by Council Staff | Feb 4, 2022 | Add Council Logo
February 4, 2022
Media Advisory
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
401.486.5646
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council Announces Public Meetings For Re-Districting
PROVIDENCE, RI – City Council President John Igliozzi announced the schedule for five (5) public hearings across the city, where residents can learn more and become active in the Ward Boundaries process. Why does the city need new Ward Boundaries in 2022? Every 10 years, Providence’s 15 Wards are redistricted using criteria outlined in the Home Rule Charter and based on the latest U.S. Census data. 2020 Census data shows the city’s population grew by 12,892 people to 190,934. And it’s where Providence’s population changed that will determine the redrawing of Ward boundaries. The effort to redraw the Ward maps is led by a 5-member committee of Providence residents appointed by the City Council. The committee must hold at least four (4) public meetings to explain the process and get feedback before submitting the maps to the City Council. Once the Committee settles on boundaries, the boundaries are forwarded to the full City Council, which must hold a public meeting and vote twice on the boundaries before becoming final.
“This is an open and accessible process that city residents should take part in. I encourage everyone to come out, participate, and support the important work of the Ward Boundaries Committee,” said Igliozzi. “Over the next several weeks, Providence residents have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to roll up their sleeves, get involved, and help shape their neighborhoods,” added Chairwoman Jessica Cigna.
To learn more about the process and committee members click here.
Monday, February 7, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Providence Career & Technical Academy (PCTA) Auditorium.
41 Fricker Street, Providence, RI 02903
Remote access to the meeting is available here
Monday, February 14, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Silver Lake Community Center.
529 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Nathan Bishop Middle School Auditorium.
101 Sessions Street, Providence, RI 02906
Monday, February 28, 2022
6:00 p.m.
DaVinci Center Community Room
470 Charles Street Providence, RI 02904
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Remote Conference Meeting Via Zoom (Only)
Zoom Information will be on the printed agenda along with sign up information
Meetings are also streamed live on the Providence City Council YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/pvdmeetings
All hearing locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Individuals requesting interpreter services for the hearing impaired, please contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at (401) 680-5221 not less than 48 hours in advance of the hearing date. Please follow all COVID-19 protocols.
by Council Staff | Feb 3, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Ward-1
February 2, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
401.486.5646
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Statement from Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1)
On The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission’s Selection of Urbanica For Parcel 2
“I would like to congratulate Urbanica as the preferred developer of Parcel 2 as selected by the I-195 Redevelopment Commission. I want to thank Chairman Robert Davis, the members of the Commission, and Executive Director Caroline Skuncik for the conditions laid out in tonight’s meeting which responded directly to the many recommendations that we made to the Commission. We look forward to working collaboratively with the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission and the selected developer, Urbanica, to ensure design excellence and sensitivity to our wonderful neighborhood(s). We wish the developers the best of luck and look forward to the housing and economic opportunities that this will provide to Ward 1 and the City of Providence,” said Councilman Goncalves.
by Council Staff | Jan 20, 2022 | Council News, Ward-4
After sitting abandoned for more than a decade, the former Windmill Street School on Paul Street is getting a new look and name. Tonight, the Providence City Council passed a resolution renaming the school, “The Narducci Learning Center.” Refurbishing the 80-year-old school has been a passion project for Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci throughout his 16 years on the City Council. Now, thanks to his tireless work and the efforts of the City Council’s Finance Committee, the school is undergoing a $30.5 million renovation, with plans to re-open in the fall of 2023.
The Narducci family has deep ties to the building and a life-long commitment to the north end and the city of Providence. In fact, the Councilman’s father attended the school in the 1940’s, and his mother and wife, both worked as lunch aides for decades. Councilman Narducci himself was heavily involved with little league, football, and other extracurricular activities for the students and families of the school.
“It means so much to my family, to create a lasting legacy in the neighborhood we love and have belonged to for generations,” said Councilman Narducci. “This beautiful building stands in the middle of Ward 4 and serves as a symbol of the resiliency and spirit of the people here. I would like to thank President John Igliozzi for sponsoring this for my family, and all the co-sponsors. It means a lot to my family, past, and present.”
by Council Staff | Jan 12, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Ward-7
Providence, RI – City Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7) announced an emergency meeting of the Providence City Council for Friday, January 14, at 5:30 p.m. to vote on an ordinance he sponsored, with a majority of the Council, that will lay out new procedures for mass terminations in the city.
It’s clear from health professionals that vaccines, mask-wearing, social distancing, and testing are all collectively effective against the COVID-19 virus. However, a vaccine mandate cannot come at the expense of public safety. The city administration has required all employees to show proof they have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by January 14 and a second by February 28 or face “separation” from city employment. As of today, nearly 80 Providence Police officers are not vaccinated.
