by Council Staff | Jan 9, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Housing
At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Councilors approved a resolution calling on Governor Dan McKee to take immediate action and address the homelessness crisis by declaring a public health state of emergency. The resolution, introduced by Councilor Justin Roias, will be sent to the offices of Governor Dan McKee and Mayor Brett Smiley.
On Tuesday, Councilor Justin Roias and Councilor Miguel Sanchez took direct action, working with local service providers to open the Council Chamber for unhoused constituents to get warm amid plummeting, life threatening temperatures because of inadequate shelter availability. On Wednesday, the two councilors continued their efforts, opening the DaVinci Center as a temporary overnight warming center with the Mayor’s approval. Over 70 volunteers from the community have stepped up to provide donations and assist trained staff.
“This week, we saw firsthand what compassion and action can achieve when public servants and community members come together,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Homelessness is rising, and not just in Providence. It’s a statewide crisis. Rhode Islanders are freezing on our streets, and we cannot address this alone. Governor McKee must step up and declare homelessness a public health emergency to mobilize needed resources. We need immediate investment to increase the availability of life-saving short-term solutions, and we need to come together at every level of government to address decades-long systemic failures. Further inaction will cost lives.”
“This resolution is a call for leadership at the state level because our unhoused neighbors cannot wait any longer,” said Councilor Justin Roias. “Emergency shelter beds are in short supply, and warming centers where people sit in chairs all night are not a solution – they’re a sign of how deeply our system has failed. Governor McKee must declare a public health emergency and take bold, immediate action to ensure no one else is left out in the cold.”
Additional Meeting Highlights
- Council approved a resolution, introduced by Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez, supporting the newly formed Atlantic Mills Commercial Tenants Union. The resolution celebrates the first commercial tenants’ union in the state and emphasizes its importance in the face of skyrocketing rents, displacement, and gentrification.
- Council approved a resolution, presented by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, honoring the life and legacy of Ruth “Diamond” Madsen. After her recent passing on December 21,2024, Council uplifts her memory as a compassionate advocate in service of the unhoused.
- Council approved a resolution, introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris and vetted by the Committee on Finance, that grants tax abatement for affordable housing project, Joseph Caffey Apartments.
- Council referred phase one of the amended zoning ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances. The suggested changes outlined in the ordinance were recommended by the City Department of Planning and Development in alignment with the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
El Concejo Aprueba una Resolución que Pide al Gobernador McKee que Declare la Falta de Vivienda como Estado de Emergencia de Salud Pública
En la reunión de esta noche, los concejales de la ciudad de Providence aprobaron una resolución que pide al gobernador Dan McKee que tome medidas inmediatas y aborde la crisis de las personas sin hogar declarando un estado de emergencia de salud pública. La resolución, presentada por el concejal Justin Roias, se enviará a las oficinas del gobernador Dan McKee y del alcalde Brett Smiley.
El martes, el concejal Justin Roias y el concejal Miguel Sánchez tomaron acción directa, trabajando con proveedores de servicios locales para abrir la Cámara del Concejo para que los electores sin vivienda se calentaran en medio de la caída de temperaturas que amenazaban sus vidas debido a la disponibilidad inadecuada de refugios. El miércoles, los dos concejales continuaron con sus esfuerzos y abrieron el DaVinci Center como un centro de calentamiento temporal durante la noche con la aprobación del alcalde. Más de 70 voluntarios de la comunidad se han ofrecido para brindar donaciones y ayudar al personal capacitado.
“Esta semana, vimos de primera mano lo que la compasión y la acción pueden lograr cuando los funcionarios públicos y los miembros de la comunidad se unen”, dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “La falta de vivienda está aumentando, y no solo en Providence. Es una crisis estatal. Los habitantes de Rhode Island se congelan en nuestras calles y no podemos abordar esto solos. El gobernador McKee debe intensificar sus esfuerzos y declarar la falta de vivienda como una emergencia de salud pública para movilizar los recursos necesarios. Necesitamos una inversión inmediata para aumentar la disponibilidad de soluciones a corto plazo que salven vidas, y debemos unirnos en todos los niveles de gobierno para abordar fallas sistémicas que duran décadas. Una mayor inacción costará vidas.”
“Esta resolución es un llamado al liderazgo a nivel estatal porque nuestros vecinos sin hogar no pueden esperar más,” dijo el concejal Justin Roias. “Hay muy pocas camas en los refugios de emergencia, y los centros de calentamiento donde las personas se sientan en sillas toda la noche no son una solución; son una señal de cuán profundamente ha fallado nuestro sistema. El gobernador McKee debe declarar una emergencia de salud pública y tomar medidas audaces e inmediatas para garantizar que nadie más se quede afuera en el frío.”
