by Council Staff | Feb 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
Tonight, Providence City Council held a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall.
At the meeting, councilors unanimously passed a resolution urging the return of Providence public schools to local control. The resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13), supports House Bill H-7414, which would provide for the return of the Providence Public School District to local governance by nullifying the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s recommendation that the turnaround plan be continued, and its Senate companion bill, entitled “An Act Relating to Education – The Paul W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative.” Should the state nullify the recommendation with these bills, local governance would return to PPSD on July 1, 2026.
Earlier this week, the Providence School Board unanimously passed a resolution calling for a return to local governance, which would fall under their jurisdiction. Mayor Brett Smiley included an end to the state takeover in his state legislative package last month. With this resolution, City Council demonstrates unity across city partners confirming readiness and eagerness for a return to local control.
“The Mayor, School Board, and City Council are on the same page here. Providence is ready to resume local control. We’re grateful to RIDE for all the work they’ve done with PPSD to help our schools and our students succeed in the long-term,” said President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9). “Thanks to the Turnaround Action Plan, our students and teachers have made tremendous strides over the last several years. With the full support of the School Board, Mayor, and City Council, we’re confident in PPSD’s ability to keep this momentum going.”
This term, City Council has been a consistent partner in the turnaround of the Providence Public Schools, including by negotiating into the budget the largest increase in funding on record, by making massive investments in new and like-new school buildings, and by committing to maintain the funding obligations laid out in the 2024 settlement agreement. Copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Office of Governor Daniel McKee, Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Valarie Lawson, and the Providence Delegation.
After receiving public comment in the Committee on Ordinances last week, councilors granted first passage to an ordinance amendment regulating building design standards. As part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, these updated standards would offer a guide to ensure new housing developments fit into the character of Providence’s distinct neighborhoods.
Councilors also granted first passage to updates to the utility permits ordinance that clarify and strengthen existing requirements on planned and unplanned emergency utility work. This quality-of-life measure aims to improve residents’ awareness of work schedules, expectations around clean-up, and overall accessibility.
Both ordinances will undergo a second vote at the next full City Council meeting on March 5, 2026.
In response to continued snow and ice obstructions at city bus stops, councilors introduced a resolution compelling the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to clear snowbanks from all bus stops, not just shelters. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Public Works .
In a continued effort to increase accessibility to City Council proceedings, Council now offers live Spanish translation. Constituents who would like to use the technology can scan a QR code or upload a link providing two options: they can either listen to translation from an AI voice, or they can read subtitles in Spanish. This will be available for use during every public meeting moving forward. The QR code will be available on the docket for City Council meetings, outside the Chamber, and on the home screen before each meeting. Languages other than Spanish or English can be accommodated upon request.
A regular meeting of the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23rd, in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Councilors will discuss the rent stabilization ordinance, including the public testimony received via email and during the public hearing last night. The public and press are invited to attend, but there will be no public comment or vote during this meeting.
by Council Staff | Feb 5, 2026 | Uncategorized
Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council held a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall.
Councilors unanimously approved a resolution denouncing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s campaign of aggression around the country, and specifically the unjust killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were tragically killed by immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis. As communities organize to support and protect each other from these violent, reckless attacks, Providence councilors extend solidarity and support to the people of Minneapolis.
“Federal officers are leading a campaign of terror in Providence and around the country, violating the constitutional rights of residents en masse,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Today we stand with Minneapolis, and we rise together to defend democracy here and everywhere by calling on our Congressional delegation to abolish an agency that is perverting the principles of justice and fair treatment under the law.”
As Providence residents continue to report difficulty navigating snow and ice on the city’s streets, several councilors introduced a resolution seeking information, reflection, and accountability on the City’s storm preparation and management. The City Council’s Committee on Public Works held a public meeting with DPW leadership to discuss the handling of the storm on Tuesday, February 3. The resolution, which requests a formal report from the Department of Public Works, was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
“Obviously, a combination of intense snow accumulation, extreme cold, and insufficient resources led to a less-than-stellar response by DPW,” said Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14). “I look forward to reading DPW’s report so we can join the Administration in finding ways to improve our storm planning and management in the future.”
