by Abigail Appel | Jul 22, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Last night, the Providence City Council passed Councilor David Salvatore’s ‘Green and Complete Streets’ ordinance which will pave the way for safer streets in Providence, while codifying the City’s commitment to developing infrastructure that is safe, reliable, sustainable, and accommodating to all residents.
“The passage of the Green and Complete Streets Ordinance is a big win for all Providence residents. Green and complete streets will not only improve how residents and visitors move through our city, but will also add important quality of life enhancements. This initiative will increase the number of trees in majority-minority neighborhoods, increase access to wellness pathways, and promote environmental justice,” stated Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
Green and Complete streets mean streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. The design guidelines ensure that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities can safely move along and across a street.
“Making safe and equitable streets in Providence an ordinance-guided standard is an enormous and critical step for every resident and visitor of the city, and is a dose of much-needed energy in the push for Green and Complete Streets around the entire state of Rhode Island. This is a big win that everyone should be celebrating, and the incredible support for this bill makes me confident that that’s exactly what everyone will be doing.” added C.J. Opperthauser, Co-Founder of WalkPVD and Director of Training & Placemaking at Grow Smart RI.
The ordinance was first proposed in December 2020. At that time, it was referred to the Committee on Ordinances, where residents and stakeholders submitted written and verbal testimony in support of the plan. Last night, the full Council approved the ordinance for final passage. Councilor Salvatore consulted with community advocates while drafting this ordinance to ensure that local needs are met as the City continues to move forward with street development.
“The American Heart Association (AHA) applauds the Providence City Council for supporting safe streets and active neighborhoods in the capital city by passing the Green and Complete Streets Ordinance. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things we can do to improve our cardiovascular health. Complete streets – sidewalks that connect to parks, public transportation, and schools; roads that include designated and protected bike lanes; and streets that accommodate all users – can help us safely be active and improve our quality of life. The AHA thanks Councilman Salvatore for his leadership on this important measure, and we hope other municipalities will follow Providence’s lead,” said Megan Tucker, RI Government Relations Director for the AHA.
The ordinance also aims to visually enhance city streets by expanding exposure to natural elements, and improves environmental quality by providing for reduction and on-site pretreatment of stormwater. The Green and Complete Streets ordinance will also play a role in improving air quality by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the city’s neighborhoods through the expansion of trees and greenspace.
“Planning, designing, and building roads that respond to the needs of all users will provide children, families, older adults and people of all abilities a variety of options for getting around –– walking, biking, taking public transportation, driving their own cars, and sharing rides with family and friends. Green and Complete Streets design allows everyone to share the road and get their own safe piece of the street. We applaud the sponsors and the city of Providence for taking up this important work,” stated Catherine Taylor, State Director, AARP RI.
The Green and Complete Streets ordinance requires the City of Providence to track the development of street performance measures, including, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks, traffic complaints, total miles of bike lanes and an inventory of street trees. This aggregated information will be publicly updated on the City of Providence website.
“The deep and broad support for this bill shows how Providence residents are ready for safer streets and more transportation choices, and we applaud the City Council for taking swift action. While the City is making progress on our physical street infrastructure, this bill will change our legal infrastructure to incorporate and normalize Green and Complete Streets designs into each new road construction project. This is literally how we design a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for our community and future generations”, said Liza Burkin, Organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition.
This ordinance took effect upon passage. Councilor Salvatore will be immediately working with Mayor Elorza’s administration and community stakeholders to implement this new legislation.
by Abigail Appel | Jul 19, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
At the last City Council meeting, Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7) introduced a resolution calling on Mayor Elorza to enforce the multiple laws that the Providence City Council has enacted to mitigate the dangers and nuisance of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the City of Providence.
By law, recreational off-road vehicles are banned from operating on city streets as they are not designed for that use which creates significant safety hazards for the public as well as the operators of the vehicles and greatly compromises quality of life for residents.
Working with Public Safety officials and the community, the Council has passed multiple ordinances and resolutions to stop the illegal use of ATVs in the City. However, the illegal operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes in Providence continues to create significant public safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians, and residents.
“As a freshman Councilor, I got to work drafting and enacting legislation that would keep dangerous ATVs off our City streets. In doing so, my Council colleagues and I created a clear, legal framework that prohibited the operation of illegal ATVs and gave the Providence Police Department the power to seize and destroy any ATVs operating illegally. Yet years later, these laws are not being enforced to the level that is warranted or at all. Our City is still facing the major threats to traffic and pedestrian safety that ATVs create. Significant action from the Mayor is overdue,” stated Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
The reckless operation of these vehicles on city streets and sidewalks can result in collisions with pedestrians and other motorists, confusion and fear for other motorists trying to safely use city streets, and significant noise pollution for residents in the surrounding area.
