by Abigail Appel | Jul 19, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-15, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
We as elected leaders of our community stand against acts of violence and vandalism against our colleagues, their families, and our neighbors.
We condemn the actions that transpired at Councilman Igliozzi’s home over the weekend and hope that whoever is responsible is held accountable.
It’s okay to disagree and to let that dissent be heard at an appropriate forum.
Vandalizing the home and tormenting the family of an elected official, or anyone else for that matter, is crossing the line and will not be tolerated.
We stand with Chairman Igliozzi and will continue to work with all stakeholders to find solutions and condemn intimidation and coercion in all its forms.
We know that these are not the values our city and neighbors uphold.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 17, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-7, Ward-9
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) and Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution at last night’s City Council Meeting calling on the City of Providence to recognize July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. The resolution was co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14, Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony, Esq. (Ward 2), and Councilor Kat Kerwin (Ward 12).
“Nelson Mandela International Day was inspired by President Mandela’s call for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that ‘it is in your hands now,’ stated Councilman John Goncalves. “Nelson Mandela International Day is more than a celebration of his life and legacy, but it is a global movement to honor his life’s work and to change the world for the better. I believe that those of us in public service should heed that call and all work towards making a better tomorrow for those that come after us. From what we see happening in our own country at this very time, I believe that we can look to the work that President Mandela did and make a real change like he was able to achieve in his lifetime.”
On July 18, 2009 the United Nations declared Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former President of South Africa’s dedication to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.
President Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who was imprisoned in 1962 for conspiring to overthrow the anti-apartheid government. He was originally sentenced to life in prison but was released 27 years later. His release came after outcries from world leaders, and due to the civil unrest and the fear of a civil war. For these reasons, President F. W. de Klerk released Mandela in 1990. Together, they worked to negotiate an end to apartheid which resulted in Mr. Mandela being elected the first Black President of South Africa in 1994.
In 1994, Nelson Mandela shared this story, “A friend once asked me how I could reconcile my creed of African nationalism with a belief in dialectical materialism. For me, there was no contradiction, I was first and foremost an African nationalist fighting for our emancipation from minority rule and the right to control our own destiny. But at the same time, South Africa and the African continent were part of the larger world. Our problems, while distinctive and special, were not unique, and a philosophy that placed those problems in an international and historical context of the greater world and the course of history was valuable. I was prepared to use whatever means necessary to speed up the erasure of human prejudice and the end of chauvinistic and violent nationalism.” Time goes on, but still, President Mandela’s words ring true today as they did then.
Mandela served one term as South Africa’s President and left to become a philanthropist who focused on combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through his foundation. In 1993, upon a visit to the United Stated Mandela was awarded one of the United States’ highest honors, the Liberty Medal, by then-President Bill Clinton. The same year he and President F. W. de Klerk were joint recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
President Mandela was an ardent supporter of education and education for all. He once stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” President Mandela died at the age of 95 on December 5, 2013.
Sadly, his youngest daughter, Zindzi Mandela, died at the age of 59 on Monday, July 13, 2020. Ms. Mandela served as South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is world renown for his values and his dedication to the service of humanity, through his work as a humanitarian in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of the poor and underdeveloped communities.
“Tomorrow around the world there will be celebrations honoring the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of President Mandela. Let us take a moment here in Providence, especially with all of the division in our world, to come together in unity and solidarity, to reflect and follow in Mandela’s footsteps in advocating for a more peaceful, sustainable and equitable city for all,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 16, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-9
By investing and supporting in structures, programs, and policies that align with the
Just Providence Framework and the City’s Climate Justice Plan
Councilwomen Helen Anthony (Ward 2) and Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), along with co-sponsors Councilors Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), John Goncalves (Ward 1), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), and Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting calling on the City of Providence to commit to developing an anti-racist institution that prioritizes investment and support structures, that align with the Just Providence Framework and the City’s Climate Justice Plan.
“Climate change impacts our marginalized communities disproportionately, stated Councilor Helen Anthony. The City’s Office of Sustainability in partnership with the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee have done an excellent job creating a plan that addresses the interconnected issues of public health, racism, climate, and environmental sustainability.”
The resolution points out specific markers in history where city leaders repeatedly failed residents of color. Black and Indigenous communities were displaced to build industrial sites, highways, and roads. Schools that serve predominantly students of color lack resources; schools –
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune stated, “We can not build a just and equitable society without addressing the impacts of climate change on our most vulnerable community members. The Office of Sustainability and the Racial and Environmental committee are committed to working with the community to ensure that climate and sustainability plans recognize the intersection of race and class as an indicator in Environmental Justice assessments. Tonight’s resolution is a movement seeking to rectify policies and structures that failed to acknowledge Black, indigenous and communities of color in climate and other environmental-related initiatives. It is up to all of us to work together to make sustainability and environmental justice a guiding principle in addressing climate change.”
