Providence City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan, the Providence Public School Department and Bayside FC, Announce a Partnership to use the Historic Conley Stadium

by Abigail Appel | Mar 1, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5

Today, City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Providence Public School District Director of Operations Jason Menard, and Patrick Barbosa, the manager of Youth Programming for Bayside FC, announce a multi-year partnership to use the historic Conley Stadium for training sessions beginning this spring.

“I am thrilled that I was able to help facilitate this wonderful partnership here in mighty Ward 5. Over the past several years, I have dedicated and fought for funding to return the historic Conley Stadium to the state-of-art stadium that it is today. With that, we can create partnerships like this with Bayside FC to help support our Providence students’ athletic pursuits. Additionally, Bayside FC has also guaranteed that two scholarships will be offered to Providence young residents currently attending the Batastini Recreation Center. I can think of no better way to honor Armand Batastini Jr.’s legacy than ensuring that young people have access to great athletic programming. This partnership is proof that by working together, we can make a difference in the lives of our young residents.” – Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan

“We are indebted to the majority leader for bringing this high-value athletic program to the community, and we look forward to a productive partnership.” – Director Jason Menard, PPSD

Additionally, Majority Leader Ryan, Bayside FC, and the Batastini Recreation Center are exploring opportunities to bring more programming there in the coming months. There is a strong desire from Providence youth who attend the recreation center for more athletic programming, and soccer is at the top of their list.

“My father’s passion for ensuring that all residents of Providence have access to, and fully participate in, sports was endless. He would be thrilled to see our community creating this partnership as it provides a premier opportunity to those who attend Batastini Recreation Center. I want to thank Majority Leader Ryan, the Providence School Department, and Bayside FC for their joint commitment to the community. My father would be proud to know his legacy lives on.” – Maria Batastini Dell’Ovo

The Bayside FC Junior Academy offers boys and girls ages 4-10 the opportunity to build a solid foundation of technical skills and tactical understanding in a positive environment. The program’s goal is to use the environment to educate players on the game’s basics and grow their love of the sport. Players are guided to learn various new skills and fall in love with the ball by experienced and enthusiastic coaches.

“We are excited to join forces with the City of Providence. This partnership will offer young players opportunities to be introduced to the game while working with some of Rhode Island’s most reputable coaching staff. Bayside FC will be devoted to helping grow the soccer community in the City of Providence.” – Patrick Barbosa, Bayside FC

The training camps at Conley Stadium will be held this spring on Saturdays beginning March 27, 2021, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for six weeks. Please note the first Saturday in April will be skipped due to the Easter Holiday.

The summer training camps will be held on Saturdays beginning May 15, 2021, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for six weeks. Please note that the first Saturday in July is skipped due to the Fourth of July holiday. The cost of each six-week training program is $99.00.

Families can learn more about Providence-based Bayside FC training camps at Conley Stadium by visiting: www.baysidefc.com.

About Bayside FC:
Bayside FC was established in 1997 and is a highly successful premier club in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. With over 475 players in their program, their club is built on a healthy foundation of player development and success. They are Rhode Island’s premier soccer club.

Ordinance to Stop Illegal Dumping of Tires in the City of Providence Receives First Passage

by Abigail Appel | Feb 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3

At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilor David Salvatore’s (Ward 14) ordinance that would curb the illegal disposal of used tires received first passage. The ordinance was co-sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).

The proposal would amend the “Licenses” Chapter of the Providence Code of Ordinances to include a requirement that any motor repair business engaging in the repair, replacement, or disposal of tires must be licensed by the Providence Board of Licenses. The proposal would also require that motor repair businesses legally dispose of old tires and provide a receipt proving lawful disposal.

“Quality of life is something that we discuss as elected leaders daily. One of the complaints we most often receive is regarding abandoned tires in our parks, streets, vacant lots, rivers and woodland areas causing damage to our local environment and overall quality of life. Requiring these businesses to keep receipts as proof for the lawful and proper disposal of old tires will go a long way in keeping this litter from harming our neighborhoods,” stated Councilor David Salvatore.

Additionally, the proposal includes a provision that creates a lawful system for disposal and delivery of used/waste tires to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation or privately-operated tire storage, recycling, or recovery facilities licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Tire haulers would be permitted to transport tires to an out-of-state recycling facility in accordance with Rhode Island General Law § 23-63-2.

“By putting these legal standards in place for the proper disposal of tires, we are working towards building a system that encourages sustainability and ethical business practices in our City. Changes like this will improve the health and quality of life for Providence residents in a thoughtful and impactful way,” added Councilor Salvatore.

This ordinance will have minimal effect on law-abiding auto repair businesses. Any business that is legitimately licensed already embraces ethical and proper tire disposal procedures. Instead the ordinance is intended to stop individuals who may be collecting used tires for cash and disposing of them illegally throughout the City.

