by Abigail Appel | Aug 1, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-3
I am deeply saddened by the numerous violent acts that took place across our city last night, which resulted in multiple injuries and the death of a 20-year old woman.
I have spoken with Mayor Elorza, Police Chief Clements and I am working with the Public Safety Department and the Institute for Non-Violence as our community grapples with these devastating events.
The families of the young woman who tragically died, and all those who were injured last night, remain in my prayers. I have reached out to the young woman’s family to offer my condolences and support.
As elected officials and community leaders, we must work together to keep guns off our streets and create productive and healthy alternatives for youth in our city.
This is not who we are as a city. As we move forward let us remember that violence only brings pain and suffering. I will continue to work with the community and stakeholders in honor of those who have been impacted by the violence in our city.
Nirva LaFortune
Councilwoman, Ward 3
Providence City Council
by Abigail Appel | Jul 29, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
I was embarrassed to watch as the Mayor of our city provoked an inappropriate altercation between himself and Governor McKee.
As an elected official, I hold my government colleagues to a high standard of professionalism, especially at community events that are meant to be joyful and positive.
While I understand that many of us often feel passionately about the issues we advocate for, raised voices and aggressive behavior will never result in productive change.
I was extremely disappointed in Mayor Elorza’s behavior last night, and moving forward I hope that all elected leaders in our city will remember that we have been elected by Providence residents to care for our great city, and this behavior is a disservice to those we represent.
Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.
Councilman, Ward 4
Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council
by Abigail Appel | Jul 28, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Last night, I was glad to join community members at the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) meeting, to welcome the decision the CRMC made to protect public shoreline access on Public Street in Providence.
Shoreline access is a legally protected right in Rhode Island. All residents living in the Ocean State should be able to access our beautiful shorelines, including here in Providence.
I would like to thank the office of Attorney General Peter Neronha, the CRMC, the City of Providence, and the many community activists who advocated to protect this right of way.
Moving forward, I hope we can continue this momentum, working to expand environmental equity in the south side of Providence and throughout the city.
Pedro Espinal
President Pro Tempore-Providence City Council
Councilman-Ward 10
by Abigail Appel | Jul 26, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal is calling on the Costal Resources Management Committee (CRMC) to designate a public right of way to the shoreline located on a portion of Public Street in Providence. At the July 15th City Council meeting, Pro Tempore Espinal introduced a resolution urging the CRMC to protect this shoreline access point. The CRMC will be meeting on Tuesday July 27th to vote on the matter.
“Access to the shoreline is a historically important and legally protected right for all Rhode Islanders. Here in the Ocean State, it is imperative that state and local governments continue to enforce the public’s right to access our shorelines,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Espinal.
Recently, a section of Public Street has come into question as to whether or not the area is designated as a right of way for purposes of shoreline access. The CRMC is now in the process of considering a formal designation of Public Street as an official right of way. Pro Tempore Espinal’s resolution supports and endorses this designation to further codify public shoreline access.
“One of the best things about living in Rhode Island is the proximity to our beautiful shorelines. Every Rhode Islander has a right to access the water, for productive and recreational purposes. In urban areas, public access to the coast is often limited by development or environmental hazards. I call on the Coastal Resource Management Council to protect this right on Public Street and throughout the state,” added Council President Pro Tempore Espinal.
by Abigail Appel | Jul 22, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
In recent weeks, I have heard resounding concerns from members of my community regarding the Emergency COVID Housing Opportunity (ECHO) Village proposal that may be located at 545 Prairie Avenue in South Providence.
While the House of Hope Community Development Center’s efforts to build a homeless shelter is noble and necessary, I share my neighbors’ deep concern that this location is not appropriate for this development.
This homeless shelter is yet another matter which disproportionally affects the residents of South Providence. This neighborhood is constantly facing new threats to public health and safety. From the proposed garbage transfer station in 2020, to the more recent proposal to expand storage of liquid propane gas in the Port of Providence, why must South Providence continue fighting these battles?
