by Council Staff | Oct 19, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release, Ward-7
Providence, RI – “I believe it is an appropriate decision for the sponsor of this ordinance, Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), to keep an open dialogue and better understand the potential detrimental impact on the city’s rental market. In its present form, the proposed ordinance targets financially strapped college students across the city and tries to solve a minor problem with an overreaching response. It’s like settling a verbal argument with a nuclear bomb.
Some nuisance homes near college campuses are a problem, but the ordinance would be applied across the city to thousands of homes and apartments with no issues. Providence has current enforcement laws and capabilities; let us utilize existing mechanisms and strengthen them where we can. If there is a shortage of police and staff in our inspections departments, we should address that need immediately.”
by Council Staff | Oct 19, 2022 | Ward-2
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – “Our city faces a housing crisis. There is no one cause for that crisis, and there will not be one solution. But one clear factor is the number of college campuses that are bleeding into our neighborhoods, creating pressure on current housing stock. We need to do what we can to preserve housing for our residents and to maintain our neighborhoods. Despite the city’s efforts to hold developers accountable through fines, inspections, and other restrictions, we continue to see noise and public safety matters connected to overcrowded student rental properties throughout our city.
The ordinance amendment was proposed to spark conversation about a new path forward. We cannot continue to allow property owners to disrupt neighborhoods and the housing market. These issues are not being addressed, and the impact on too many families is not getting the visibility it deserves.
I am committed to an open government, and I appreciate the many people who are stepping forward to share their views. I have asked for the public hearing process on this ordinance to remain open so that we might hear more from residents, owners, and students, examine more data, and explore all options to ensure we are doing all we can to preserve our housing stock and the strength of our neighborhoods for the families of Providence.”
by Council Staff | Oct 17, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Providence, RI – Tonight, after a two hour public hearing and testimony from dozens of citizens, the City Council finance committee approved a 30-year tax stabilization agreement (TSA) ordinance between the city and High Rock Westminster Street LLC, the owner of 111 Westminster Street, commonly known as the Superman building in downtown Providence.
“We heard from many members of the community tonight on this proposal to redevelop the Superman building, a massive skyscraper that has laid dormant and dark for nearly 10 years. There’s no question the property has become a black eye in the center of the capital city,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Chairwoman of the finance committee. “The owner has agreed to an unprecedented $223 million public-private partnership project that will bring more than 1,600 good-paying construction jobs downtown and create new housing opportunities, including affordable units. The TSA is one critical component that allows the building owner to make this significant investment in Providence, and without an agreement, as we heard tonight, the project would die. It’s clear we need to move forward and transform a dilapidated property back into a vibrant economic engine,” added Ryan.
The proposed project calls for 285 residential apartments, with 20% of the units deed restricted as affordable. The building owner has committed to a mix of retail and community space in the Grand Banking Hall, opening the building’s doors to all. A “Buy Providence” initiative is also included in the TSA, where the owner will use good faith efforts to buy construction materials, use equipment and services from city vendors. The ordinance now moves before the full City Council and requires two passages. A copy of the TSA agreement is posted here.
by Council Staff | Oct 6, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
October 6, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Public Nuisance Policy
Tonight, the City Council passed into law an ordinance amending the city’s current legislation surrounding “loud or unruly gatherings.” Currently, any building where police have documented a disturbance, or “public nuisance” must display an orange sticker detailing the violation. The new ordinance makes both property owners and residents responsible if stickers are removed or defaced. Under current law, only the resident is subject to fines. To read the entire ordinance, click here.
Ban on Marijuana in Parks
Councilors passed an ordinance to amend the city’s current ban on tobacco use in city parks, playgrounds, and recreational centers to include marijuana after state law recently made recreational cannabis legal. Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7) sponsored the amendment. A violation of the law would be punishable by a civil fine of $50.
Providence Place Mall Tax Treaty
Councilors received a proposed ordinance establishing a 20-year tax treaty for the Providence Place Mall to begin on July 1, 2028, including annual payments of $4.5 million. The proposal claims that the COVID-19 pandemic and the growth of e-commerce have “challenged the viability of malls.” The mall’s owners seek to reinvent Providence Place Mall into a “modern public gathering place that combines retail with office/workplace, dining, entertainment, health and wellness facilities, arts, education, residential, medical, community fulfillment services and together with other commercial uses in one location,” according to the ordinance.
“This tax treaty proposal is the beginning of the conversation on the future of Providence Place. The economy and online shopping have changed the mall’s business model from 25 years ago. As city leaders, we are responsible for listening and allowing the owners to present the facts,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “The city and its residents cannot afford to see the mall abandoned and shuttered, but any tax agreement needs to reflect equity across the board.”
The proposal was taken by the Council “off docket” Thursday because the ordinance was not presented to the Clerk’s office before the 10 am docket deadline on Friday, October 1. The proposed ordinance was referred to the finance committee. To read the entire proposal, click here.
Transportation for Providence Students
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune sponsored a resolution calling on the Providence Public School District (PPSD), the city administration, and RIDE to quickly develop a plan to address public transportation issues for Providence students. PPSD partners with RIPTA to transport more than 4,500 students for rides to and from school. An unprecedented labor shortage for RIPTA has caused delays in service and left many students without rides. The resolution was referred to the finance committee.
“It is unacceptable to leave Providence students out on the street with no means of getting to class. These bus delays and reduced services are causing real hardships for students and working parents. We can do better. We need an immediate plan to fix our public transportation problems for our students and ensure they have access to before and after school opportunities,” said Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3).
Request to Remove National Background Checks for Student Volunteers
Councilman John Goncalves sponsored a resolution requesting the Providence Public School District (PPSD) and Providence School Board remove a national Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) requirement for volunteer university students, but maintain local background checks. PPSD had 162 unfilled teaching jobs at the beginning of the 2022 school year and 101 classrooms without a permanent, full-time certified teacher. Each year Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University, and others provide hundreds of volunteers to help fill gaps at Providence public schools. While background checks help protect students’ safety, a new Community Partnership Policy would require expensive and time-consuming national background checks for non-Rhode Island volunteers. The resolution was referred to the finance committee.
“If this administrative policy requiring an additional national background check, in addition to the Rhode Island BCI check, is not removed for university students, the Providence Public School District could potentially lose hundreds of volunteers from our colleges and universities who provide support services to city schools. This comes at an inopportune time when our schools are already faced with teacher shortages and desperately need extra support,” said Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
Mayor-Elect Smiley
City Council President Igliozzi invited Mayor-elect Brett Smiley to attend tonight’s meeting. Smiley addressed councilors in the chamber. He was presented with a commemorative plaque honoring the city’s soon-to-be 39th mayor.
by Council Staff | Sep 29, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
September 29, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
PROVIDENCE, RI – At tonight’s finance committee meeting, a $10 million Covid-19 Equities Program Budget for the City of Providence was approved. “I would like to thank the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission members for their hard work over many months and Mayor Elorza’s administration for presenting in front of the finance committee tonight. I also commend community members who took the time to provide compelling testimony, which helped inform the committee’s decision,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), chairwoman of the finance committee. The approved budget will now go before the full council. Passage requires two votes.
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