Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. Welcomes Two New Businesses to Ward 4
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4) last week welcomed two new businesses to the North End neighborhood.
“The North End is a neighborhood that is seeing positive growth,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “The North End residents are very loyal to local businesses, and I believe these two new businesses are a testament to the loyalty of our residents.”
Narducci continued, “It was my honor and pleasure to hold ribbon cuttings at United Community Martial Arts and Jireh Market last week. These businesses will add so much to our community, and I am honored that they chose the North End to call home.”
United Community Martial Arts is located at 550 Branch Avenue and is owned and operated by Shihan Thomas Evans who is the president and a master instructor of the United Community Martial Arts Institute of Rhode Island. The United Community Martial Arts Institute, is a Multi-Disciplinary Japanese and American Kenpo Karate (Sullivan’s American Kenpo), Muay Lao & Thai Martial Arts, Mixed Martial Arts & Grappling Academy.
All of their programs are designed to be accessible to beginners, children, families, and individuals of all ages while inspiring and challenging newcomers and seasoned martial artists alike to new levels of strength, flexibility, endurance, superior health, and athletic performance.
They are a non-profit Family Community Center dedicated to peace, health, and safety. They also provide a free trial program to anyone who wants to try our martial arts institute and scholarships for tuition to those families who need financial assistance. For more information visit them on the web at teamunitedacademy.com.
Jireh Market is located at 567 Charles Street and has off-street parking. It is owned and operated by Jissel Jireh. The market offers a variety of grocery staples and caters to a multi-cultural neighborhood. They have everything from name-brand American products to products from South and Central America.
“As a board member of the North End Business Association I am pleased to welcome these great new establishments to our neighborhood,” stated Michael Florio. “Together these new businesses are adding much-added value to our community
Council President Pro Tempore Correia Announces Ward 6 Infrastructure Projects
City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia announces over $100K in infrastructure improvements in Ward Six neighborhoods.
“My job as a Councilor is to advocate for my constituents, and to support quality of life initiatives that will benefit everyone in our community,” stated City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia. “Investing in sidewalks and street trees are important to my neighbors and helps create pride and place. Taxpayers deserve to have city services that work for them, and as long as I am in office that is where I am laser-focused.”
President Pro Tempore Correia has allocated $6K for street trees on Academy Avenue, Atwells Avenue, Chalkstone Avenue and Berlin Street in Ward Six. He has also authorized $100K for the repair and replacement of sidewalks along Academy Avenue and is installing a pedestrian push-to-walk button installed at the corner of Manton Avenue and Sisson Street.
“As a City Councilor I am awarded funds through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Fund and I ensure that every penny is spent on bettering the Ward. Fixing and repairing these sidewalks will provide pedestrians safe places to walk, homeowners pride in their property, and along with the street trees will help to beautify the neighborhood.”
The infrastructure work is expected to be completed no later than the end of November.
Statement from Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris
Today, for the first time, I was made aware of an ongoing plan to create a nightclub district bordering my ward. This idea, championed by Dylan Conley, chair of our City’s Board of Licenses, and supported by a couple of my colleagues, is concerning to say the least. Even more disappointing is the fact that my neighbors and I have been left out of the conversation leading up to the big announcements over the weekend and this morning.
Surely, the next Councilor from Ward 10 (where this district is being considered) should’ve had a say before this type of proposal went public. Undeniably, our families and business owners are often taken for granted when grand developments are envisioned in our community.
Too often, the Southside is used as a dumping ground for the ideas no one else is willing to house in their own backyards. While homeless shelters, social service agencies, and rehab centers (just to name a few) are all worthwhile investments, why is it always the Southside community that has to compromise quality of life for the better good?
My neighbors and families deserve better than the treatment they’re too often afforded. This idea, like too many others, devalues our voice and assumes indifference. I’m hoping to learn more about this nightclub district proposal in the coming days and hope that my constituents are formally invited to the table.
Statement from City Council President Sabina Matos on Nightlife Issues in the City of Providence
Last Thursday, the City Council approved a resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Ryan to engage a consultant to provide an updated evaluation of the Board of Licenses. Last Thursday I also announced the creation of a Night Life Working Group to assess the numerous issues affecting the City’s night-time businesses, identify tools to preserve public safety and residential peace, and to ensure the enjoyment of the City’s nighttime arts and entertainment options. These are just a couple of options my leadership team is exploring to help curb the night-time violence in our City.
The working group will be comprised of stakeholders that include public safety officials, members from the Board of Licenses, the City Council, business owners, and community members. It is important that we understand the needs of our business owners and neighbors before we make any substantive changes moving forward.
The one thing that is clear, however, is that we can’t afford to wait any longer. We can’t sit idly by while our City suffers night after night and families wake up to headline after headline about a random stabbing or shooting. No price tag, time commitment, or effort is ever enough to provide our families the peace of mind they expect and deserve from their local government.
That said, I am happy to hear how engaged my colleagues have been in this discussion, but I think we are putting the cart before the horse. We need to fully understand the scope and overriding issues around nightlife culture before we move forward with any major initiatives.
Councilman David Salvatore Calls for Exploring a City “Office of Nightlife and Culture”
Last month, Councilman David A. Salvatore posted polls on Facebook and Twitter for constituent feedback regarding a potential Providence “Office of Nightlife and Culture.” Fifty-four percent of Facebook respondents and 63 percent of respondents on Twitter agreed that the city should explore creating a similar best practice.
In recent months there has been an uptick in violence surrounding nightlife in Providence, and Councilman Salvatore has been a strong advocate in addressing these issues. “The Board of Licenses has done a great deal of work on addressing long-standing issues,” stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “It has become clear to me that our City’s elected leaders need to do more, and we need to look at best practices in other cities.”
Councilman Salvatore shared an article on social media from CityLab.com (https://bit.ly/2lY0rPX) which explained how several major cities are addressing the issues that come from nightlife entertainment. Salvatore said, “There is no reason why Providence should reinvent the wheel time and time again. Considering best practices and what is working in other municipalities can help us create a safe nightlife culture that works for us and already has been tested.”
Cities like New York, Pittsburgh, Orlando and other municipalities around the world have created departments to address nightlife culture. Each city referenced in the CityLab article interacts with its departments differently, but the overarching theme is that these departments are in place to liaise with business owners, city officials, and public safety officials. Salvatore continued, “In Providence, we have responsible business owners who have been successful at mitigating issues, and they do so voluntarily, with little fiscal impact. I think of Anthony Santurri and the late Chris Harris, who embraced the responsibility that comes with owning a nightlife venue. Anthony created a handbook that addresses everything from operations to de-escalating fights, and he ensures that all his employees have it in handed before they begin employment. I believe that’s why he doesn’t encounter issues of violence inside or outside of his venue. I think he has lots to share.”
Councilman Salvatore continued, “I am very happy to see that my colleague Councilwoman Kat Kerwin and community advocate Travis Escobar have taken this situation seriously. I look forward to working with them on this important quality of life issue.”
Councilman Salvatore is calling on his colleagues on the City Council to look further than spending tax-payer dollars on unnecessary consultants and attorneys and is encouraging the Elorza Administration to explore best practices that are working in cities around the world.
