by Billy Kepner | Dec 17, 2018 | Council News, Press Release
CITY OF PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing is scheduled to be held, Thursday, December
27, 2018 at 5:00 o’clock P.M. in the Chamber of the City Council, City Hall, Providence,
Rhode Island.
The Public Hearing will be concerned with the following proposed Ordinances before the
City Council and the which are on file in the Department of the City Clerk, City Hall and
available for inspection:
An Ordinance Establishing a Tax Stabilization Agreement for 44 Hospital Street.
An Ordinance Establishing a Tax Stabilization Agreement for 1290 Westminster
Street, LLC located at 1292 Westminster Street.
This Public Hearing is being held in accordance with Section 17-27 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Providence relative to the ratification of Collective Bargaining
Agreements by the City Council. These agreements are on file in the Department of City
Clerk, City Hall and are available for inspection:
Communication from His Honor the Mayor, dated December 3, 2018, submitting
the tentative agreement by and between the City of Providence and the Rhode
Island Laborers’ District Council on behalf of Public Service Employees’ Local
Union 1033 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, AFL-CIO for
the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022.
(City 1033 Agreement)
Communication from His Honor the Mayor, dated December 3, 2018, submitting
the tentative agreement by and between the City of Providence and the Rhode
Island Laborers’ District Council on behalf of Public Service Employees’ Local
Union 1033 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, AFL-CIO for
the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022.
(1033 Teacher Assistants Agreement)
Communication from His Honor the Mayor, dated December 3, 2018, submitting
the tentative agreement by and between the City of Providence and the Rhode
Island Laborers’ District Council on behalf of Public Service Employees’ Local
Union 1033 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, AFL-CIO for
the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022.
(1033 Business, Educational, Specialist, Technical Staff. (B.E.S.T.) Agreement)
Communication from His Honor the Mayor, dated December 3, 2018, submitting
the tentative agreement by and between the City of Providence and the Rhode
Island Laborers’ District Council on behalf of Public Service Employees’ Local
Union 1033 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, AFL-CIO for
the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022.
(1033 Public School Safety Services Officers. (P.S.S.S.O.) Agreement)
Offices and City Council Chambers are accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you
are in need of interpreter services for the hearing impaired, please contact the Office of
Neighborhood Services at 421-7768 not less than 48 hours in advance of the hearing date.
All persons or agencies interested in the above Ordinances and Collective Bargaining
Agreements will have an opportunity to be heard and/or to submit communication in
writing. Copies of the proposed ordinances and Collective Bargaining Agreements and
information thereon may be obtained prior to the Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office,
Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903 between the
hours of 8:30 o’clock A.M. and 4:00 o’clock P.M. on regular business days.
PER ORDER THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Councilman John J. Igliozzi, Chairman
Councilman Terrence M. Hassett, Vice-Chairman
Councilwoman Sabina Matos
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan
Lori L. Hagen
City Clerk
by Billy Kepner | Dec 13, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-5
Tonight at a special meeting of the Providence City Council, a majority of the members voted to override the Mayor’s veto of the zoning variance requested by the developer of the Hope Point Tower.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett (Ward 12), in his role as Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Ordinances, has shepherded this legislation through two public hearings and to the full Council for vote. Over his long career as a Councilman he has been on the front lines of some of the City’s most notable revitalization projects.
“I have seen a lot in my 21 years on the Council, and I believe that Hope Point Tower will turn out to be one of the most important developments in our City’s history,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett. “I was there when neighbors said ‘no’ to the Renaissance Hotel. I was there when neighbors said ‘no’ to the Providence Place Mall. I went to bat for both and followed my gut that these projects were good for the City and the State, and they were. Today, I feel the same about this project, and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) has been a vocal proponent for this project. Through her role in Council leadership and as a member of the Council’s Committee on Finance, she has a unique understanding of the financial perils that face the city of Providence.
