by Billy Kepner | Sep 24, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
I am disappointed that Mayor Elorza has only elected to review the budget of one department out of nearly fifty under the City’s purview. Why and what will this accomplish? We know that the Providence Police Department is not funded at capacity and that even if it were; we don’t have enough officers to be in each of our neighborhoods to deal with the quality of life issues that so many people call their Councilor’s about; like ATVs and motorbikes, fireworks, and other nuisance issues.
The incidents of police brutality that have occurred around the United States have rarely happened here, and when it has, our Chief of Police has acted swiftly and beyond reproach. This administration seems to be singling out one department when we are facing a fiscal cliff like we have not seen since the Great Recession of 2008. The City should have hired an outside firm to look at all of the city departments to see how we can best navigate these difficult times.
Instead, we are sending a message to the very people that we ask to protect us – that they are devalued. Every day our men and women of the Providence Police Department go to work to serve and protect us, the residents of Providence. If it were not for police officers like Officer Jose Deschamps, the Figueroa family would have lost their 8-month old baby boy, Dylan. This is one example of the hundreds of acts of bravery and courage that our officers have shown daily. Even when they are being called names, having bottles thrown at them, spit on, and all the while, they stand by to ensure the safety of those same people.
I see this as nothing more than political grandstanding and a waste of money that we could have used to invest in social service programs to build a better and more resilient community.
I’m not going to say that there have not been bad cops or cops that would do harm based on a bias. There most certainly has, and unfortunately, there will be again, but those individuals must be rooted out, and our Chief of Police is committed to doing just that. We need to provide more supports to our officers who are working longer hours, with fewer officers in the division, and doing more with less.
If we are to review one department, let’s review them all. Certainly, we can find abundant cost savings in other departments to keep our City fiscally afloat and address the social service needs that are lacking and taking our officers away from crime prevention and reduction.
Nicholas J. Narducci, Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Sep 19, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
We want to thank the Providence College administration for their swift action in the wake of the 120+ positive cases of COVID-19 amongst their student body.
As a community, we must remain vigilant in our fight against the virus. We know that by wearing face coverings, hand washing, staying home when we feel sick, limiting the number of interactions we have with others, and using hand sanitizer we can do our part to protect ourselves and others. The world’s leading epidemiologists have all shared concerns that as the fall approaches that we would see a resurgence of the virus, and that remains true.
We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe, including the student population that live in close quarters. That’s why it is so important for our student population to adhere to social distancing mandates and the number of people that can gather at any one time. To not only keep themselves safe, but the residents that live around and work on the campus.
Providence College has been in constant contact with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the City of Providence from the beginning of this current incident. In addition, to implement and enforce the stay-at-home order, the college has contracted with the Providence Police Department at their expense and are deploying their own security team.
As elected officials, we are concerned for the safety of our community. We ask that you please wear a mask, practice social distancing, limit your interactions with as few people as possible, get your flu shot, and remember that the State is offering free asymptomatic testing.
Please visit pvdcovid19.com for the latest City information and call your physician or visit health.ri.gov if you feel like you need to be tested.
by Abigail Appel | Sep 18, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
I want to thank the Providence College (PC) administration for their diligence and quick action regarding the newly reported cases of COVID-19 amongst their student body.
Last spring, I convened the colleges and universities in Providence to discuss their mitigation plans around bringing students back to campus. I am pleased to know that PC has followed their plan accordingly and has been committed to keeping the communities adjacent to campus informed of emerging COVID-19 cases and managing the pandemic.
As cases continue to rise on college campuses across the country, and as the World Health Organization just stated that the virus is projected to hit Europe in another wave in the coming weeks, it is now more important than ever that we stay vigilant and all do our part. This includes the students who attend PC and the other colleges and universities in our city who reside on-campus and off.
This morning, I was driving down Eaton Street and saw the road littered with red and blue solo cups and beer cans. Visually this tells me that students were gathering last night for parties and congregating, even as 80 of their classmates are fighting the virus. This behavior is unacceptable and needs to stop immediately.
Many college students need to remember that they are guests in the City of Providence during the years they are in school here. Students just like anyone else that chooses to flaunt the rules promulgated by Governor Raimondo and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dr. Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, need to be held accountable for their behavior.
This morning I have reached out to the PC administration, the Providence Police Department, and other agencies to ensure that we are increasing patrols in the areas around PC and enforcing the stay-at-home order issued by the College.
Further, I respectfully ask our neighbors to refrain from utilizing the PC campus unless they work there. Using the facilities and walking the grounds have become part of many of our daily routines; however, we have to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus. In light of these recent circumstances, it is imperative that residents cease using the campus for recreation.