In response to reports that many stores in the greater Providence area have sold out of road salt, Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15), who chairs the Committee on Public Works, presented a resolution requesting DPW distribute at least one ton of the city’s salt supply to residents to help clear sidewalks and driveways. The resolution was passed on the floor.
“Unfortunately, over the last week DPW’s plows have pushed snow into constituents’ sidewalks and driveways, causing accessibility issues,” said Councilman Vargas. “We’ve been experiencing extreme cold temperatures, and not all of the snow and ice has melted. With the lack of road salt available for purchase, we’re proposing that DPW provide some of their salt to Providence residents to melt the ice so pedestrians, strollers, and wheelchairs can once again get around safely.”
Councilors also introduced a resolution promoting sustainable and equitable funding for stormwater and sewer management. Providence has experienced 13 significant flooding events in the past three years that have endangered residents and damaged homes and businesses. In response, a Sustainable Stormwater and Sewer Assessment Study Task Force recommended establishing dedicated user fees for stormwater and sewer management. The resolution, which was introduced by Councilor Jill S. Davidson (Ward 2) and Task Force member Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), supports working in collaboration with the Administration to advance the task force’s recommendations, engage community members, and develop an implementation framework. It was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
In a continued effort to advocate for safe, affordable housing, councilors heard two resolutions supporting state legislation that addresses housing issues. Councilors unanimously passed a resolution, introduced by Council President Miller, which supports $25 million general obligation housing bonds in the General Assembly. A second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Peterson supports H-7199 and S-2291, which amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to allow victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse to terminate a lease early without penalty or liability. This resolution was referred to the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs.
Councilors also unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which took place on January 27, 2026. January 27th is the anniversary of the day the Red Army liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
Councilors approved Mayor Brett Smiley’s appointment of Andrew Bramson, President and CEO of Onward We Learn, to the Providence School Board for Region 1. Bramson is currently serving as the Board Chair of the Central Falls School District.
The next city council meeting will take place on February 19th, 2026.
by Council Staff | Feb 3, 2026 | Uncategorized
President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9), who chairs the Providence City Council Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE), announced that the committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed rent stabilization ordinance. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Constituents are encouraged to attend to share their opinions on the ordinance, make suggestions, and hear the thoughts of their neighbors.
“This public hearing marks the beginning of a transparent process where Providence residents can share their experiences, concerns, and ideas about rent stabilization,” said President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo. “Vice Chair Shelley Peterson, our committee members, and I are committed to listening closely to everyone impacted by this proposal—including both renters and homeowners. The strongest policy is always informed by both evidence and the actual experiences of our residents. We look forward to hearing directly from the community as we work toward thoughtful, balanced housing policy for the city we call home.”
The public hearing is one piece of a robust public process that will also include community meetings throughout the city. Under the leadership of Chair Pichardo, the HOPE Committee will carefully consider the public’s input as they continue to vet the ordinance. Following the public hearing, the committee plans to meet on February 23, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance and the community feedback received to date. That meeting will not include public comment, and no vote will be taken on the ordinance.
by Council Staff | Jul 17, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Uncategorized
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After careful vetting, including a public hearing and feasibility studies, the amended lease will advance to the full city council with substantial changes
Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council Committee on Ordinances voted to advance a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an amended version of a proposed lease with Excel Academy charter school for the Carl G. Lauro school building. Under the current proposal, Excel Academy would use half of the building, with the other half used as swing space for the Providence Public School District until June 30, 2030.The amended lease will be considered at next Thursday’s city council meeting and will require only one passage.
Council President Rachel Miller negotiated a number of substantial changes to the lease proposed by the mayor earlier this year to ensure a much more favorable arrangement for the city, the surrounding neighborhood, and the educators who will be using this space. Among others, the following changes were made to the proposed lease:
· The original lease would have locked the city in for a 65-year period, giving Excel Academy the option to renew unilaterally after the initial 35 years. Under the negotiated lease, after the initial 35-years, further renewal will require Excel to come in front of the city council and mayor for approval.
