by Abigail Appel | Mar 9, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Today’s fire was yet another example of why I have been advocating for eliminating these types of businesses in South Providence, and indeed the whole City. This area has the highest rates of childhood asthma in the state, and we are ninth in the nation, and it’s because of businesses like these.
The scrap yards along Allens Avenue are continually polluting our neighborhoods, and we were lucky that what occurred today was quickly contained. What would happen if it was an oil tanker? It would have been a disaster.
We are the Ocean State, and our waterways are our most precious natural resource. We need our businesses to do better, be safer, and transition to cleaner and safer practices.
I want to thank the men and women of the Providence Fire Department for acting so quickly to eliminate the fire and causing further damage to the area.
Pedro Espinal
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 10
by Abigail Appel | Mar 5, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-12, Ward-2, Ward-9
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilman John Goncalves proposed a resolution endorsing and urging the passage of Rhode Island House Bill 2021 H-5442, an act that would prevent the termination of utility services during periods of a declared emergency, including the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic. This resolution was co-sponsored by Councilors Helen Anthony (Ward 1), Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), and Kat Kerwin (Ward 12).
“Rhode Island unemployment rates remain at astoundingly high due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, so many hardworking men and women lost their job or were forced into dire economic situations. Nobody should have to choose between buying groceries and keeping their heat on. This bill would provide some relief for those who have found themselves faced with these difficult circumstances,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
House Bill 2021 H-5442 would impose a moratorium on the termination of utility services throughout a limited period of any emergency declared by the Governor of Rhode Island, with particular guidelines in place in the event of a public health epidemic. Customers would be protected for the duration of the emergency and for 90 days after the emergency has ended.
“One year into the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is time we begin to think about what systems we can put in place to protect the financial and physical well-being of Rhode Islanders if we are faced with another crisis like the one we are currently fighting through. House Bill H-5442 will provide immediate relief while also building a long-term crisis response framework. I commend and support the members of the General Assembly who have worked to put this bill together,” added Councilman Goncalves.
The resolution will be sent to the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs for further discussion.
by Abigail Appel | Mar 4, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Tonight the Providence City Council passed two resolutions, sponsored by Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), to support several initiatives before the Rhode Island General Assembly to reduce Perfluorinated and Poly-Fluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in Rhode Island’s water supply and in food packaging in our state. The resolutions were co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5),Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Chairman John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Councilors Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), John Goncalves (Ward 1), and Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), James Taylor (Ward 8), and Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3).
The first resolution supports and urges the passage of House Bill 2021 H-5523 and Senate Bill 2021 S-107, which will require the RI Department of Health to set a Maximum Contaminant Level for PFAS and requires that our public waterways and drinking supply be sampled and monitored for PFAS contamination. The second resolution supports and urges the passage of House Bill 2021 H-5356 and Senate Bill 2021 S-0110, which eliminate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of food packaging to which PFAS have been added.
“These initiatives in our General Assembly and State Senate are significant steps in the effort to improve food and water safety in Rhode Island. PFAS are persistent chemicals that are known to cause harm to humans and the environment. It is time for the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management to take action to set standards and testing protocols to protect the health and safety of Rhode Islanders. I know that my colleagues in government trust science and believe that we should do everything we can to protect and care for the health and safety of Rhode Islanders and our environment. PFAS have been linked to cancer, developmental issues in children, problems with fertility and pregnancy, and a host of other serious health problems. That is why we must act now to reduce these harmful chemicals from our food and water,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller.
PFAS are highly persistent chemicals that have been widely used in consumer products since the 1948. They are often used in food packaging to prevent grease and other fats from sticking to the paper packaging. However, PFAS are released during production processes and remain in the environment for long periods, entering the air and bodies of water. Because of this widespread contamination, PFAS can often be found in the blood of both humans and wildlife. Over the years, concern has grown regarding the health consequences of frequent exposure to PFAS.
