by Abigail Appel | Jan 11, 2022 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
Today, I’m respectfully asking Governor McKee, Chairman Robert Davis, and the members of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission to consider final decisions on the development of Providence land happen “with the community” rather than simply “to the community.”
Over the past several months, our office has been working diligently to engage and inform the residents of Ward 1 on the development of Parcel 2, located along the Providence River at the edge of the College Hill and Fox Point neighborhoods. We have hosted virtual community meetings with each of the proposed developers and hundreds of community participants. Additionally, we have had ongoing discussions with the I-195 Redevelopment District, and we’ve held small meetings with each of the developers and neighborhood abutters who live near the site. We recently released a digital survey and received feedback via 75 written comments from neighborhood residents across the Ward. A letter sent to Commission with condensed feedback includes these concerns:
•The height of the three proposals is at odds with the community
•Lack of parking
•More green space is needed
“I am very cognizant of the complexities and the shifts in the market in light of the pandemic and deeply support economic growth and the creation of more residential housing stock in our city to address our ongoing housing crisis. However, residents who care deeply about our neighborhood should not bear the brunt of top-down development decisions that will have enormous implications on our neighborhoods for decades to come,” said Councilman Goncalves.
“I join with and share in the concerns of Councilman Goncalves and the community regarding the development of Parcel 2. It is critical that the I-195 Commission listen to the voices of the neighborhood and address community feedback in considering projects for this land,” said House Majority Leader, Christopher Blazejewski.
Moreover, concerns loom about the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission diverting from the original mission of creating a true Providence Innovation & Design District and life-sciences mecca full of vibrant “knowledge-based” jobs in information technology, engineering, biomedical, biotechnology, and other fast-growing sectors. In letters both to the Governor and the Commission, I respectfully request we:
•Formalize and establish a task force/commission of neighborhood abutters/representatives and local businesses who can help the commission develop Requests for Proposals
•Creating a panel of neighborhood experts with expertise in architectural design, zoning, planning, development, and historic preservation to ensure exceptional architecture, design, and sensitivity to the historic vibrancy of our neighborhood to complement the commission’s urban design consultants and Downtown Design Review Committee (DDRC) review during the Design Review Process
•A more comprehensive road planning and development plan is required to proactively address, and mitigate concerns of traffic flow, parking, and congestion
In the coming days, we will present a list of undersigned constituents who agree with these recommendations. We are looking forward to a formal response in writing and we are appreciative of all parties for their cooperation and good faith in advance. We look forward to working collaboratively to strengthen the District and ultimately, serve the people of our neighborhoods, the Capital City, and the State at large.
by Abigail Appel | Jan 6, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-9
Councilwoman Nirva R. LaFortune (Ward 3), Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Majority Leader James Taylor (Ward 8), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Majority Whip Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), penned a letter to Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee regarding the state’s response to the recent uptick in cases of COVID-19.
by Abigail Appel | Dec 12, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-7
The City Council promised to give Providence Police the tools they need to help solve the city’s 23rd homicide of 2021, following a deadly shooting Saturday night on Huxley Avenue, in the Elmhurst neighborhood.
“I am troubled to hear of, yet another young life taken by violence in the City of Providence, especially in a neighborhood that I call home and represent,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “I am working with police and city departments. A full investigation is underway. We need to keep our neighborhoods safe. I have led the effort on the City Council to strengthen our police force through recruitment and training. We need more officers on the streets.”
Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7) condemned the violence and promised police the Council’s full support. “I commend the men and women of the Providence Department for their quick response to last night’s latest act of violence. Too many guns are on our streets. Too many young people are dying senselessly from gun violence. I’m committed to giving Providence Police the resources they need for this investigation,” said Igliozzi.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) released the following statement after last night’s deadly shooting. “As our city grapples with its 23rd homicide this year during a season that is supposed to be filled with joy and celebration, I am calling on my colleagues in government, public safety officials and community members to join me in putting an end to this senseless violence. This is an issue that affects not only Providence, but our entire state. As we approach 2022, I hope we can work within communities to take a restorative approach to these issues. We must keep working for the those who have lost a son, brother, husband, or friend; not just last night, but every time a family has faced tragedy like this in our city.”
by Abigail Appel | Dec 3, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
Coordinated effort and funding needed to address affordable housing and homelessness crisis.