If you are concerned that you may have come into contact with any person who may have COVID-19, the State of Rhode Island allows for asymptomatic testing at several of the sites across the state, including the drive-thru and walk-thru sites at the Convention Center in downtown Providence. To make an appointment for a test, please visit the RIDOH COVID-19 Site to schedule a test:
COVID-19 Testing.
David A. Salvatore
Providence City Council
Councilor – Ward 14
by Abigail Appel | Sep 17, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-8, Ward-9
The Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act creates a streamlined and transparent process to incentivize development and further grow Providence’s tax base
PROVIDENCE, RI (September 17, 2020)…Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), along with a majority of her Council Colleagues including President Pro Tem Michael Correia (Ward 6), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 12), and Councilors Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13), James E. Taylor (Ward 8), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and John Goncalves (Ward 1) tonight introduced an ordinance entitled the Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act.
The Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act (The Act) would standardize the processes for all future Tax Stabilization Agreements (TSAs) in the City of Providence by increasing transparency, simplifying and streamlining the application process, and clearly defining the requirements that all developers must abide by should they wish to obtain a stabilization agreement with the City. The proposed legislation will create a tax stabilization system that not only protects our City’s financial interests but also incentivizes new development.
Council President Sabina Matos stated, “Over the past several years, my colleagues and I have grown increasingly frustrated with the existing TSA process as it has resulted in confusion for developers and Providence residents alike. This legislation sets clear expectations to developers from the get go and codifies them all in one section under our Code of Ordinances. By providing clear expectations and terms from the onset of an application for a tax stabilization agreement, the Council can better monitor and enforce the terms of the agreement that are meant to empower the communities that work and live in Providence. Furthermore, by streamlining this process developers will find it easier to move here, create more good-paying jobs, and grow our tax base.”
The Act is intended to balance economic development with responsible employment practices in order to increase the city’s tax base while revitalizing our existing communities. In order to advance this mission, it is vital that the city provide developers, entrepreneurs, and investors with a predictable TSA process which clearly defines both the procedure to obtain a TSA as well as the requirements that will be imposed should a property be granted such an agreement.
“I am very proud of the work we have done to create a crystal clear and reliable process that incentivizes development and defines community benefits,” stated City Councilor Rachel Miller. “When Providence forgoes tax dollars to support development, we should be able to trace the positive impact of that investment in our communities and to city residents. At the same time, developers should be able to rely on a predictable process. The Act is a tremendous step in both directions. The ordinance is the result of an intensive collaborative process between the Council, Council staff, the Solicitor’s Office, and the City’s Planning Department, and I look forward to a rigorous discussion of its merits with my colleagues and with city residents.”
About the Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act:
The Act will tie the length of TSAs to the amount of investment being made in the City of Providence, and it will standardize the process by which TSAs are reviewed and approved. This includes citywide departmental review before reaching the Council, as well as a clearly defined list of documentation that a developer must provide at the outset of the application.
In addition to procedural changes, the proposed legislation condenses a number of existing requirements on TSAs into one section of the Providence Code of Ordinances to eliminate confusion. These requirements include the criteria all developers will be held to if they want a TSA, such as hiring Minority and Women Business Enterprises, paying prevailing wage during construction, and defining specific reporting timelines to ensure compliance. There are also specific designations for the taxes generated from stabilized properties, which includes 1% of all taxes for First Source, 10% for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and 7% for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. While these designations have been designated by ordinance in the past, the new legislation places them directly in the section of the Ordinances governing TSAs in order to eliminate any uncertainty regarding where TSA taxes must go.
Finally, the Act establishes a very specific notice and cure provision in order to increase the enforcement capabilities of the Council so that they can exercise greater control over compliance with all of the terms and conditions of each TSA.
by Abigail Appel | Sep 17, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-4
At a special ceremony in the City Council chambers this evening, Providence Police Officer Jose Deschamps was honored with the Council’s Municipal Medal for Deeds of Bravery. An ordinance was introduced by Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr, (Ward 4) and Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) at the September 3 Council meeting to recognize Officer Deschamps for his exemplary conduct in the line of duty.
On August 13, Officer Jose Deschamps was responding to a motor vehicle incident at the intersection of Narragansett Avenue and New York Avenue. After arriving on the scene, Officer Deschamps was approached by a man seeking assistance with an unresponsive child and provided lifesaving CPR, which helped stabilize the 8-month-old boy.