Aspectos destacados adicionales de la reunión
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por el jefe de la mayoría Miguel Sánchez, en apoyo al recién formado sindicato de inquilinos comerciales de Atlantic Mills. La resolución celebra el primer sindicato de inquilinos comerciales del estado y destaca su importancia frente al aumento vertiginoso de los alquileres, el desplazamiento y la gentrificación.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por la diputada líder de la mayoría Mary Kay Harris, en honor a la vida y el legado de Ruth “Diamond” Madsen. Después de su reciente fallecimiento el 21 de diciembre de 2024, el Concejo enaltece su memoria como defensora compasiva al servicio de las personas sin hogar.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por la diputada líder de la mayoría Mary Kay Harris y examinada por el Comité de Finanzas, que otorga una reducción de impuestos para el proyecto de vivienda asequible, Joseph Caffey Apartments.
- El Concejo remitió la Concejo remitió la primera fase de la ordenanza de zonificación enmendada al Comité de Ordenanzas. Los cambios sugeridos que se describen en la ordenanza fueron recomendados por el Departamento de Planificación y Desarrollo de la Ciudad en consonancia con el Plan Integral 2024 de la Ciudad.
by Council Staff | Jan 8, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News
Tuesday, January 7, 2024
Councilors Sanchez and Roias are Calling for a Public Health State of Emergency
As frigid temperatures sweep across Rhode Island, Providence City Councilors Justin Roias and Miguel Sanchez will open the City Council Chamber tonight at 7 pm to host a community gathering space away from the cold. Councilors Sanchez and Roias have worked closely with local homelessness service providers to ensure trained volunteers will be on-hand throughout the night, continuing to provide the space for as long as residents need it. Those who come by will be offered transportation and assistance accessing shelter beds, should they be available.
In the past year alone, 54 unhoused residents have lost their lives living outside. Councilors Sanchez and Roias are taking this action to help save lives.
“As a polar vortex grips Providence, many of our unhoused neighbors are being forced to sleep outside in dangerous temperatures,” said Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4). “With only two 24/7 emergency shelters open, the response from the mayor and governor has been woefully inadequate. This failure has left us no choice but to take the unprecedented step of opening the City Council chambers as a community gathering space where folks are able to stay warm during freezing temperatures.”
“As local elected leaders, we cannot allow our neighbors to freeze to death on our streets,” said Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). “No one in our city should endure these deadly conditions because of a failure of government to protect its people. We call on the mayor and governor to immediately expand emergency shelter capacity and commit to long-term solutions to address homelessness in our community. This is a preventable crisis, and every moment of inaction puts lives at risk. We’re calling on Governor McKee to declare a Public Health Emergency by executive order immediately.”
Unhoused Rhode Islanders are in crisis. The recently released 2024 Point in Time Count, compiled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, reports that Rhode Island has the second highest rate of chronic homelessness in the nation.
Councilors Roias and Sanchez are demanding life-saving action from the state, calling on Governor Dan McKee to declare homelessness a state of emergency for public health and unlock essential resources for short- and long-term relief and care for unhoused individuals.
In lieu of state action, Providence City Councilors are committed to doing what they can to support unhoused community through both direct action and compassionate, housing first policy.
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by Council Staff | Dec 29, 2024 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Ward-10, Ward-13
On Friday, a tank with 3,000 gallons of corn oil caught fire at the Port of Providence. In response, Council President Rachel Miller and Majority Leader Pedro Espinal released the following statement:
“We’re grateful to the firefighters from Providence, East Providence, Cranston, Johnston, Cumberland, and North Smithfield whose heroic efforts contained yet another massive blaze at the Port of Providence. Without their swift action, this fire could have had catastrophic consequences for the health and safety of South Providence residents. This latest incident underscores the ongoing environmental and public health risks posed by activity at the port. We cannot afford to grow numb to these repeated disasters. We need companies operating at the port to take immediate action to reduce hazardous and polluting operations. And we need government partners to work with us to ban dirty and reckless uses at the port.
Last week, the city scored a significant legal victory against Sea 3, a fossil fuel company seeking to irresponsibly expand their liquid petroleum gas delivery and storage. In coming months, Providence City Council and the City Plan Commission will align the city’s zoning ordinance with the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan—which put the Port of Providence on a new path away from heavy polluters and toward environmental justice. We don’t need more studies or delays; we need action. 2024 was a year of environmental disasters at the port. Let’s make 2025 the year we put an end to them.”
by Council Staff | Dec 23, 2024 | Council News
In a decisive win for South Providence residents, the Rhode Island Superior Court has upheld the city’s zoning ordinance as amended in 2022. The ordinance bans the bulk storage of liquid propane gas (LPG) anywhere in the city of Providence, part of the city’s commitment to environmental justice.