· The amendments added clear labor protections through an entirely new Employee Relations section that requires Excel Academy to remain neutral in any union organizing efforts, barring intimidation or retaliation and prohibiting the use of public funds to influence workers’ decisions. The historic neutrality clause reads in part: “The Lessee acknowledges and respects the rights of employees to organize, form, join, or assist labor organizations as well as the right to refrain from any or all such activities. As a responsible employer, the Lessee shall not threaten, intimidate, discriminate against, retaliate against, or take any adverse action against any employees based on their decision to support or oppose union representation. The Lessee agrees not to pay public funds to outside consultants or legal advisors for the purpose of encouraging or discouraging union organizing activity.”
· A new section was added that ensures that funds for property improvements are funneled into apprentice programs by requiring that any such improvements with over $3M in labor costs must allocate at least 10% of the work to registered apprentices.
· Language was added ensuring the lease remains competitive and profitable for the city by introducing a gradual escalation of rent every five years over the term of the lease, beginning in 2030, along with a provision requiring regular rent increases if the lease is extended beyond the 35-year initial term.
· A new provision ensures the building remains a community-serving hub by limiting Excel Academy’s ability to sublet, permitting such arrangements only with registered non-profit and educational organizations.
· A new requirement was introduced that directs Excel Academy to produce an annual written report on student demographics (race, ethnicity, geographics), so that academic performance of students from across the city—including English language learners and students with disabilities—can be compared with those in traditional public schools.
· A similar requirement requires Excel Academy to prepare a written report annually that details construction and building improvements, ensuring that necessary updates and repairs are made in a timely and responsible manner.
· In a major win securing substantial ongoing community investment, Excel Academy is directed to allocate $50,000 annually throughout the term of the lease into a neighborhood improvement fund that will be overseen by the Ward 13 councilor.
Tonight’s changes follow more than a year of evaluation, discussion, and information-gathering regarding the future of this historic school building.
Last year, the mayor proposed a lease for the Lauro building that would have allowed Excel Academy and Achievement First charter schools to use the space for one dollar per year over a term of more than 30 years. Councilors rejected that proposal by more than a 2-to-1 margin, urging that all options be considered for the city-owned space – such as the development of affordable housing — and that any proposed lease should generate meaningful revenue for the city.
The current proposal, submitted by the mayor for council approval earlier this year included a much more reasonable rate of $7.50 per square foot, but still fell short of what many councilors felt would best serve the community and the beloved historic building that has become a landmark in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood. To ensure the city found the best path forward for the building, councilors ordered a housing feasibility study to assess the viability of converting the space to affordable housing.
With authorization from a city council resolution, the council entered into a contract with CoEverything to complete this assessment. Following the completion of the contracted study, the council office worked with Armory Revival Company and One Neighborhood Builders to perform basic financial analyses of the study. The council engaged these two organizations to ensure both for-profit and non-profit perspectives and analysis of a potential housing conversion were taken into consideration. These studies concluded that a conversion of the Lauro building to housing was perhaps technically possible, but is not reasonably feasible, with an exceptionally high price tag and a very lengthy timeline
While these studies were being completed, the Committee on Ordinances also hosted a public hearing on May 12 to hear from students and educators from Providence schools, both public and charter schools, as well as parents and community members about their hopes and concerns regarding the building’s future. This feedback was weighed carefully along with the data and conclusions from the completed studies
The final amended lease represents a carefully-vetted and extensively researched solution for this landmark city building that ensures a seat at the table for the surrounding community for decades to come, all while guaranteeing increased neighborhood investment and responsible stewardship of public money and property. The major changes made by the council are a significant improvement over the original $1/year proposed lease. With tonight’s passage out of committee, the resolution authorizing the amended lease will be heard by the full city council at next week’s regular meeting, the last scheduled full council meeting before the August recess.