“Today’s vote is not simply an expression of support for a much-needed development project. It is a commitment to create jobs and much-needed tax revenue for our City. It is an essential step forward for economic development in Providence. And, it is an exciting opportunity to jump-start activity in the I-195 redevelopment zone,” stated Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Council for once again coming together and making a clear statement that we are serious about getting things done in Providence and helping to rebuild Rhode Island’s economy. I understand that sometimes when it comes to ambitious development projects, it is easier to vote ‘no’ and pretend that attacking developers and maintaining the status quo is somehow a public good. But when our schools are struggling, when our City is facing financial challenges, and when we needed to change the narrative in Providence, this vote sends a message to responsible developers that we are serious about taking the bold action that is needed to revitalize our City.”
Ryan continued, “This vote is a beginning and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the important work of bringing a new spirit of energy and excitement to the I-195 zone. Almost thirty years ago, Providence made history by moving rivers to create a new urban landscape. Then we moved a highway to create a new opportunity zone. Today, with this vote, we have begun to change the culture of how we look at development projects in the city. And, that will allow us to capitalize on a range of new opportunities, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and encouraging new businesses to make Providence their home.”
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) became the deciding vote to override the veto and grant the developer’s request for height relief and zoning change.
“This decision was not easy. I prayed about it. I talked to whoever would speak to me. I asked folks the right questions, and asked them all the same questions I always ask – what are the threats and what are the opportunities for my community. And I have concluded that opportunities far outweigh the threats,” stated Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris. “So today, I stood to override the Mayor’s veto, and I pledge to all those who have been so vocal about affordable housing: I heard you, and I am with you, and we will have it. By the end of my term, we will be a City that puts people to work, that pays them fair and livable wages, and we will have the equity, the income and the equality that every person needs and deserves.”
With tonight’s override, the developer can move forward working with the I-195 Commission.
The Hope Point Tower project is expected to generate more than 1,500 high-wage jobs in total for the three years of its projected construction period, representing nearly every trade, and will also create business for many suppliers and providers of materials and services. Over the next 20 years, the Hope Point Tower is expected to generate $70 million in property taxes alone; it is expected to pay Providence about $250 million in property taxes over the next 40 years. The 2017 Appleseed Study estimated that Hope Point Tower could generate $273 million in statewide economic impact, as well as a one-time increase of $146 million in the Rhode Island economy.
Councilors Luis A. Aponte, Carmen Castillo, Michael J. Correia, Terrence M. Hassett, John J. Igliozzi, Wilbur W. Jennings Jr., Sabina Matos, Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Mary Kay Harris, and Jo-Ann Ryan all voted to override the Mayor’s Veto.
by Billy Kepner | Dec 12, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Today marks the conclusion of a sad chapter in Providence’s history. For far too long, city government in our capital city has been under a cloud of suspicion and shame as a litany of elected officials were charged with felonies. As the judicial process winds down on this and other pending matters, I hope our city can move forward.
I am glad that former Councilman Jackson has accepted responsibility for his actions by pleading no contest to the charges against him, and that he has agreed to repay funds he embezzled from a youth organization. I hope this serves as a lesson to any elected official who thinks they can use their position for personal game. It is a new day in Providence and in Rhode Island, and the backroom dealings and shady politics of yesterday will no longer be tolerated.
—
David A. Salvatore, President, Providence City Council
by Billy Kepner | Dec 12, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-3
Providence Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune spoke at a gathering of Providence Student Union members and their supporters at City Hall earlier today.
“Our city has an obligation to provide for the health and safety of our students in many different ways,” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune. “Unfortunately, our students have let us know that there is still much work to be done. I look forward to working with all parties involved, including Providence Student Union and Providence Public Safety, to submit an ordinance that addresses the Providence Student Union’s concerns and invests in a holistic strategy for student health and safety.”
Councilwoman LaFortune’s ordinance will include language to address many of the students’ concerns around school safety, including measures to protect students from incidents of violence, create lines of engagement with administrators and public safety personnel, and address their concerns regarding over-policing of students, especially students of color.
