by Billy Kepner | Nov 13, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Last night, a group of protestors gathered outside my family home. While they’re within their right to dissent with my public positions as an elected official, their trespass and use of illegal fireworks on my property did not adhere to the spirit of democratic debate but was instead meant to intimidate and coerce.
They’re also reducing my call for the administration to design a city-wide public safety plan to be only about adding on more officers. Whether purposeful or not, this position minimizes the scope of what my resolution calls for to be simply about more enforcement. This position is incorrect.
My resolution also calls for more training for officers to be better able to equitably serve our diverse communities. It calls for an intentional commitment to invest in a social service and mental health responders program so we can stop imprisoning those amongst us who struggle with mental health.
While my resolution also calls for the convening of a new police academy without further delay, the impetus isn’t because I think we’re going to arrest our way out of our problems, but because we’re currently at an all-time staffing low and we are at risk of losing so many officers due to retirements and infection from COVID. There are currently around 113 officers eligible to retire and we’re risking peace and security if we don’t replace them while we can.
Abolishing the Providence Police Department is not the answer.
However, building up our Police Department from within the community, creating community policing where residents know the men and women who serve their neighborhoods, designing a curriculum for officers so that they are more culturally aware and empathetic, and a social response component are affirmative steps in the right direction. Our approach needs to be collaborative and holistic.
I look forward to continuing robust, respectful, and productive conversations regarding the future of our police department and public safety as we continue to push through this difficult time for the City we call home.
Jo-Ann Ryan, Majority Leader and Vice-Chair of the Council’s Committee on Finance
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 5
by Abigail Appel | Nov 9, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
“I know I’m a bit biased when I say this, but I believe Ward 1 has the best of what the City of Providence has to offer. Whether it’s the historic vibrancy of Fox Point or College Hill or the green space of India Point Park or The Mile of History on Benefit Street, Waterfire, the Pedestrian Bridge, the Universities including Brown and RISD, the restaurants and businesses in Wayland Square, Wickenden Street, and on South Main Street, including the new Plant City, and of course all of the bustling activity of the Innovation District and Downtown. Ward 1 is the economic engine of Providence and a truly special place that has it all, marked by a diverse constituency of people who ultimately make it one of the most dynamic and vibrant Wards in the city.”-Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1)
In the spring of 1636, Roger Williams and his fellow proprietors crossed the Seekonk River and landed on Slate Rock – in what would become the cornerstone of Providence. Both the rock and original shoreline are gone, but a monument currently stands in its place, located in Roger Williams Square (aka Slate Rock Park) between Gano, Power, Roger, and Williams Street. There they were greeted by members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe who exclaimed to them, “What Cheer Netop!” – meaning “hello, friend!” Sachems Canonicus and Miantonomi and the Narragansett Tribe oversaw Fox Point, and much of Rhode Island for 30,000 years before Williams. Roger and his followers acquired land use rights to Providence from the Narragansett Sachems
Fox Point became a port neighborhood by 1680 with India Point – Providence’s first port. Tea and spices from the East Indies; goods from Europe; Spermaceti oil from the whaling New England whaling industry; and the notorious Triangle Trade occurred there for most of the 18th century. During the advent of the Industrial Revolution, Fox Point became the hub of Providence’s industry. By 1817, steamboats would carry passengers between Providence, Newport, and New York, and in 1821, the Providence Steam Engine Company opened on South Mainstreet (current day Corliss Landing Condominiums). In 1835, the Boston and Providence Railroad constructed a line that carried goods and people to and fro, and later in 1837 to Stonnington, Connecticut. Many of these developments were guided much under the auspices of Mayor Samuel W. Bridgham (1832-1840), Providence’s first mayor. In 1840, The Fuller Iron Works Company appeared on Pike Street. The Providence Tool Company soon followed pursuit and was established on Wickenden Street in 1844, and the company most notably manufactured firearms, particularly during the American Civil War (1861-1865).