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by Council Staff | Apr 17, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Uncategorized, Ward-10, Ward-13
Tonight, the Providence City Council unanimously passed a resolution honoring the victims of the Jet Set nightclub disaster. Councilors also passed several other measures prioritizing the wellbeing of our neighbors.
As home to one of the largest Dominican communities in the United States, the entire City of Providence mourned the loss of more than 230 lives in the recent disaster at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. Last week, Council President Rachel Miller shared in a statement that Fray Luis Rosario, Ward 13 business owner, was among those who died. Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal, one of three Dominican councilors, introduced a resolution honoring those who lost their lives and their loved ones. The resolution was co-sponsored by all 15 councilors and passed on the floor.
Councilors also passed several resolutions in support of legislation currently pending before the General Assembly, including a unanimous vote in support of a resolution urging passage of the 2025 Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban. This common-sense gun control measure will help keep our communities safe, provide peace of mind to our neighbors, and save lives.
“We live in the only country on Earth that suffers from the epidemic of mass shootings and gun violence on the scale that we do. It’s no secret and no surprise that we are also the country with the most guns,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “This is an area where the federal government will not act. But here in Rhode Island, we are fortunate to have leaders that have narrowed the path to accessing firearms, and banning assault rifles is an urgently needed next step. There is simply no reason that these weapons of war should be permitted in our communities.”
Councilors also voted into law an ordinance introduced by Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) that provides residents free access to parking during city-wide parking bans due to inclement weather. The ordinance requires the city to establish at least ten such temporary parking areas. This ensures that residents do not face the burden of having their cars towed in order to facilitate city services like street plowing. This follows a pilot program in Wards 8, 10, and 13.
“Our residents are team players—they want to comply when the city institutes parking bans so we can keep our streets safe and clear,” said Councilor Roias. “But the reality is that in a majority-renter city, many don’t have access to off-street parking and are forced to rely on expensive private garages, if they can find one at all. When the city responds by towing their cars, that’s not a success—it’s a failure of planning. Making city-owned lots available for resident parking during snow bans is a practical, immediate step to alleviate that burden and support compliance without punishment.”
Other meeting highlights include:
- Final passage of an ordinance regulating tax sales. As part of an ongoing effort to address displacement of our neighbors, especially by large corporations, councilors voted into law an ordinance that will limit registered buyers to 10 titles per tax sale.
- Final passage of an ordinance sponsored by Council President Rachel Miller which would allow the Providence Municipal Court to directly manage appeals of fines and fees relating to building and home alarms, which prior to passage were under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island District Court.
- Final passage of an ordinance introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) which would prevent trucks weighing more than 25 tons (50,000 pounds) from traveling on Pleasant Valley Parkway. Like a similar measure implemented on streets surrounding Washington Bridge detours, the ordinance makes key exceptions including trash trucks, vehicles operated by the city workers pr contractors, and road machinery. Vehicles in violation of this measure will be issued a $200 fee.
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El Concejo Municipal Honra a las Víctimas del Desastre en Jet Set, Ofrece Estacionamiento Alternativo Durante Prohibiciones en Toda la Ciudad
Esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence aprobó por unanimidad una resolución honrando a las víctimas del desastre en el club nocturno Jet Set. Los concejales también aprobaron varias otras medidas que priorizan el bienestar de nuestros vecinos.
Como hogar de una de las comunidades dominicanas más grandes de los Estados Unidos, la ciudad de Providence lamentó la pérdida de más de 230 vidas en el reciente desastre del club nocturno Jet Set en Santo Domingo. La semana pasada, la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller dijo en un comunicado que Fray Luis Rosario, dueño de un negocio en el Distrito 13, fue una de las victimas que perdió la vida. El líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal, uno de tres concejales dominicanos, presentó una resolución en honor a quienes perdieron la vida y a sus seres queridos. La resolución fue copatrocinada por los 15 concejales y aprobado en el pleno.