LaFortune continued, “This is the beginning of a larger conversation that policy makers, elected officials, and the school department need to have with the students we serve. The students are the ones that are affected by the policies we put forth, but are often not included in the discussion. It’s my goal to ensure that these students, through Providence Student Union, have a voice and a seat at the table going forward.”
Councilwoman LaFortune represents Ward Three in the East Side of Providence and will start her first full term in January 2018.
For more information, visit us on the web at council.providenceri.gov.
by Billy Kepner | Dec 8, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12
I have had the privilege and honor to serve the residents of Smith Hill and Ward 12 for 21-years. Over these last few months, I have had the chance to speak to many old and new friends who have shared so many kind words about me and my long career as a Councilman. And on this past Thursday, I was overwhelmed by the support and kind words spoken by my colleagues on the City Council.
As I look back on my career, and during this holiday season, I am reminded of a line from the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, “No man is a failure who has friends.” And I have been blessed beyond measure with many wonderful friends.
And as I close out this chapter of my life, I say thank you to my constituents for having so much faith in me for these past 21-years, to my colleagues on the Council both past and present for their support and keeping me on my toes, and to my friends and family for their unending love.
Merry Christmas!
—Terrence M. Hassett, Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council
by Michael Florio | Dec 4, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-5
When a majority of the City Council came together to vote “Yes” for a zoning change that would allow a new $300-million development to go forward in our city, generating an estimated $4 million in annual tax revenues, it was an important sign that we understood the need to move Providence forward.
For too long, the city has been seen as fostering an anti-development culture. Instead of looking at economic development opportunities as a chance to get things done and generate vital revenue for Providence, some city officials appear to be more interested in imposing unreasonable demands on those who are willing to invest in the city. The fact is, we should be welcoming those who see promise in Providence and are willing to spend money to do business here.
It’s no secret that our city faces significant challenges, among them staggering pension liabilities that threaten to plunge us into possible bankruptcy. Many of the city’s schools are struggling and we received word this week that Rhode Island’s schools as a whole are underperforming, with a Dec. 2 Providence Journal editorial noting that “Rhode Island’s public education system is woefully bad” and that the situation “presents a direct threat to the state’s chances of rebuilding its economy.”
The disturbing results of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment raised a serious alarm. We are lagging behind Massachusetts, because our neighbors to the north made a commitment to improving their schools as part of a broad approach to economic development and job growth. We can do the same, but the only way to get on the road to making that kind of meaningful, sustained commitment is to take advantage of significant opportunities when they present themselves. That is how we get on a path to making things better.
In this environment, rejecting a proposal like the Hope Point Tower is not just reckless and irresponsible — it does a disservice to our taxpayers. It ignores the need to get things moving in our city, to show some signs of progress with the I-195 redevelopment zone, an area that was created for the expressed purpose of generating new development and jobs. But it isn’t just about reshaping our city’s skyline … it’s about sending a message that Providence is serious about getting its economy on track and taking the bold action necessary to revitalize our city.
The Providence Journal implored Mayor Jorge Elorza not to stand in the way of this project. The speaker of the House and Senate president rightly called on him to act and reminded him that this was a chance to change the perception that the city was “mired in the same bureaucratic delays and barriers that have held it back in the past.” And the City Council gave him the chance to green-light this vital project and create a new sense of energy in Providence.
Unfortunately, the mayor missed an opportunity to lead. I hope my colleagues on the City Council will come together to recognize that our city deserves better. We need to take action now to change the culture and show that Providence can effectively promote and support economic development. We can do it as part of a comprehensive approach to building a strong community where businesses and individuals work in concert to help rebuild our schools, create affordable housing opportunities and make this a vibrant city that is a destination for those seeking a strong quality of life.
It starts with vision, the ability to see that a zoning change can represent a change in attitude, a shift in perspective, and a willingness to do things differently. By letting the Hope Point Tower go forward, we can finally begin to make good on the promise of the I-195 redevelopment zone, approving a signature project that will spark further development, while creating desperately-needed jobs and generating essential tax revenue.
*Originally published by The Providence Journal on December 4, 2018
