by Abigail Appel | Jun 28, 2021 | Council News, Press Release
Commerce RI to match with an additional $300,000 investment in WaterFire.
The Providence City Council will amend an ordinance, recently passed by the Committee on Finance, approving more than $42 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments to include an additional $300,000 for WaterFire. The funding will allow the City’s venerable arts and culture institution to relaunch WaterFire in September, providing a much-needed boost to downtown’s tourism and hospitality sector. Commerce RI will also match the City’s investment with an additional $300,000 award to WaterFire.
“After extensive conversations with Barnaby Evans of WaterFire and other stakeholders, the Council is pleased to announce the use of $300,000 in ARPA funding to allow the organization to once again light up downtown beginning in September,” said Providence City Council President John Igliozzi. “Our goal with this first round of ARPA funds is to address immediate community needs coming out of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We have heard loud and clear that we need to help spark Providence’s tourism and hospitality sector, and the relighting of WaterFire’s braziers will do just that, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy a beautiful evening outside, stay at our hotels, and dine at our world-class restaurants. After discussing this situation with Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor, I’m also thrilled to share that Commerce RI will be investing an additional $300,000 to ensure that WaterFire burns bright.”
“Waterfire is an iconic tradition with a huge economic and cultural impact on our City and State,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Another year without a Waterfire would have been unimaginable and I am proud to have worked with the Providence City Council to make sure that Waterfire returns to Downtown Providence.”
“The Providence City Council has a long track record of supporting WaterFire including providing over $489,000 in direct support, passing a tax stabilization for the organization, and entering into a Partnership Agreement waiving parking revenue and providing for police details,” said Councilwoman and Finance Chair Jo-Ann Ryan. “One of our priorities in making these first round of ARPA investments has been to support our small businesses who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. After hearing from many stakeholders including restaurants and cultural venues, we agree that WaterFire can help provide the needed shot in the arm to bring visitors back to our great City to enjoy all downtown has to offer. This $300,000 is both an investment in kickstarting our tourism and hospitality sector and in one of Providence’s most loved arts and culture institutions. Finally, the City Council is committed to working with WaterFire to help the organization develop a more sustainable business model.”
“I want to thank Council President Igliozzi and Councilwoman Ryan for working with us to help bring back WaterFire to downtown Providence in September,” said Barnaby Evans, Executive Artistic Director of WaterFire. “This funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, along with the State’s, will allow us to hire back event staff, install the equipment, and then host fall WaterFire evenings that will bring thousands of visitors to downtown. We know that relighting our braziers is also going to attract visitors and ignite economic activity at a time when so many of our City’s incredible hotels and restaurants are rebounding from a very challenging year. WaterFire is back, and we thank the City Council for this funding and for being such a dedicated partner for many years.”
by Abigail Appel | Jun 26, 2021 | Council News, Press Release
Last night, the Providence City Council’s Committee on Finance approved more than $42 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for investments in key priorities including summer programming, early learning, free public internet access at city parks and recreation centers, anti-violence, homeless intervention, street sweeping and sewer repairs, libraries, and relief for Providence’s small businesses. A full summary of APRA funding approved is included below.
“We are very fortunate to be able to utilize these much-needed American Rescue Plan Act stimulus dollars to help the City of Providence rebound from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Providence City Council President John J. Igliozzi. “I want to thank Mayor Elorza and Councilwoman Ryan for working together to quickly develop and pass this ordinance to get these resources out the door and to our city’s residents, youth, and small businesses. These are smart investments in programs that will have immediate impacts for our residents and infrastructure that will pay dividends for years to come. Investments like bringing free public internet access to all of Providence’s parks and community centers so our residents have access to digital resources for learning, doing business, and so much more.”
“Providence residents, youth, and our small businesses were all hit hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but with these American Rescue Plan Act resources we are laying the foundation for a tremendous comeback,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, Chair of the Finance Committee. “Working with my colleagues on the Council and with Mayor Elorza, we collaboratively developed this list of key priorities that will address some of the immediate impacts of the pandemic, while also making longer term investments in our city. I am particularly pleased to see investments in our youth summer basketball league, free public internet access for our youth and families, street sweeping and sewer repairs, and direct relief for our small businesses. This is only our first round of ARPA investments. As we receive additional ARPA funds, the Finance Committee in collaboration with Mayor Elorza will continue to listen to the community to identify additional investments to move our city forward. We encourage everyone to participate in this process and to share your thoughts and ideas for how we can build Providence back better and stronger.”
