by Billy Kepner | Jun 2, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
The chaos that ensued last night was not promulgated by our community. These weren’t our usual neighborhood organizers who descended onto our streets.
Last night our city was pillaged and preyed upon by out-of-Town agitators and impressionable opportunists.
Don’t be fooled by their calls for justice. Don’t let them purposefully tarnish the peaceful call and movement for reform.
They’ve accomplished nothing and hurt so many families with their senseless acts. Families whose businesses had been shuttered for months and had just reopened. They hurt the families these families feed with employment and commerce.
Last night wasn’t just an attack on brick and mortar establishments, it was an attack on the spirit and good name of our City. It was an attack on our neighbors. It was an attack on the progress so many of us are working to achieve.
Let us come together as a united community and denounce this violence and continue to fight and advocate for peace and reconciliation.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
by Billy Kepner | Jun 1, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
As a Black-Latina Immigrant, instances of prejudice and racism are not unfamiliar to me.
Yet, the experience of the African American community in our country is one rife with hatred, destruction, and travesties of justice. I was proud to have taken my teenage son to the peaceful protest this past weekend in Providence.
There he witnessed the pain and outcry of black and brown communities who fear for their lives simply for existing. I pray for a world where my son’s skin color doesn’t make him a target of senseless violence.
Racism is our country’s oldest virus and one that we as leaders must work collectively and tirelessly to suppress and eradicate.
So let’s continue to chant, let’s continue to protest, and let’s continue to expose the evils that cause harm upon those we love. With peace on our side, there’s no way we can lose.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
by Billy Kepner | May 29, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
City Council Majority Whip and Chairman of the Committee on Finance John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7) has called for a meeting of the Committee on Finance to discuss Mayor Elorza’s plan to reopen our municipal government on Monday, June 1, at 5:00 PM via remote teleconference.
“It’s time to bring our City staff and offices back online safely and efficiently,” stated Chairman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. “A large percentage of our workforce has been idle, and not performing at full capacity. Over the past month, we have held almost daily Finance Committee meetings regarding the City’s budget and finances. The Committee has learned that the City is paying a large percentage of its employees for work that they are not able to do – at no fault of their own. There is no doubt that this pandemic has changed how we all live and work, but the City has had three months to take actionable steps to ensure that city services are being carried out. The administration did not provide modern technology to many of our employees, like call forwarding, laptops, or Wi-Fi hot spots. These simple steps would have allowed for city services to be done remotely and efficiently. At Monday’s meeting, the Committee expects the administration to provide an actionable plan of how they are going to safely and efficiently bring our employees back online and do the work that our taxpayers expect us to do whether that be remotely or in-person.”
City Hall and most other city-owned buildings have been closed to the public and non-essential staff since Saturday, March 14. During this time, residents have not been able to access city departments as they normally would. The City Council nor the Committee on Finance has been noticed on what the plans are to reopen city buildings and how the administration plans to bring back staff that is safe and manageable during the phased reopening process as put forth by Governor Raimondo.
Vice-Chairwoman of the Committee on Finance and City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) stated, “It is imperative that we get back to work, but we also must be able to ensure the safety of our city’s workforce. We have several offices that were able to pivot and work remotely, but not everything can be done online. We need to understand what the plans are to reopen the City because absent a comprehensive plan we are putting the health of our employees at risk. I look forward to hearing from the administration as to how they will be bringing back our workers safely and the measures they are putting in place to keep both our employees and visitors alike safe from the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
The Committee on Finance will meet Monday, June 1, at 5:00 PM via Zoom. Members of the public are able to join the Zoom meeting either by phone or computer or watch on the City Council’s YouTube Channel. The information for Monday’s meeting can be found below:
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device.
Please click this URL to join the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98023635365
Or join by phone – Dial: US: 1-646-876-9923 or 1-877-853-5257 (Toll-Free)
Webinar ID: 980 2363 5365
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adDcs7QB17
Meetings are also streamed live on the City Council’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/pvdmeetings. Please refresh your browser every minute or two until the meeting starts.
by Billy Kepner | May 29, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
At tonight’s Committee on Ordinances meeting chaired by Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) the Committee voted to schedule several public hearings in the coming weeks regarding matters important to the community and passed several matters which will be sent to the full Council for a vote.
“The spring is a busy legislative season for the Committee on Ordinances,” stated Chairwoman and Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council has been meeting remotely. These meetings are tremendously laborious for our staff so scheduling can be challenging. With that said, we have important work that needs to be done and we will move forward with virtual meetings and public hearings. There are several important matters that are before the Committee and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring this slate of legislation back to the Council.”
One particularly important public hearing is related to a change to the City’s Zoning Ordinance that would eliminate Incinerator or Waste Facilities from being able to operate in the City of Providence.
Ryan continued, “I applaud Councilman Espinal for working to bring this matter to our Committee. Recently, there was a proposal for a Waste Transfer Station near the Port of Providence that would have adversely affected his community. While I am a proponent of creating industry in our City, the quality of life and the wellbeing of our residents need to be at the forefront of every decision we make.”
The Committee has scheduled public hearings for the following matters:
- Item #28680: Incinerator/Waste Facility Use Category
- Item #28681: Compassion and Cultivation Centers
- Item #29002: Zone Change for 1192 Westminster Street
- Item #25790: Zoning Amendment around Non-Conforming Sign Usage
The Committee also voted and recommended approval of the following matters to the full Council for a vote:
- Item #12482: Zoning Change for 12 Lenox Avenue
- Item #27140: Amendment to the Code of Ordinances allowing for use of skateboards in designated parks and in bike lanes or where bicycling is allowed
- Item #27186: Creation for Special Committee on Commemorative Works in the City
This matter was held for further study:
- Item #27940: Zoning Change for 193 Vinton Street
The Committee also voted to continue the several remaining matters indefinitely.
