot Agenda” proposed by a number of State Representatives and Senators. Yurdin’s resolution further urges other State and local leaders to support funding necessary to provide Rhode Island’s youth with the facilities that a quality education requires.
Yurdin notes a number of research findings, including the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s 2013 School House Assessment, which states that approximately 20% of Rhode Island public school buildings are in need of “moderate to major renovations” or “replacement.”
“The long-term impact of school infrastructure investment will improve the well-being and education outcomes for our young people. By improving the quality of students’ learning environments and addressing the health and safety concerns within our school buildings, we’ll be in a better position to provide the fundamental tools students need to thrive.”
The resolution calls for the development of a comprehensive plan address infrastructure issues within Providence Public School buildings. If adopted, the City of Providence would hold public forums in multiple neighborhood locations and engage stakeholders to address concerns.
The resolution will be introduced at the City Council meeting on Thursday, January 19th at 7 PM in the Council Chambers located on the Third Floor of City Hall.
by Billy Kepner | Jan 19, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-7
The City Council tonight approved a tax stabilization to advance the revitalization of 225 Weybosset Street, an abandoned historic property in Providence’s downtown theater district. Once complete, the property will feature 6 commercial/retail spaces on the ground floor and 10 apartments on the upper floors, which have been vacant for over twenty years.
“Historic buildings are challenging to renovate, and those with empty storefronts make for the kinds of projects where tax stabilizations matter most,” said Council President Luis Aponte. “This investment will transform a historic building that’s been abandoned and overlooked for far too long. These kinds of projects enliven our business districts and bring new housing stock to our vibrant city.”
225 Weybosset Street marks the third redevelopment project in Providence by ASH NYC, which is led by principal Ari Heckman. Heckman’s most notable local investment was the conversion of the former Sportsman’s Inn on Fountain Street into the Dean Hotel. Following that success, the developer reinvested tax savings into the rehabilitation of 32 Custom House Street in the city’s Financial District.
“We love Providence, and we look forward to restoring another building in the heart of a city we’re so passionate about,” said Heckman. “We’re grateful for the support from the City Council that makes this project possible.”
“This developer’s previous projects have been a rousing success for the City of Providence,” noted Finance Committee Chairman John Igliozzi. “Small-scale projects like these can often have the biggest long-term, positive impact on the city.”
by Billy Kepner | Jan 10, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
The Providence City Council has commissioned a Providence-based artist to design a municipal medal to recognize public servants’ extraordinary acts of bravery. The medal is slated for production in late February 2017.
In October, the City Council approved an amendment to update the terms of the original municipal medal ordinance from 1915. The change was inspired by a team of firefighters who resuscitated a seven-month-old baby in August. “Since then, we’ve seen even more acts of heroism that deserve recognition,” said Council President Luis Aponte, who plans to award one of the first medals to Providence Fire Lt. Robert McCullough. In late December, McCullough was off-duty when he rescued a man from a burning building. The fire lieutenant was driving on Hawkins Street when he noticed flames and pulled over; without equipment, he entered the burning building and rescued a man trapped inside.
Olneyville artist Kiki Sciullo has been commissioned to create a new “seal of honor and heroism” and oversee production. “This is an exciting project and I’m thankful for the opportunity to develop a medal that honors and celebrates Providence’s bravest public servants,” said Sciullo. The design was inspired by historic Rhode Island seals and the 1638 land deed between Roger Williams and the Narragansett sachems, who signed with a bow and arrow symbol. Sciullo incorporated the symbol with an anchor to signify hope and strength. A laurel wreath serves as a nod to the medal’s original specifications and its hand-tooled style represents the period in which Providence was founded.
Sciullo is collaborating with Providence artists for production, including jeweler Heather Guidero and woodworkers Laura and Gordon Moss of Functional Aesthetic Design Build. Once complete, the medals will be 2.5 inches in diameter and presented to recipients in sustainable maple boxes designed to reflect the history of American craftsmanship and the colonial period.