“This decision is a major victory for South Providence,” said City Council Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, who represents the neighborhood where the facility is located. “For generations, the community I call home has endured massive amounts of pollution and devastating health outcomes as a result. Enough is enough. This decision makes clear to Sea 3: no more putting lives at risk just to increase your profits. I am very grateful to the city’s legal team and the activists that organized to build pressure. There is still much more we must do to turn the port into a clean, modern driver of economic development, but today we celebrate this win for our community.”
In 2021, fossil fuel company Sea 3 Providence LLC attempted to fast-track a plan to expand their facility, proposing six massive LPG storage tanks and a new rail delivery system, and drawing fierce opposition from environmentalists and South Providence residents. In 2021 and 2022, Providence City Council took significant steps to stop this proposed expansion. At the forefront of this effort, Majority Leader Espinal (then serving as President Pro Tempore) introduced a resolution calling on the Rhode Island Energy Facility Sitting Board (EFSB) to deny Sea 3’s proposed expansion plan. Additionally, Espinal championed and successfully passed an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance, effectively banning the establishment of any new bulk LPG storage facilities in Providence.
Sea 3 challenged the amended ordinance in court, claiming it was inconsistent with the city’s 2014 Comprehensive Plan. Last Thursday, December 19, the Superior Court rejected this argument and upheld the ordinance.
Now, any expansion by Sea 3 will be confined to their original plan, which was approved by the City Plan Commission in 2022, and still will require approvals from city and state agencies, including the Energy Facilities Sitting Board. Any changes recommended during this process could halt Sea 3’s expansion entirely.
The recently signed 2024 Comprehensive Plan includes Council-sponsored strengthened protections for the Port of Providence and South Side residents. The plan prohibits power plants dependent on fossil fuel combustion, noxious or toxic chemical manufacturing, and ethylene oxide manufacturing and storage in M2 and W3 zones. The plan paves the way for the city to ban future uses that it “determines go against the public interest of (a) public health and quality of life in near-industry neighborhoods or (b) realizing fossil fuel emissions reduction goals in response to climate change.” The specific uses are currently under discussion by city officials and will be included in the upcoming zoning ordinance. As the City Council reviews and proposes amendments to the zoning ordinance, environmental justice at the port will be prioritized.
Read the Superior Court’s decision HERE.
by Council Staff | Dec 5, 2024 | Council News
Tonight, Providence City Council held the final scheduled meeting of the calendar year. Councilors granted final passage to three ordinances that reallocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to meet the city’s school funding obligations and prevent cuts to essential services that students rely on. Earlier this week, Council granted first passage to the ordinances at a special meeting to ensure the December 31 ARPA allocation deadline is met and prevent the return of funds to the U.S. Treasury.
“Tonight, the Council has reallocated federal funding to support our schools and ensure that every American Rescue Plan dollar is used by the December 31 deadline,” said Committee on Finance Chairwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2). “This Council has made our schools a top priority, and tonight’s vote is one more step toward the schools our students, teachers, and families deserve.”
Additional Highlights
- Council granted final passage to a tax stabilization agreement for a new adaptive reuse housing development at 265 Manton Ave. The development will involve the rehabilitation of a former church building and the construction of a solar energy canopy over the property’s parking lot. Twenty percent of the project’s units will be affordable.
- Council granted final passage to an ordinance that modifies zoning regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to comply with state law. Changes include the adoption of the state’s ADU definitions, spatial requirements, and parking minimum exceptions.
- Council passed a resolution introduced by Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) that declares support for the unionization efforts of medical residents at Brown University Health and Care New England.
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El Concejo Municipal Aloja su Última Reunión del Año Calendario y Vota Sobre las Reasignaciones del ARPA
Esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Providence alojó la última reunión programada del año calendario. Los concejales aprobaron finalmente tres ordenanzas que reasignan los fondos de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (ARPA, por sus siglas en inglés) para cumplir con las obligaciones de financiación escolar de la ciudad y evitar recortes a los servicios esenciales de los que dependen los estudiantes. A principios de esta semana, el Concejo aprobó por primera vez las ordenanzas en una reunión especial para garantizar que se cumpla la fecha límite de asignación de ARPA del 31 de diciembre y evitar la devolución de fondos al Tesoro de los EE. UU.