While I believe that homeless shelters are needed in our city, I do not believe that building a shelter in close proximity to several schools, in a neighborhood with a number of other serious quality of life issues, is appropriate.
I sent the attached letter to House of Hope, further outlining my thoughts on this matter. This evening, I will be attending a community meeting along with other elected officials and community members to further discuss the ECHO Village proposal with House of Hope.
To read the letter, click here: Echo Village Letter
by Abigail Appel | Jul 22, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Last night, the Providence City Council passed Councilor David Salvatore’s ‘Green and Complete Streets’ ordinance which will pave the way for safer streets in Providence, while codifying the City’s commitment to developing infrastructure that is safe, reliable, sustainable, and accommodating to all residents.
“The passage of the Green and Complete Streets Ordinance is a big win for all Providence residents. Green and complete streets will not only improve how residents and visitors move through our city, but will also add important quality of life enhancements. This initiative will increase the number of trees in majority-minority neighborhoods, increase access to wellness pathways, and promote environmental justice,” stated Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
Green and Complete streets mean streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. The design guidelines ensure that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities can safely move along and across a street.
“Making safe and equitable streets in Providence an ordinance-guided standard is an enormous and critical step for every resident and visitor of the city, and is a dose of much-needed energy in the push for Green and Complete Streets around the entire state of Rhode Island. This is a big win that everyone should be celebrating, and the incredible support for this bill makes me confident that that’s exactly what everyone will be doing.” added C.J. Opperthauser, Co-Founder of WalkPVD and Director of Training & Placemaking at Grow Smart RI.
The ordinance was first proposed in December 2020. At that time, it was referred to the Committee on Ordinances, where residents and stakeholders submitted written and verbal testimony in support of the plan. Last night, the full Council approved the ordinance for final passage. Councilor Salvatore consulted with community advocates while drafting this ordinance to ensure that local needs are met as the City continues to move forward with street development.
“The American Heart Association (AHA) applauds the Providence City Council for supporting safe streets and active neighborhoods in the capital city by passing the Green and Complete Streets Ordinance. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things we can do to improve our cardiovascular health. Complete streets – sidewalks that connect to parks, public transportation, and schools; roads that include designated and protected bike lanes; and streets that accommodate all users – can help us safely be active and improve our quality of life. The AHA thanks Councilman Salvatore for his leadership on this important measure, and we hope other municipalities will follow Providence’s lead,” said Megan Tucker, RI Government Relations Director for the AHA.
The ordinance also aims to visually enhance city streets by expanding exposure to natural elements, and improves environmental quality by providing for reduction and on-site pretreatment of stormwater. The Green and Complete Streets ordinance will also play a role in improving air quality by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the city’s neighborhoods through the expansion of trees and greenspace.
“Planning, designing, and building roads that respond to the needs of all users will provide children, families, older adults and people of all abilities a variety of options for getting around –– walking, biking, taking public transportation, driving their own cars, and sharing rides with family and friends. Green and Complete Streets design allows everyone to share the road and get their own safe piece of the street. We applaud the sponsors and the city of Providence for taking up this important work,” stated Catherine Taylor, State Director, AARP RI.
The Green and Complete Streets ordinance requires the City of Providence to track the development of street performance measures, including, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks, traffic complaints, total miles of bike lanes and an inventory of street trees. This aggregated information will be publicly updated on the City of Providence website.
“The deep and broad support for this bill shows how Providence residents are ready for safer streets and more transportation choices, and we applaud the City Council for taking swift action. While the City is making progress on our physical street infrastructure, this bill will change our legal infrastructure to incorporate and normalize Green and Complete Streets designs into each new road construction project. This is literally how we design a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for our community and future generations”, said Liza Burkin, Organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition.
This ordinance took effect upon passage. Councilor Salvatore will be immediately working with Mayor Elorza’s administration and community stakeholders to implement this new legislation.