To read the full ordinance, click here: https://bit.ly/2M8bhk4

City Council Passes Tax Stabilization Agreement for New Development in the City’s West End

by Abigail Appel | Feb 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7

“Providence is Open for Business”

Tonight, the City Council approved a Tax Stabilization Agreement (TSA) for a new development to be located along Parade Street across from Dexter Park. This is significant for the City, and it signals to developers and other businesses that even though the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe financial hardships, growth and new building continues to happen.

“When you look at how much the City has suffered financially from the ongoing pandemic, it is rewarding to see developers that believe in our future,” stated Councilman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. and Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Finance. “TSAs are an important tool to help developers create new developments and spur growth in the City. As we know, the City is facing a serious housing shortage, and I believe that the developer is committed to ensuring equity and affordability along with much-needed new units.”

This project will repurpose and rehabilitate an existing abandoned historic structure and add a new building to the neighborhood. They are creating jobs during the building phase and new residential units. The developers have stated that they intend to keep them affordable and in line with current rents in the community.

Currently, the City realizes around $32-Thousand in taxes annually from this property. At the end of the agreement, taxes realized by this property will be over $400-Thousand. The TSA the developers have applied and were approved for is a 15-year TSA and they have committed to reaching specific benchmarks:

• 10 percent of the dollar value of the construction will be used to hire women and minority-owned businesses;
• The developers with the Director of First Source Providence to hire local trades people for the construction;
• The developers have agreed to make a reasonable faith effort to buy all construction materials locally from vendors within the City of Providence;
• The developers have agreed to ensure that 100 percent of the hours worked on the project will be performed by trade construction subcontractors who have or are affiliated with an apprenticeship program;
• The property owner will also make annual payments of five percent of the abated tax for each year during the agreement to the City Council Parks and Recreation Fund.

Additionally, 10 percent of all tax revenue realized from the project will be earmarked for the Providence Affordable Housing Trust Fund. In October of 2020, the Council approved the Providence Redevelopment Agency to capitalize the Fund through a $20-Million bond, which is anticipated to make up to 1,500 affordable homes possible in the next three years.

To read the full ordinance, click here: https://bit.ly/37stlN1

Statement from Council President Sabina Matos on the Passing of the Honorable State Superior Court Judge Alton Wiley

by Abigail Appel | Feb 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15

I am saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable Superior Court Judge Alton Wiley, an accomplished jurist and a man who broke down barriers.

Judge Wiley’s role as the first black judge to sit on the Rhode Island District and Superior Courts was proof that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Not only did he break barriers, but he served the State of Rhode Island for decades with integrity, intellect, and allegiance to the law.

It is public servants like him who value virtue, equality, and opportunity that make the State of Rhode Island such a wonderful place to be. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.

I extend my most sincere condolences to Judge Wiley’s family and friends and pray that his memory is a blessing to all who knew him.

Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15

City Council’s Tax Stabilization Program Projected to Add More Than $454-Million of Additional Revenue by 2040

by Billy Kepner | Feb 17, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7

At the Council’s Committee on Finance meeting held last night, Dante Bellini, City Controller, shared with the Committee the current Tax Stabilization Agreement (TSA) Portfolio. The presentation projected year-over-year cumulative added revenue for the City of Providence. Indicating that as these TSAs mature and become fully taxable, they will add more than $454-Milliion cumulatively to the city’s tax roll by 2040.

“TSAs are a tool that municipalities use to help build its tax base, and they work,” stated Councilman and Chairman of the Committee on Finance John J. Igliozzi, Esq., (Ward 7). “TSAs are important economic generators for cities like Providence. A robust TSA program will spur growth and development and increase our tax base so that we can take the burden of higher property taxes off our residents. If these properties were not developed and were not given a TSA, we would only see tax revenues of just over $6-Millon a year instead of the cumulative growth in tax revenue as each TSA matures.”

The City currently has around 70 TSAs in place, inclusive of the five commercial and residential properties under the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission’s authority. These TSAs run from housing, commercial, and mixed-use properties throughout the City.

“Providence is competing with our growing tax exemption base, which makes up for approximately 40% of the City’s taxable property. Coupled with the economic competition we face from our neighboring cities and towns becoming more economically attractive – whether it’s their taxes or economic development packages, we must remain competitive. Further, we are also competing with our neighboring states. We need to be more macro in our thinking, and that’s what the TSA program is about. We are looking at how we can keep our City moving forward. We need to let developers know that we are open for business, and we have to create economic development packages to spur new growth to continue increasing our tax base,” continued Chairman John J. Igliozzi, Esq.

In the last year, the City has collected $128-Thousand from TSAs for the City Council Parks and Recreational Trust Fund Account and will collect an additional $134-Thousand in the coming fiscal year. This account will continue to grow as the TSA program moves forward; to date, there has been $313-Thousand collected in totality for this account. The Trust Account is overseen by the City’s Superintendent of Parks and can only be utilized for brick and mortar projects like building or rehabbing parks or recreation centers.

Individuals can view the Tax Stabilization Agreement Portfolio here: http://bit.ly/PVDTSAPF.