“If a significant number of police officers are fired, lawlessness would take hold, disrupt City business, and put every resident of Providence at risk,” said President Igliozzi.
The City Council is prepared to vote on an ordinance requiring the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Director of Human Resources, or any other City official to provide a clear explanation for mass terminations and an appropriate staffing plan for the impacted department. The new law would detail the following:
• No more than 2% of Public Safety employees could be terminated without first submitting a staffing plan to the City Council for approval
• No more than 20% of employees of any City department with more than 30 full-time employees could be terminated without first submitting a staffing plan to the City Council for approval
• City Council would hold a public hearing within two weeks of receiving a written plan and be required to pass a resolution authorizing the proposed terminations
Continued Igliozzi: “Police officers and all City employees should get vaccinated to protect the health of their co-workers, the public, and themselves. Vaccines are proven to be safe and effective. The reality is, however, that we must strike a balance. Put simply, Providence cannot afford to lose nearly 80 police officers especially at a time when gun violence and other violent crime is on the rise in Providence. To ensure that we can maintain public safety in our city, the Council must and will take action to prevent any mass terminations.”
by Council Staff | Jan 6, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-14, Ward-5, Ward-7
City Council Holds First 2022 Meeting
• Council President John Igliozzi issues unprecedented address and calls for an independent audit to oversee the disbursement of $124 million in federal relief funds
• Council calls on RI DOT to reduce the speed limit on Allens Ave to 25 mph
• Council calls on Providence Housing to stimulate more affordable housing
• A final ordinance passed prohibiting the storage of liquid propane gas (LPG) in the city
• Councilors call on the administration to hire a consultant to understand the true status of all city-owned real estate for the possibility of developing affordable housing or other public services
Providence, RI – At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, President John Igliozzi (Ward 7) set a serious and circumspect agenda for 2022, which includes holding the line on taxes, supporting police and public safety, as well as the importance of the once in a decade legislative process involving the Charter Review Commission and Ward Boundaries Committee. COVID-19 has decimated Providence’s restaurants, hotels, and small locally owned businesses. Many folks have lost jobs and cannot find housing. The city has an enormous responsibility of dispersing $124 million in American Rescue Plant Act recovery funds. “That is why, as part of the ARPA budget, I will be recommending the Council retain the services of an independent auditor to track, monitor, and prepare bi-weekly reports on ARPA expenditures. This will allow the Council and the public to monitor the progress of every ARPA dollar,” said Igliozzi.
Liquid Propane Gas
The City Council passed President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal’s (Ward 10) ordinance prohibiting the storage of Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) in Providence. This legislation comes after Pro Tempore Espinal and community activists continued to advocate to stop outside corporations from increasing the storage of highly combustible LPG in the Port of Providence. While Liquid Natural Gas has long been prohibited in Providence due to its high risk of combusting, Espinal has led the effort to broaden this prohibition to Liquid Propane Gas. “Tonight’s ordinance is a big win for protecting the environment and neighborhoods in the Port of Providence. The families of South Providence have too often gotten the short end of the stick as an environmentally harmful industry is allowed to freely expand in their back yards. This ordinance puts Providence residents first and takes a stand against environmentally harmful business practices. I am grateful to my council colleagues and the many tireless community advocates who have joined me in the continued fight for public health, and environmental protection in our city,” said Espinal.
Housing Need
Councilwoman and Finance Committee Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) introduced and passed a resolution, that calls on the Providence Housing Authority to act with urgency and maximize its allocation of Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to promote the development of affordable housing in the capital city. The 2001 federal housing law allows public housing agencies like the PHA to convert up to 20% of their Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) portfolios to Project-Based Vouchers. What’s the difference? HCVs travel with the family, commonly in one-off privately owned units. PBVs stay rooted in Providence and when coupled with other housing assistance resources, provide critical gap financing to otherwise unsustainable affordable housing developments. “The PHA is underutilizing this critical tool which creates affordable housing for disabled, elderly, and low-income households. Only 100 Project-Based Vouchers exist under the PHA. That’s about 4% of its portfolio and far too low. The PHA has a long way to go to stimulate construction and service the needs of residents looking for a place to call home,” said Ryan.
Vacant property
Tonight, Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) and the City Council passed resolution 35044, calling for the detailed analysis of all city-owned real estate, to identify possible areas to develop affordable housing. In September of 2020, the Council requested a list of all real estate owned by the city and the Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA). Initial estimates show more than 150 city-owned vacant lots. “Right now, our city is seeing an unprecedented need for affordable housing. Through this resolution, and the assessments of our real estate, we can begin to utilize untapped resources to bring housing to the people of Providence,” said Councilman Salvatore. “I am excited to begin exploring potential avenues for dynamic and much-needed development of these otherwise unutilized parcels and buildings.” The Council is now calling for immediate site assessments of all real estate owned by the PRA and the city.
Full Council Docket
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