by Abigail Appel | Jun 21, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
At last week’s City Council meeting, the Providence City Council passed an ordinance expanding the College Hill Historic Overlay District. This ordinance was sponsored by Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) and unanimously approved by the members of the Providence City Council.
The ordinance will expand the historic district to protect nearly 90 properties on Governor Street, Benevolent Street, Angell Street, Hope Street, Manning Street, Cooke Street, George Street and Young Orchard Street. The expansion will also include historically significant Brown University owned properties including the Sprague-Ladd House (c. 1850, 1901-2) at 1 Young Orchard, otherwise known as the Orwig Music Building, and its accessory stable buildings at 105 Benevolent.
“I am proud to have worked with my council colleagues, neighbors, the Providence Preservation Society and community partners to expand the historic district and to protect the character and historic vibrancy of this beautiful neighborhood. We heard from so many residents who love this neighborhood and want to maintain its beauty and honor the iconic style and architecture that makes College Hill feel like home,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
The Council considered testimony from many local homeowners through letters and petitions, along with the input of local groups including Preserve RI, the Rhode Island Historical Society, and the College Hill Neighborhood Association.
“The Providence Preservation Society has been involved in this neighborhood driven effort for years, and we are delighted to see these historic properties gain critical preservation protection. We are grateful to Councilman Goncalves for his continued support as we have advocated for the preservation of this neighborhood,” stated Rachel Robinson, Director of Preservation, Providence Preservation Society.
The Providence Preservation Society has worked since the 1950’s to advocate for the preservation of historic homes and buildings in the City and has worked closely with the City Council on this ordinance.
“Providence is a City with rich historical character. Taking steps to preserve historic homes not only protects local property value, but also assures that Providence develops in a way that is in keeping with the authentic spirit of the City,” added Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
This ordinance will connect two existing historic districts surrounding Angell Street and Power Street. To read the full ordinance and view a map of the new district, click here: https://bit.ly/3iPWyIb
“I would like to thank my Council colleagues and our community partners for their work on this important ordinance. We heard residents loud and clear as dozens of property owners shared their support for the creation of a historic overlay district. This is a beautiful neighborhood that should be protected, and that is exactly what this ordinance will do,” added Councilwoman Helen Anthony.
by Abigail Appel | Jun 21, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
At the June 17th City Council meeting, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan introduced and the Council passed a resolution calling on the City’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Traffic Engineer to conduct a comprehensive study on all of the speed control measures and signage installed in the City in the last year.
“While not all may agree on Traffic calming measures, they are an important tool in protecting public health and safety when implemented correctly and after appropriate community engagement. The most recent traffic calming measures that have been installed across the City have come under scrutiny surrounding their design and effectiveness. Some speed humps were ultimately removed resulting in additional cost. I am advocating for a comprehensive study of our City’s use of traffic calming measures so that we can ensure that they are designed and installed in the correct manner and that after installation they are evaluated for effectiveness,” stated Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
The resolution requests that the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Traffic Engineer provide the City Council with a comprehensive analysis and report of all traffic calming measures installed in the last year, pre and post installation traffic data, costs of installation, and an implementation plan to immediately undertake all necessary steps to correct any identified deficiencies.
“Residents want to feel safe and comfortable on their own streets. I am optimistic that this study will give us a better understanding of what works for all, and we will be able to use this information in future planning. I look forward to the continued work with our Public Safety and Traffic Engineering departments to ensure that we make our city safe and welcoming for everyone”, added Councilwoman Ryan.
Upon passage, copies of this resolution will be sent to Mayor Jorge Elorza, the Commissioner of Public Safety and the Traffic Engineer.
This resolution was co-sponsored by Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7), Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Majority Whip Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) and Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
by Abigail Appel | Jun 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-6
Providence Police Fireworks Task Force to Begin Operations on June 18th, 2021
In May of this year, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan introduced a resolution to reinstate the City’s Fireworks Task Force. After the successful roll out of a fireworks task force in 2020, Councilwoman Ryan has coordinated with the Providence Police Department and Fire Department for another year of fireworks safety and enforcement.