“One of the most precious resources we have in the State of Rhode Island is the Narragansett Bay, and we must do whatever we can to protect this natural resource. Further, PFAS that end up in our water inevitably end up in our sea life. As a state with a robust seafood industry, we have to protect and preserve the catch’s quality. Doing so will protect jobs and this important economic generator. I applaud Councilor Miller for working to ensure that we are supporting important green and healthy initiatives at the General Assembly, and I too add my voice to the chorus of my colleagues who want to see these bills pass and enacted,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan.
The resolutions passed, and copies will be sent to the Rhode Island General Assembly and the Providence Delegation.
by Abigail Appel | Mar 4, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Tonight, the Providence City Council members voted to pass a resolution urging the United States Senate to pass the Equality Act. The resolution was sponsored by Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13). It was Co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), and Councilors Helen Anthony, Esq. (Ward 2), Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), John Goncalves (Ward 1), Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), and Councilman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3)
The Equality Act was introduced to the House of Representatives by Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline and in the Senate by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021. It was finally passed by the United States House of Representatives in 2019 and 2021 but has died in the United States Senate committee. After the United States Supreme Court’s June 2020 ruling in the Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, which upheld protections for gay and transgender individuals in employment matters under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its subsequent amendments, now there is more support in the Senate for passage. The City Council members are urging the body to take this bold and meaningful action to codify the rights of every person living in the United States.
“First, I want to thank our Federal Delegation, especially Congressman Cicilline, who has worked doggedly on this act for the past seven years. Even as it languished in the House and Senate, he still believed that the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community were worth the battle. I am proud that he represents Rhode Island and am grateful for his leadership. The Equality Act will codify and protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, which has been missing from the Civil Rights Act for decades. The Equality Act wil also protect against discrimination in the workplace, in housing, in health care, and even in financial lending,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller.
The Equality Act will amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Jury Selection and Services Act, and several other federal laws around employment and discrimination in public spaces, services, and federally funded programs.
“Former United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once stated, ‘We should not be held back from pursuing our full talents, from contributing what we could contribute to society, because we fit into a certain mold, because we belong to a group that historically has been the object of discrimination.’ With that statement, she was referring to what women have endured for generations. It is equally true for LGBTQIA+ communities that face higher rates of suicide, bullying, and the alarming rates of murder amongst transgender women. The Senate must pass the Equality Act, and I know that our Rhode Island Delegation is supportive, and I hope that we can all agree that discrimination of any kind needs to be removed from our legal system,” stated Council President Sabina Matos.
Many studies have shown that members of the LGBTQIA+ community face high levels of discrimination in housing. The bias is noted to come in many different ways: being denied housing, charged higher rents, or being removed from housing once a landlord realizes the orientation or the gender expression of the renters. Additionally, the Equality Act will add protections to LGBTQIA+ individuals living in 27 states which do not have state-wide LGBTQIA+ anti-discrimination laws.
“There are currently 27 states where, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, my right to be free from discrimination in employment, housing, and other civil protections is not protected by law. I am proud to be a member of this body that tonight took a stance for equality for all,” concluded Councilor Miller.
Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation. The City Council members hope that the United States Senate will pass Senate Bill 393 – The Equality Act.
by Abigail Appel | Mar 1, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Today, City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Providence Public School District Director of Operations Jason Menard, and Patrick Barbosa, the manager of Youth Programming for Bayside FC, announce a multi-year partnership to use the historic Conley Stadium for training sessions beginning this spring.
“I am thrilled that I was able to help facilitate this wonderful partnership here in mighty Ward 5. Over the past several years, I have dedicated and fought for funding to return the historic Conley Stadium to the state-of-art stadium that it is today. With that, we can create partnerships like this with Bayside FC to help support our Providence students’ athletic pursuits. Additionally, Bayside FC has also guaranteed that two scholarships will be offered to Providence young residents currently attending the Batastini Recreation Center. I can think of no better way to honor Armand Batastini Jr.’s legacy than ensuring that young people have access to great athletic programming. This partnership is proof that by working together, we can make a difference in the lives of our young residents.” – Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan
“We are indebted to the majority leader for bringing this high-value athletic program to the community, and we look forward to a productive partnership.” – Director Jason Menard, PPSD
Additionally, Majority Leader Ryan, Bayside FC, and the Batastini Recreation Center are exploring opportunities to bring more programming there in the coming months. There is a strong desire from Providence youth who attend the recreation center for more athletic programming, and soccer is at the top of their list.
