by Billy Kepner | Aug 19, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) was joined by Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson, and William D’Abate Elementary School Principal Brent Kerman for the ribbon-cutting in celebration of recent upgrades and improvements to the Joslin Street Playground on Monday, August 19, 2019 .
“Nature is as important to learning as are books,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “Outdoor classrooms give kids the opportunity to learn about the natural world in a way that makes sense and has proven to improve STEM learning amongst students. In addition, scientists have proven time and time again, that giving children time in nature helps them to focus, relax, and decompress. Something that I think we could all use. I am proud of the work that the Parks Department has done to make these improvements not just for the students at William D’Abate but for all the residents of mighty Ward 15.”
Council President Matos continued, “This is a project that began in 2011 with the creation of the Joslin Street Playground Master Plan, and I am so glad to watch these pieces come together. This is quickly becoming the crown jewel of the Olneyville and surrounding neighborhoods!”
Aligned with the City’s Green Schoolyards initiative, the new playground installations feature natural elements and a new outdoor classroom meant to encourage youth connection to nature, support afterschool activities and recess time, and provide a neighborhood resource. Resources and labor were provided by the Providence Parks Department, with engagement from community organizations and partners including ONE Neighborhood Builders, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, and the William D’Abate School community. This project completes the second phase of improvements, funded by the City’s Capital Improvement Plan for $115,000.
These improvements are the latest in achieving the goals set by the Master Plan for the Joslin Street Playground in 2011. Since that time, the park saw the installation of an innovative waterpark, amongst many other additions and yet more to come.
Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan, MPA the Resident Engagement Project Manager at One Neighborhood Builders said, “At One Neighborhood Builders we believe that projects like this one at Joslin Playground not only benefit the students from William D’Abate Elementary but the whole community. Our goal as an organization is to help build strong, healthy communities which include affordable housing, and supporting programs that vitalize neighborhoods and provide quality of life enhancements to all we serve.”
by Billy Kepner | Aug 19, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Majority Leader Ryan and Providence College Urban Action Volunteers
City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) hosted a community clean-up and stormwater management project on Pleasant Valley Parkway today with 125 incoming freshmen from Providence College. This event was part of the College’s Urban Action Summer Program from incoming first-year students.
“I was excited to meet some of Providence’s newest residents,” stated Majority Leader and Ward 5 Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. “Having these students volunteer in our community is a great way for them to meet their neighbors, learn about their new home for the next four years, and to build lasting friendships.”
The volunteers from Providence College will be helping with a clean-up of the Pleasant Valley Parkway, along with working on the stormwater management project currently taking place on the Parkway. Majority Leader Ryan continued, “Stormwater mitigation is important to the ecosystem of the Pleasant Valley Parkway and stream. Because the Pleasant Valley Parkway is the largest section of the Woonasquatucket River that makes ground in a residential neighborhood, we must ensure that the area’s stormwater runoff is cleared of contaminants and pollutants. This is not only good for the environment but also benefits the Narragansett Bay cleaning effort.”
Ryan went on to say, “Green infrastructure has been a priority for me as a legislator. This is why I have been so passionate about stormwater management initiatives, green education, and my Plastic Bag Reduction Act. It was great to work with these new students from Providence College to make Providence greener and a more sustainable City.”
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.
In addition to the clean-up, Jonathan Bearard from Clean Water Action hosted a lunch and learn for the Providence College students at Roger Williams Hospital. Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking, and people power to the table around the Country since 1972.
Majority Leader Ryan partnered with the Armand E. Batastini Jr. Recreation Center, the Providence Parks Department, Providence Department of Public Works, Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, Partnership for Providence Parks, Friends of the Pleasant Valley Parkway, the Providence Police Department, the Providence Fire Department, Clean Water Action, and Roger Williams Medical Center to make this community clean-up possible.
For more information about Providence College Urban Action, or Providence College visit www.providence.edu.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 14, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Statement Regarding Friday’s Shooting on Douglas Avenue:
I want to thank the Providence Police Department, especially the officer that was shot in the line of duty, for their dedication and bravery. They handled Friday’s shooting with professionalism, and that should be commended.
However, this event should have never happened. It is disturbing to my neighbors and me that the accused young man, who was out on bail from another weapons charge, was able to access a firearm. If he was alleged to be dangerous – why was he released on bond? If someone has a track record of being a violent offender, which this young man is alleged to have, why was he released? And at the very least, why was he not released on home confinement and monitored? These questions need to be answered. This is another occasion where our court system has failed us again.
I encourage our State leaders to look into stronger penalties when it comes to weapons charges. We need to act now.
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Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader – Providence City Council – Councilman, Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Aug 9, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
On behalf of myself and the residents of Ward 14, I want to thank the Providence Police Department for their quick work in minimizing the situation on Douglas Avenue earlier today. The safety of our City’s residents is paramount, and we are thankful that this situation was able to be resolved quickly.
Although there were shots fired, the suspect has been apprehended along with his weapon. The suspect was known to police and is now off our streets. An officer was shot, but thankfully his protective gear kept him out of harm’s way.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the injured officer, and thank all the first responders involved.
As we learn more information, we will share it with the community as quickly as possible.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 8, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Today Commissioner Infante-Green issued her reconstitution order of the Providence Public Schools. I believe that this is a necessary step, and although I have concerns that the state is taking control of more than half of the City’s budget, I remain committed and supportive of this process.
This process was never going to be easy, but I hope this will be an opportunity to transform our school system and serves all of our students. It is essential that all stakeholders, including the City Council, have a seat at the table as we navigate these changes.
The Commissioner has proposed a bold plan, and I look forward to working with her to make sure that Providence City Schools are no longer at the bottom, but that we fix the systemic issues that have plagued our schools for generations, and rise to the top. It’s what our children deserve.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 5, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) announced today that she is convening the City Council for a meeting to discuss the status of the Providence City Schools this coming Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
“We all must play our part to rebuild our school system,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “The Council must augment the voice of the families who demand accountability. In partnership with the State and the administration, we must ensure that our schools are safe and clean on day one for our students.”
The Council has invited Providence City School’s Interim Superintendent Francis Gallo, Chief of Administration Joseph DiPina; Providence City School Board President Nicholas Hemond, Esq., Providence City School Board Members; and Providence’s Director of Public Property Michael Borg to attend and and provide an update on the condition of our school buildings, and to discuss the comprehensive education report conducted by Johns Hopkins University.
Council President Matos continued, “I attended all but one of the community meetings held by Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and I was deeply moved by the passion and the resilience that our community voiced. Over the past two months, I have met with stakeholders at all levels and have expressed that the Council will do whatever it takes to improve the quality of education for our students. Our community is not only resilient, but we have proved time and time again that anything is possible with hard work. But first, we need to ensure that the basics are met – that our schools are clean, that our infrastructure projects are completed, that students, staff, and faculty have what they need to achieve success.”
City Council as a Whole meeting occurs when the Council wants to convene all its members to discuss a specific issue or topic.
