by Abigail Appel | Sep 17, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-4
At a special ceremony in the City Council chambers this evening, Providence Police Officer Jose Deschamps was honored with the Council’s Municipal Medal for Deeds of Bravery. An ordinance was introduced by Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr, (Ward 4) and Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) at the September 3 Council meeting to recognize Officer Deschamps for his exemplary conduct in the line of duty.
On August 13, Officer Jose Deschamps was responding to a motor vehicle incident at the intersection of Narragansett Avenue and New York Avenue. After arriving on the scene, Officer Deschamps was approached by a man seeking assistance with an unresponsive child and provided lifesaving CPR, which helped stabilize the 8-month-old boy.
“The Municipal Medal for Deeds of Bravery was created to honor City Officers, Employees or any deserving individual for preforming an act of bravery and valor. Officer Deschamps’ actions on August 13 to save the life of an infant boy displayed this bravery and valor for which the City of Providence is incredibly grateful,” stated Council President Sabina Matos.
This award was codified into the Providence City Charter in 1915 and since then, the medal has only been bestowed twice in documented City history. The first was to Patrolman John Kelly who saved a 10-year-old boy from drowning in 1918 and the second was to a group of firemen who saved a seven-month-old girl who stopped breathing in 2016.
The medal was hand crafted by Olneyville artist Kiki Scuillo and features the City Council seal representing industry, watchfulness and peace as well as a commemorative seal of honor and heroism.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. shared, “Officer Deschamps is a shining example of the good work that our dedicated men and women in uniform do every day in our City. Officer Deschamps saved that baby boy and saved an entire family from a tragic loss. I hope that this recognition will serve as a reminder of how important and vital our men and women of the Providence Police Department are to the fabric of our City. We are incredibly grateful to Officer Deschamps for his honorable, brave actions”.
by Abigail Appel | Sep 14, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) today is excited to announce the collaboration between the community and The Avenue Concept, Rhode Island’s leading public art organization, for a pilot project that has brought art to the campus of the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School.
“As a proud alumnus of Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, and as an educator, and now the Councilman for Ward 1, I am thrilled to work with The Avenue Concept to bring beauty, art, and inspiration to the campus of the school as the kids start school this fall” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “There is a proverb that says: Where there is no vision, the people shall perish. I believe that rings true, and we need to have visionary partners like The Avenue Concept and Vartan Gregorian parents to help invest in our community spaces. This investment helps lift spirits, sparks joy, and gives our families and children pride in place.”
The pilot program, which has been completed was supported by Councilman Goncalves Neighborhood Infrastructure Funding, the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School PTO, and other community benefactors reimagines the front entrance of the school. The project includes a vinyl geometric fox (the school’s mascot) mural, designed by Myles Dumas, on the front doors and the repainting of the school’s front bench, planter border, and the planting of a new magnolia tree. Using bright and bold colors, The Avenue Concept and their design team will give the space new life.
“Projects like these are a win-win because they help highlight the value that both public art and public schools bring to our communities,” said Yarrow Thorne, founder and executive director of The Avenue Concept. “By enlivening the built environment around the school, we enhance the experience for students, teachers, and staff, and draw attention to the school from the surrounding community, encouraging all to engage with this public space.”
The Community Team for this project includes Yarrow Thorne, Executive Director of The Avenue Concept, Myles Dumas, Design Director at NAIL and the Vartan Gregorian parent who designed the geometric fox, Matthew Russo, Principal of Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, Jack Rusley, Co-Chair of Building and Grounds Committee and a VG Parent, Vartan Gregorian Elementary School PTO, Amy Mendillo of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association and a VG Parent, Vin Scorziello of the Fox Point Merchants Association, and Councilman John Goncalves. The team has a vision for not just the school but also areas adjacent to the school.
“Our school community is proud that this unique design is representative of the Fox Point Neighborhood,” stated Principal Matthew Russo. “We are fortunate to have such a supportive PTO that is committed to enriching the lives of every student at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School.”