The first round ARPA investments ordinance will next go before the full City Council for final approval, expected by the end of July. This is the first allocation of substantial ARPA funds the City of Providence is set to receive.
ARPA Summer Programming:
Summer Camp for Providence Residents $ 600,000
Summer Jobs for Providence Youth $ 1,000,000
Night Basketball $ 80,000
TOTAL ELIGIBLE SUMMER PROGRAMMING $ 1,680,000
ARPA Youth Investments:
Early Learning Infrastructure $ 1,000,000
Youth and Family Broadband Access $ 1,000,000
TOTAL YOUTH INVESTMENT FUNDS $ 2,000,000
ARPA Anti-Violence Investments
Mentoring Program $ 1,100,000
Non-violence training $ 500,000
Year-round youth jobs $ 1,000,000
TOTAL ANTI-VIOLENCE INVESTMENTS $ 2,600,000
ARPA Funding to Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA)
Roger Williams Park Gateway $ 4,000,000
TOTAL FUNDING TO PRA $ 4,000,000
ARPA Grants to Libraries:
Providence Community Library $ 500,000
Providence Public Library $ 100,000
TOTAL GRANTS TO LIBRARIES $ 600,000
ARPA Grants to Non-profits:
Homelessness Intervention $ 500,000
Providence Center $ 187,339
TOTAL GRANTS TO NON-PROFITS $ 687,339
ARPA Sewer Water Investment
Street Sweeping and Sewer Repair $ 3,000,000
TOTAL FUNDING $ 3,000,000
ARPA Funding to General Fund:
FY21 Revenue Recovery $19,457,352
TOTAL FUNDING TO GENERAL FUND $19,457,352
ARPA Small business relief program:
Relief for small business in Providence $ 7,000,000
TOTAL FUNDING $ 7,000,000
ARPA Administration:
FY21 Administrative Expenditures $ 1,220,000
TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDING $ 1,220,000
GRAND TOTAL FUNDING 4/29/2021 – 12/31/2024 $42,344,691
by Abigail Appel | Jun 25, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
I am so saddened to hear the news of last night’s fire at Crook Point Bridge. The bridge is a relic of Providence’s history as an industrial port city and had recently inspired many preservation and reuse ideas before the unfortunate events of last night. Local landmarks like the Crook Point Bridge are what give our City a unique character and make Providence feel like home.
We’re incredibly lucky that no bystanders were hurt, however yesterday was a sad day for our community. Thank you to the Providence Fire Department and the first responders who worked through the night to put out the fire and keep the public safe.
We kindly ask that the community cooperate with the Fire Department and law enforcement officials as they work to gather more information about the cause of the fire.
John Goncalves
Councilman, Ward 1
Providence City Council
by Abigail Appel | Jun 24, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Today I joined the Providence Police Department and my Council colleagues to celebrate the retirement of Providence Police Majors Michael Correia and Robert Lepre.
Major Robert E. Lepre served the Providence Police Department since 1989 and has received numerous awards for his great work, including an award from the City Council. Serving in various roles, from night patrol to Commanding officer, Major Lepre’s dedication to his community has shone through is long career.
Major Michael E. Correia has been with the Providence Police Department since 1987, and was instrumental in the prosecution of numerous homicide cases in the City. Major Correia comes from a po
lice family, with his son Casey Correia currently serving with the Providence Police Department and his father Edward J. Correia a retired Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant.
Major Lepre and Major Correia both have outstanding track records of good police work and a devotion to public service. I would like to sincerely thank Major Lepre and Major Correia for spending their careers keeping our community safe.
I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and I hope that they enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved retirement with their family and friends.
Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council
Councilman, Ward 4
by Abigail Appel | Jun 22, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
I am appalled and saddened by the recent violence that took place on Cheshire Street which resulted in the death of two young men.
I would like to extend my appreciation to the Providence Police Department for responding to the scene and working diligently to bring justice for Abdoulaye Dialla, Abass Mbaye and their families.
The violence devastating our local communities must be stopped. I remain as committed as ever to working with my colleagues in government and local law enforcement to make Providence a safe and peaceful place to live.
I would like to share my deepest condolences with the families and friends of Abdoulaye Dialla and Abass Mbaye. Let us keep working towards a safer City in their honor.
Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council
Councilman, Ward 4
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.