“It is very disappointing that ATV’s continue to degrade the quality of life in the City of Providence. As President of the Providence City Council, I am calling on Mayor Elorza and his administration to enforce the laws that the council has put in place. Every week, there is a new story about an accident, injury or traffic jam caused by these reckless drivers. It is time the administration takes action and protects our residents,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi.
by Abigail Appel | Jul 15, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Tonight I was pleased to join my Council colleagues in the final passage of the budget for the 2022 Fiscal Year. This budget responsibly addresses some of the immediate impacts to residents, small businesses, and community organizations from the COVID-19 pandemic, while making necessary investments in key City services, and avoiding an increase in property taxes.
We faced a daunting challenge to overcome the uncertainty and the continued impacts of the pandemic. I am thankful to have worked collaboratively with my colleagues on the Finance Committee and the Mayor’s Administration to pass a City budget that invests in our recovery and key City services, while holding the line on property taxes. Thanks to American Recovery Plan Act stimulus funds, this budget invests over $42 million in COVID-19 relief for our small businesses, community centers, and other projects that will address both immediate needs and pay long term dividends. In addition, I am pleased that this budget invests in public safety, expands Pre-K classrooms, and continues investments in affordable housing.
Determining how to prudently invest the stimulus funds in areas of immediate need, with an eye toward longer-term fiscal stability, was indeed a collaborative effort. I especially want to thank the members of the Finance Committee— Majority Leader James Taylor, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas Narducci, Majority Whip Carmen Castillo, and Councilwoman Helen Anthony–for their collaboration and dedication throughout our many Finance committee meetings and hearings. I also want to thank Mayor Elorza and the administration’s finance team for working so diligently with us to develop a fiscally responsible FY 2022 City budget.
Thank you as well to the Internal Auditor, City Treasurer and all the Council staff who provided analysis and expert review of various proposals. I am confident this budget will put Providence on strong footing to help us recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide the quality of life and city services our residents deserve and expect.
FY 2022 budget highlights are included below.
A more detailed summary of these highlights be found here.
A few of the highlights of this year’s budget include:
•No property tax increases.
•Invests in the Department of Inspections and Standards to deal with quality-of-life issues.
•Creates a new Department of Equity and Inclusion.
•Invests in public safety, including expansion of diversion efforts, creating anti-violence programs, and provisions to fund recruitment of new Providence Police officers.
•Provides an additional $300,000 for Providence Community Centers for programs that qualify for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources.
•Creates a new Community Relations and Diversion Services Major position within the Providence Police Department.
•Invests $350,000 to expand the number of pre-kindergarten classrooms in Providence, increasing access to quality early learning programs.
•Invests ARPA funds for night basketball, recreational center programs for our youths, free internet access at our largest parks and recreation centers, sewer repair fund, and a $7 million small business relief fund.
by Abigail Appel | Jul 15, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilors Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) and John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a resolution calling for a review of Mayor Jorge Elorza’s license agreement with the charter school Achievement First, which grants the charter school use of space in a City-owned elementary school. The resolution describes how the execution of license agreement did not follow the required public process outlined in Section 416 (6) of the City Charter which requires a resolution of the City Council to enter into a lease of a City building. This resolution was passed by the full council.
“With the current state of Providence’s school system, City leaders should all be working together to ensure that major decisions such as this license agreement are carefully considered and deliberated. It is customary for the City Council to review any lease of City property, and it is in the best interest of Mayor Elorza, Achievement First and all Providence students for the Council to take the time to properly vet this agreement,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2).
According to the City Charter, any lease of City owned property must be authorized by the City Council. Mayor Elorza entered into a license agreement wherein Achievement First will rent a portion of the property located at the Charles M. Fortes Elementary school for the purpose of operating a charter school at this location beginning in September. The City Council was not given the opportunity to review or approve this agreement prior to it being finalized.
“The City Council is the legislative body of the City of Providence. We are here to provide an open, democratic process for the City’s development and initiatives. It is disappointing that the mayoral administration did not initially reach out for Council input on a plan which involves the lease of valuable public property. We are calling on the administration to comply with the City Charter and allow for due process,” added Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
In March of 2015, the City Council reviewed a similar situation, in which The International Charter School was being considered to lease the Windmill Street School building. This request was communicated by the City’s Director of Public Property to the City Council. The Council’s Committee on City Property reviewed the request and reported back to the full Council, which voted to against the lease agreement.
