by Council Staff | Jun 22, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Ward-1
Today, ahead of their next meeting to hear the mixed-use residential and commercial development proposals for Parcels 8 and 8A, I am respectfully asking Chairman Robert Davis, Executive Director Caroline Skuncik, and the members of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission to ensure decisions on the development of Providence land happen “with the community” rather than simply “to the community.” In my many discussions with constituents, there is a constant thread as we look toward future construction projects with mindfulness toward maintaining our neighborhood vibrancy and fabric.
The area always has and should support local restaurants and shops from Al Forno to Bacaro to Geoff’s to Felini’s to Coffee Exchange to Adler’s Hardware. South Main, South Water, and Wickenden Street is our artsy, funky character-filled shopping destination that should not be overtaken by luxury housing and undermined by the retail corporatization of this area.
The rapid growth of our neighborhood is inevitable and more housing and economic opportunities should be acknowledged. We have seen critical development projects like Point 225, and Aloft, and have Parcels 6, Emblem 125, and 9 and more coming to fruition. However, nearly 9 acres are still available.
Constituents are once again requesting that the Commission formalize and establish a task force of neighborhood abutters/representatives and local businesses who can help develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on the front end to ensure alignment with our vibrant neighborhoods. If the commission cannot follow through on this request, we will respectfully urge the rest of our colleagues in government to advocate that the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President create such a task force or otherwise give back municipal oversight and local zoning control of the I-195 Special Economic Development District.
As we continue to gather robust feedback from our constituents and neighborhood abutters, we will formulate a more formal position on each of these development proposals. Still, we ultimately look forward to working with our state partners to ensure the vitality and vibrancy of the neighborhood remain strong.
by Council Staff | Jun 16, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
June 16, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Council Approves $568 million City Budget, Laborers’ Local 1033 Contract, and Supports 30 Year Tax Agreement for Superman Building
FY 2023 budget lowers the residential property tax rate, raises the elderly exemption for seniors, lowers business tangible tax, identifies funds for the Superman building, and calls for the hiring of a full-time fire chief
Providence, RI – The Providence City Council approved the $568 million FY 2023 city budget lowering the residential property tax rate against rising home values. The budget increases the elderly exemption, helping senior citizens with their property taxes during rising inflation. The budget also calls for hiring a full-time qualified fire chief and includes public safety funding for a new police academy, adding 50 trained officers to the force.
“I commend my council colleagues who voted to support the budget tonight and keep the business of city government moving forward,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “We lessened the tax burden on our single-family and multi-family homeowners and protected our most vulnerable, senior citizens. The tax levy and budget help fund the city’s entire operation, from our contract with the laborers to keeping our police and fire departments staffed and ready to maintain public safety.”
Rhode Island Laborers’ Local Union 1033
Councilors voted to approve a three-year contract with members of Public Employees’ Local Union 1033 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. Details include an 8.25% pay increase from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025. Copays from employees for health and welfare benefits will increase 5% over three years.
Superman building Tax Stabilization Agreement
Councilors voted to approve a resolution supporting enabling legislation that would allow the City Council to consider a 30-year tax stabilization agreement for 111 Westminster Street, known as the Superman building.
FY 2023 City Budget highlights
- Residential property tax rate decreased to $17.80 per $1,000 (a decrease from the mayor’s proposal of $18.50 and the current rate of $24.56)
*On average residential property values increased by 46%, according to the city’s internal auditor. There are 32,124 residential homes in the city.
- Commercial property tax rate decreased to $35.40 per $1,000, lower than the current rate of $36.70 (but an increase from the mayor’s proposal of $33.85)
*On average commercial property values increased by 15%, according to the city’s internal auditor. There are 5,246 commercial properties in the city.
- Business tangible tax decreased to $53.40 per $1,000 (a decrease from the mayor’s proposal of $55.55 and the current rate of $55.80)
- Elderly tax exemption increased to $600 from $511
- Homestead exemption increased to 45% from the current 40% (matching the mayor’s proposal)
- Deadline for personal tax exemptions is extended from March 15 to December 31 (social security disability, service disability, blind exemption, veteran exemption, indigent exemption)
- Funded a new city police academy
- $5 million has been identified for the development of the Superman building (111 Westminster Street, should the development receive approval by the General Assembly and City Council)
- Provides funding for a full-time qualified fire chief hired at an annual salary of no more than $175,000
- Repurposes approximately $4 million in ARPA funds for small businesses or capital infrastructure improvements in our neighborhoods
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by Council Staff | Jun 13, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
June 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
The budget passes for the 1st time lowering the residential property tax rate, raising the elderly exemption for seniors, lowers business tangible tax, identifies funds for the Superman building, and calls for the hiring of a full-time fire chief
The Providence City Council, with President John Igliozzi presiding, voted to approve the $568 million FY 2023 city budget, one that lowers the residential property tax rate against rising home values and increases the elderly exemption, giving senior citizens a break on their property taxes during a time of rising inflation. The budget also calls for hiring a full-time qualified fire chief and includes public safety funding for a new police academy, adding 50 trained officers to the force. The FY 2023 budget was passed by the Council’s Finance Committee after a thorough vetting process, weeks of discussions, and testimony by city department heads. A second vote is expected on Thursday, June 16.
