by Council Staff | Oct 25, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
City Council Approves 1st Passage of $10 million COVID-19 Equities Program
Creates new program by partnering with the United Way
Providence, RI – At tonight’s special meeting of the Providence City Council, councilors approved the first passage of the $10 million COVID-19 Equities Program budget on a vote of 11 to zero (4 councilors were absent). The $10 million budget is a collaboration between the City Council and Mayor Jorge Elorza’s administration for January 6, 2022, to December 31, 2024, and is funded by the American Rescue Plant Act (ARPA). The budget comes after months of work by the city’s 13-member Municipal Reparations Commission and adds a new component by partnering with the United Way.
“I am proud of our work amending the COVID-19 Equities Program Budget. These changes reflect the need for continued community input into future expenditures,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). “By partnering with the United Way, we are creating a lasting generational investment.”
The City Council and the Mayor’s administration are partnering with the United Way by establishing the United Way COVID-19 Equity Fund. The fund is seeded with $1,750,000 of the $10 million budget to attract additional investments from outside partners for years to come. All the original programs remain funded. However, the Home Repair Fund, Expansion of Guaranteed Income Program, and a Legal Defense Fund have been removed from the budget as those programs were previously included in the larger ARPA budget passed in the spring.
“The Municipal Reparations Commission and community members dedicated extensive time and efforts to outline their 11-point investment plan. I know that the budget is driven by the needs and priorities of the community and it will move the ball forward in closing the existing racial wealth and equity gaps,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I thank the United Way for their willingness to partner with us and I look forward to the City Council finalizing their approval so I can sign this budget into law.”
“I would like to thank the commissioners and my colleague, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, for her thorough involvement with this program and for helping create the equity fund with the United Way,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “It’s unfortunate more of the COVID-19 Equities Program funding is not under the stewardship of the United Way. However, the City Council has ensured a portion of these funds will continue to be reinvested in the city long past 2024.”
“We celebrate the outstanding work of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission in developing this investment plan which is an essential first step towards closing the racial wealth and equity gaps in the City of Providence,” said Larry O. Warner, DrPH, Chief Impact and Equity Officer at United Way of Rhode Island. “We look forward to partnering with the City once the budget is approved by the City Council and signed into law by Mayor Elorza.”
The amended ordinance was referred to the finance committee for review. A second passage is required by the full council.
by Council Staff | Oct 20, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
Superman building
Providence, RI – Tonight, city councilors passed, for the first time on a vote of 11 to 1 (with 3 councilors abstaining), a 30-year tax stabilization agreement (TSA) ordinance between the city and High Rock Westminster Street LLC, the owner of 111 Westminster Street (also known as the Superman building in downtown Providence). The TSA is one component of a $223 million public-private partnership project, which includes the City of Providence, the Providence City Council, the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Rhode Island Foundation, and Rhode Island Housing.
“I want to thank my council colleagues who had the vision and political fortitude to pass this TSA tonight,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “For 26 years on the City Council, I have championed TSAs and tax treaties as tools for the city to turn empty lots and boarded-up buildings into new mixed-use spaces, businesses, and apartments. The Superman building will embody the spirit of a new beginning in downtown Providence. The redevelopment of this iconic but sadly dormant building will revitalize our capital city, encourage more investment, and create opportunities for all of us,” said Igliozzi.
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) added: “Ultimately, these redevelopment plans will further stimulate our local economy, reinvigorate our downtown, and further build up this growing and vibrant residential and commercial neighborhood. The long term returns will be enormous and certainly a step up from a seemingly frail downtown that hasn’t quite realized its potential.”
The proposed project is expected to create 1,600 construction jobs, with a goal of hiring 20% minority and women-owned businesses. Plans call 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. The TSA ordinance will come before the full council for a second passage next month. A copy of the agreement is posted here.
TSA for Former Providence Journal building
Councilors approved for first passage a 20-year tax stabilization agreement ordinance for 203 Westminster Street, which sits in the space of the old Providence Journal building and Kresge’s department store. The proposed “Hive Life” would become 124 apartments next to city hall. The agreement can be seen here.
Councilor Salvatore proposes new safety & security guidelines at housing developments for seniors and persons with disabilities
Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced amendments to Ordinance 38643 “Security Development for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities,” increasing fines for landlords who refuse to comply with safety and security requirements. The amendment would also require property owners to maintain on-site security personnel and register a point of contact to be located in the City.