“The Climate Justice Plan is recognized as a national leader and model for community-centered planning, power-shifting, and climate justice. The Office of Sustainability is being tasked with updating existing policies such as zoning, developing new programs such as ‘Green Justice Zones’ in our frontline communities, and creating new policies to help mitigate the climate crisis we are facing, especially in these frontline communities where the crisis is only exacerbating health and economic inequities. As elected officials, it is incumbent on us to support them in this much-needed endeavor,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller.
Tonight’s resolution calls on the City to commit to transforming to an anti-racist institution by following the “Continuum on Becoming an Anti-Racist Multicultural Organization,” to support and invest in structures, programs, and policies that align with the Justice Providence Framework and the Climate Justice Plan.
Councilor Kat Kerwin shared, “Further, this resolution requests that the Office of Sustainability be supported in the FY21 budget so that it may improve the lives of Providence’s BIPOC communities. And that they can continue their work to mitigate long-term climate threats and reduce the loss of life with solutions that result in clean air and water, climate-resistant low-income housing, community health initiatives, environmental justice, youth programs, and economic justice.”
“The time for us to act is now,” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “Our futures depend on the resiliency that we cultivate today so that we may grow a brighter tomorrow for the next generation of all Providence residents. The interconnectedness of climate justice, housing, and economic prosperity for all is dependent on us working together today to address and mitigate the social issues that are caused by an ever-changing climate.”
Finally, the resolution also requests that the City follow the Spectrum of Community Engagement to Ownership outlined in the Climate Justice Plan and move towards a collaborative governance decision-making process that centers those who are most impacted by the current health, environment, and economic crises.
“Our residents and our future residents deserve nothing less,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal. “The time is now for us to take action, and I believe that we can change the trajectory of our collective history by working together.”
by Billy Kepner | Jul 16, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-11, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-5, Ward-7
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), and co-sponsors Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced a resolution tonight calling on the Department of Planning and Development to promulgate strict rules around employment and contracts relating to the I-195 Tax Stabilization Agreement (TSA).
“The requirements outlined in our TSAs impose specific employment criteria that developers must adhere to in exchange for being provided an incentivized tax structure,” stated City Council President Matos. “Providence needs to ensure that we are putting our residents to work and that we are developing our own local economy. When developers ask to be exempt from these requirements, they are seeking to receive special tax benefits without having to make a meaningful contribution to the residents of this City.”
Section 21-266 of the Code of Ordinances defines strict employment standards that all developers must abide by should they wish to obtain a TSA within the City. These employment standards include dedicating at least 10% of the construction costs for Minority (MBEs) and Women-owned Businesses (WBEs), as well as ensuring that 100% of the construction hours worked on the project are done by contractors who have or are affiliated with an apprenticeship program. The Code of Ordinances currently provides the Director of Planning with authority to reduce these employment requirements should a Developer petition the Director to do so. President Matos’ resolution is aimed directly at these petitions for relief by asking the Director of Planning to promulgate strict and specific rules regarding how petitions will be evaluated moving forward.
President Matos continued, “All too often we hear stories of our local MBEs and WBEs being overlooked by contractors and developers. We are a city on the proverbial financial cliff, our residents need to work, and making it harder for developers and owners to no longer be able to get around these requirements will go a long way to keeping our residents working, and ensuring that our city continues to grow forward.”
The resolution will require the Director of the Department of Planning and Development to create strict rules and regulations governing the procedure by which petitioners for relief of Section 21-261 are vetted and approved.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 16, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-14, Ward-3, Ward-6
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced an amendment to the Code of Ordinance, along with co-sponsors President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), that would set forth a designated schedule for street and sidewalk sweeping in the City of Providence. Currently, there is no ordinance that creates a predictable plan to ensure that these vital qualities of life issues are handled in a timely matter.
“Over the past several weeks, I have made observations of the state of our streets and sidewalks in Providence, and my findings are disturbing. Our City needs a higher level of cleanliness,” stated Councilor David A. Salvatore. Currently, there is nothing in our City’s Code of Ordinances that spells out a street and sidewalk sweeping program. This amendment would ensure that our streets and sidewalks are swept on a regular and predictable basis while enhancing communication with city residents.”
The amendment would require the Department of Public Works (DPW) to sweep every street within the City at a minimum of six times per year. The DPW director will also be directed to maintain a street sweeping calendar that identifies a recurring schedule of when each street will be swept. Like other municipalities, the DPW will be required to notify residents with overnight parking permits using best practices from other cities including signage and other forms of direct notification in addition to PVD 311.
DPW will be also be required to sweep sidewalks along all principal arterials, minor arterials, major collectors, and minor collectors as classified by the State of Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning within the City at a minimum of three times per year.
“Local governments promise a social contract with its residents to make certain that their quality of life is upheld. Unfortunately, Providence has portrayed itself as a dirty city, which jeopardizes the environment, homeownership growth, and expanding our tax base,” reiterated Councilor Salvatore. “Our residents and businesses deserve to have clean streets and sidewalks, and it is my hope that my amendment will fix this decades-old issue.”
