by Council Staff | Apr 17, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Jo-Ann Ryan, Justin Roias, Pedro Espinal, Rachel Miller
Tonight, the Providence City Council unanimously passed a resolution honoring the victims of the Jet Set nightclub disaster. Councilors also passed several other measures prioritizing the wellbeing of our neighbors.
As home to one of the largest Dominican communities in the United States, the entire City of Providence mourned the loss of more than 230 lives in the recent disaster at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. Last week, Council President Rachel Miller shared in a statement that Fray Luis Rosario, Ward 13 business owner, was among those who died. Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal, one of three Dominican councilors, introduced a resolution honoring those who lost their lives and their loved ones. The resolution was co-sponsored by all 15 councilors and passed on the floor.
Councilors also passed several resolutions in support of legislation currently pending before the General Assembly, including a unanimous vote in support of a resolution urging passage of the 2025 Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban. This common-sense gun control measure will help keep our communities safe, provide peace of mind to our neighbors, and save lives.
“We live in the only country on Earth that suffers from the epidemic of mass shootings and gun violence on the scale that we do. It’s no secret and no surprise that we are also the country with the most guns,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “This is an area where the federal government will not act. But here in Rhode Island, we are fortunate to have leaders that have narrowed the path to accessing firearms, and banning assault rifles is an urgently needed next step. There is simply no reason that these weapons of war should be permitted in our communities.”
Councilors also voted into law an ordinance introduced by Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) that provides residents free access to parking during city-wide parking bans due to inclement weather. The ordinance requires the city to establish at least ten such temporary parking areas. This ensures that residents do not face the burden of having their cars towed in order to facilitate city services like street plowing. This follows a pilot program in Wards 8, 10, and 13.
“Our residents are team players—they want to comply when the city institutes parking bans so we can keep our streets safe and clear,” said Councilor Roias. “But the reality is that in a majority-renter city, many don’t have access to off-street parking and are forced to rely on expensive private garages, if they can find one at all. When the city responds by towing their cars, that’s not a success—it’s a failure of planning. Making city-owned lots available for resident parking during snow bans is a practical, immediate step to alleviate that burden and support compliance without punishment.”
Other meeting highlights include:
- Final passage of an ordinance regulating tax sales. As part of an ongoing effort to address displacement of our neighbors, especially by large corporations, councilors voted into law an ordinance that will limit registered buyers to 10 titles per tax sale.
- Final passage of an ordinance sponsored by Council President Rachel Miller which would allow the Providence Municipal Court to directly manage appeals of fines and fees relating to building and home alarms, which prior to passage were under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island District Court.
- Final passage of an ordinance introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) which would prevent trucks weighing more than 25 tons (50,000 pounds) from traveling on Pleasant Valley Parkway. Like a similar measure implemented on streets surrounding Washington Bridge detours, the ordinance makes key exceptions including trash trucks, vehicles operated by the city workers pr contractors, and road machinery. Vehicles in violation of this measure will be issued a $200 fee.
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El Concejo Municipal Honra a las Víctimas del Desastre en Jet Set, Ofrece Estacionamiento Alternativo Durante Prohibiciones en Toda la Ciudad
Esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence aprobó por unanimidad una resolución honrando a las víctimas del desastre en el club nocturno Jet Set. Los concejales también aprobaron varias otras medidas que priorizan el bienestar de nuestros vecinos.
Como hogar de una de las comunidades dominicanas más grandes de los Estados Unidos, la ciudad de Providence lamentó la pérdida de más de 230 vidas en el reciente desastre del club nocturno Jet Set en Santo Domingo. La semana pasada, la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller dijo en un comunicado que Fray Luis Rosario, dueño de un negocio en el Distrito 13, fue una de las victimas que perdió la vida. El líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal, uno de tres concejales dominicanos, presentó una resolución en honor a quienes perdieron la vida y a sus seres queridos. La resolución fue copatrocinada por los 15 concejales y aprobado en el pleno.
Los concejales también aprobaron varias resoluciones apoyando legislación pendiente en la Asamblea General, incluyendo aprobación por unanimidad a una resolución instando la aprobación de la Prohibición de Armas de Asalto en Rhode Island de 2025. Esta medida de control de armas de sentido común ayudará a mantener nuestras comunidades seguras, brindará tranquilidad a nuestros vecinos, y salvará vidas.
