by Abigail Appel | Oct 9, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Throughout my tenure as a member of the Providence City Council, I have been an outspoken advocate for gun safety and common-sense gun reforms. Programs such as gun buybacks play an important role in removing firearms from Providence streets. I believe that programs like the one being proposed in Providence and Central Falls can potentially get firearms out of the hands of those who might use them to do harm against our fellow residents.
However, the program slated to happen next weekend in Providence includes an amnesty clause. Any firearm turned in through this program cannot and will not be traced or examined to see if it had been used in a violent crime. This sends a clear message to criminals that they can now get rid of their weapons and not face any consequences, while simultaneously being rewarded.
For decades, scores of violent crimes have gone unsolved because of public safety officials’ inability to find the weapon(s) used during the act. This program is equivalent to giving a criminal a “get out of jail free card”.
We owe the victims of gun crimes and their families more than this. They are owed justice. Giving amnesty to potential criminals will only help create more pain and suffering for their victims.
Before this program moves forward, I urge the Mayors of Providence and Central Falls to think about the long-range impacts this may have on our community’s unsolved crimes, and I urge them to remove the amnesty clause from the planned program. Further, I will be introducing a resolution at next Thursday’s City Council meeting calling for the same.
The victims of gun violence deserve better.
David A. Salvatore
Providence City Council
Councilor – Ward 14
by Abigail Appel | Oct 7, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
The Wayland Square Merchants Association (WSMA) along with Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) and Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) and the Wayland Square Neighborhood Association (WSNA) will be hosting Autumn Air in the Square, a special event intended to highlight the many restaurants and shops located in Wayland Square beginning on Friday, October 9, 2020, at 4:00 PM.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with these great groups to showcase our merchants and terrific dining options that are available in Wayland Square,” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “Our local businesses have been hit hard by the global pandemic, and I think this is a great way for us to show our local merchants and restaurants our support. The holiday season is not far off, and this is a great time to shop local and be local. I look forward to seeing our neighbors from all over the City visit Wayland Square this holiday weekend.”
Autumn Air in The Square is a three-day indoor and outdoor event meant to encourage residents from across Providence and the region, to visit the shops and restaurants in Wayland Square, and enjoy the beautiful New England fall weather.
“We are so excited to have the support of the City Council, WSNA, and our fellow merchants in the Square for this event. Wayland Square is almost at full capacity and this weekend will serve as a great opportunity to meet some of the new merchants as well as pop into some of your favorite existing merchants,” stated Katy Berard and Victoria Boulis of the Wayland Square Merchants Association.
The weekend’s events will include open-air dining, extended retail hours, activities for families in Patterson Park, a Cider Tasting at McBrides Pub, music, and pop-up shops. A full list of events and participating merchants and restaurants can be found below.
Katherine Touafek, President of the Wayland Square Neighborhood Association stated, “An event like Autumn Air in the Square is exactly what our neighbors have been asking for, and I truly believe that by shining a light on all the great shops and restaurants in our neighborhood will not only benefit the Wayland Square community but the City as well. I look forward to seeing my neighbors and others from across the City enjoying all that Wayland Square has to offer.”
Councilman Goncalves, the Wayland Square Merchants Association, and the Wayland Square Neighborhood Association hope that Autumn Air in the Square will become a signature event for the neighborhood.
“We are proud to partner with our shop owners in creating this wonderful neighborhood event. Please join us as we look forward to meeting all of our neighbors, new and old, and support the wonderful shops and restaurants of Wayland Square,” shared Denise Hill, board member of the Wayland Square Neighborhood Association.
Complete Schedule of Events and Participating Partners:
Friday, October 9, 2020
• Outdoor Dining: 4 PM – 10 PM
• Extended Retail Hours until 9:30 PM
Saturday, October 10, 2020
• Family activities at Paterson Park: 10 AM – 2:00 PM
• Free Family Photos in Paterson Park: 10 AM – 1 PM
• Wayland Square Passport Raffle: 10 AM – 9 PM
• Outdoor Dining: 10 AM – 10 PM
• Cider Tasting Outside of McBrides Pub: 2 PM – 4 PM
• Outdoor Band: 3 PM – 7 PM
• Sweet Treat Stroll: 6 PM – 9 PM
• Extended Store Hours Until 9:30 PM
Sunday, October 11, 2020
• Outdoor Dining: 10 AM – 2 PM
• Bloom Back Flower Popup: 10 AM – 2 PM
• Discounted Selfcare Treatments and Brunch Options
Participating Restaurants:
McBride’s Pub
Red Stripe
Pasta Beach
Wayland Square Diner
The Salted Slate
Madrid European Bakery
Haruki East
Visit @WAYLANDSQUARERI on Instagram for More Details.
by Abigail Appel | Oct 6, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-7
Last night, we learned the disturbing news that a 9-year-old girl was briefly abducted in Providence after getting off of her school bus in the Hartford neighborhood.
This shocking occurrence is currently being investigated by Providence Police. The suspect is reported to have been driving a silver Nissan SUV around Grover Street and Merino Street. We encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to call Detective Captain Tim O’Hara at 401-243-6360 or by email at tohara@providenceri.gov.