Councilman Goncalves has also supported projects improving the inner appearance of the school, in particular the transformation of the inner courtyard of the school into a functional outdoor classroom, an effort lead by Vartan Gregorian parent and Co-Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Naz Firoz. “With fresh air more important than ever for children as they start school this fall, professional landscaping was necessary to clear invasive vines and overgrown trees from classroom windows and doors opening into the inner courtyard, and Councilman Goncalves was instrumental in making this happen. We are lucky to have such engaged parents, a supportive principal, and enthusiastic community leaders such as Councilman Goncalves and The Avenue Concept who want to improve the student experience not only now, but also for the future. I know that big changes take time, and these small but significant steps will help build momentum as we continue to move forward with other projects.”
The Avenue Concept is now raising funds for additional projects, including a new design of the school’s side entrance, which would include painting the new doors and creating a selfie wall that would make students feel empowered and have a little more fun at drop-off and pick-up. The third project would be at the corner entrance, where artists will transform the cement benches into whimsical mosaics using ceramic tiles to cover the benches. The fourth project would be to create a new large-scale mural by a professional muralist on the East Street Side of the School. The final bonus project would be to repaint the school’s electric boxes and dumpsters to turn these drab objects into stunning works of arts.
If you are interested in supporting these additional projects, visit The Avenue Concept and please donate online at www.theavenueconcept.org and in the notes write “VG Public Art.”
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by Abigail Appel | Sep 10, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11
As the Chairwoman of the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal and Planning, I would first like to apologize for the confusion caused by last night’s committee meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed Council resolution opposing the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s plans for a multi-hub bus system in Downtown Providence.
While the committee planned to hear from Rhode Island Department of Transportation representatives, concerned Council members and community members on the proposed multi-hub bus system, miscommunication regarding the nature of this meeting created an issue.
Last night’s meeting was not formally advertised as a public hearing. This means that the details of the meeting and its agenda were not circulated widely enough to ensure that any concerned community member would have the opportunity to share their thoughts with the committee. Moving forward, the URRP Committee will be working with the Clerk’s office to schedule a legitimate public hearing and advertise it as such.
Although there were many concerned community members ready to speak last night, I have no doubt that there are more residents out there who would also like to share their thoughts, and we owe it to them to provide that opportunity.
While the Providence City Council has no authority over this matter, as it is a State transit plan, our goal is to facilitate stakeholder discussions and act as a community liaison between transit riders and the Department of Transportation. I look forward to facilitating this important community discussion.
Mary Kay Harris
Deputy Majority Leader-Providence City Council
Chairwoman- Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal and Planning
Councilwoman- Ward 11
by Abigail Appel | Sep 9, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
I am deeply concerned about the recent allegations of contaminated soil being used in the construction of the 6-10 Connector in Olneyville. This breech of public health and safety puts workers, public safety officials, and residents at risk.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified; socio-economic status and health outcomes are deeply connected.
Any development or construction projects should be conducted with utmost attention to public health and safety. Actions taken to bring truckloads of contaminated soil into Olneyville have done the opposite, and have endangered a neighborhood that is already at-risk.
I am calling on RIDOT and RIDEM to remedy this public health hazard as quickly as possible and that they work towards addressing this type of preventable danger on all future projects.
The City of Providence will not accept anything less than the highest standards of professionalism and care from any party looking to perform, or performing work, in our neighborhoods.
Sabina Matos
Council President
Councilwoman-Ward 15
Providence City Council
by Abigail Appel | Sep 8, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brandon Ebert and the whole Johnson and Wales Community. Brandon’s life was tragically cut short in a hit-and-run accident early this morning.
This intersection at Narragansett Boulevard and Washington Avenue has long been an issue in our community, and after this tragic event we can no longer ignore the need for safety enhancements.
I will immediately be requesting the Department of Public Works to install a crosswalk with a pedestrian crossing light, and am demanding that the speed limit be lowered from 35 to 25 MPH at this problematic intersection.
None of these actions will bring back the life of Brandon Ebert, but it is my sincere hope that we can avoid another senseless tragedy in the future.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the non-emergency police line at 401-272-1111.