“Vivimos en el único país del mundo que sufre la epidemia de tiroteos masivos y violencia armada a la escala que padecemos. No es ningún secreto ni sorpresa que también somos el país con más armas”, dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “Este es un área en la que el gobierno federal no actuará. Pero aquí en Rhode Island, tenemos la suerte de contar con líderes que han facilitado el acceso a las armas de fuego, y prohibir los rifles de asalto es un paso urgente. Simplemente no hay razón para que estas armas de guerra se permitan en nuestras comunidades.”
Los concejales también aprobaron una ordenanza presentada por el concejal Justin Roias (Distrito 4) que ofrece a los residentes acceso gratuito a estacionamiento durante las prohibiciones de estacionamiento en toda la ciudad debido al mal tiempo. La ordenanza exige que la ciudad establezca al menos diez áreas de estacionamiento temporal. Esto garantiza que los residentes no tengan la carga de tener sus vehículos remolcados para facilitar servicios municipales como la limpieza de calles. Esto se produce tras un programa piloto en los Distritos 8, 10 y 13.
“Nuestros residentes son colaborativos: quieren cumplir cuando la ciudad impone prohibiciones de estacionamiento para que podamos mantener nuestras calles seguras y accesibles,” dijo el concejal Roias. “Pero la realidad es que, en una ciudad con mayoría de inquilinos, muchos no tienen acceso a estacionamiento fuera de la calle y se ven obligados a depender de costosos garajes privados, si es que encuentran uno. Cuando la ciudad responde remolcando sus autos, no es un éxito—es un fracaso de planificación. Poner a disposición de los residentes lotes de propiedad de la ciudad durante las prohibiciones de nieve es una medida practica e inmediata para aliviar esa carga y apoyar el cumplimiento sin castigo.”
Aspectos destacados adicionales:
- Aprobación final de una ordenanza que regula las ventas de impuestos. Como parte de un esfuerzo continuo para abordar el desplazamiento de nuestros vecinos, especialmente por parte de grandes corporaciones, los concejales aprobaron una ordenanza que limitará a los compradores registrados a 10 títulos por venta de impuestos.
- Aprobación final de una ordenanza patrocinada por la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller que permitiría al Tribunal Municipal de Providence gestionar directamente las apelaciones de multas y tarifas relacionadas con alarmas de edificios y viviendas, que previamente estaban bajo la jurisdicción del Tribunal de Distrito de Rhode Island.
- Aprobación final de una ordenanza presentada por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan (Distrito 5), que impediría que los camiones que pesen más de 25 toneladas (50,000 libras) viajen por Pleasant Valley Parkway. Al igual que una medida similar implementada en las calles que rodean los desvíos del Puente Washington, la ordenanza establece excepciones clave, como camiones de basura, vehículos operados por trabajadores o contratistas municipales y maquinaria vial. Los vehículos que no cumplan con esta medida recibirán una multa de $200.
by Council Staff | Feb 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Althea Graves, Council News, Jim Taylor, Justin Roias, Mary Kay Harris, Pedro Espinal, Rachel Miller, Shelley Peterson
Providence, RI – At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council approved Mayor Brett Smiley’s five school board appointments: Melissa Hughes (Region 1), Anjel Newmann (Region 2), Jenny Mercado (Region 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), and Steven Williamson (Region 5). Following an extensive vetting process, the five appointees will join the five elected members – Corey Jones (Region 1), Michelle Lee Fontes (Region 2), Heidi Silverio (Region 3), Mireya Mendoza (Region 4), and Ty’Relle Stephens (Region 5) – to complete the ten-member, hybrid board. Immediately following the meeting, nine of the members were sworn in by Mayor Brett Smiley and Probate Court Judge John E. Martinelli. One elected member was not able to attend and will be sworn in separately in the near future.
“The new school board is made up of passionate members,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Their swearing in is a renewed opportunity to bring forth the transformative change that our students are calling for. This new board has a deeply important job ahead: ushering in a successful return to local control and meaningfully improving student outcomes. Now, the work begins – building a school system that truly serves every Providence student. City Council is here as a partner.”
Council Passes Resolution in Support of RI House Speaker Shekarchi’s SAVE Units Legislation
Council passed a resolution, introduced by Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, urging the passage of RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi’s Supportive and Versatile Emergency (SAVE) Units legislation (H5100). The legislation would remove bureaucratic barriers and expedite the process for municipalities to build emergency shelter units for unhoused residents.
“As we work toward long-term affordable housing solutions, we cannot let unnecessary red tape delay lifesaving emergency projects,” said Majority Leader Pedro Espinal. “Every winter, we’ve been in the same situation: endless shelter waitlists and limited options for our unhoused constituents. We are proud to support Speaker Shekarchi’s efforts to make necessary change in state requirements. This legislation would allow our city to move with the urgency the housing and homelessness crises demand.”