“My father’s passion for ensuring that all residents of Providence have access to, and fully participate in, sports was endless. He would be thrilled to see our community creating this partnership as it provides a premier opportunity to those who attend Batastini Recreation Center. I want to thank Majority Leader Ryan, the Providence School Department, and Bayside FC for their joint commitment to the community. My father would be proud to know his legacy lives on.” – Maria Batastini Dell’Ovo
The Bayside FC Junior Academy offers boys and girls ages 4-10 the opportunity to build a solid foundation of technical skills and tactical understanding in a positive environment. The program’s goal is to use the environment to educate players on the game’s basics and grow their love of the sport. Players are guided to learn various new skills and fall in love with the ball by experienced and enthusiastic coaches.
“We are excited to join forces with the City of Providence. This partnership will offer young players opportunities to be introduced to the game while working with some of Rhode Island’s most reputable coaching staff. Bayside FC will be devoted to helping grow the soccer community in the City of Providence.” – Patrick Barbosa, Bayside FC
The training camps at Conley Stadium will be held this spring on Saturdays beginning March 27, 2021, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for six weeks. Please note the first Saturday in April will be skipped due to the Easter Holiday.
The summer training camps will be held on Saturdays beginning May 15, 2021, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for six weeks. Please note that the first Saturday in July is skipped due to the Fourth of July holiday. The cost of each six-week training program is $99.00.
Families can learn more about Providence-based Bayside FC training camps at Conley Stadium by visiting: www.baysidefc.com.
About Bayside FC:
Bayside FC was established in 1997 and is a highly successful premier club in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. With over 475 players in their program, their club is built on a healthy foundation of player development and success. They are Rhode Island’s premier soccer club.
by Abigail Appel | Feb 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilor David Salvatore’s (Ward 14) ordinance that would curb the illegal disposal of used tires received first passage. The ordinance was co-sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
The proposal would amend the “Licenses” Chapter of the Providence Code of Ordinances to include a requirement that any motor repair business engaging in the repair, replacement, or disposal of tires must be licensed by the Providence Board of Licenses. The proposal would also require that motor repair businesses legally dispose of old tires and provide a receipt proving lawful disposal.
“Quality of life is something that we discuss as elected leaders daily. One of the complaints we most often receive is regarding abandoned tires in our parks, streets, vacant lots, rivers and woodland areas causing damage to our local environment and overall quality of life. Requiring these businesses to keep receipts as proof for the lawful and proper disposal of old tires will go a long way in keeping this litter from harming our neighborhoods,” stated Councilor David Salvatore.
Additionally, the proposal includes a provision that creates a lawful system for disposal and delivery of used/waste tires to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation or privately-operated tire storage, recycling, or recovery facilities licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Tire haulers would be permitted to transport tires to an out-of-state recycling facility in accordance with Rhode Island General Law § 23-63-2.
“By putting these legal standards in place for the proper disposal of tires, we are working towards building a system that encourages sustainability and ethical business practices in our City. Changes like this will improve the health and quality of life for Providence residents in a thoughtful and impactful way,” added Councilor Salvatore.
This ordinance will have minimal effect on law-abiding auto repair businesses. Any business that is legitimately licensed already embraces ethical and proper tire disposal procedures. Instead the ordinance is intended to stop individuals who may be collecting used tires for cash and disposing of them illegally throughout the City.
To read the full ordinance, click here: https://bit.ly/2M8bhk4