For more information and a complete listing of tonight’s Committee on Ordinances Docket, please visit the
Open Meetings Portal.
by Billy Kepner | May 27, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
The Rhode Island State Supreme Court today upheld the 2018 ruling by the State Superior Court, regarding an amendment to the Providence zoning ordinance that limits student housing in residential neighborhoods. In 2015, City Council Majority Leader, Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), introduced an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that placed a limit on the number of students who could live in non-owner occupied single-family homes. The Amendment was passed by the Council, signed by the Mayor, and later challenged in Court. The Plaintiffs who brought the suit were a landlord and several tenants who claimed the law violated their constitutional rights.
“I am very pleased that the State Supreme Court upheld the City ordinance,” said Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “This ordinance is about preserving the single-family housing stock and about public safety. Single-family homes were not intended by zoning law to be used as mini-dorms. In a city where individuals and families are finding it harder and harder to find safe and affordable homes, it is imperative that we, as elected officials work to preserve our housing stock and to protect the residential character of our neighborhoods.”
The ordinance states that in certain zones, a single-family dwelling, which is not owner-occupied, may not be occupied by more than three college students. A college student is defined as an individual enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at any university or college who commutes to campus.
“I join my colleagues in City Council in our appreciation for this decision,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “As we continue to build for the Providence of tomorrow, this ordinance plays a critical role in supporting our residential neighborhoods and protects our community members who call Providence home and have for generations.”
Ryan introduced the legislation in response to concerns from residents in the Elmhurst and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods. who were frustrated that single-family homes were being purchased by investors and rented to numerous college students. Ryan, whose ward includes Rhode Island College and is adjacent to Providence College said, “off-campus student housing creates a host of challenges for residents. Moreover, the Court held that limiting population density, congestion, noise, and traffic are all valid governmental objectives. This ordinance will help to ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe and will preserve the quality of life for all.”
Rhode Island State Supreme Court Justice Francis Flaherty in his 24-page opinion stated, “The legislative body may have initially considered more drastic measures, but decided to pass a less restrictive ordinance, is indicative of a democratic process—not a reason to find the result unconstitutional.” Justice Flaherty also opined, “It is conceivable that the City Council could have determined that a large number of college students residing in single-family homes in residential areas is deleterious to the preservation of the character of these areas. It is further conceivable that the City Council could have concluded that, by restricting the number of college students that may rent single-family homes in these areas, some incremental benefit might be effectuated. The rationality of these possibilities is strengthened by the fact that the Amendment conforms with the mission of the City of Providence Zoning Ordinance, which explicitly states among its purposes: ‘promoting the public health, safety and general welfare’ and ‘promoting a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe, and sanitary housing,’ goals that are mandated by the General Assembly…The rationality of the Amendment is further illustrated by its adherence to the City of Providence’s Comprehensive Plan…”
Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) stated, “This ordinance is important to preserving our housing stock, especially at a time when we have a serious shortage of housing in the City. I applaud the work of my colleague, Majority Leader Ryan, and all the hard work she did to preserve the quality of life in our city of neighborhoods.”
Ryan noted that the zoning amendment was the product of countless and regular conversations with residents, landlords, college officials, the City Solicitor, planning and public safety officials, and two public hearings on the issue throughout 2015.
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “This is a perfect example of how government should work. I heard the concerns of my constituents and went to bat for them. It has taken five years, two state court opinions, and countless hours to bring this to fruition. I’m pleased for my neighbors that this fight, which I took on as a freshman City Councilor has finally achieved this level of success. However, this is not the end, but a beginning. I will continue to work to deliver results for the families of Providence.”
by Billy Kepner | May 27, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-7
Today, the City of Providence Board of Contract and Supply approved the hiring of Ernest Almonte, Rhode Island’s former Auditor General, to advise the City Council and its members on the proposed FY ’21 Providence City Budget.
As the City of Providence is facing severe budget deficits due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the City’s Internal Auditor has hired an outside firm to help provide independent guidance during these times of financial uncertainty. Due to the administration submitting a budget dependent on unresolved factors and their request to borrow $90-million, the Internal Auditor felt that it was imperative that the Council get third-party advisement on how to work through these challenges.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic has upturned every aspect of our lives; including our City’s finances,” stated Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15). “Auditor General Almonte‘s expertise in state and municipal finances will help the Council make the best decisions on how we can maximize our City’s tax dollars in the upcoming fiscal year.“
Ernest Almonte has 40 years of experience working in government, not-for-profits, and higher education, where he has provided technical assistance on accounting and financial reporting issues to federal, state, and local governments. Mr. Almonte is a leader with vast experience working with federal, state, and local government leadership on compliance, audit, and consulting projects. He is a frequent speaker on industry-related topics and spent 16 years as Rhode Island’s Auditor General.
Chairman on the Committee on Finance John J. Igliozzi, Esq. stated, “The Council is prepared to pass a no tax increase budget, but we must understand where cuts can and must be made. With Ernie’s vast knowledge of the state financial system, he will be able to guide the Council and the Committee on Finance through the current financial crisis we find ourselves facing. I look forward to working with him and getting his decades worth of advice to help us make the best and most economically sound decisions for the residents of Providence.”
Mr. Almonte will begin researching the budget, department by department, to find ways to save money and to identify how the City can be the best stewards of resident’s tax dollars as soon as possible.
“I’m happy to be working with Ernie and look forward to his guidance as we prepare to finalize our City’s budget,” stated Providence Internal Auditor Gina Costa. “The City is seeing severe revenue losses across several sectors, and with no idea of when we might begin to see those revenues return, my team and I must have the support in doing our due diligence for the residents of Providence.”