Council Passes Resolution Thanking Better Lives RI and the DaVinci Center Staff for Emergency Shelter Efforts
Council passed a resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, thanking outreach organization Better Lives RI and the DaVinci Center staff for their invaluable support in operating an emergency warming shelter during some of the coldest weeks this winter. The emergency shelter at the DaVinci Center provided overnight refuge to up to 50 unhoused residents in freezing temperatures during its nights in operation.
“Our city’s unhoused residents deserve more than temporary fixes – but when government officials drag their feet, it’s the community that steps up,” said Councilor Justin Roias. “The DaVinci Center and Better Lives RI staff didn’t hesitate, opening their doors and saving lives during freezing temperatures. Without their leadership, and support from countless volunteers and organizations across the city, it wouldn’t have been possible. We refuse to accept a system that leaves people out in the cold, and we will continue our fight for comprehensive solutions, not just emergency measures.”
Additional Highlights
El Concejo Confirma los Nombramientos de la Junta Escolar, Se Juramentó a la Junta Híbrida
Providence, RI – En la reunión de esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence aprobó los cinco nombramientos de la junta escolar del alcalde Brett Smiley: Melissa Hughes (Región 1), Anjel Newmann (Región 2), Jenny Mercado (Región 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Región 4) y Steven Williamson (Región 5). Después de un extenso proceso de investigación, los cinco designados se unirán a los cinco miembros electos – Corey Jones (Región 1), Michelle Lee Fontes (Región 2), Heidi Silverio (Región 3), Mireya Mendoza (Región 4) y Ty’Relle Stephens (Región 5) – para completar la junta híbrida de diez miembros. Inmediatamente después de la reunión, nueve de los miembros fueron juramentados por el alcalde Brett Smiley y el juez del Tribunal de Sucesiones John E. Martinelli. Un miembro electo no pudo asistir será juramentado separadamente en un futuro cercano.
“La nueva junta escolar está formada por miembros apasionados,” dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “Su juramentación es una nueva oportunidad para generar el cambio transformativo que nuestros estudiantes están pidiendo. Esta nueva junta tiene una tarea sumamente importante por delante: marcar el comienzo de un regreso exitoso al control local y mejorar significativamente los resultados de los estudiantes. Ahora, el trabajo comienza—construyendo un sistema escolar que verdaderamente sirva todos los estudiantes de Providence. El Concejo está aquí como socio.”
El Concejo Aprueba Resolución Apoyando a la Legislación sobre Unidades SAVE del presidente de la Cámara de Representantes de RI Shekarchi
El Concejo aprobó una resolución, introducida por el líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal, instando la aprobación de la legislación (H5100) sobre unidades de emergencia versátiles y de apoyo (SAVE, por sus siglas en inglcs). La legislación eliminaría las barreras y aceleraría el proceso para que los municipios construyan unidades de refugio de emergencia para los residentes sin hogar.
“Mientras trabajamos para lograr soluciones de viviendas de bajo costo a largo plazo, no podemos permitir que obstáculos burocráticos innecesarios retrasen proyectos de emergencia que salvan vidas,” dijo el líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal. “Cada invierno, hemos estado en la misma situación: listas de espera interminables para refugios y opciones limitadas para nuestros constituyentes sin hogar. Estamos orgullosos de apoyar los esfuerzos del presidente de la Cámara de Representantes Shekarchi. Esta legislación permitiría a nuestra ciudad avanzar con la urgencia que exigen las crisis de vivienda y de personas sin hogar.”
El Concejo Aprueba una Resolución que Agradece al Personal de Better Lives RI y el DaVinci Center por sus Esfuerzos de Refugio de Emergencia
El Concejo aprobó una resolución, introducida por la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller, que agradece al personal de la organización comunitaria Better Lives RI y del DaVinci Center por su apoyo invaluable en la operación de un refugio de calentamiento de emergencia durante algunas de las semanas más frías de este invierno. El refugio de emergencia del DaVinci Center brindó refugio nocturno a hasta 50 residentes sin hogar en temperaturas gélidas durante sus noches de funcionamiento.
“Los residentes sin hogar de nuestra ciudad merecen más que soluciones temporales – pero cuando los funcionarios del gobierno se demoran, es la comunidad que da un paso al frente,” dijo el concejal Justin Roias. “El personal del DaVinci Center y de Better Lives RI no dudó, abrieron sus puertas y salvaron vidas durante temperaturas gélidas. Sin su liderazgo, y el apoyo de innumerables voluntarios y organizaciones de toda la ciudad, no habría sido posible. Nos negamos a aceptar un sistema que deja a la gente en la calle, y continuaremos nuestra lucha por soluciones integrales, no solo medidas de emergencia.”
