by Billy Kepner | Aug 6, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
I want Jason Fane to do business in Providence. I appreciate his commitment to our city – particularly, his pledge to hire union labor for his proposed development. And, I believe that Providence needs to expand its tax base to be successful – and that means increasing development. The Hope Point Tower would represent a $300 million investment in our city, and that is much-needed.
I am also a great proponent of job creation and an ardent supporter of our trade unions.
However, I do not believe that the Hope Point Tower is a good fit for the proposed location on the I-195 parcel. Just a few years ago, the City of Providence spent a great deal of time and resources in the creation of a comprehensive plan, which took into consideration input from developers, community members, and a host of other organizations. Approving a spot zoning change for this development would basically throw all of that process and input out the window.
As City Council President, I have made it a priority to engage our citizens; it is important to me that residents of Providence know their voices are heard.
We on the City Council often hear feedback from developers that there needs to be predictability in our zoning, and we need to play by the rules. And, we have worked incredibly hard to bring our city out of the dark days of backroom deals and the attitude of you had to “know a guy” to get things done. The city’s comprehensive plan laid out a series of clear guidelines for development and design. We cannot just disregard those guidelines.
I want to be very clear on two points: first, while I do not believe that the I-195 land is a feasible location for the Hope Point Tower, I do believe that another location in our city could be suitable. I am committed to working with the developer and city officials to find an option that works for the size and scope of the development while staying within the guidelines of our city’s comprehensive plan.
Secondly, if this project is not approved for the I-195 location, that is not the only option for that land. That parcel will be developed, and it is incumbent upon us as city officials to ensure the development is appropriate.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 6, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
On Tuesday, August 7, Councilman Michael J. Correia (Ward 6) will host the 35th Annual National Night Out Celebration at George J. West Park. National Night Out is a nationwide event that brings residents together with community leaders and public safety officials to build trusting relationships and bolster neighborhood pride.
”I invite all residents of Providence and the surrounding area to come and support this great cause,” said Councilman Michael Correia. “Getting to know our elected officials and public safety personnel is crucial to improving many of the quality of life issues that affect us daily. I especially encourage parents to bring their children and introduce them to our fire, police and emergency personnel, in case their assistance is ever needed.”
This year’s event also features music, a bounce house, a giant slide, complimentary food provided by Aramark-Sodexo, and more. In addition, Councilman Correia is also pleased to announce a backpack giveaway for the first 120 students who attend. The event is free, family friendly, and open to the public.
by Michael Florio | Jul 30, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14, Ward-7
Tonight the Providence City Council approved a $160 million bond referendum that will realize improvements in school infrastructure. The bond is a joint effort between the Providence City Council and Mayor Jorge O. Elorza.
City Council President David A. Salvatore stated, “As elected officials, we speak a lot about the importance of education in our community, but one of the most important factors of education is place. Our schools, most built in the last century, are in need of basic upgrades and some need even more complicated fixes. This bond will help to make Providence Schools into cutting-edge facilities that will serve a new generation of students.”
After tonight’s passage the bond will be sent to the Board of Canvassers to be placed on the November 6, 2018 ballot for consideration by the people of Providence.
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza stated, “In Providence, we’re prioritizing our school buildings, many that need critical improvements. This bond will allow us to make this investments so that our school facilities support our students learning for generations to come. A long-term investment of this magnitude is necessary and shows that both my administration and the Providence City Council are ‘All In’ for education here in the capital city.”
“I’m proud to support this initiative to help rehabilitate our schools to create a better environment for our students, teachers, and staff,” stated Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Finance John J. Igliozzi. “I also want to ensure our constituents that we are being mindful of how taxpayer dollars are being spent; with that in mind, the Council will require a spending plan to be submitted for review and approval.”
by Michael Florio | Jul 25, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
On Thursday I introduced a proposed ordinance that would amend the City’s code of ordinances to limit occupancy of housing units to not more than four undergraduate students. This proposal’s intent was to address the serious upward pressure on housing costs resulting from certain housing units being effectively converted into dormitories or rooming house in our neighborhoods.
The four-undergraduate proposal was also designed to loosen existing city laws currently in effect prohibiting three students from occupying certain units, and to remove graduate students from the current prohibition. I opposed the ‘three-student’ rule when it passed before the council, stating it was improper to discriminate against those choosing to seek an education. My opposition to the three-person rule applies here to the four-person undergraduate proposal as well. In short, my introduction of the four-undergraduate student proposal was a mistake. A law that reduces the scope of discrimination, but still allows it to apply to others is not acceptable.