Many Irish immigrants made Foxpoint their home after leaving Ireland during the Great Potato Famine of 1847. There was a particular section of the Fox Point neighborhood where the Irish lived called Cork Hill, primarily the current Brook Street neighborhood. By the turn of the 19th century, Italian, Portuguese, Eastern Europeans, and Cape Verdeans began to populate Fox Point. Many of them sailed across the Atlantic on the Fabre Line, which docked and unloaded on RI State Pier No.1 on Public Street, which borders Downtown and the Washington Park neighborhood/waterfront. Cape Verdeans were among the largest demographics around South Main Street, Wickenden, and along the waterfront by the 1920s. Most of them were longshoremen. Many Cape Verdeans built Liberty Class cargo ships during World War II at the Walsh-Kaiser Co. shipyard at Fields Point. Unfortunately, many Cape Verdeans were displaced during the urban redevelopment and highway projects of the 1950s and 60s.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 6, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-8, Ward-9
This evening, the Providence City Council passed a resolution requesting that the State of Rhode Island take an active role in easing the liquor license renewal process for Rhode Island restaurants. This is another step the Providence City Council is taking to simplify this process for local businesses. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“Right now, we need to be doing everything we can to help local businesses stay open. Too many restaurants have been forced to close down, or are barely getting by. That is why myself and my Council colleagues have proposed this resolution to provide some relief to restaurant owners,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, restaurants in the City of Providence and throughout the State of Rhode Island have been operating under significant duress. Further adding to this hardship is the upcoming deadline for liquor license renewals which takes place on December 1 every year. This process requires not only the payment of a fee, but also a letter of good standing from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. This resolution requests that Governor Raimondo waive the requirement for a letter of good standing from the Division of Taxation.
“This resolution is an effort to remove another roadblock for restaurant owners trying to renew their liquor licenses. It is imperative that we protect the sale of alcoholic beverages at license-holding establishments as they have become integral to the business models of so many restaurants operating under pandemic restrictions,” added Councilman John Goncalves.
In September, the City Council passed a resolution requesting that the Providence Board of Licenses work with local businesses to create sustainable payment plans for liquor license renewal fees.
“With these two initiatives, it is our hope that Rhode Island restaurant owners will find some relief as their liquor licenses come up for renewal next month. I hope that leaders at the State and local levels will continue to collaborate to further support business owners in the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 6, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-8, Ward-9
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9) introduced a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting calling for the formation of a Special Commission on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement. Off-road vehicles are currently banned from operating on city streets as they are not designed to be street legal. The use of these off-road machines creates significant safety hazards for the public and the off-road vehicles’ operators. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman James E. Taylor (Ward 8 ), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“The illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes in Providence has quickly become a serious quality of life issue for the residents of Providence over the past several weeks, and has raised serious concerns from motorists, pedestrians, and residents alike,” stated Councilwoman Carmen Castillo. “On October 18, 2020, during a response to a large gathering of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs in the City, there was an incident involving a Providence Police Department vehicle and a moped which resulted in a young man, 24-year-old Jhamal Gonsalves, sustaining significant injuries that left him in a coma. This incident has shined a light on the danger and risks associated with enforcing these vehicles’ use here in Providence. As elected officials, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of our residents, and I believe by reviewing our policies and procedures, we can find solutions to the challenges we are facing.”
It has become increasingly clear that the City must undertake a comprehensive review of how Providence enforces its laws, practices, and policies governing off-road recreational vehicles, which is why Councilwoman Castillo is calling on the City Council to establish this Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles. The Commission will be charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the City’s current enforcement practices and making recommendations regarding appropriate changes to City procedures, ordinances, and policies to prevent the operation of ATVs and recreational vehicles on the City’s streets.
Councilman John Goncalves shared, “I applaud the Council for supporting this resolution to figure out more meaningful, creative, and robust solutions to further address this. Residential neighborhoods in all parts of our city to have been affected by this ongoing issue and I look forward to working collaboratively with my council colleagues and community members to determine creative mechanisms to ensure the utmost safety of Providence residents.”
The Special Commission on All Terrain Vehicles will consist of not more than seven members, including the Commissioner of Public Safety or his designee, one member appointed by the Mayor, and five members to be appointed by the Council President.
“I am in full support of this initiative,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “We must work together to find the solutions that our residents are demanding to end the illegal use of these vehicles on our streets.”
Councilwoman Castillo continued, “If we are to create changes in the behavior of our residents, we must work with our community to understand their needs and how we can safely and legally allow for the use of these vehicles within our City. Currently, there is no designated area for their uses, and riders are risking their lives and the lives of others by riding them through our neighborhoods. I hope this Special Commission can create actionable steps for us to protect and preserve our quality of life, but also find outlets for residents who wish to use ATVs and dirt bikes legally and safely.”