The amendment to the Code of Ordinances will be sent to the Committee on Ordinances for vetting and consideration.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 26, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1
The Partnership for Providence Parks, Friends of Cabral Park, iPROV Fellow Eleanor Pereboom and Councilman Goncalves
Create Food Share Partnership for the Fox Point Community
Today, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) has announced the launch of a robust community partnership with the Friends of Cabral Park, Providence Partnership for Parks spearheaded by Helene Miller, and iProv Fellow Eleanor Pereboom to provide a safe and reliable food source for the Fox Point community. The program is especially designed for senior citizens who live adjacent to the Park, and the partnership aims to develop community-driven food justice in Fox Point. “Produce in the Park” will officially begin in early July.
“As we are still facing a global pandemic, our elderly population is vulnerable, and we know that access to locally harvested and sustainably grown healthy foods like fruits and vegetables are an essential element in boosting our immune systems,” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “My concern is for our seniors who live in Fox Point and are on a fixed income and don’t always have equitable access to quality fruits and vegetables. I am very pleased that I was able to join forces with these amazing community partners to create an equitable and sustainable food source in our community.”
Although the program does not officially begin until July, Cricket Wireless will be giving away 100 donated bags of fresh groceries to seniors at Fox Point Manor today at 2:00 PM. They will first meet Councilman Goncalves, Helen Miller, Eleanor Pereboom, and community volunteers to pack today’s bags of fresh fruits and veggies at 1:00 PM in Cabral Park. They will then deliver to the management at Fox Point Manor for contactless delivery.
Corey Beverly, Senior Marketing Manager at Cricket Wireless stated, “This event is just one of the food distribution activities Cricket is spearheading in markets across the country throughout the month of June. These initiatives are a part of Cricket Cares platform, which is dedicated to building healthy human connections for happier youth and seniors. Through Cricket Cares, Cricket supports people of all ages by fostering kindness, encouraging healthy mobile habits, and providing additional resources to help individuals overcome challenging times.”
The partnership developed out of the concern around the health risks of crowded public spaces and a scant supply of fresh fruits and vegetable accessibility for vulnerable seniors. Produce in the Park will be offering bountiful shares of locally sourced produce, pre-packaged and available for open-air pick up in a de-densified environment to keep residents safe and well-fed.
“The Partnership for Providence Parks (P3) provides support and resources for neighbors that we call Friends who seek to transform their public parks into thriving green spaces that reflect the unique needs and character of their community. At the core of P3’s mission is the building and strengthening of Friends Groups. Pre-COVID 19, P3 had the honor of working alongside the seniors forming a Friends of Cabral Park with plans to activate the park as a hub of health, wellness, and cultural activities during the summer. Once the pandemic began, the seniors’ need for food access came into sharp focus and the group had the idea to use the park and their Park Friends Group as platforms to address their food insecurity. The Friends worked in partnership with P3, Councilman Goncalves, and P3’s iPROV Fellow, Eleanor Pereboom, to develop “Produce in the Parks”. Today’s distribution of one hundred bags of produce marks the first step in realizing this goal of the Friends of Cabral Park to address the needs of their own community” says Helene Miller, Executive Director of P3.
Produce in the Park is a 10-week subscription program where residents will pick up a carefully curated box of locally sourced vegetables. The program will begin July 8, 2020, and run through September 9, 2020, with pick-up on Wednesday’s from 10 am – 6 pm in Cabral Park on Wickenden Street. Produce shares are $21 per week ($210 for the season). Shareholders can sign up using the form below, which helps subsidize seniors:
Payments can be made weekly but shareholders must commit to the full 10-week program, and SNAP/Bonus Bucks are accepted. For individuals with SNAP/Bonus Bucks the cost will be $4.50 per week.
“We are thrilled that these community partners have come together to offer our residents healthy fruits and vegetables. I look forward to the launch of this program and are grateful to all involved” says the Fox Point Manor Resident Services Coordinator, Gloria Isacco, and Property Manager Karen Fagundes.
Produce shares consist of 7-8 share items each week, sourced from local farms that commit to sustainable growing practices to ensure the highest quality for residents. Every week the box will be different based on what is in season. An example share might look like: one pound of cucumbers, one head of lettuce, three peaches, one pound of tomatoes, one bunch of scallions, two ears of corn, and one summer squash.
“The Providence Parks Department is pleased that an accessible neighborhood park will be utilized for the Produce in the Parks program,” said Providence Parks Department Superintendent Wendy Nilsson. “We hope the program will increase food access and encourage the use of many of the City’s beautiful greenspaces to support healthy engagement all summer long.”
In order to keep the community safe, the following COVID-19 Safety Protocols will be in place: masks are required for all; everyone must remain 6-feet apart; anyone who feels sick will be asked to stay home, and the partnership will arrange home delivery; share pick-up times will be pre-assigned to ensure that no more than 15 people are in the Park at any given time; produce will be pre-bagged so that the number of people who touch any given produce item is limited, and finally the program encourages shareholders to thoroughly wash any produce before consuming it.