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales de la Reunión
by Council Staff | Jan 16, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, John Goncalves, Justin Roias
Providence, RI – At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council received Mayor Brett Smiley’s five Providence School Board appointments: Melissa Hughes (Region 1), Anjel Newmann (Region 2), Jenny Mercado (Region 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), and Steven Williamson (Region 5). These appointments will be vetted by the Committee on Finance this month before returning to the full Council for a vote at the February 6 meeting. Following the meeting, the appointees will be sworn in at a ceremony in the Council Chambers, alongside the elected School Board members.
Additional Meeting Highlights:
El Concejo Recibe los Nombramientos para la Junta Escolar y los Remite al Comité de Finanzas para su Revisión
Providence, RI – En la reunión de esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence recibió los cinco nombramientos del alcalde Brett Smiley para la Junta Escolar de Providence: Melissa Hughes (Región 1), Anjel Newmann (Región 2), Jenny Mercado (Región 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Región 4) y Steven Williamson (Región 5). Estos nombramientos serán evaluados por el Comité de Finanzas antes de regresar al pleno del Concejo para su votación en la reunión del 6 de febrero. Después de la reunión, los designados prestarán juramento en una ceremonia en la Cámara del Concejo, junto con los miembros electos de la Junta Escolar.
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales de la Reunión:
- El concejal Justin Roias (Distrito 4) propuso enmiendas a la Ley de Relaciones entre la Policía y la Comunidad (CPRA, por sus siglas en inglés) que tienen como objetivo ampliar las protecciones para los inmigrantes indocumentados en respuesta a las preocupaciones sobre posibles detenciones masivas, deportaciones masivas e intentos de hacer un mal uso de las fuerzas del orden locales bajo la administración del presidente entrante. Las enmiendas fueron remitidas al Comité de Ordenanzas.
- El Concejo reeligió a Deborah L. Wray y a Darrell Williams para la Autoridad de Revisión Externa de Providence. Juramentaron sus cargos inmediatamente después de la reunión.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución en apoyo de mantener a Hasbro, Inc. en Rhode Island, presentada por el diputado líder de la mayoría John Goncalves (Distrito 1). La resolución fue remitida al Comité de Salud, Oportunidades, Prosperidad y Educación.
- El concejal Justin Roias presentó una ordenanza para exigir al menos un área de estacionamiento temporal designada en cada distrito para su uso durante las prohibiciones de estacionamiento en toda la ciudad relacionadas con el clima o emergencias. La ordenanza fue remitida al Comité de Ordenanzas.
by Council Staff | Jan 9, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Housing, Justin Roias, Mary Kay Harris, Miguel Sanchez, Rachel Miller
At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Councilors approved a resolution calling on Governor Dan McKee to take immediate action and address the homelessness crisis by declaring a public health state of emergency. The resolution, introduced by Councilor Justin Roias, will be sent to the offices of Governor Dan McKee and Mayor Brett Smiley.
On Tuesday, Councilor Justin Roias and Councilor Miguel Sanchez took direct action, working with local service providers to open the Council Chamber for unhoused constituents to get warm amid plummeting, life threatening temperatures because of inadequate shelter availability. On Wednesday, the two councilors continued their efforts, opening the DaVinci Center as a temporary overnight warming center with the Mayor’s approval. Over 70 volunteers from the community have stepped up to provide donations and assist trained staff.
“This week, we saw firsthand what compassion and action can achieve when public servants and community members come together,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Homelessness is rising, and not just in Providence. It’s a statewide crisis. Rhode Islanders are freezing on our streets, and we cannot address this alone. Governor McKee must step up and declare homelessness a public health emergency to mobilize needed resources. We need immediate investment to increase the availability of life-saving short-term solutions, and we need to come together at every level of government to address decades-long systemic failures. Further inaction will cost lives.”
“This resolution is a call for leadership at the state level because our unhoused neighbors cannot wait any longer,” said Councilor Justin Roias. “Emergency shelter beds are in short supply, and warming centers where people sit in chairs all night are not a solution – they’re a sign of how deeply our system has failed. Governor McKee must declare a public health emergency and take bold, immediate action to ensure no one else is left out in the cold.”
Additional Meeting Highlights
- Council approved a resolution, introduced by Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez, supporting the newly formed Atlantic Mills Commercial Tenants Union. The resolution celebrates the first commercial tenants’ union in the state and emphasizes its importance in the face of skyrocketing rents, displacement, and gentrification.
