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.”
by Billy Kepner | May 21, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
At tonight’s City Council meeting Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) introduced legislation that calls on the administration to establish a COVID-19 Working Group regarding local college and university reentry plans. The group will consist of local college and university representatives, community representatives, public safety officials, public health officials, and others to work together on the creation of reentry plans for students, staff, and faculty. Creating and sharing these plans will provide confidence for neighbors that live and work around these institutions in Providence.
“Providence is a world-class city with world-class institutions of higher education, which makes our city an incredible place to live and learn,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “The goal is to protect our residents and the thousands of students, faculty, and staff of our eight local college and university campuses as they return for in-person learning from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Many epidemiologists believe that colleges and their congregate settings put students, faculty, and staff at risk if the virus were to return in the fall and winter, which many believe it will. Making it critical for the City and our local colleges and universities to work together to ensure that we can reopen campuses safely.”
The creation of reopening plans that set forth clear and actionable steps for how these institutions plan on maintaining public safety when they do reopen campuses will signal to both students and the residents of Providence that there is a way to co-exist safely and productively, even in the era of COVID-19.
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “The faculty and students of our local institutions play an integral role in the social and economic fabric of our City, and it will require all of us working together to enable their safe return to Providence. We all need to be moving in the same direction so that we can begin to build a new normal without risking another wave of the virus.”
by Billy Kepner | May 21, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Refunds for erroneously charged fines relating
to the late removal of trash bins to be issued within in 45 Days
CouncilmanDavid A. Salvatore (Ward 14) discovered in October of 2019 that a change to the Code of Ordinances from 2011 was never implemented by the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding the fine amounts for late removal of garbage receptacles. This lapse resulted in residents being incorrectly fined for nearly a decade.
After conducting an audit of fines imposed on homeowners, repeated attempts by the City’s Internal Auditor requesting updates on the reimbursement plan from the City’s Administration for these charges were never answered. As a result, Councilman Salvatore and his Co-sponsors, Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), introduced legislation forcing the City to refund residents who were unfairly fined.
“The City Council approved a change to the Code of Ordinances for these fines in 2011, and it was obviously never instituted by the Department of Public Works,” stated Councilman Salvatore. “The Internal Auditor found that nearly 1,000 residents were erroneously fined and in some cases the amounts of the citations were doubled or tripled. During these difficult times, homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 crisis could use these refunds to buy groceries, purchase medicine, and other critical expenditures. I want to thank the Internal Auditor for her diligence and research to ensure homeowners that they receive these refunds.”
According to the audit, 940 violations are eligible for a refund totaling $30,625.00. The report outlines the background and recommendations to the Department of Public Works, as well as their responses.
“It is my hope that our DPW will employ new methods of communication and outreach so that residents have clear and predictable knowledge of their responsibilities,” continued Councilman Salvatore.
Upon passage of the ordinance, the Director of Public Works shall furnish a report to the City Council and Internal Auditor within ten days that identifies all Providence residents who were improperly charged for violations of Section 12-63 of the Code of Ordinances.
Within 45 days from the passage of this ordinance, the City’s Finance Director must begin reimbursing Providence residents identified by the DPW’s report. Further, within 90 days from the date of passage of this ordinance, the Director of Public Works and Finance Director will provide a report to the City Council outlining their progress in reimbursing the residents who were overcharged, and further identify the required steps needed to complete the reimbursement process.
by Billy Kepner | May 21, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-6
Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) will introduce a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting endorsing and urging the United States Senate to pass H.R. 6800, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act also known as the HEROES Act. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), and Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14).
“It is vital that the HEROES Act passes the Senate. Rhode Island’s federal delegation has worked extremely hard to bring economic relief to our state. Yet, not everyone who pays their fair share in taxes is receiving the help they need under the CARES Act.”
The proposed bill, known as the HEROES Act, would protect undocumented workers employed in essential fields from deportation for up to 90 days after the duration of the crisis and extends eligibility for federal stimulus dollars to taxpayers who have an IRS Tax Identification Number but not a social security number.
Council President Matos continued, “There are numerous families in Providence who are working day and night in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but are still struggling to make ends meet. Even more, are dealing with the economic distress of being out of work or taking on unexpected expenses. Everybody, regardless of immigration status, needs help right now, and I urge the Senate to pass the HEROES Act so that the hard-working men and women in our City and around the Country can get the relief that they need and earned.”
Upon passage, copies of the resolution will be sent to Rhode Island’s federal delegation.