Our thoughts are with the afflicted family, and we are hopeful that our Police Department’s thorough investigation will provide them the peace and closure they deserve.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
John J. Igliozzi, Esq., Majority Whip
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 7
by Billy Kepner | Oct 4, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-7
Today Councilman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. honored the life and legacy of former Councilman Philip A. Almagno, also known as Sharkey to his close friends and family, alongside Council President Sabina Matos, Councilor David A. Salvatore, Senator Frank Ciccone III, the Almagno family, and numerous longtime family friends at a ceremony in a small piazza across from Councilman Almagno’s family home.
Councilman Almagno passed away at age 90 on January 12, 2018, a lifelong resident of Silver Lake, and lived on Pocasset Avenue for most of his adult life. The piazza where his memorial is located at the intersection of Pocasset Avenue and Sophia Street directly adjacent to his family home.
Councilman Almagno served two terms as the Councilman representing Ward 7 from 1975 until 1982.
He was the Chief of Weights and Measures for the City of Providence from 1982 – 2003 after which he became a private contractor for the State of Rhode Island: Dept. of Weights and Measures until retiring in 2012.
He also owned and operated Sharkey’s Wholesale Fruit and Produce.
He was also a U.S. Navy Veteran and a Member of the Public employees’ Local 1033. He was an avid gardener and New York Yankee fan. He was known to rally both Yankee and Red Sox fans from Silver Lake for annual trips to see the two teams play in New York City.
Councilman Almagno was very active in the community and was a member of the St. Bartholomew Holy Name Society, Sons of Italy, Piava Lodge, President of the Rosario Society, Past President of the Holy Name Society, and the Seventh Ward Democratic Committee.
In addition, he belonged to the RI Bocce League, United Commercial Travelers, Hope Council Knights of Columbus, Olneyville Little League, Pontecorvo Reunion Committee, Silver Lake Annex Board, and the Providence Fraternal Order of Police.
He was married to Lucy and was the father of Sandra, Cathy, John, Nancy, and the late Ann Marie. He was the grandfather of Melissa, Laurie, Nicholas, John Jr., Kimberly Stephen; and the great grandfather of Mason, Dylan, Lincoln, and Guiliana; he was the brother of Connie Martinelli and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He was honored at a mass this morning by the Rosario Society and it was a beautiful morning to remember the contributions he made over his decades-long life of service to the Silver Lake neighborhood and to Providence.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4) today was on site where work was completed on the Hopkins Field Restoration Project.
“Today, I joined Superintendent of Parks Wendy Nilsson, Deputy Superintendent of Parks Brian Byrnes, Supervisor Joe Salem, and several members of the Parks Department to see the completion of the Hopkins Field Restoration project ” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “Our Parks Department is second to none, and they worked very hard to make sure that Hopkins Field was restored and will soon be available for our neighborhood athletes, young and old.”
The work performed today for the turf renovation at Hopkins Field included thatching, aerating, slice seeding, top dressing, and over-seeding the entire area. Eight members of the Parks Department worked for more than eight hours to complete this renovation.
Materials included 800 lbs. of seed and 20 yards of screened loam. In addition, tractors were used to aerate, thatch, and over-seed the field. Careful care and concept were used in this operation to ensure that the field will start to germinate in five to seven days. Please note that sprinklers are scheduled to run three times per day to keep the area moist which is necessary for seed germination.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Narducci continued, “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Wendy, Brian, Joe, and all the members of the Parks Department for their hard work and dedication to making sure that our neighborhood parks and green spaces are so expertly cared for. We are lucky to have such dedicated individuals who are willing to give up their Saturday to make Ward 4 shine. Thank you to one and all.”
by Abigail Appel | Oct 1, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) proposed a resolution requesting that the Department of Public Works create an online application process for overnight parking permits in the City of Providence. This resolution has been co-sponsored by Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), and Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3).
“The Department of Public Works is tasked with providing efficient, cost-efficient and high-quality services to Providence residents. The current overnight parking application process is just not meeting that standard. An online process would be safer, more efficient, and will hopefully increase compliance with overnight parking regulations in our City,” stated Councilor David Salvatore.
Overnight parking permits allow residents to park on selected residential streets overnight. Currently, the Department of Public Works requires applications for these permits to be filed in person. Due to COVID-19, in-person interactions have become an inconvenience and risk for both residents and City personnel.
“Many residents in Ward 13 rely on overnight-parking permits to ensure that they can safely and legally park their car on residential streets. This is a necessary City service for constituents without ample parking at their residence, which is a reality for many city dwellers. However, the process for obtaining a permit has become burdensome within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resolution offers a safer, easier way to obtain a permit,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller.
COVID-19 has prompted many City services to transition to remote access, and many City resources are available online. While the overnight parking permit application is available to download online, the application must be submitted in person at the Traffic Engineering Building (700 Allens Avenue) or at the Municipal Court located at the Public Safety Complex (325 Washington Street).
“Current circumstances have forced us to re-evaluate our old ways of doing business. In many cases, this has helped municipalities find more efficient ways to serve their constituents. I believe that this initiative to move the overnight parking permit application process online will better serve the community and will make the process simpler for the Department of Public Works,” added Councilor David Salvatore.
Upon passage, copies of this resolution will be shared with Mayor Jorge Elorza and the Department of Public Works.