The Special Commission will be tasked with issuing a report of recommendations to the City Council within 120 days of the date appointments are made to the Commission.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8
The Hospitality Worker Comeback Legislation Ensures that Hospitality Workers Laid Off Due to the Pandemic Can Return to Their Jobs and Their Livelihoods
Tonight the City Council passed the “Hospitality Worker Comeback” legislation which was introduced by City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) at the October 15, 2020 City Council Meeting. The legislation received its first passage at that meeting, before it was sent to the Council’s Committee on Ordinances. This legislation ensures that any hotel worker who was laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic would be rehired before other candidates, as City hotels come back online. The Ordinance is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), and Councilors David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13), James E. Taylor (Ward 8), Pedro J. Espinal (Ward 10), and John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“I am very proud to stand up in support of the over 700 Providence hotel employees that are currently laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “We don’t yet know how long this current pandemic will impact our hospitality industry, but this important piece of legislation ensures that our hospitality industry employees will have jobs to come back to when their hotel reopens. It also gives our hardworking hospitality professionals peace of mind that they will get their jobs back and reclaim their livelihoods as we return to normal business operations. Further, this legislation ensures that these dedicated workers will have the option to return to their job by classification and seniority. It’s about fairness, and I want to thank all my Council colleagues who joined me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.”
City Council President Sabina Matos stated, “As the creative capital, and home to James Beard award winning restaurants, and several hotels, hospitality is in our City’s DNA. As elected leaders we have an obligation to our hospitality workers to make sure that they have jobs as we come back from this ongoing crisis. One thing I know for sure, is the Providence is all about resilience, and we will get through this and become a go-to destination once more.”
Over the past several decades, the City of Providence has invested heavily in tourism. The Council has approved several tax stabilization agreements that gave investors the help, they needed to bring their hotels to Providence. These agreements are also an investment in the City’s workforce. With 700 jobs on the line, this legislation makes it clear that the City Council is in full support of our hospitality employees. Because of this legislation, hotels located in Providence will not be able to permanently fire their employees and ask them to reapply as if they were just starting out with the company.
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “Since I first introduced this legislation, I have heard from other cities that are interested in what we are doing here in Providence. Hotels as close as Boston, have fired their employees and told them they could reapply when the hotel reopens. Yet, if hired they would not come back at the same level or paygrade. This is simply not a good business practice, and frankly I find it very unsettling that during a time when so many are out of work and are not making ends meet with unemployment, that this is occurring. Not just in New England, but in cities around the Country.”
The legislation also includes protections and enforcement for employees that are not brought back to work, including the right to bring legal action and penalties. The legislation does include a sunset clause and will remain in effect until November 1, 2022, unless it is repealed or the City Council approves an extension or re-authorization.
The Hospitality Worker Comeback legislation can be found here: https://bit.ly/3451
by Abigail Appel | Nov 2, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
I want to thank the Providence Police Department for removing another AR-15 assault rifle off our city’s streets. On Friday evening, Providence officers confiscated the rifle, a fully loaded magazine, and drugs from a group of individuals in Corliss Park. Just a few weeks ago, a homicide took place in broad daylight there. This recent example of excellent police work averted another senseless tragedy in our community.
My concern has been and continues to be for the residents in our neighborhoods who are living in fear due to the uptick in violent crime. I recently joined local and state leaders to meet with North End and Elmhurst residents. The refrain has been the same – when and how will the violence end?
The answer to those questions is not simple, and there is no blanket answer. It is nuanced and takes leadership at all levels to make a difference. While it is difficult to completely stop violent crimes from occurring, there is work we can do to mitigate it. I once again call on our federal and state leaders to put advocacy and the safety of our families above the powerful gun lobby.
We are lucky in Rhode Island to have a dedicated federal delegation who is in support of sensible gun safety legislation, but they are only four votes. The members of our General Assembly have advocated for stronger ,clear and better gun legislation, but there is still work left to do.
I want to remind our leaders that Corliss Park is not a desolate or isolated space. The area includes the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, and is near to Independence House—a home for the disabled, and countless residential properties filled with families of all ages. I will be calling for a meeting with leaders from the School for the Deaf, the Providence Parks Department, and the Providence Police Department to discuss and implement tangible changes so that our residents can live in their neighborhood without fear.
David A. Salvatore
Providence City Council
Councilor – Ward 14