Today I submitted direction to the City Clerk to withdraw my name as sponsor of the four-undergraduate student proposal and requesting that it be withdraw from city council’s docket. I will not support it should it move forward. And I support the repeal of the current three-student rule as well. I remain very concerned about recent developments in our neighborhoods that continue to drive up housing costs for city residents – including new student rental models and the increase of room-sharing services such as Airbnb. I will continue to work the Council and the City’s Commission on Affordable Housing to address these challenges. However, any solution cannot be routed in discrimination based upon the identity or status of our renters.
–Seth Yurdin, Councilman Ward One
by Michael Florio | Jul 23, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14, Ward-3
Tonight City Council President David A. Salvatore and Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune introduced an amendment in support of Providence’s policy to ensure in the fullest possible participation of firms owned and controlled by minorities (MBEs) or women (WBEs) in City-funded and -directed public construction programs, as well as in municipal purchases of goods and services.
“Providence is a rich and diverse city, and more than half of our population is made up of women, so we should not be struggling to meet the 10% standard of doing business with MBEs and WBEs,” stated Council President David A. Salvatore. “We have committed to ensuring that we hire local, diverse, and skilled companies to serve the needs of our city and these amendments help to make it easier to do so.”
The amendment reforms the long-dormant Commission on Minority and Women Business Development, codifying its powers and duties and properly establishing staggered terms for its members. It also strengthens the role of the MBE/WBE Outreach Director,empowering that person to set internal Women and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) goals, track and report on MBE/WBE purchasing, conduct trainings for City staff, conduct outreach to MBEs/WBEs, establish and finally, adopt rules and regulations ensuring compliance and enforcement of the ordinance.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune stated, “As an immigrant, woman of color, and a mom to a daughter, it is imperative that we as elected officials work to lift up these local businesses that are run by minorities and women. Helping them find a path to success shows our children that we are committed to making our city a place where everyone can succeed despite the color of their skin, their sex, or their nation of origin.”
The amendment also updates its “summary of factual findings” section, which listed information from 1987-1990, and now includes data from the 2012 MWBE Procurement Task Force report. It also requires mandatory Council reviews of the MWBE ordinance and program beginning in 2020 and every 10 years thereafter.
by Michael Florio | Jul 23, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14, Ward-4, Ward-6, Ward-8
Tonight Council President David A. Salvatore, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci, Jr., Deputy Majority Leader Wilbur W. Jennings Jr., and Councilman Michael Correia introduced a resolution creating a task force to study the impact of public utility work on Providence’s roads and sidewalks.
“It is the responsibility of the City to ensure the maintenance of safe and aesthetically pleasing roadways and sidewalks,” stated City Council President David A. Salvatore. “Occasionally we hear from constituents that the sidewalks and roadways around their homes have not been properly restored after work done by a public utility. This task force will come together to study, review, and make recommendations for improving the laws, policies, and procedures affecting the impact of public utility work on our roads and sidewalks to ensure that public utilities leave these areas in good order.”
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, 54% of Rhode Island’s public roads were rated as in “poor condition,” and Rhode Island’s drivers face costs of more than $800 per year from driving on roads in need of repair. Improved notification, coordination, and oversight procedures for street and sidewalk excavation by public utilities would lead to significant cost savings for taxpayers and utility companies, as well as greater convenience for residents.
“As a long-serving member of the Council I have always been committed to quality of life issues,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci. “The state of our roadways and walkways can affect our property values and cause harm to both property and pedestrians alike. I’m very proud to support this effort to ensure these issues do not occur or are mitigated quickly.”
The issues surrounding the opening and excavation of streets and sidewalks are governed by both City ordinances and State statutes; are affected by the decisions of both public and private entities; and impact all who live, work, and visit Providence. Because the issue of street and sidewalk safety is of such great importance, the City Council will engage a broad group of stakeholders to adequately address these problems. And, as public servants and elected representatives of the people of Providence, the City Council has an obligation to ensure that roads and sidewalks are maintained in appropriate condition.
Deputy Majority Leader Wilbur J. Jennings shared, “Bringing together the key players will go a long way in achieving the goal set by the Council to ensure that all infrastructure work is completed timely and safely, and that any potential issues are dealt with quickly.”
The Task Force on the Impact of Public Utility Work on Providence’s Roads and Sidewalks will be comprised of:
Michael Borg, Director of the Department of Public Works (or designee)
Kevin Kugel, Director of the Providence Emergency Management Agency (or designee)
Cliff Wood, Executive Director of the Providence Foundation (or designee)
Scott Wolf, Executive Director of Grow Smart RI (or designee)
Two individuals appointed by Providence City Council President David A. Salvatore
Two individuals appointed by the Honorable Jorge Elorza, Mayor of Providence
A representative from National Grid
“The members of this task force will play an important role in helping create future protocols to protect the City and property owners,” stated Councilman Michael Correia. “Working with our utility partners to help form these protocols will ensure that all interests can be addressed. I look forward to seeing the good work this task force will accomplish.”