Los concejales también aprobaron varias resoluciones apoyando legislación pendiente en la Asamblea General, incluyendo aprobación por unanimidad a una resolución instando la aprobación de la Prohibición de Armas de Asalto en Rhode Island de 2025. Esta medida de control de armas de sentido común ayudará a mantener nuestras comunidades seguras, brindará tranquilidad a nuestros vecinos, y salvará vidas.
“Vivimos en el único país del mundo que sufre la epidemia de tiroteos masivos y violencia armada a la escala que padecemos. No es ningún secreto ni sorpresa que también somos el país con más armas”, dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “Este es un área en la que el gobierno federal no actuará. Pero aquí en Rhode Island, tenemos la suerte de contar con líderes que han facilitado el acceso a las armas de fuego, y prohibir los rifles de asalto es un paso urgente. Simplemente no hay razón para que estas armas de guerra se permitan en nuestras comunidades.”
Los concejales también aprobaron una ordenanza presentada por el concejal Justin Roias (Distrito 4) que ofrece a los residentes acceso gratuito a estacionamiento durante las prohibiciones de estacionamiento en toda la ciudad debido al mal tiempo. La ordenanza exige que la ciudad establezca al menos diez áreas de estacionamiento temporal. Esto garantiza que los residentes no tengan la carga de tener sus vehículos remolcados para facilitar servicios municipales como la limpieza de calles. Esto se produce tras un programa piloto en los Distritos 8, 10 y 13.
“Nuestros residentes son colaborativos: quieren cumplir cuando la ciudad impone prohibiciones de estacionamiento para que podamos mantener nuestras calles seguras y accesibles,” dijo el concejal Roias. “Pero la realidad es que, en una ciudad con mayoría de inquilinos, muchos no tienen acceso a estacionamiento fuera de la calle y se ven obligados a depender de costosos garajes privados, si es que encuentran uno. Cuando la ciudad responde remolcando sus autos, no es un éxito—es un fracaso de planificación. Poner a disposición de los residentes lotes de propiedad de la ciudad durante las prohibiciones de nieve es una medida practica e inmediata para aliviar esa carga y apoyar el cumplimiento sin castigo.”
Aspectos destacados adicionales:
- Aprobación final de una ordenanza que regula las ventas de impuestos. Como parte de un esfuerzo continuo para abordar el desplazamiento de nuestros vecinos, especialmente por parte de grandes corporaciones, los concejales aprobaron una ordenanza que limitará a los compradores registrados a 10 títulos por venta de impuestos.
- Aprobación final de una ordenanza patrocinada por la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller que permitiría al Tribunal Municipal de Providence gestionar directamente las apelaciones de multas y tarifas relacionadas con alarmas de edificios y viviendas, que previamente estaban bajo la jurisdicción del Tribunal de Distrito de Rhode Island.
- Aprobación final de una ordenanza presentada por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan (Distrito 5), que impediría que los camiones que pesen más de 25 toneladas (50,000 libras) viajen por Pleasant Valley Parkway. Al igual que una medida similar implementada en las calles que rodean los desvíos del Puente Washington, la ordenanza establece excepciones clave, como camiones de basura, vehículos operados por trabajadores o contratistas municipales y maquinaria vial. Los vehículos que no cumplan con esta medida recibirán una multa de $200.
by Council Staff | Apr 9, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Uncategorized, Ward-10, Ward-13
In response to the disaster at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, where at least 124 people were killed and hundreds more injured, Providence City Council released the following statements from Council President Rachel Miller and Majority Leader Pedro Espinal.
From Council President Miller:
“Today, Providence City Council joins the people of the Dominican Republic and Dominican Americans throughout our city, state, and country, in mourning the loss of more than one hundred and twenty lives following the roof collapse at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo early yesterday morning.
While details are still emerging, it is clear this event will touch the lives of thousands throughout the Dominican community, and all those who stand in solidarity with them.