“After the success of the fireworks task force I organized in 2020, I felt it was appropriate to reconvene our City’s law enforcement, public safety and administrative officials to coordinate enforcement and community education regarding the use of illegal fireworks. With summer approaching, so too is the major threat to public safety presented by the rampant illegal use of fireworks in our neighborhoods. I look forward to continuing last year’s progress and I thank our local law enforcement and fire officials for the work they do every day to maintain the quality of life and public safety of our community,” stated Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
Starting on June 18th, the task force will dedicate over a dozen law enforcement officers to respond to calls involving fireworks, and provide community education on how to report violations of the law and how to assist in the identification of locations where fireworks were being discharged.
To report the use of illegal fireworks in Providence or file a complaint, call the police department’s non-emergency line (401) 272-3121 or use visit the 311 webpage and select “Quality of life” and then “Excesscive Noise-Fireworks”.
To learn more about what you can do to stop the use of illegal fireworks, and what is legal or not legal in Providence, watch this video: https://vimeo.com/432876565
by Abigail Appel | Jun 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release
At tonight’s City Council meeting, the Council formally recognized June 19th as Juneteenth in the City of Providence.
Helen Baskerville Dukes, President of Juneteenth Rhode Island, opened the Council meeting with an invocation and spoke briefly about the significance of the holiday. The Council then voted to approve the unanimously sponsored resolution to recognize Juneteenth in perpetuity.
“Juneteenth is an important date for our nation. On June 19, 1865, United States General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and slavery. This was a turning point in our nation’s history that we must celebrate as we acknowledge our past and continue the fight for racial equity. I look forward to celebrating Juneteenth and observing the history of slavery and freedom, oppression and progress that extends all across our nation, including here in Providence,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi.
Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866, a year after General Granger’s announcement that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. Formerly enslaved people in Texas organized ‘Jubilee Day’ to celebrate their freedom with music, dancing, prayer and feasts. The celebrations continued each year, spreading throughout the country and evolving into what is now recognized as the official holiday of Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth serves as a day of joy and reflection. We remember the horrors of slavery, and the disparities that still exist today. But we also rejoice in the emancipation of enslaved populations, and energize ourselves to keep pushing forward in the fight for freedom and equality. For generations, enslaved people and their descendants have made countless contributions to our country. It is time for us to recognize and celebrate this history,” added Senior Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
The United States Congress has recognized the cultural and historical significance of Juneteenth as part of the history and heritage of the United States by passing a bill this week establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Earlier today, President Joseph R. Biden signed that bill into law; federal offices will be closed tomorrow in observance.
“I am proud to see the progress our City and country has made in recognizing the major role that enslaved people and generations of African Americans have played in our collective history. I look forward to celebrating Juneteenth as a City and as a nation this weekend,” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza signed an executive order on Tuesday, June 14th recognizing Juneteenth as a City holiday and ordering City Hall closed tomorrow.
“The City Council has taken a decisive step to make Providence a place where the history and truths of communities of color are recognized and celebrated. Juneteenth embodies a cornerstone of American history, and it’s powerful to see that it is now being codified at the National and local level,” added Councilman John Goncalves.
An ordinance that would make the holiday an official and permanent paid holiday in the City is currently under consideration by the City Council Finance committee.
“Juneteenth is an historically significant day that should be celebrated and embraced as a permanent and legal government observance,” stated the Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “There are important lessons to be learned, and establishing Juneteenth as a legal holiday in the City is the proper vehicle by which to achieve this goal. We as a city will only grow better and stronger as we recognize the full breadth of our collective heritage, and celebrating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans is fundamental to achieving a more equitable society.
