by Council Staff | Apr 21, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
April 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council Finance Committee Approves $124 million in Federal Stimulus Funds for Major Investments Throughout Providence
Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council’s Committee on Finance approved $124 million in an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ordinance that will fund significant long-term investments in housing, water/sewer and broadband infrastructure, community and social disparities, parks and recreation centers, tourism, travel, and hospitality, as well as economic relief for businesses and organizations hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was important for the finance committee to thoroughly review this budget and scrutinize every expenditure,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, Chair of the Finance Committee. “The committee prioritized investments in housing, economic development, and infrastructure that touched every neighborhood. We’ve increased aid to elderly services and our libraries, set aside money for sidewalk repairs, and addressed food insecurities. Any modifications to the mayor’s proposed budget accounted for infrastructure commitments, changing priorities, and federal funding opportunities that could be found elsewhere. Residents should know the incredible responsibility of dispersing this money will be tracked and monitored by an independent auditor. This remains a top priority of the Council.”
“Guided by robust community input, Providence will be investing millions of dollars throughout our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I look forward to working with the full City Council to finalize these allocations and move these critical investments forward.”
“These stimulus dollars allow us to make much-needed investments in our city that will have immediate and generational impacts,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “I thank Mayor Elorza and my council colleagues, particularly Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, for working collaboratively on a comprehensive plan but one that also zeroes in on certain priorities for our neighborhoods like housing development and upgrades to 21 of our community recreation centers across the city.”
ARPA Ordinance Summary
Investment in Housing
$30.7 million
Investment in Water, Sewer, Broadband and Infrastructure
$20 million
Investments in Community and Social Disparities
$24.3 million
Speeding the Recover of the Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Sectors
$6.2 million
Economic Stabilization-Business
$2.7 million
Revenue Recovery
$36.7 million
Administration expenditures/audit ($300,000)
$3 million
Total = $123,769,438
The ARPA ordinance covers a period of January 6, 2022, through December 31, 2024. The ordinance will now be presented to the full Council for a future vote. A detailed copy of the ordinance can be found here.
by Council Staff | Apr 21, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
April 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Council Passes Law to Help Prevent Catalytic Converter Thefts and Addresses Street Sweeping Parking, Proposes Tax Exemption for Electric Vehicles Charging Stations & More
Catalytic Converters
An ordinance regarding catalytic converter theft sponsored by Councilor David Salvatore received final passage at tonight’s Council meeting. This ordinance takes effect as efforts are made at the city and state levels to curb the growing trend of catalytic converters being stolen from cars and sold to junk and second-hand dealers. Councilor Salvatore’s ordinance will impose stricter sales regulations, and record-keeping to be shared with local police and provides law enforcement with tools to closely monitor sales and investigate trends while strengthening penalties for repeat offenders.
Parking for Street Sweeping
Tonight, the Council voted for final passage on an ordinance sponsored by Councilor David Salvatore, creating a framework for parking management options during city street sweeping procedures. This new amendment will allow the Department of Public Works to enact parking bans in areas where streets are being cleaned and provide alternative side street parking for area residents. The DPW will begin piloting this program in the coming weeks, emphasizing resident outreach and project efficiency.
Electric charging stations
Councilman John Goncalves proposed an ordinance that would exempt Electric Vehicle Charging stations from taxation. This proposed exemption will apply to individuals who purchase electric vehicle charging stations for their homes and businesses that provide electric vehicle charging stations for customers. The ordinance was referred to the Committee on Ordinances for further review. “Providence is moving towards the future. My proposal will create incentives for residents and business owners to embrace green transportation as a long-term part of everyday life. As the City’s legislative branch, I am hopeful that the City Council will continue to enact legislation which encourages green lifestyle choices and business practices,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
Resolution calls on local, federal governments to address climate change
The Green New Deal is at the heart of a new proposal introduced before the Council tonight. Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune, President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal, Councilman John Goncalves, and Councilor Kat Kerwin co-sponsored the resolution calling on the City of Providence to join the federal government in embracing tougher regulations to reduce carbon emissions. If passed, the resolution asks the Mayor, Office of Sustainability, and Planning Department to formalize a detailed plan for how to cut greenhouse gases in Providence. “The time is now to take action to help future generations of Rhode Islanders,” said President Pro Tempore Espinal. “It’s vital to formalize a clear and proven plan to achieve carbon neutrality.” The city’s Office of Sustainability is currently working to create strategies to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Councilors challenge use of solitary confinement in Rhode Island prisons
A group of City Councilors is taking aim at controversial solitary confinement practices in local facilities. Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal, Councilman John Goncalves, Councilor Kat Kerwin, and Councilman Nicholas Narducci co-sponsored a resolution introduced at tonight’s meeting, which cites “an abuse in authority” leading to the solitary confinement of some prisoners for up to 7 years. “Solitary confinement is an antiquated, ineffective means of handling prisoners in RI facilities,” said Councilwoman Harris. “We need to take immediate action to limit the duration of confinement and protect the human rights of the incarcerated population.” The resolution supports and urges the passage of House Bill H-7760 to establish policies and procedures to minimize the use of solitary confinement and create accountability guidelines.