Unfortunately, this tragedy has already struck directly at the heart of the Ward 13 and Federal Hill communities. I am very sorry to share that Fray Luis Rosario, owner of Terra Luna Café in DePasquale Square, was among those killed Tuesday morning.
Like countless others in our neighborhood, I knew Mr. Rosario as an active member of Federal Hill’s small business community. This is a devastating loss for our neighborhood and for our city, and I offer my very deepest sympathies and condolences to the Rosario Family, and the families of all those who were lost on Tuesday.”
From Majority Leader Espinal:
“We do not yet know the extent of this disaster or of the loss of life it has caused. But we do know Providence residents, and our large and passionate Dominican community in particular, have already felt this loss as though it happened in our own backyard. As one of three Dominican councilors, alongside Councilwoman Ana Vargas and President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, I share in this deep pain.
The City of Providence is proud that its fundamental strength as one of the most diverse cities in America is built in large part upon a deep and enduring connection to the Dominican Republic. Dominican immigrants and children of immigrants serve at the highest levels of our city and state government. The pain felt today in Santo Domingo is shared by our entire city.
Providence City Council stands with all those affected by this disaster and is here to support the Dominican community in the days and weeks ahead.”
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Liderazgo del Concejo Municipal sobre la tragedia en Jet Set por la caída del techo
En respuesta al terrible desastre ocurrido en el club Jet Set en Santo Domingo, donde al menos 124 personas perdieron la vida y muchas más resultaron heridas, El Concejo Municipal de Providence compartió las siguientes palabras de la presidenta del Concejo, Rachel Miller, y el Líder de la Mayoría, Pedro Espinal.
De parte de la presidenta del Concejo, Rachel Miller:
“Hoy, el Concejo Municipal de Providence se une al pueblo de la República Dominicana y a la comunidad dominicana en todo Estados Unidos, especialmente aquí en Rhode Island, para lamentar la pérdida de más de ciento veinte vidas en el desastre ocurrido ayer por la mañana en el famoso club Jet Set en Santo Domingo.
Aunque seguimos esperando más detalles, ya está claro que este doloroso evento dejará una huella profunda en las vidas de miles de personas dentro de nuestra comunidad dominicana y en todos aquellos que se solidarizan con ellos.
Lamentablemente, esta tragedia ya ha tocado directamente el corazón de las comunidades de Ward 13 y Federal Hill. Me duele mucho compartir que Fray Luis Rosario, dueño del Terra Luna Café en DePasquale Square, fue una de las víctimas que perdió la vida el martes por la mañana.
Al igual que muchísimos en nuestro vecindario, yo conocía al señor Rosario como un miembro activo de la comunidad de pequeños negocios de Federal Hill. Esta es una pérdida devastadora para nuestro vecindario y para nuestra ciudad. Le mando mis más profundas condolencias a la familia Rosario y a las familias de todos los que perdieron la vida el martes.”
De parte del Líder de la Mayoría, Pedro Espinal:
“Aún no sabemos el alcance total de esta tragedia ni la magnitud de la pérdida de vidas que ha causado. Pero lo que sí sabemos es que los residentes de Providence, y en especial nuestra gran y apasionada comunidad dominicana, ya sienten este dolor como si hubiera pasado en nuestro propio barrio. Como uno de los tres concejales dominicanos, junto a la Concejala Ana Vargas y el Presidente Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, comparto este profundo dolor.
Providence se siente muy orgullosa de ser una de las ciudades más diversas de los Estados Unidos, y de que nuestra fortaleza se base en una conexión profunda y firme con la República Dominicana. Los dominicanos que llegaron a esta ciudad, y sus hijos, hoy sirven en los más altos niveles de nuestro gobierno local y estatal. El dolor que sienten hoy en Santo Domingo, lo sentimos todos aquí en Providence.
El Concejo Municipal de Providence está aquí para apoyar a todas las personas afectadas por esta tragedia, y haremos todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance para estar al lado de nuestra comunidad dominicana en los días y semanas por venir.”
