Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence Hassett, Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances, has announced that the Committee will hold a public hearing on the Hope Point Tower on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers.
“A 300 Million Dollar investment in the City of Providence is a once in a generation opportunity, and I strongly believe that the Council has a fiduciary responsibility to allow the developer a chance to testify before this body,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances Terrence Hassett. “The Committee has heard a great deal of testimony both for and against this project, but one voice was missing, and that didn’t seem right to me. I asked my colleagues on the Council to send it back to Committee so that we could have the opportunity to hear from Mr. Fane and his associates so that we may better inform our vote.”
If any person wishes to make a public comment they are asked to sign in before the 5:30 PM meeting start time. The Chambers will open on or around 5:00 PM and sign-ups will begin at the same time.
Constituents who are unable to attend the public hearing may provide written testimony by mail or email to Lori L. Hagen, City Clerk: lhagen@providenceri.govor City Clerk, 25 Dorrance Street, Room 311, Providence, RI 02903. (Please note, if you submit written testimony you are not required to appear or read your testimony at the public hearing.)
Offices and City Council Chambers are accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you are in need of interpreter services for the hearing impaired, please contact the Office of Neighborhood Services at 421-7768 not less than 48 hours in advance of the hearing date.
After nearly a year RIDOT and the City of Providence have begun design work
Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. today announces that work has begun on a project to replace the Hawkins Street Bridge. After nearly a year of waiting, RIDOT and the City have come to terms on a design and have begun the preliminary phase of work.
“The bridge was closed last October and has created a great deal of consternation in the neighborhood,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “For the past year, I have been working with City and State officials to get this project underway. By joining forces, the City and State, have allocated funds for this important project. Infrastructure is an issue not just in Providence or Rhode Island, but around the country. This work beginning is a testament that with hard work by community advocates we can move the needle to get things done.”
Hawkins Street Bridge crosses the West River and Route 146 connecting the Wanskuck and Charles neighborhoods of Providence.
I respectfully disagree with Senate President Ruggerio that the City is standing in the way of any developer trying to build on the former I-195 land, which runs along the downtown corridor of Providence.
The City Council is pro-economic development and pro-growth, and I think the development happening downtown speaks to that very notion. It’s important to grow our local tax base without having to raise taxes, and that’s what we are doing here in Providence.
We spent a great deal of effort and taxpayer dollars in working with the City Plan Commission to create a master plan for our City that moves Providence forward while respecting our storied history. Since my first term in office, I have been a strong advocate for a more transparent and predictable climate for developers. This City Plan Commissions’ master plan achieves those goals of transparent and predictable development.
This process around Hope Point Tower has been both public and transparent. For every city of our size that is growing, these are the same qualities that have led to success and improved quality of life for residents.
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President David A. Salvatore, Providence City Council
Last week, during a Committee on Finance meeting, we learned that members of the Mayor’s Administration had unilaterally renegotiated the contract for the City’s school zone speed cameras with the vendor, Conduent Inc. This action bypassed city purchasing laws and circumvented the public process.
As required by the City Charter, the contract should have gone to the Board of Contract and Supply and then before the City Council for public review and ratification.
Therefore, we have requested that the City’s Internal Auditor review the contract and process by which it navigated the system. We have also asked the City Solicitor to review this process as well, and ask that the Administration immediately send the contract to the Board of Contract and Supply and the City Council for a full review and rigorous vetting.
John J. Igliozzi, Majority Leader and Chairman, Committee on Finance
Jo-Ann Ryan, Majority Whip, and Member, Committee on Finance
In the face of this heartbreaking tragedy we need to do what we can to support our community. We must strengthen our resolve to take on the underlying issues that lead to these tragic events. No child should ever have to worry about their safety at school, and tragically that is exactly what students across Providence are worried about right now. I send my deepest sympathies to William’s friends and family.