- Council approved a resolution, presented by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, honoring the life and legacy of Ruth “Diamond” Madsen. After her recent passing on December 21,2024, Council uplifts her memory as a compassionate advocate in service of the unhoused.
- Council approved a resolution, introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris and vetted by the Committee on Finance, that grants tax abatement for affordable housing project, Joseph Caffey Apartments.
- Council referred phase one of the amended zoning ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances. The suggested changes outlined in the ordinance were recommended by the City Department of Planning and Development in alignment with the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
El Concejo Aprueba una Resolución que Pide al Gobernador McKee que Declare la Falta de Vivienda como Estado de Emergencia de Salud Pública
En la reunión de esta noche, los concejales de la ciudad de Providence aprobaron una resolución que pide al gobernador Dan McKee que tome medidas inmediatas y aborde la crisis de las personas sin hogar declarando un estado de emergencia de salud pública. La resolución, presentada por el concejal Justin Roias, se enviará a las oficinas del gobernador Dan McKee y del alcalde Brett Smiley.
El martes, el concejal Justin Roias y el concejal Miguel Sánchez tomaron acción directa, trabajando con proveedores de servicios locales para abrir la Cámara del Concejo para que los electores sin vivienda se calentaran en medio de la caída de temperaturas que amenazaban sus vidas debido a la disponibilidad inadecuada de refugios. El miércoles, los dos concejales continuaron con sus esfuerzos y abrieron el DaVinci Center como un centro de calentamiento temporal durante la noche con la aprobación del alcalde. Más de 70 voluntarios de la comunidad se han ofrecido para brindar donaciones y ayudar al personal capacitado.
“Esta semana, vimos de primera mano lo que la compasión y la acción pueden lograr cuando los funcionarios públicos y los miembros de la comunidad se unen”, dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “La falta de vivienda está aumentando, y no solo en Providence. Es una crisis estatal. Los habitantes de Rhode Island se congelan en nuestras calles y no podemos abordar esto solos. El gobernador McKee debe intensificar sus esfuerzos y declarar la falta de vivienda como una emergencia de salud pública para movilizar los recursos necesarios. Necesitamos una inversión inmediata para aumentar la disponibilidad de soluciones a corto plazo que salven vidas, y debemos unirnos en todos los niveles de gobierno para abordar fallas sistémicas que duran décadas. Una mayor inacción costará vidas.”
“Esta resolución es un llamado al liderazgo a nivel estatal porque nuestros vecinos sin hogar no pueden esperar más,” dijo el concejal Justin Roias. “Hay muy pocas camas en los refugios de emergencia, y los centros de calentamiento donde las personas se sientan en sillas toda la noche no son una solución; son una señal de cuán profundamente ha fallado nuestro sistema. El gobernador McKee debe declarar una emergencia de salud pública y tomar medidas audaces e inmediatas para garantizar que nadie más se quede afuera en el frío.”
Aspectos destacados adicionales de la reunión
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por el jefe de la mayoría Miguel Sánchez, en apoyo al recién formado sindicato de inquilinos comerciales de Atlantic Mills. La resolución celebra el primer sindicato de inquilinos comerciales del estado y destaca su importancia frente al aumento vertiginoso de los alquileres, el desplazamiento y la gentrificación.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por la diputada líder de la mayoría Mary Kay Harris, en honor a la vida y el legado de Ruth “Diamond” Madsen. Después de su reciente fallecimiento el 21 de diciembre de 2024, el Concejo enaltece su memoria como defensora compasiva al servicio de las personas sin hogar.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por la diputada líder de la mayoría Mary Kay Harris y examinada por el Comité de Finanzas, que otorga una reducción de impuestos para el proyecto de vivienda asequible, Joseph Caffey Apartments.
- El Concejo remitió la Concejo remitió la primera fase de la ordenanza de zonificación enmendada al Comité de Ordenanzas. Los cambios sugeridos que se describen en la ordenanza fueron recomendados por el Departamento de Planificación y Desarrollo de la Ciudad en consonancia con el Plan Integral 2024 de la Ciudad.
by Council Staff | Jan 8, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Justin Roias, Miguel Sanchez
Tuesday, January 7, 2024
Councilors Sanchez and Roias are Calling for a Public Health State of Emergency
As frigid temperatures sweep across Rhode Island, Providence City Councilors Justin Roias and Miguel Sanchez will open the City Council Chamber tonight at 7 pm to host a community gathering space away from the cold. Councilors Sanchez and Roias have worked closely with local homelessness service providers to ensure trained volunteers will be on-hand throughout the night, continuing to provide the space for as long as residents need it. Those who come by will be offered transportation and assistance accessing shelter beds, should they be available.
