by Billy Kepner | Aug 26, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
My family and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Berta Hudson. The North End is a tight-knit community, and when tragedies like these occur it affects us all.
Once again, I find myself asking – How does a man convicted of domestic abuse have access to a firearm? We need to do better to ensure the safety of our community. This tragedy marks the 10th homicide in Providence this year, and it is time for us to take action. Whether that be investing in more police, or working to hold another gun buy-back program, we must do something.
Over the coming months, I will be working with my colleagues on the City Council to find ways for us to address these serious quality of life issues.
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Nicholas J. Narducci Jr, Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Aug 26, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
We are at an inflection point in Providence, as we grow as a City. We are facing crisis’ on multiple fronts; our schools, affordable housing, and the seeming uptick in violence centered around our nightclub culture.
As we grow as a City, it’s time for us to revisit our culture around nightlife and public safety. Every time an act of violence occurs inside or outside of a nightclub, public safety resources are diverted from every neighborhood in Providence leaving communities susceptible to other acts of crime.
I’m calling on my colleagues to revisit the City Council’s 2012 strategy and the Pine Report to ensure that we are working in the best interest of our constituents when it comes to their safety. I am also calling on the Board of Licenses to work with club owners across Providence and the City Council to employ strategies that proactively prevent these seemingly frequent incidents.
Violence is never the answer, and I’m deeply concerned that so many of our young people are resorting to these strategies to deal with their differences.
These acts of violence are systemic, and we as elected leaders need to address the underlying issues that plague our community. I am committed to working with my colleagues at both the state and local level to help address these serious quality of life issues.
David A. Salvatore, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 14
by Billy Kepner | Aug 22, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
With today’s announcement, the City has taken a positive step forward in addressing the safety concerns of residents by suspending the JUMP Bike program.
After engaging with the community, the overwhelming response was that this initiative, although good in theory, lacked key controls such as a safety and retrieval plan. My Council colleagues and I put forth a resolution in July that has prompted the administration to take action, and we look forward to working with them to create a program that works for all residents.
I want to commend the Providence Police Department for doing a fantastic job responding to complaints and investigating the problems associated with the JUMP Bikes over the past year. The City Council is committed to making sure that the need for reliable and affordable forms of transportation continues to be a top priority, and will work with our partners in government to achieve that end.
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Michael J. Correia, President Pro Tempore, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 6
by Billy Kepner | Aug 22, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
I support the JUMP Bikes program here in Providence, and I believe it provides an important affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation in our City. I am also in full support of the administration’s decision to suspend the program until we can review and implement the proper controls and protocols to make this program a success.
Once the company switched from their U-shaped locks to their cable lock system it became clear that the bikes were too easily compromised. This new locking mechanism created several adverse effects in our community which I believe created serious quality of life issues. Which is why in July, I introduced a resolution requesting the administration to do a comprehensive study of this program. To date, the Council has not received that. Once we do, it will be vetted in an open committee meeting.
There are a number of these bicycles unaccounted for in our community, and that causes me concern. I am hopeful that the City, the Council, and JUMP Bikes can come to a resolution that benefits all members of our community, and that we have protocols in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians and riders alike.
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Jo-Ann Ryan, Majority Leader, Providence City Council, Councilwoman – Ward 5
by Billy Kepner | Aug 22, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
A little over two weeks ago the City Council met and heard from the Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fran Gallo, along with the COO of the School Department Joe DiPina, President of the School Board Nicholas Hemond, Esq., and the City’s Director of Public Property Michael Borg where they told us that the schools were in good conditions and would be ready for students on day one. As we learn more, that’s not the case.
The City is now deploying employees from the Department of Public Works to help finish projects that will barely make the schools functional. Time and time again, we listen to this administration and take them at their word, and then to only find out that it is only lip service on their end, and it is disheartening.
I want answers, and I believe my colleagues do as well. Our students, teachers, staff, and parents deserve answers. They deserve to know that the City is doing what they say they are, and I’m not sure that’s the case.
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Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Aug 20, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) hosted a “Day of Service” at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School today with 150 students from Providence College. These students worked alongside teachers to help prepare their classroom for the upcoming school year. This event is part of the College’s Urban Action Summer Program from incoming first-year students.
“I am very grateful for Providence College and their student’s commitment to helping improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “This annual event has become an integral part in readying Kennedy Elementary for the new school year. It helps ensure that the students at Kennedy have a clean school and that it is ready for them and their teachers on day one. It is also a great way for students, especially aspiring teachers, to work alongside some of our best educators. PC’s Urban Action is a great program, and one that I am happy to support.”
Urban Action is a five-day program for incoming first-year students at Providence College. It is designed to increase students’ understanding of urban issues while also introducing them to the Providence community. Students spend three days volunteering at local sites in the city of Providence, and one day volunteering on campus helping fellow classmates move in.
Providence College’s Campus Minister, Pamela Tremblay stated, “Before syllabi are given out, books are purchased, and even before the majority of students descend upon campus, Providence College welcomes 250 students early as a way to connect them with the college’s mission to promote ‘the common good, the human flourishing of each member of the campus community, and service of neighbors near and far.’ Participating in park clean-ups, spending time with the elderly, preparing food at soup kitchens or assisting local schools in preparing for the year, these students join the Friar Family and the larger Providence community by beginning their year in service to others. We are grateful for our community partners and city leaders, whose willingness to host students and share their commitment to the city make this pre-orientation service so successful.”
Principal Amy Burns of Robert F. Kennedy Elementary stated, “Every year, teachers at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary look forward to the influx of Providence College students, who have truly adopted our school for their day of service. From painting walls to working with teachers to set up their classrooms, our Providence College ‘helpers’ provide invaluable assistance in getting the school ready for our kids.”
For more information about Providence College Urban Action, or Providence College visit www.providence.edu.