“During the last several months, I have observed firsthand the unsafe conditions that some of our residents are forced to live in, said Councilor Salvatore,”. “With these new measures, I hope that certain property owners and landlords will be motivated to follow the law and protect the health and safety of our city’s most vulnerable residents.”
The original ordinance was sponsored by Councilor Salvatore and was initially passed by the City Council on May 20, 2021. In it, strict requirements were approved that require property owners to implement and maintain security plans in developments that house seniors and persons with disabilities.
“We have a moral obligation to implement safety measures that keep our elderly and disabled residents safe. It’s unacceptable that not one of these private or public developments has adhered to the ordinance that was enacted more than a year ago. We all have a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable residents are safely housed. I am disappointed that amendments have to be approved by the City Council to achieve these results, said Salvatore.”
Currently, landlords found in violation of the ordinance have 30 days to make changes. After that period, property owners and landlords are subject to a $150 fine per day. The new amendment would increase the daily fine to $500. Councilor Salvatore is calling on the Department of Public Safety to enforce the original ordinance and impose fines on any landlord that is non-compliant with the law.
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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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by Council Staff | Sep 15, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
Superman Building Tax Stabilization Agreement
Providence, RI – City Councilors received a proposed 30-year tax stabilization agreement (TSA) ordinance between the city and High Rock Westminster Street LLC, the owner of 111 Westminster Street, the iconic Superman Building in downtown Providence. The TSA is one component of the $223 million public-private partnership project, which includes the City of Providence, the Providence City Council, the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Rhode Island Foundation, and Rhode Island Housing.
“The TSA is the next step in a potential redevelopment of the Superman Building. This project will inject more life and activity downtown by transforming a vacant deteriorating building into a notable Providence property,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “The Council must ensure the agreement benefits city taxpayers, the building owner, and creates affordable housing in the city.”
The proposed project is expected to create 1,600 construction jobs. Plans call 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 and use equipment and services from city vendors. The ordinance was referred to the Finance Committee for review. A full copy of the agreement is posted here.
Council Receives Municipal Reparations Commission Report
At tonight’s meeting, the City Council received the official report titled “A Matter of Truth” from the city’s Municipal Reparations Commission. The 194-page document is the product of a four-month process by the thirteen-member commission and was completed in August.
Additionally, the Council received the associated budget, titled “COVID-19 Equities Budget.” The proposal seeks to allocate $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding towards “advancing reparations and closing the present-day racial and wealth equity gap.”
The proposed budget was referred to the Committee on Finance for further review. Click the links to view the full report and proposed budget.
City Council Calls for Progress Report on State Takeover of Providence Schools
The Providence City Council tonight passed a resolution calling on Rhode Island Governor, the Honorable Daniel J. McKee, and the Rhode Island Department of Education to conduct an independent study to provide a progress report on the State’s takeover of the Providence Public Schools.
The State of Rhode Island took control of Providence Public Schools in 2019 after a report by Johns Hopkins highlighted systemic failures within the school department leading to poor educational outcomes for Providence students. A new progress report would identify the school system’s improvements or lack thereof in the three years since the takeover.
“The state takeover of Providence schools was a significant moment in the effort to turn around learning outcomes for Providence students. The 2019 John Hopkins report made no secret that drastic changes needed to be made. Three years later, Providence educators, students, and families deserve to know how the takeover has reformed failing systems and whether our City’s youth are being provided a more quality education,” stated Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). To read the full resolution, click here.
Council Gives First Passage on Proposed Changes to City’s Public Nuisance Policy
Tonight, the City Council gave first passage to a proposed 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 proposed ordinance seeks to make both property owners and residents responsible if stickers are removed or defaced. Under current law, only the resident is subject to fines.
“The orange sticker policy has been tremendously effective in my community, giving police an additional tool in identifying and addressing problem homes and businesses,” said Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6). “By holding both the resident and property owners accountable, we’re eliminating any potential loopholes for violators.”
The proposed ordinance needs to pass a second time before going into effect. To read it in full, click here.
Ban on Marijuana in Parks
Councilors gave first passage tonight to an ordinance amending 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. A second passage is necessary.
Colombian Folk-Dance Group Performance
The Council kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively RAÍCES Dance Group performance at the start of tonight’s meeting. RAÍCES performed a series of traditional Colombian Folk-Dances in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, observed from September 15th through October 15th.
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