In the past year alone, 54 unhoused residents have lost their lives living outside. Councilors Sanchez and Roias are taking this action to help save lives.
“As a polar vortex grips Providence, many of our unhoused neighbors are being forced to sleep outside in dangerous temperatures,” said Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4). “With only two 24/7 emergency shelters open, the response from the mayor and governor has been woefully inadequate. This failure has left us no choice but to take the unprecedented step of opening the City Council chambers as a community gathering space where folks are able to stay warm during freezing temperatures.”
“As local elected leaders, we cannot allow our neighbors to freeze to death on our streets,” said Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). “No one in our city should endure these deadly conditions because of a failure of government to protect its people. We call on the mayor and governor to immediately expand emergency shelter capacity and commit to long-term solutions to address homelessness in our community. This is a preventable crisis, and every moment of inaction puts lives at risk. We’re calling on Governor McKee to declare a Public Health Emergency by executive order immediately.”
Unhoused Rhode Islanders are in crisis. The recently released 2024 Point in Time Count, compiled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, reports that Rhode Island has the second highest rate of chronic homelessness in the nation.
Councilors Roias and Sanchez are demanding life-saving action from the state, calling on Governor Dan McKee to declare homelessness a state of emergency for public health and unlock essential resources for short- and long-term relief and care for unhoused individuals.
In lieu of state action, Providence City Councilors are committed to doing what they can to support unhoused community through both direct action and compassionate, housing first policy.
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by Council Staff | Oct 22, 2024 | John Goncalves, Justin Roias, Miguel Sanchez, Pedro Espinal, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois, Uncategorized
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Amended plan provides a forward-thinking framework for growth; addresses housing, homelessness, climate, affordability, and design
Providence, RI – Tonight, City Council’s Committee on Ordinances approved the Comprehensive Plan, the city’s ten-year roadmap for land use and growth, with a series of transformative amendments from Councilors. This was the fifth Council-hosted public hearing on the Comp Plan. The approved amendments tackle key policy areas, including housing affordability, environmental justice, preserving neighborhood character, increasing sustainable infrastructure, and uplifting our most vulnerable communities. Crafted with input from community members who attended public meetings and submitted hundreds of letters of testimony, the amended Comp Plan demonstrates the Council’s commitment to chart a visionary people-first course for growth and development.
The steps taken tonight build on previously approved amendments, including Councilor Justin Roias’ strikethrough of language seemingly endorsing the relocation of the RIPTA bus hub, and Councilman John Goncalves’ prohibition of new gas station development. New language to the gas station prohibition was added tonight, providing an exception if land is unsuitable for residential development. A subsequent Zoning Ordinance will formally enact many of these amendments, providing necessary, effective, and long-term solutions for the people of Providence.
The amended version of the Comp Plan will go to the full Council for first passage at the November 7th regular Council meeting. Key amendments with quotes from lead Councilors can be found below, with additions highlighted. You can view the full redlined, amended Comprehensive Plan HERE. |
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INCLUSIONARY ZONING AND ANTI-DISPLACEMENT MEASURES
Council is committed to ensuring that Providence residents can remain in their neighborhoods without being priced out. As such, Council will take a people-first approach to both increase affordable housing stock and prevent displacement. New provisions include advocating for tenant protections for renters, studies to identify areas with high displacement risk, and, most importantly, a plan for inclusionary zoning. Inclusionary zoning is a key tool to ensure new developments set aside affordable units, with necessary subsidies allocated to make the policy feasible. This policy, proven effective in cities across the country, will help meet the high demand for affordable units in Providence. The new language in the amended Comp Plan, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, will align with a future ordinance to enact this policy.
“Right now, rent and homeownership are untenable for Providence residents across income brackets,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “If we’re serious about stopping the cycle of displacement, we have to make affordability the rule, not the exception. That’s why we’re working towards inclusionary zoning — it’s a proven tool to fight gentrification, promote economically diverse neighborhoods, and build a fair, affordable housing market. By making sure developers set aside affordable units, we ensure that the working families can stay in the neighborhoods they call home.”
New language in the Housing Chapter Opportunities Commitment section reads:
“In addition to these strategies informed by the Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Housing Strategy study, the City will prioritize supplementary anti-displacement strategies such as inclusionary zoning, securing protections for those at-risk of displacement, and proactively monitoring affordable units to ensure long-term residents of Providence are not displaced. The City is committed to ensuring gentrification and displacement do not characterize Providence in the face of increased development as it has in and many other cities. Instead, the City will balance a steady growth of housing supply while protecting its residents who want to continue living in the capital city.”