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by Council Staff | Apr 15, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release, Ward-14
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) is asking residents with security systems to closely monitor the mail, after a staffing shortage and technical issue halted the release of February’s annual registration forms. After hearing from constituents, Councilor Salvatore learned that the issues generated $100 late fees for some residents.
Each year, residents with security alarms are asked to pay $10 to have their systems registered with the Providence Police Department. Failure to do so results in a $100 fine.
If you received a fine from the City of Providence, but not a renewal request, you can file an appeal here. When prompted for a reason, enter “renewal notice received at the same time as the late fine.”
All fees related to late renewal notices will be waived immediately. For additional resources or help, call 401-680-5582.
“It’s vital for residents to check in with the elderly or vulnerable to make sure they can resolve this issue in a timely manner. We also want to make sure no one is being asked to pay a fine for something out of their control,” said Councilor Salvatore, “I will also be reviewing the Ordinance regarding alarm registration and enforcement to see if these seemingly excessive fees are truly the best way to ensure alarms are being used responsibly.”
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by Council Staff | Apr 14, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
April 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council Approves Final Ward Boundary Map
Redistricting has concluded
Providence, RI – At tonight’s special City Council meeting, councilors, by a vote of 12 to 2, approved a final map of the city’s 15 wards, which will now be sent to the Board of Canvassers for the 2022 election cycle. The vote concludes a lengthy three-and half-month redistricting process in the city that included five (5) public meetings in different neighborhoods, significant written testimony, and a public meeting in the council chamber.
“This was a community-driven effort. Thank you to my council colleagues, staff, and the Ward Boundaries Committee for your tireless work on this once-in-a-decade responsibility,” said Council President John Igliozzi.
Every 10 years, Providence’s 15 wards are redistricted using criteria outlined in the Home Rule Charter and based on the latest U.S. Census data, which showed the city’s population grew by 12,892 people to 190,934. A five-member committee of Providence residents, appointed by the City Council and chaired by resident Jessica Cigna, began meeting in early January to hear directly from city residents. The committee produced a detailed report and referred those recommendations to the council for final approval. The committee and council were guided by Election Data Services, Inc., a hired consultant for redistricting purposes.
A copy of the Council’s report and map can be found here https://council.providenceri.gov/ward-boundaries/.
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by Abigail Appel | Apr 12, 2022 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
“I would like to thank Governor McKee, Commerce Secretary Pryor, Mayor Elorza, and the team at High Rock Development for their leadership in revitalizing the iconic Superman building in the heart of Downtown Providence.
I look forward to engaging with stakeholders and community members as we move forward with this process to bring this hallmark of the Providence skyline back to life. This moment is a unique and exciting opportunity to boost our local economy and reinvigorate Downtown and the City of Providence,” Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
by Council Staff | Apr 11, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
April 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council Votes to Approve Ward Boundary Map
A second and final vote is expected later this week
Providence, RI – At tonight’s special City Council meeting, councilors, by a vote of 11 to 1, approved a map of the city’s 15 wards. This action moves the three-and half-month redistricting process toward a second and final vote later in the week. The completed map represents a community-driven effort, including five (5) public meetings in various neighborhoods, significant written testimony, and a public meeting in the council chamber at city hall.
Every 10 years, Providence’s 15 wards are redistricted using criteria outlined in the Home Rule Charter and based on the latest U.S. Census data. For example, 2020 Census data showed the city’s population grew by 12,892 people to 190,934. A five-member committee of Providence residents, appointed by the City Council and chaired by Jessica Cigna, began meeting in early January to hear directly from city residents. The committee produced a detailed report and referred those recommendations to the council for final approval. The committee and council were guided by Election Data Services, Inc., a hired consultant for redistricting purposes.
“This is a historical process in Providence city government, a once in a decade task that falls directly on all our shoulders,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “I want to take this opportunity to thank my council colleagues and staff, commend the ward boundaries committee for their incredibly hard work, and let city residents know just how important their input was over these many months. Your voices mattered. The map you see tonight is the result of true collaboration, everyone coming together for the common good of our unique neighborhoods.”
A copy of the Council’s report and map can be found here https://council.providenceri.gov/ward-boundaries/
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