Pedro Espinal
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 10
by Abigail Appel | Sep 8, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-4, Ward-6, Ward-9
At the September 3 City Council Meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced several resolutions with City Council colleagues regarding the start of the new school year, school improvements and COVID-19 preparedness within Providence schools.
“As we approach the 2020-2021 school year, it is crucial that we take all considerations to build a safe and productive school year. I commend and applaud the hard work of the Department of Education, Commissioner Infante-Green, Superintendent Peters and the Department of Health, and offer these resolutions as simply suggestions to further ensure these goals are met,” stated Councilman Goncalves.
The first resolution encourages Providence residents to vote “Yes” on the November ballot referendum to approve a $40 million bond for school improvements in Providence. These improvements would include construction, renovation, landscaping, furnishing and equipping Providence schools and school facilities throughout the City.
This resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Castillo (Ward 9), Councilman Espinal (Ward 10), Finance Chairman Igliozzi (Ward 7), Councilwoman Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Miller (Ward 13), Councilor Salvatore (Ward 14) and Councilman Narducci (Ward 4).
Council President Matos stated, “While we should prioritize the warmth, safety, and security of our learning spaces for our youth, we should also invest into projects that inspire learning and instill a sense of pride in students about the spaces they spend most of their days in. Voting yes on this ballot referendum would help provide us the flexibility we need to work towards transforming our schools both academically and structurally into investments we can be proud of.”
As plans are made to begin the new school year, the possibility remains that students will be returning to in person learning for at least some of the school year. This means that the physical state of Providence school buildings remain a timely and important concern.
The second resolution proposed by Councilman Goncalves requests that the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) ensure that every Providence Public School has a trained nurse available on site during the day.
“As in-person learning resumes, at a time when public health is so important, it is imperative that a trained nurse or substitute nurse in every building be made available to all Providence students. This will further protect the health of Providence children, their families and surrounding communities,” added Councilman Goncalves.
The next resolution suggests that the RIDE and Providence Public Schools provide a remote learning best practices workshop for parents, through whichever means they see fit. This resolution has been co-sponsored by Council President Matos, Council President Pro Tempore Corriea, Councilor Anthony, Councilor Castillo, Councilor Miller, Councilor Narducci, Councilor Kerwin and Councilor Salvatore.
“So many parents have suddenly had to become teachers as they help their children navigate distance learning. Feedback has indicated that many parents would like to learn more about what they can do at home to provide the best possible learning environment for their children,” continued Councilman Goncalves.
“With the possibility that schools may be relying on distance learning for part of the school year, this type of training would help to mitigate absenteeism and provide parents with some assurance as families adjust to this change,” stated Councilor Anthony.
The final resolution recommends that RIDE utilize disaggregate data in their school operations decision making. While the current guidelines call for broad municipal data in which any city or town with more than 100 positive cases per 100,000 residents cannot move to a full in-person reopening, disaggregate data captures community spread of COVID-19 more closely by pinpointing data within certain subsets of the populations such as race, ethnicity and zip code.
“We have all learned that data and science is crucial when it comes to combating COVID-19. I have 100% confidence in our Governor, Department of Health and Department of Education and the five metric methodology for a safe reopening in person, and this is simply a recommendation to look at our municipal readiness in a more granular way. Since COVID zip code data is readily available, looking at zip codes, race and ethnicity to guide school operation decisions could ensure a safe and equitable return to school, specifically among communities of color and zip codes that have been disproportionately impacted,” stated Councilman Goncalves.
“Communities of color and lower income communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 within the City of Providence. This disaggregate data would provide a deeper understanding of the risks involved with returning to school within these specific communities and zip codes’ ‘ stated Finance Chariman Igliozzi.
Council President Matos added, “It’s extremely important that we as the City Council continue to advocate for reform and transformation in our schools: whether it be for better family engagement or basic personnel such as a school nurse. I’m proud to have partnered with Councilman Goncalves and my Council Colleagues in bringing forth these resolutions to keep our kids and families safe.”
Upon passage, these resolutions will be transmitted to the Honorable Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Mayor of Providence, the Superintendent of the Providence Public School District, and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for the State of Rhode Island.