Additions to Housing Chapter Objective H2 include:
M. Continue to support and establish new programs that encourage developers to build housing that is affordable to all, including by evaluating the market feasibility of adopting inclusionary zoning measures that are calibrated with tax and subsidy policy changes to enhance development feasibility.
T. Work with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to conduct an analysis of displacement risk across the city to understand which neighborhoods are most vulnerable and ensure they are prioritized for affordable housing development.
U. Advocate for stronger tenant protections for renters who are defined as being the most vulnerable to displacement.
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REDUCE OR ELIMINATE PARKING MINIMUMS
Required parking minimums drive up housing costs, underutilize valuable parcels of land, and deter developers from building housing. Council has approved updated language, introduced by Council President Miller, to prioritize the reduction and elimination of parking minimums. Developers already lack a profit motive to build affordable units, and noncompliance fees for parking minimums further disincentivize affordable housing construction. Removing this requirement wherever possible is crucial to effectively expand affordable housing stock, while decreasing reliance on personal vehicles. This step reaffirms Council’s dual commitments to expand affordable housing and promote climate-conscious transportation options.
“We need to break down the barriers that stifle our growth,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “A key example of this is outdated parking minimums, which have tied our hands and limited our potential. Reducing and eliminating parking minimums cuts through the red tape that slows affordable housing construction. This is a smart, necessary step that will free land for better use and incentivize developers to build the homes we clearly need. We cannot have concrete plots sitting unused.”
Changes to Land Use Chapter under Objective LU12 (with similar changes to LU2) include:
B. Reduce or eliminate off-street parking requirements in areas where high-density housing is permitted for appropriate development types and in appropriate zones, in coordination with management and enforcement of on-street parking and implementation of transportation demand management measures.
C. Ensure that parking regulations strike a balance between the demand for parking and the ability to develop land to its fullest potential by reducing parking minimums.
CD. Prioritize the elimination of parking minimums wherever feasible.
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PROTECTIONS FOR THE PROVIDENCE PORT AND SOUTH SIDE RESIDENTS
For generations, the area in and around the Providence Port has been a dumping ground for heavy industries, endangering the health, safety, and well-being of South Side residents. Council moved to approve language, introduced by Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, that prompts the city to prohibit power plants dependent on fossil fuel combustion, noxious or toxic chemical manufacturing, and ethylene oxide manufacturing and storage in M2 and W3 zones. The new language encourages expansion of sustainable infrastructure in these areas to ensure our waterways are utilized without harming the environment or surrounding communities. The specific prohibitions will be made in the forthcoming zoning ordinance.
“For far too long, South Side residents have suffered due to inadequate environmental regulation in the Port of Providence,” said Majority Leader Pedro Espinal (Ward 10). “Responsible development of the port both ensures our city’s economic future and protects the well-being of our communities. We’ll keep working hard to protect our residents and prioritize environmental justice.”
In the Land Use Chapter, “How Do We Grow” section, the following changes were made (with the same language for W3 zones):
In the General Industrial District, M-2, the city shall prohibit the following future uses: power generation plants dependent on the combustion of fossil fuels or via processes that produce emissions at levels that are established to impact public health, noxious or toxic chemical manufacturing, and ethylene oxide manufacturing and storage facilities. Via the city zoning ordinance, the city may prohibit future industrial uses in the General Industrial District, M-2, that it determines go against the public interest of (a) public health and quality of life in near-industry neighborhoods or (b) realizing fossil fuel emissions reduction goals in response to climate change, and will encourage future industrial uses that promote environmentally just development and a just transition for workers currently maintaining fossil fuel dependent infrastructure and industry.
Future M-2 prohibited industrial uses may include, but are not limited to:
• Facilities that import, store, process, or distribute fossil fuels
• Facilities that import, store, manufacture, or distribute flammable, hazardous, or explosive chemicals or waste products
• Facilities that generate or result in harmful air pollution emissions
• Facilities that produce high carbon emissions or import and distribute high carbon content products
• Facilities that generate water pollution, including both point source and stormwater runoff pollution
This section shall not apply to publicly owned treatment works.