The Providence City Council, with President John Igliozzi presiding, voted to approve the $568 million FY 2023 city budget, one that lowers the residential property tax rate against rising home values and increases the elderly exemption, giving senior citizens a break on their property taxes during a time of rising inflation. The budget also calls for hiring a full-time qualified fire chief and includes public safety funding for a new police academy, adding 50 trained officers to the force. The FY 2023 budget was passed by the Council’s Finance Committee after a thorough vetting process, weeks of discussions, and testimony by city department heads. A second vote is expected on Thursday, June 16.
FY 2023 City Budget highlights:
- Residential property tax rate decreased to $17.80 per $1,000 (a decrease from the mayor’s proposal of $18.50 and the current rate of $24.56) *On average residential property values increased by 46%, according to the city’s internal auditor. There are 32,124 residential homes in the city.
- Commercial property tax rate decreased to $35.40 per $1,000, lower than the current rate of $36.70 (but an increase from the mayor’s proposal of $33.85) On average commercial property values increased by 15%, according to the city’s internal auditor. There are 5,246 commercial properties in the city.
- Business tangible tax decreased to $53.40 per $1,000 (a decrease from the mayor’s proposal of $55.55 and the current rate of $55.80)
- Elderly tax exemption increased to $600 from $511
- Homestead exemption increased to 45% from the current 40% (matching the mayor’s proposal)
- Deadline for personal tax exemptions is extended from March 15 to December 31 (social security disability, service disability, blind exemption, veteran exemption, indigent exemption)
- Funded a new city police academy
- $5 million has been identified for the development of the Superman building (111 Westminster Street, should the development receive approval by the General Assembly and City Council)
- Provides funding for a full-time qualified fire chief hired at an annual salary of no more than $175,000
- Repurposes approximately $4 million in ARPA funds for small businesses or capital infrastructure improvements in our neighborhoods
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by Council Staff | Jun 8, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
June 8, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Budget lowers residential property tax rate, raises elderly exemption for seniors, lowers business tangible tax, identifies funds for the Superman building, and calls for the hiring of a full-time fire chief
Tonight, the Providence City Council Finance Committee voted to approve a $568 million FY 2023 city budget that lowers the residential property tax rate to help balance rising home values and the need to fund critical city services. The budget includes public safety funding for a new police academy, adding 50 trained officers to the Providence Police Department. Councilors also approved an increase to the elderly exemption, giving senior citizens a break on their property taxes while other costs of living are dramatically rising. The finance committee also calls for hiring a full-time qualified fire chief.
“Our families are faced with rising inflation costs, from groceries to gas. And while we all appreciate increased home values, it was important for the Council to crunch the numbers and lessen the tax burden on our single-family, multi-family, and elderly homeowners without sacrificing city services,” said Councilwoman and Finance Chair Jo-Ann Ryan. “This collaborative budget puts more police in our neighborhoods and funds diversion programs and social service agencies to help with mental and substance abuses. There is a need for a fire chief in a city the size of Providence. Rank and file firefighters who have not had a chief in 7 years deserve one, and so do our residents,” added Ryan.
“I want to thank Chairwoman Ryan and the Finance Committee for thoroughly vetting this budget. Reducing taxes from the mayor’s proposal, increasing the elderly exemption, and showing the city council is committed to developing the Superman building were important priorities,” said Council President John Igliozzi.
FY 2023 City Budget highlights:
- Residential property tax rate decreased to $17.80 per $1,000 (a decrease from the mayor’s proposal of $18.50 and the current rate of $24.56)
- *On average residential property values increased by 46%, according to the city’s internal auditor. There are 32,124 residential homes in the city.
- Commercial property tax rate decreased to $35.40 per $1,000, lower than the current rate of $36.70 (but an increase from the mayor’s proposal of $33.85)
- *On average commercial property values increased by 15%, according to the city’s internal auditor. There are 5,246 commercial properties in the city.
- Business tangible tax decreased to $53.40 per $1,000 (a decrease from the mayor’s proposal of $55.55 and the current rate of $55.80)
- Elderly tax exemption increased to $600 from $511
- Homestead exemption increased to 45% from the current 40% (matching the mayor’s proposal)
- Deadline for personal tax exemptions is extended from March 15 to December 31 (social security disability, service disability, blind exemption, veteran exemption, indigent exemption)
- Funded a new city police academy
- $5 million has been identified for the development of the Superman building (111 Westminster Street, should the development receive approval by the General Assembly and City Council)
- Provides funding for a full-time qualified fire chief hired at an annual salary of no more than $175,000
- Repurposes approximately $4 million in ARPA funds for small businesses or capital infrastructure improvements in our neighborhoods
The 2023 City Budget will now be presented to the full city council for final approval.
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by Council Staff | Jun 7, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
“Thank you to all the Providence residents who took the time and voted in today’s special election. Your voice counts. I believe the city should issue a pension obligation bond to help mitigate our struggling pension system. The overwhelmingly affirmative vote today is one more step in the process, which if passed next by the General Assembly, will place the city on a path to predictably budget pension payments and not crowd out essential city services that residents depend on.”
