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.
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