Future M-2 encouraged industrial uses include, but are not limited to:
• Offshore wind development and associated activities
• Solar electricity generation
• Battery energy storage facilities
• Microgrid infrastructure
• Electric infrastructure for “ship to shore” plug-in power and charging electric zero-emission trucks
• Food and commercial goods import, storage, and distribution that can be run on zero-emission electrical infrastructure
• Vocational education facilities to support workforce development for a just transition to a green economy
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STRATEGIES TO REACH ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS
Spearheaded by Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois, Council approved substantial language changes to increase urgency and outline specific strategies to address the climate crisis. These new provisions will drive the city forward to meet its zero carbon emissions goals and increase investment in resiliency. Changes include enforcement of anti-idling regulations, cross-agency support for the Providence Tree Plan, incorporation of stormwater mitigation in all streetscape projects, prioritizing safe active transportation options, and intensified efforts to make all municipal buildings carbon neutral by 2040. Climate-focused additions also emphasize the importance of ensuring frontline communities disproportionately impacted by climate change are at the forefront of designing solutions.
“Every issue, from housing to street safety, is intertwined with climate,” said Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois (Ward 3). “These amendments are proactive steps to build a future where all of us can thrive. We’ve created a roadmap for a just transition to clean energy, expanded active transportation options, and improved, resilient infrastructure, all while ensuring those most impacted have a seat at the table. The bold, decisive actions outlined in this plan will allow Providence to successfully meet its carbon neutrality goals and secure a strong, sustainable future for generations to come.”
Language was added throughout the plan, with some key changes including:
In the Sustainability Chapter under Objective SRE1:
E. Incorporate stormwater mitigation and management into all streetscape projects.
In the Sustainability Chapter under Objective SRE2:
K. Support the implementation of the Providence Tree Plan and promote private and non-profit planting efforts that increase canopy coverage, especially in low-canopy neighborhoods. Partner across various municipal agencies to prevent disruptions to existing infrastructure (sidewalks, roads, etc) so that any trees the trees that planted can be sustained and grow, without causing mobility challenges for residents.
N. Expand and facilitate use of alternative non-carbon fuels and improve traffic circulation to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Prioritize development of non-car transportation options (biking, walking, scooting, etc) to eliminate emissions and improve air quality.
In the Sustainability Chapter under Objective SRE4:
F. Continue to pursue weatherization, energy efficiency, and electrification at City-owned facilities and in work to comply with the City Ordinance requiring all municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040.
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PROTECTED RIGHTS AND DIGNITY FOR UNHOUSED RESIDENTS
Under the leadership of Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez, the committee approved additional language to ensure future city policies addressing homelessness and encampments follow guidelines outlined by the US Interagency on Homelessness. New language underscores the necessity for compassionate, humane, and housing-first solutions, which may include temporary use permits for emergency shelters, improved outreach and services to encampments, increased access to mental health and substance use treatment, and the development of permanent housing options. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision permitting the criminalization of homelessness, this approach pushes back against punitive measures and is informed by public health best practices.
“Every Providence resident deserves to live with dignity,” said Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). “This is especially true of our most vulnerable, unhoused residents. We firmly reject the notion that criminalization and punishment are effective solutions. Providence has a chance to lead by showing what real compassion looks like – finding solutions that lift people up, rather than kick them while they’re down. This plan sets us on a path to help every resident build a better life, no matter their circumstances.”
In the Housing Chapter, under Objective H3 changes include:
J. Ensure that all city policies addressing homelessness and homelessness encampments on public property follow the guidelines outlined by the US Interagency Council on Homelessness.
K. Adopt policies supporting the City’s unhoused residents including but not limited to providing temporary use permits for emergency shelters, improving outreach and social services to encampments, developing permanent housing options, ensuring access to mental health and substance use treatments, or other innovative solutions in housing, safety, and public health. |
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NEW COMMITTEE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN STANDARDS
As the Council prioritizes increasing housing stock, it has approved a plan, introduced by Councilwoman Helen Anthony, to ensure that new developments reflect the architectural strengths of Providence’s neighborhoods. The approved additions include the creation of a committee to develop and enforce design standards, common in many other cities, to guide development while not adversely impacting cost or timelines. The proposed committee would be comprised of community stakeholders, developers, architects, and designers.
“Providence’s rich culture and history are visible in the built environment all around us,” said Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2). “As we work to create more housing, it’s important that new developments enhance our neighborhoods, and don’t just encourage cheap, generic design. This new committee will help offer a greater voice to residents who care deeply about the future of their city and its thoughtful growth.”
In the Land Use Chapter under Objective LU9, changes include:
C. Strengthen design regulations in residential and neighborhood commercial areas to promote a high-quality built environment, while ensuring new design regulations do not unnecessarily increase the cost of development or make the development review process less efficient or unpredictable.
F. Establish an ad hoc committee to advise on the creation of design regulations. The committee should include developers, architects and designers, and community stakeholders.
G. Conduct staff and board level design review processes to ensure compliance with new design regulations.
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