“Esta noche, el Concejo ha reasignado fondos federales para apoyar a nuestras escuelas y garantizar que cada dólar del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense se utilice antes de la fecha límite del 31 de diciembre”, dijo la presidenta del Comité de Finanzas, Helen Anthony (distrito 2). “Este Concejo ha hecho de nuestras escuelas una prioridad máxima, y la votación de esta noche es un paso más hacia las escuelas que nuestros estudiantes, maestros y familias merecen.”
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales
- El Concejo concedió la aprobación final a un acuerdo de estabilización fiscal para nuevas unidades de vivienda adaptadas para reutilización en 265 Manton Ave. El proyecto implicará la rehabilitación de un antiguo edificio de iglesia y la construcción de un dosel de energía solar sobre el estacionamiento de la propiedad. El veinte por ciento de las unidades del proyecto serán asequibles.
- El Concejo concedió la aprobación final a una ordenanza que modifica las normas de zonificación para las unidades de vivienda auxiliares (ADU) para cumplir con la ley estatal. Los cambios incluyen la adopción de las definiciones de ADU del estado, los requisitos espaciales y las excepciones mínimas de estacionamiento.
- El Consejo aprobó una resolución presentada por el líder de la mayoría Miguel Sánchez (Distrito 6) que declara el apoyo a los esfuerzos de sindicalización de los residentes médicos en Brown University Health y Care New England.
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by Council Staff | Nov 21, 2024 | Council News
Providence, RI – At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilors voted to officially adopt the Comprehensive Plan. The once-a-decade urban planning document has been developed and vetted over a two-year period, first by the Department of Planning and Development and then by Council. The process has included community meetings across all 15 wards, five public hearings held by Council Committee on Ordinances, and over 200 letters of testimony from residents.
The plan focuses on sustainable growth and development, with a focus on housing, climate, and transportation. In October, Council approved transformative amendments to support inclusionary zoning, reduce or eliminate outdated parking minimums, restrict polluting industries near the Providence Port, prohibit new gas station development on land tenable for housing, and strengthen commitments to climate action and addressing homelessness.
An upcoming Zoning Ordinance will enact many provisions outlined in the plan.
“This Comprehensive Plan represents a historic commitment to the people of Providence,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Shaped by extensive community input, it’s a bold vision that puts working families first, ensuring that as we grow, we grow together. The plan addresses urgent challenges from housing affordability to climate justice, laying the foundation for a stronger, more equitable city for all who call Providence home. I’m proud of the collaboration that made this possible and ready for the work ahead to bring this vision to life.”
“This plan is a testament to the power of public engagement,” said Majority Leader Pedro Espinal (Ward 10). “Through public hearings and ongoing dialogue with residents from all walks of life, we’ve crafted a forward-thinking blueprint that speaks to the needs of our communities. With this plan, the city can grow in a way that lifts working people up, rather than leaving them behind. As Chair of the Committee on Ordinances, it was an honor to help guide this process through final passage today.”
Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez Introduces Ordinance Prohibiting Fines for Public Camping
An ordinance introduced tonight by Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) would prohibit the fining of individuals who sleep or camp on public property. This ordinance was crafted as a response to the 2024 Supreme Court decision on City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that allows municipal criminalization of homelessness, which the Council condemned via resolution earlier this year. In recent months, nearby cities including Cranston, RI and Fall River, MA have taken a punitive approach to addressing homelessness, specifically outlawing camping on public property. This ordinance rejects punitive approaches and emphasizes the importance of compassionate, housing-first solutions.
“You can’t fine your way out of homelessness,” said Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez. “Penalizing people for being unhoused is cruel, unproductive, and doesn’t address the real issue: the lack of affordable housing and good-paying jobs. This ordinance sends a clear message – the city of Providence will choose dignity, compassion, and real solutions over punishment.”
The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
Additional Highlights
President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) introduced a resolution establishing an honorary designation along Laura Street as “Algonquin Way” in collaboration with the Rhode Island Indian Council. The honorary designation recognizes the cultural significance of The Algonquin House, which has provided community, economic, and social support for Native American residents for nearly 30 years. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning.
Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) introduced an ordinance to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers within city limits due to public health risks, environmental impacts, and high levels of noise. The ordinance seeks to prohibit use of gas-powered leaf blowers by city contractors by 2028 and by 2033 for the general public. The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Environment & Resiliency where it will receive further discussion.
Watch the full Council meeting HERE.
