by Michael Florio | Oct 18, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
City Council to review tax stabilization agreements for developments
that will bring more than $20M in investment to Wanskuck
Last night, the Providence City Council’s Committee on Finance approved two Tax Stabilization Agreements (TSAs) that would transform the Fourth Ward, clearing the way for the full Council to review the agreements, which would bring a combined $20 million in private investment to the City’s Wanskuck neighborhood. The properties, located at 745 Branch Avenue (Wanskuck Mill) and 145 Corliss Street, will create 300 temporary construction jobs and an additional 125 permanent jobs once the buildings are completed.
Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci has previously testified at public hearings held regarding these TSAs and has been a staunch advocate for their passage, stating that they would greatly improve the neighborhood he has served for the past 12 years.
“The North End has been a community on the rise and these developments are proof of that,” stated City Council Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “These two projects will bring much-needed new affordable housing stock to our city, as well as new opportunities for business development to the Ward, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I have met with the developers and their vision for the neighborhood is one I fully endorse.”
“For many years, I have been urging for more investment in the Wanskuck neighborhood, which has long been underutilized,” said Council President David A. Salvatore, whose ward includes parts of Wanskuck. “This is a neighborhood that will benefit greatly from revitalization efforts, and our entire city will benefit for the hundreds of jobs created by these developments.”
Wanskuck Mill is located at 725, 726, 715, and 745 Branch Avenue and is owned by Branch Holdings, LLC, and currently has 60 apartment units. The project would include an additional 150 reasonably priced apartments ranging from $1,100 to $1,400 per month in rent. The project would also include the addition of commercial space in the property that would potentially include restaurant, retail and/or office space.
Providence 2017, LLC plans to transform an empty lot at 145 Corliss Street into a self-storage facility which would include 863 storage units.
The full Council will review these TSAs and vote on them for a first time at the November 1, 2018 City Council meeting.
by Michael Florio | Oct 18, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Proposes new restrictions for sex offender residency
Councilman Luis A. Aponte introduced an amendment to the Providence Code of Ordinances at tonight’s City Council meeting to codify restrictions for registered sex offenders residing in the City of Providence.
The amendment calls for stronger restrictions for sex offenders who reside in the City of Providence. It increases the distance sex offenders may reside from schools, daycares, and recreational areas from a 300-foot radius to a 500-foot radius. It also redefines the term “daycare” from a school with a certified pre-K program, to include all licensed daycare facilities that are clearly marked with at least one sign. Registered sex offenders will also be prohibited from entering or loitering within a 500-foot radius of the premises of a school, daycare center, or recreational area.
“The City of Providence has no ordinance regarding restrictions for sex offenders,” stated Councilman Luis A. Aponte. “We have depended on state and federal statutes to serve our needs, but what we have learned from Richard Gardner moving into the Washington Park neighborhood is that sometimes those statutes aren’t enough to keep our families safe. Last night at our community meeting, hundreds of neighbors expressed concerns, fear, and outrage that Mr. Gardner has only to register with the police in the jurisdiction where he lives and must stay 300 feet away from schools. For a man that has committed such heinous crimes these restrictions are not satisfactory. Until our state representatives and senators can craft strong legislation, we need to act now.”
The ordinance that was brought to the floor at tonight’s meeting will be sent to the Committee on Ordinances to be vetted and reviewed. Councilman Aponte hopes that this will happen at the committee’s earliest convenience.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 16, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
Ward Six Councilman, Michael Correia, announces that Cracksealing will begin Sunday night, October 21, 2018 on Chalkstone Avenue and ending at River Avenue. Please expect delays.
“I meet with constituents every day, and the one thing that I hear over and over is about the state of our roads in Providence,” stated Councilman Michael Correia. “I’m very happy to have earmarked some of my Neighborhood Infrastructure Funds to care for Ward Six roadways.”
by Billy Kepner | Oct 4, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
Majority Leader John J. Igliozzi tonight put forth a solution to the school bus driver strike that would eliminate the disruption to our residents and students.
“The current labor dispute between First Student and Teamsters is not about wages, it is not about medical benefits, it is about funding a bus driver’s pension, which amounts to a little over $150,000 per year,” stated Majority Leader John J. Igliozzi. “In speaking to stakeholders, there are 200 bus drivers, a majority of whom are minority females who reside in the City of Providence. The Teamsters are asking that First Student contribute to the Teamster’s pension at $1.00 per hour per employee. On average, bus drivers work 6 hours per day. This amounts to $6.00 per day per bus driver or $1,200.00.”
Leader Igliozzi continues, “First Student currently pays $65,000.00 per year to cover 401K expenses for the bus drivers. The difference of what First Student contributes and what the Teamsters have proposed is $152,200.00, or 1.2% of the $12,500,000 contract between First Student and the City of Providence.”
To keep Providences’ children safe and get them back to school Leader Igliozzi is proposing that First Student and the City each pay 50% of the pension cost increase to provide the hardworking men and women with a pension that they have earned and deserved. The City is projecting an $8,000,000 surplus for FY2018 and is in good financial condition to eliminate the disruption brought to residents and students. This cost to the City and First Student would be approximately $76,100 each (a 0.06% increase to the City’s contract with First Student), an important investment in our children and residents.
Leader Iglozzi finished, “At the end of the day what’s more important, paying a little more for this contract or getting our children to school safely? We need to step up and show leadership.”
by Michael Florio | Oct 3, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence Hassett, Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances, has announced that the Committee will hold a public hearing on the Hope Point Tower on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers.
“A 300 Million Dollar investment in the City of Providence is a once in a generation opportunity, and I strongly believe that the Council has a fiduciary responsibility to allow the developer a chance to testify before this body,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances Terrence Hassett. “The Committee has heard a great deal of testimony both for and against this project, but one voice was missing, and that didn’t seem right to me. I asked my colleagues on the Council to send it back to Committee so that we could have the opportunity to hear from Mr. Fane and his associates so that we may better inform our vote.”
If any person wishes to make a public comment they are asked to sign in before the 5:30 PM meeting start time. The Chambers will open on or around 5:00 PM and sign-ups will begin at the same time.
Constituents who are unable to attend the public hearing may provide written testimony by mail or email to Lori L. Hagen, City Clerk: lhagen@providenceri.govor City Clerk, 25 Dorrance Street, Room 311, Providence, RI 02903. (Please note, if you submit written testimony you are not required to appear or read your testimony at the public hearing.)
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.
by Michael Florio | Oct 3, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
After nearly a year RIDOT and the City of Providence have begun design work
Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. today announces that work has begun on a project to replace the Hawkins Street Bridge. After nearly a year of waiting, RIDOT and the City have come to terms on a design and have begun the preliminary phase of work.
“The bridge was closed last October and has created a great deal of consternation in the neighborhood,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “For the past year, I have been working with City and State officials to get this project underway. By joining forces, the City and State, have allocated funds for this important project. Infrastructure is an issue not just in Providence or Rhode Island, but around the country. This work beginning is a testament that with hard work by community advocates we can move the needle to get things done.”
Hawkins Street Bridge crosses the West River and Route 146 connecting the Wanskuck and Charles neighborhoods of Providence.
