by Abigail Appel | May 17, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-12, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6
At the May 6 City Council Meeting, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) introduced and the Council passed a resolution to relaunch the City’s successful Fireworks Task Force.
“With summer approaching, so too is the threat to public safety presented by the rampant illegal use of fireworks in our neighborhoods. Based on last year’s success, the Council resolution requests public safety and administrative officials, once again, to coordinate enforcement and community education regarding the use of illegal fireworks. City departments must work proactively to mitigate this issue,” stated Ryan.
In the late spring and early summer of 2020, the City of Providence experienced an overwhelming increase in illegal fireworks activity. In 2019, the police department reported less than 20 calls related to fireworks complaints, but in June of 2020 that number skyrocketed nearly 500. In response, Councilwoman Ryan convened a group of City stakeholders to discuss this quality of life nuisance, and identified three main areas that needed to be addressed: public education on what is and isn’t legal; licensing enforcement for businesses that are illegally selling fireworks; and a coordinated effort by public safety officials to focus on hot spots or problematic areas. This effort lead to the creation of the City’s Fireworks Task Force which resulted in multiple arrests and the confiscation of illegal fireworks.
In Rhode Island, ground-based fireworks and sparklers are legal, but aerial fireworks and anything that explodes are not allowed without a permit.
“Last year, as a result of the diligent efforts of the Fireworks Task Force, the City was able to make a significant reduction in the use of illegal fireworks that had been disrupting and endangering our neighborhoods,” Ryan said. “I look forward to building on this progress as we head into another summer, and I thank our local law enforcement and fire officials for the work they do every day to maintain the quality of life and public safety of our community.”
Ryan is encouraging individuals to report the use of illegal fireworks in Providence or file a complaint, call the police department’s non-emergency line (401) 272-3121. Complaints can also be filed by calling 311 or visiting the PVD 311 Website and selecting the ‘Quality of Life’ complaint option.
This resolution was co-sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Kat Kerwin (Ward 12) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
by Abigail Appel | May 16, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-3
Next month will mark sixteen years since my dear friend, my partner, the person I loved in life was cut short by gun violence as he walked out of a bodega in New York City. He was mistakenly struck by a bullet intended for someone standing outside the store. Our lives were changed forever by a needless act of violence.
For three consecutive days, our city has experienced a rash of violence. Yesterday’s incident took place on Camp Street in front of Billy Taylor Park, a neighborhood park where my daughter plays and where I’ve hosted various events to bring the community together.
I am heartbroken and appalled by these unthinkable acts of violence. The epidemic of gun violence is destroying our communities, injecting fear into our neighborhoods and further dividing our city. It must stop.
The issue of gun violence is systemic and we must address the root cause. On Friday, May 14th, I reached out to the Mayor, the Police Commissioner and Chief, the Attorney General, the Executive Director of the Nonviolence Institute, and community leaders to convene a meeting to discuss how we can work collaboratively to create a comprehensive plan to address the gun violence in our community and also ensure meaningful and impactful ways to serve our young people. Creating solutions is often a bottom-up process and we’ve got to find ways to engage our young people who are often disenfranchised, struggling, and in some cases, very angry.
I have had the privilege to go on ride-alongs with the NonViolence Institute’s street workers and the police department to see firsthand the impact of such violence on communities and on lives. I am committed to continuing to work with the Mayor’s administration, the police department, and community partners to stop gun violence in Providence and develop solutions to prevent these violent crimes from happening. Talk is not the answer. Action is.
I will update you as our meetings progress. And, please reach out to me if you have ideas on this issue. It’s by sharing what we know and working together as a community that we will make significant change.
With love for our city,
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune
Providence City Council
by Abigail Appel | May 14, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
Last night’s violence between rival groups in Providence was devastating. When a shooting takes place, our community goes through the range of emotions, from fear and shock to sadness and anger. All of our neighborhoods need to be safe for our residents, and their families and friends.
I want to thank the Providence Police for their excellent response and ongoing thorough investigation of last night’s events. Their leadership in working with community advocates and social service organizations is often overlooked, but makes a huge difference in restoring peace and stability to volatile situations in our city.
by Abigail Appel | May 14, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
I am appalled by the senseless acts of violence that took place on Carolina Avenue last night which left nine people injured and terrorized the local community.
Gun violence has plagued our City for far too long and I remain committed to working with my Council colleagues, Mayor Elorza’s administration, and community partners to put a stop to the cycle of violence that is being perpetuated on our City streets.
I am praying for the Washington Park neighborhood and the recovery of those who were injured. I extend my gratitude to the Providence Police Department for their diligent work as this investigation continues.
Pedro Espinal
President Pro Tempore, Providence City Council
Councilman, Ward 10
by Abigail Appel | May 12, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
At tonight’s meeting of City Council Committee on Finance, committee members elected Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) to the position of Chairperson. Council President John J. Igliozzi resigned from the chairmanship at a special Council meeting last night after 14 years in the role. Ryan last night also resigned from her post as Majority Leader of the Council, and now takes the top leadership position on one of the busiest Council committees.
“I have great confidence in Chairwoman Ryan’s expertise to successfully lead the Finance Committee at this critical time, as Providence determines how to invest an unprecedented $160 million in American Rescue Plan funds, and simultaneously works to stabilize its pension system,” President Igliozzi stated. “It’s an immense responsibility, and Chairwoman Ryan has the professional background in financial management, and a fine-tuned knowledge of the City’s budget process, finances, and operational systems and structures.”
Ryan has served on the Council since 2015, and in addition to serving as Majority Leader (2019-2021), previously served as Vice-Chair of Finance (2019-2021) and Majority Whip (2016-2019), and also served as chairperson of the Committee on Ordinances for six years.
“The Finance Committee has an extremely full agenda for the remainder of this term, and I am excited to lead us through the crucial, time sensitive decisions the City faces,” Ryan said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my skills, understanding and interest to detailed analysis and deliberation of the City’s fiscal policies.”
The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. See meeting agenda and videoconference information here: https://bit.ly/2RPAlPj
by Abigail Appel | May 11, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
At tonight’s special City Council meeting, as part of Council President John J. Igliozzi Esq.’s (Ward 7) ongoing commitment to restructuring the leadership of the Providence City Council, Council President Igliozzi and Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) resigned their positions as Majority Whip and Majority Leader.
In addition to his resignation as Majority Whip, Council President Igliozzi also submitted his resignation as Finance Committee Chairman. Council President Igliozzi was elected to serve as Majority Whip in 2018 and served as the Finance Committee Chairman for fourteen years.
“In my capacity as Council President, I remain committed to creating new leadership opportunities for all Council members. Throughout my tenure on the City Council, I have served in various leadership roles, which have all taught me valuable lessons about our City’s operations and engagements. My goal is to provide new and future Council members with the same opportunities to learn the institutional knowledge that is necessary to best serve our Constituency,” stated Council President John Igliozzi.
Councilwoman Ryan submitted her resignation as Council Majority Leader and as Vice Chair of the Committee on Finance. Councilwoman Ryan was previously elected to serve as Council Majority Whip in 2016 and was elected to serve as Majority Leader in 2018.
“I join Council President Igliozzi in an effort to create learning opportunities for all council members. I look forward to working with the Council President and all members of the City Council in order to continue to serve our residents and bettering the City as a whole,” added Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
These resignations come after last month’s election of Councilman Igliozzi as Council President, and his commitment to reorganizing the City Council’s leadership and office structures to optimize efficiency and service capability.