At last evening’s Providence City Council meeting, Councilwoman and Housing Crisis Task Force Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by all other Council members, endorsing the “Plan to Address Unsheltered Homelessness Crisis,” developed by a coalition of respected organizations working to end homelessness in Rhode Island. The resolution and plan call for immediate action to invest available funds to create 150 additional beds statewide to keep people safe, warm, and dry as winter approaches, while also developing solutions to provide long-term housing access for all.
“There is nothing more basic than providing a safe, warm, and dry place for those experiencing housing insecurity, especially as we are entering the cold winter months,” said Councilwoman Ryan, who thanked housing advocates for the comprehensive plan. “That is why this City Council in July approved $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address immediate needs related to homelessness intervention. While this investment is making a difference, more resources are needed to create an estimated 150 additional beds across Rhode Island. That is why I have introduced this resolution endorsing the ‘Plan to Address Unsheltered Homelessness Crisis,’ and why the Council is urging coordinated action between the City, Governor’s Office, and the General Assembly to utilize ARPA dollars to address the immediate crisis facing our unsheltered population, while also developing long term solutions to increase access to affordable housing. Going forward we commit to working collaboratively with our housing providers to get the money on the streets. Working together, we can address this crisis and build a strong foundation to end homelessness and increase access to affordable housing of all kinds in Rhode Island. The Council will also continue to do our part through the Housing Crisis Task Force, where I am pleased to work closely with Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). I’m proud to have sponsored and the Council passed the $26 million historic housing bond to capitalize the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help finance, construct, and maintain affordable homes in our city. This is an important tool to address our housing shortage.”
“As Council President, one of my top priorities has been addressing the affordable housing crisis impacting our city,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “This Council has already approved over $26 million to capitalize an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help finance, construct, and maintain affordable housing units throughout the city, and $500,000 to help those experiencing homelessness. Yet more needs to be done and that is why I support Councilwoman Ryan’s resolution endorsing the ‘Plan to Address Unsheltered Homelessness Crisis.’ This Council stands ready to work with our partners in the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly to invest ARPA and other funds to create safe, warm, and dry shelter beds for the homeless and longer-term solutions that will increase the supply of affordable housing in Providence and across Rhode Island.”
by Abigail Appel | Dec 2, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) was joined by his City Council colleagues to pass a resolution preventing the storage of liquid propane gas (LPG) in the City of Providence.
The resolution, as passed by the council, calls on the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB) to deny Sea 3 LLC’s petition to import 450,000 gallons of liquid propane by rail into a storage site located in the Port of Providence.
The EFSB has jurisdiction over this matter because the property is qualified as a major energy facility. In order to approve the petition, the EFSB must determine that the project would not have a significant impact on the environment, public health, safety and welfare of the community. Councilman Espinal has been among many voices concerned that this expansion would put the surrounding area at risk of fires, accidents, and poor public health outcomes while also working against city and statewide climate goals.
“Since March of this year, I have been advocating for the rejection of Sea 3 LLC’s petition to ship hundreds of thousands of gallons of liquid propane into our neighborhood. I am grateful to my council colleagues and members of the community who have joined me in speaking up for South Providence and for the environmental future of our city,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Espinal.
In addition to the passage of this resolution, the City Council made the first passage of an ordinance prohibiting the storage of LPG’s within the City of Providence. The Council will vote on final passage of this ordinance in January 2022.
“Residents of South Providence have historically been ignored and underrepresented in the decision-making process surrounding the most intensive industrial land uses in the State. We as a community have come together as one voice to clearly state that we do not support any expansion or development in the Port of Providence that may lead to increased safety risks for the local residents. I look forward to moving forward with legislation and public advocacy that will uplift our community and conserve our environment,” added Pro Tempore Espinal.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 10, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
City Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7) today announced the hiring of Parker Gavigan as Director of Communications in the Administration to the Council. Gavigan, an award-winning journalist and 17-year veteran of TV news, most recently served the community as an investigative reporter at Channel 10 WJAR.
“I’m thrilled and excited to begin this new chapter and to work with the elected leaders and talented staff of the Providence City Council,” said Gavigan. “My goal is to use my communications skills, highlight the day-to-day work of the Council, and bring that vital information directly to the constituents of the capital city.”
“We’re excited to welcome such a talented and experienced professional to the Council’s staff as Director of Communications,” said Council President Igliozzi. “Parker is a trusted and respected communicator who will be a tremendous resource helping us to get the word out about the work of the City Council and our Councilmembers.”
Gavigan will start in early December.