“Moving forward, communication and transparency between our City’s governing bodies should be a priority. As a City Council, we cannot fulfill our duties if we cannot work collaboratively with the Mayor and other City departments. While charter schools remain a contentious issue in our city, this is also a matter of principle and good government. We are committed to adhering to the requirements set forth by the city charter, which provides the foundation of our city government,” added Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune.
by Abigail Appel | Jul 15, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-3
Before going into summer recess, the Rhode Island State Senate passed Senate Bill Number 788 which regulates third-party delivery services. The bill prevents third-party delivery services such as Grub Hub, Door Dash or Uber Eats from using the likeness, registered trademark or intellectual property belonging to a merchant without first obtaining the merchant’s consent. While the General Assembly had been debating the merits of this bill, the Providence City Council had also been working to create similar regulations at the City level.
In April of 2020, Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune first introduced an ordinance targeted at curbing predatory practices of third-party delivery services which had become major components of the hospitality industry during the pandemic. Following extensive community input, as well as meetings with representatives from the third-party delivery companies, the Councilwoman introduced a revised ordinance in January of 2021 which was sent to the full council with a positive recommendation from the ordinance committee. In addition to her advocacy at the local level, Councilwoman LaFortune provided written testimony in support of Senate Bill 788 based upon the feedback received during the local deliberation of her ordinance.
“I commend Senator Lombardi, Representative Craven and all of the legislators who worked on on Senate Bill 788 and House Bill 5346. While third-party delivery services have proven to be an expedient and accessible way to order food, these services can also be exploitative and leave local restaurants on the losing end of this convenient proposition. It is a relief to see measures being taken at the state level to protect local business and small business owners throughout Rhode Island,” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3).
Third-party delivery services became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when take-out has been the safest and easiest way for Rhode Islanders to access their favorite restaurants. However, these services have also caused significant difficulties for partnering restaurants. With the passage of Senate Bill 788, the local ordinance will no longer move forward as the protections that would have been provided at the city level are now in place for businesses throughout the State of Rhode Island as well as Providence.
“As technology advances, it is great to see innovations that make it easier to do things like order food from your favorite restaurant. However, lawmakers at all levels of government should be putting in the work to make sure that the interests of Rhode Islanders and local business owners are being protected from any exploitation or unethical business practices. I look forward to continuing these efforts with my colleagues in government at both the state and local levels,” added Councilwoman LaFortune.
To read the City Council’s proposed ordinance, click here: https://bit.ly/3egypHN
To read Senate Bill Number 788, click here: https://bit.ly/3yTPfEs
To read House Bill Number 5346, click here: https://bit.ly/2VOtNSX
by Abigail Appel | Jul 15, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal will introduce several pieces of legislation to address present and future threats to public health and the environment in the South Side of Providence.
Council President Pro Tempore Espinal proposed a resolution to stop the expansion of Sea 3 LLC, located in the industrial area surrounding the Port of Providence. This expansion would allow for the storage of an additional 450,000 gallons of propane on site, and the shipment of highly combustible propane tanks into the area of the port by rail.
“The Port of Providence and surrounding South Providence neighborhood is home to the most intensive industrial land use in the state of Rhode Island. For generations, residents in this area have faced disproportionately worse health outcomes compared to the rest of the city. Our focus should be on mitigating any activity that puts the environment or public health and safety at risk, not continuing to expand it,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Espinal.
In a letter to the Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB) this past May, Pro Tempore Espinal shared his concerns that the expansion of this organization would only further burden the South Providence community, which has already suffered from toxins and air pollution for years due to industrial activity in the Port of Providence. In a continuation of this advocacy, Pro Tempore Espinal’s resolution further calls on the EFSB to reject Sea 3 LLC’s proposal for expansion.
In addition, Pro Tempore Espinal also proposed an amendment to the code of ordinances that would prohibit the bulk storage of Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) within the city of Providence. This ordinance would prevent any organizations from attempting to ship more harmful toxins or dangerous chemicals into the city or the port.
“The south side of Providence is constantly facing the adverse effects of industrial operations in the area. From poor air quality, to high childhood asthma rates, local residents and the local environment are always on the losing end of these kinds of developments. Additionally, the threat of an accident such as a fire or explosion could be devastating for our city. Just a few months ago, a submarine caught on fire in the port. It is irresponsible and unethical to allow for these kinds of dangerous operations to continue in our neighborhood. This is why I am fighting for both short- and long-term protections and regulations,” added Council President Pro Tempore Espinal.