El Concejo Adopta Oficialmente al Plan Comprehensivo
Providence, RI – En la reunión del Concejo Municipal de esta noche, los concejales votaron para adoptar oficialmente el Plan Comprehensivo. Este documento de planificación urbana, que se actualiza una vez por década, ha sido desarrollado y revisado durante un período de dos años, primero por el Departamento de Planificación y Desarrollo y luego por el Concejo. El proceso incluyó reuniones comunitarias en los 15 barrios, cinco audiencias públicas celebradas por el Comité de Ordenanzas del Concejo y más de 200 cartas de testimonio de residentes.
El plan se enfoca en el crecimiento y desarrollo sostenible, con énfasis en la vivienda, el clima y el transporte. En octubre, el Concejo aprobó enmiendas transformadoras para apoyar la zonificación inclusiva, reducir o eliminar los mínimos de estacionamiento obsoletos, restringir las industrias contaminantes cerca del puerto de Providence, prohibir el desarrollo de nuevas estaciones de gasolina en terrenos aptos para vivienda y fortalecer los compromisos con la acción climática y la lucha contra la falta de vivienda.
Un próximo Código de Zonificación pondrá en práctica muchas de las disposiciones del plan.
“Este Plan Comprehensivo representa un compromiso histórico con el pueblo de Providence”, dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller (Distrito 13). “Moldeado por una amplia participación comunitaria, es una visión audaz que pone a las familias trabajadoras en primer lugar, asegurando que a medida que crecemos, lo hagamos juntos. El plan aborda desafíos urgentes, desde la asequibilidad de la vivienda hasta la justicia climática, sentando las bases para una ciudad más fuerte y equitativa para todos los que llamamos hogar a Providence. Estoy orgullosa de la colaboración que hizo esto posible y lista para el trabajo que tenemos por delante para hacer realidad esta visión.”
“Este plan es un testimonio del poder de la participación pública”, dijo el Líder de la Mayoría Pedro Espinal (Distrito 10). “A través de audiencias públicas y un diálogo continuo con residentes de todos los sectores, hemos creado un plan visionario que responde a las necesidades de nuestras comunidades. Con este plan, la ciudad podrá crecer de una manera que eleve a la clase trabajadora, en lugar de dejarla atrás. Como presidente del Comité de Ordenanzas, fue un honor guiar este proceso hasta su aprobación final hoy”.
El Jefe de la Mayoría Miguel Sánchez Introduce Ordenanza Prohibiendo Multas por Acampada en la Vía Pública
Una ordenanza presentada esta noche por el Jefe de la Mayoría Miguel Sánchez (Distrito 6) prohibiría multar a las personas que duermen o acampan en propiedad pública. Esta ordenanza fue creada en respuesta a la decisión de la Corte Suprema de 2024 sobre el caso City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, que permite la criminalización municipal de la falta de hogar, lo cual el Concejo condenó mediante resolución este año. En los últimos meses, ciudades cercanas como Cranston, RI y Fall River, MA, han adoptado un enfoque punitivo para abordar la falta de vivienda, específicamente prohibiendo el acampado en propiedades públicas. Esta ordenanza rechaza los enfoques punitivos y enfatiza la importancia de soluciones compasivas y basadas en el acceso a la vivienda.
“No puedes multar la falta de hogar”, dijo el Jefe de la Mayoría Miguel Sánchez. “Penalizar a las personas por estar sin hogar es cruel, improductivo y no aborda el verdadero problema: la falta de viviendas asequibles y empleos bien remunerados. Esta ordenanza envía un mensaje claro: la ciudad de Providence elegirá la dignidad, la compasión y soluciones reales por encima del castigo.”
La ordenanza fue remitida al Comité Especial de Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad y Educación.
Otros Destacados
El Presidente Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Distrito 9) presentó una resolución para establecer una designación honoraria en Laura Street como “Algonquin Way” en colaboración con el Concejo Indígena de Rhode Island. La designación honoraria reconoce la importancia cultural de The Algonquin House, que ha brindado apoyo comunitario, económico y social a los residentes nativos americanos durante casi 30 años. La resolución fue remitida al Comité de Renovación, Desarrollo y Planificación Urbana.
La Diputada Jefa de la Mayoría Sue AnderBois (Distrito 3) presentó una ordenanza para eliminar gradualmente los sopladores de hojas a gasolina dentro de los límites de la ciudad debido a los riesgos para la salud pública, los impactos ambientales y los altos niveles de ruido. La ordenanza busca prohibir el uso de sopladores de hojas a gasolina por parte de los contratistas de la ciudad para 2028 y para el público en general para 2033. La ordenanza fue remitida al Comité Especial de Medio Ambiente y Resiliencia, donde se llevará a cabo una discusión más detallada.
Vea la reunión completa del Concejo AQUÍ.
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