Ryan noted that the Finance Committee will review the nuances of ensuring that this holiday remains a permanent date “for all to celebrate and to ensure that contractual obligations, notifications, City services and policy issues are delivered and are accounted for.”
Members of the City Council will be joining community members at Juneteenth celebrations throughout the weekend.
by Abigail Appel | Jun 17, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a resolution calling on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to immediately re-open the public restrooms located in Kennedy Plaza.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Majority Leader James Taylor (Ward 8), Majority Whip Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
“It is imperative that RIPTA makes the public restrooms at Kennedy Plaza open to the public as soon as possible. The lack of access to bathroom facilities for transit riders, and anyone spending time in or around Kennedy Plaza, has led to serious public health and quality of life concerns. With the City coming back to life as more residents are vaccinated, our City must be ready to meet the needs of our residents and the public facilities they use,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
The restrooms were closed to the public in early 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as local businesses and public facilities have reopened in recent months, the bathrooms at Kennedy Plaza have remained closed. A host of elected officials and local organizations have called on RIPTA to act, including Rhode Island Governor Dan Mckee and the Providence based Project Weber/Renew.
“Not having bathrooms is a public health emergency: not only for the people who need the bathrooms, but for every single person who is walking or working downtown and is forced to deal with human waste on the streets. In this time of COVID, we see how important public health is. The bathrooms are beyond a matter of simple public health, they are a matter of human rights,” stated Haley Carbonneau, Project Weber/RENEW, Kennedy Plaza Project Coordinator
In July of 2020, a letter to RIPTA was signed by 30 different public health and medical organizations, highlighting the risk presented by the continued closure of the public bathrooms at Kennedy Plaza, including the presence of human waste on City streets.
“RIPTA has a responsibility to reopen their bathroom to uphold the health and dignity of people downtown. With the City Council’s support, we now look to RIPTA to do their part to offer this important service to our community,” added Annajane Yolken, Project Weber/RENEW, Director of Programs
Upon passage, this resolution will be sent to Rhode Island Governor Dan Mckee, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Scott Avedisian.
by Council Staff | Jun 7, 2021 | Press Release, Ward-7
Providence, RI (June 7, 2021) – At the June 3rd City Council meeting, Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7) introduced an amendment to the Juvenile Hearing Board (JHB) ordinance. Originally adopted in 1992, the ordinance was updated in 2016 to include the role of a volunteer hearing board coordinator.
The JHB was established to conduct hearings for residents under 18 years of age who have been charged with misdemeanor offenses, as a means of intervention before a juvenile’s case is funneled into the criminal justice system. Juvenile hearing boards across Rhode Island prioritize restorative justice and determine appropriate consequences, such as community service or other means of restitution.
The proposed amendments restructure the roles of board members and the coordinator, so that the JHB is able to operate consistently and effectively to support its goal of successfully resolving juvenile cases outside of the criminal courts.
“The Juvenile Hearing Board is an essential body which does the important work of overseeing juvenile proceedings. The primary goal is to improve outcomes for the young people of our city. To do this, we must ensure that cases are heard in a fair and timely manner, and that the board functions efficiently and judiciously for the benefit of the juveniles and families involved,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi.
Among the changes in the ordinance are time limits for hearings; reduced hearing panel sizes; and annual reports designed to encourage continuous reviews and improvement of processes. Additionally, board members will be required to obtain a national background check prior to appointment, will participate in expanded pre- and in-service training, and will work collaboratively with community-based partners who have expertise in youth services to ensure that juveniles are connected with necessary supports and resources.
“The changes we’re proposing will modernize and adapt board operations to ensure alignment with best practices that provide the greatest opportunity for young people to be accountable and repair any harm done. I am optimistic that the revised ordinance will give the Juvenile Hearing Board better tools and knowledge to help Providence youth learn from their mistakes, take responsibility for their actions, and have a fresh start,” added Council President Igliozzi.
This ordinance has been referred to the Council Committee on Ordinances.
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