“The Municipal Medal for Deeds of Bravery was created to honor City Officers, Employees or any deserving individual for preforming an act of bravery and valor. Officer Deschamps’ actions on August 13 to save the life of an infant boy displayed this bravery and valor for which the City of Providence is incredibly grateful,” stated Council President Sabina Matos.
This award was codified into the Providence City Charter in 1915 and since then, the medal has only been bestowed twice in documented City history. The first was to Patrolman John Kelly who saved a 10-year-old boy from drowning in 1918 and the second was to a group of firemen who saved a seven-month-old girl who stopped breathing in 2016.
The medal was hand crafted by Olneyville artist Kiki Scuillo and features the City Council seal representing industry, watchfulness and peace as well as a commemorative seal of honor and heroism.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. shared, “Officer Deschamps is a shining example of the good work that our dedicated men and women in uniform do every day in our City. Officer Deschamps saved that baby boy and saved an entire family from a tragic loss. I hope that this recognition will serve as a reminder of how important and vital our men and women of the Providence Police Department are to the fabric of our City. We are incredibly grateful to Officer Deschamps for his honorable, brave actions”.
by Abigail Appel | Sep 14, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) today is excited to announce the collaboration between the community and The Avenue Concept, Rhode Island’s leading public art organization, for a pilot project that has brought art to the campus of the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School.
“As a proud alumnus of Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, and as an educator, and now the Councilman for Ward 1, I am thrilled to work with The Avenue Concept to bring beauty, art, and inspiration to the campus of the school as the kids start school this fall” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “There is a proverb that says: Where there is no vision, the people shall perish. I believe that rings true, and we need to have visionary partners like The Avenue Concept and Vartan Gregorian parents to help invest in our community spaces. This investment helps lift spirits, sparks joy, and gives our families and children pride in place.”
The pilot program, which has been completed was supported by Councilman Goncalves Neighborhood Infrastructure Funding, the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School PTO, and other community benefactors reimagines the front entrance of the school. The project includes a vinyl geometric fox (the school’s mascot) mural, designed by Myles Dumas, on the front doors and the repainting of the school’s front bench, planter border, and the planting of a new magnolia tree. Using bright and bold colors, The Avenue Concept and their design team will give the space new life.
“Projects like these are a win-win because they help highlight the value that both public art and public schools bring to our communities,” said Yarrow Thorne, founder and executive director of The Avenue Concept. “By enlivening the built environment around the school, we enhance the experience for students, teachers, and staff, and draw attention to the school from the surrounding community, encouraging all to engage with this public space.”
The Community Team for this project includes Yarrow Thorne, Executive Director of The Avenue Concept, Myles Dumas, Design Director at NAIL and the Vartan Gregorian parent who designed the geometric fox, Matthew Russo, Principal of Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, Jack Rusley, Co-Chair of Building and Grounds Committee and a VG Parent, Vartan Gregorian Elementary School PTO, Amy Mendillo of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association and a VG Parent, Vin Scorziello of the Fox Point Merchants Association, and Councilman John Goncalves. The team has a vision for not just the school but also areas adjacent to the school.
“Our school community is proud that this unique design is representative of the Fox Point Neighborhood,” stated Principal Matthew Russo. “We are fortunate to have such a supportive PTO that is committed to enriching the lives of every student at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School.”
Councilman Goncalves has also supported projects improving the inner appearance of the school, in particular the transformation of the inner courtyard of the school into a functional outdoor classroom, an effort lead by Vartan Gregorian parent and Co-Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Naz Firoz. “With fresh air more important than ever for children as they start school this fall, professional landscaping was necessary to clear invasive vines and overgrown trees from classroom windows and doors opening into the inner courtyard, and Councilman Goncalves was instrumental in making this happen. We are lucky to have such engaged parents, a supportive principal, and enthusiastic community leaders such as Councilman Goncalves and The Avenue Concept who want to improve the student experience not only now, but also for the future. I know that big changes take time, and these small but significant steps will help build momentum as we continue to move forward with other projects.”
The Avenue Concept is now raising funds for additional projects, including a new design of the school’s side entrance, which would include painting the new doors and creating a selfie wall that would make students feel empowered and have a little more fun at drop-off and pick-up. The third project would be at the corner entrance, where artists will transform the cement benches into whimsical mosaics using ceramic tiles to cover the benches. The fourth project would be to create a new large-scale mural by a professional muralist on the East Street Side of the School. The final bonus project would be to repaint the school’s electric boxes and dumpsters to turn these drab objects into stunning works of arts.
If you are interested in supporting these additional projects, visit The Avenue Concept and please donate online at www.theavenueconcept.org and in the notes write “VG Public Art.”
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