by Billy Kepner | May 24, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-3
Last night, my colleagues on the City Council passed a series of text changes to the zoning ordinance that would place reasonable restrictions on short-term rentals in some residential neighborhoods.
About a year ago I, along with former Councilman Sam Zurier, put forth these text changes after several community conversations regarding issues that were affecting our neighbors due to short-term property rentals, such as those found on Airbnb. We had multiple community meetings; we listened to the constituents who had concerns, as well as those who were Airbnb hosts, and we worked with the City’s zoning department to develop the most suitable guidelines to attempt to meet both Airbnb host and non-host needs.
I believe that people should have the right to make decisions about their homes and have options for making incremental revenue, but not at the cost of our neighbors’ quality of life.
On many occasions we have heard stories of parties that got out of hand, damage sustained to properties both rented and near by, or neighbors unable to leave for work because their driveways were blocked. We couldn’t sit by and let that happen. What makes Providence so special is the vibrancy and diversity of our neighbors and residential communities. It is important that we maintain the safety and integrity of our communities.
This series of text changes is quite simple compared to other cities. It requires short-term rental properties to be owner-occupied and permitted through a new registration process with the City’s Department of Inspection and Standards.
As the original co-sponsor of this ordinance, I am very happy to see it come to fruition and believe that our neighborhoods will be better and safer for it.
I thank the Chair and members of the Ordinance Committee, my council colleagues and all the residents who came out to share their concerns or support so that we can now have an administrative process that will protect our communities.
by Billy Kepner | May 23, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-4, Ward-6
In honor of the National Public Works Week Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia, Chairman of the Committee on Public Works and his colleague Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas Narducci Jr. hosted a luncheon in appreciation for the hard work of the men and women of the Providence Department of Public Works.
by Billy Kepner | May 23, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Tonight, the City Council passed for the final time the Committee on Ordinances’ recommendation for text changes to the zoning ordinance that will work to limit short-term rental units in the City of Providence.
“This text change preserves the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and Chairwoman of the Committee on Ordinances. “It will help protect the much needed housing stock in the city of Providence, and this minor change to the zoning ordinance will put limitations on short-term housing rentals in only residentially zoned neighborhoods. With a decrease in housing stock due to short-term rentals, our residents are finding it harder and harder to find an affordable home. These short-term rental units being off the residential rental market are increasing the cost of other rental units, and we need to consider the needs of all our residents.”
With the growth of company’s like Airbnb city’s like Providence have found themselves at a crossroads. How do we protect our neighborhoods, our shortage of housing stock, and also embrace investment opportunities for our residents? The Council believes that by making these slight text changes to the zoning ordinance in residential neighborhoods we will achieve that end.
The text changes will require all short-term rental units to be in owner-occupied dwellings in residentially zoned neighborhoods, and owners will need to get a FREE permit from the City’s Department of Inspection and Standards yearly.
This decision came after much discussion and deliberation with community members and city planning officials. The City Planning Department held a public hearing in 2018, and just this past May the Council’s Committee on Ordinances held a well attended public hearing on the matter.
This modest text change to the zoning ordinance will preserve housing stock, quality of life for our neighbors, and will continue to allow investment opportunities for residents.
by Billy Kepner | May 19, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. attended the Police and Firefighter’s Retirement Association’s Third Annual ZeroK Race on Saturday, May 18, 2019. He was joined by friends, neighbors, and members of his family. It was a great event
by Billy Kepner | May 16, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Tonight, the Committee on Ordinances recommended for first passage a change to the zoning ordinance that will work to preserve the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods and will help protect the much-needed housing stock in the city of Providence. The minor change to the zoning ordinance will put limitations on short-term housing rentals in residential zoned neighborhoods.
With the growth of company’s like Airbnb, we have found ourselves, as many other cities have, at a crossroads. How do we protect our neighborhoods, our shortage of housing stock, and also embrace investment opportunities for our residents?
We believe that by making these slight changes to the zoning codes in residential neighborhoods we will achieve that end. After the second and final passage of this ordinance in June, short-term rental properties in residentially zoned neighborhoods will need to be permitted and will also need to be owner-occupied.
This decision came after much discussion and deliberation with community members and city planning officials. We believe that this change will preserve housing stock, quality of life for our neighbors, and will continue to allow investment opportunities for residents.
–Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan, Chairwoman, Committee on Ordinances
by Billy Kepner | May 16, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Councilman David A. Salvatore Reintroduces Fair Housing Ordinance for Older Adults and Disabled Persons
City Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) reintroduced an
ordinance at tonight’s Council Meeting that ensures security measures are being implemented in housing developments where older adults and disabled persons reside.
“We cannot neglect our senior citizens who deserve to live in a safe environment, with dignity and respect,” stated Councilman David Salvatore. “Late in 2018, I visited a housing development for low-income persons with disabilities along with Police Chief Hugh Clements. We were both puzzled and deeply concerned by the lack of security on the premises. After our meeting with the residents and after hearing of several incidents of elderly abuse, I researched best practices and came across Boston’s 1989 Senior Security Ordinance that has proved effective at keeping vulnerable residents safe. What I am proposing ensures our seniors and people with disabilities are provided with the protections they deserve.”
“As public safety officials, it is our job to make certain that the citizens of Providence maintain the best possible quality of life,” said Colonel Clements. “This ordinance will assist police in their ongoing efforts to protect these vulnerable members of our community, who do not deserve to live in fear. The Providence Police Department is in full support of this ordinance to ensure the safety and security of our disabled and elderly residents.”
According to the proposed ordinance, every landlord that holds title to any elderly/disabled multi-family housing development will be required to provide a safety officer or submit for approval a security plan that meets the security needs of residents. All tenants will be notified and allowed input during the approval process of the plan. Seniors who reside in multi-family housing developments will also be protected from rent increases as a result of landlords complying with the new security requirements outlined in the ordinance. To obtain a copy of the proposed ordinance, please visit the
Open Meetings Portal.
