by Billy Kepner | Mar 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-15, Ward-6, Ward-8
At tonight’s City Council meeting Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilors Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and James E. Taylor (Ward 8) introduced an ordinance that would restrict commercial vehicles from parking long-term on streets or in front yards.
“I constantly hear from frustrated residents that there are large commercial trucks parked on their streets,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “I have seen it myself, and this issue is about safety. It becomes difficult for neighbors to leave their driveways because these trucks are hanging into their pathway, or they can’t see around the truck to safely back-out. This ordinance will work to address this quality of life issue, and to ensure that our neighborhood streets remain that and not parking lots for commercial vehicles.”
The ordinance defines commercial vehicles as any vehicle over 20-feet in length and over 6,500 pounds. Further, no commercial vehicle will be able to park or stand, unless engaged in the loading or off-loading of materials, for more than one hour between the hours of 9 PM and 8 AM, or at any time on Sunday on any part of the street under the jurisdiction of the City of Providence.
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia stated, “This is just common courtesy. I understand that some folks have to take home their work vehicles, but we have to balance that with the quality of life for all of our neighbors. By and large, those individuals are parking in their driveways and are being respectful of their neighbors. The issues that I see in my neighborhood are businesses parking their trucks on the street and not moving them for days at a time. We all want to live in nice neighborhoods, and these trucks detract from that, and become obstacles to the residents who are trying to commute through their streets.”
In addition to the time restrictions, there is also a penalty levied to violators. For any person found in violation of parking on the street, blocking a sidewalk or portion of the roadway will be subject to a fine no less than $50.00. If a commercial vehicle is found to be anyway limiting, restricting, or blocking the access of public safety vehicles or remains in place with their engine idling in the course of operation shall be deemed to be a hazard to public safety and quality of life. If a vehicle is found in violation, they will be towed and subject to a fine of no less than $100.00.
“Ward 8 has a lot of commercial zones mixed with residential zones, and this is a perennial problem,” stated Councilman James E. Taylor. I am proud that we are acting to put the interest of our community before that of industry. I don’t want any businesses to suffer, but I want them to be good neighbors. It is common courtesy and an obstacle that could delay safety vehicles from reaching someone in need of serious attention. We all have a role to play in making our neighborhoods great, and that includes not just residents but our businesses as well.”
This ordinance will be referred to the committee for review and vetting before it is sent to the full Council for votes and passage.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-14, Ward-2
Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), and Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) will introduce an ordinance at tonight’s City Council meeting that calls for a dedicated revenue stream to fund housing opportunities. The proposal would allocate 50 percent of the revenue realized through the real estate conveyance tax for the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“The City retains nearly $2 million in revenue from the state’s real estate conveyance tax every year and has not used any of those funds to help solve our housing crisis,” stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “Last month, I introduced a resolution calling for the Mayor to create a dedicated funding stream in this coming year’s budget for affordable housing, but after consideration, I believe it falls upon this body to ensure that the most vulnerable amongst us are protected. Households making less than $100 thousand a year are unable to buy a home on the East Side, while they can only buy in other neighborhoods; however, only if their annual household income is just north of $60K can they afford to live in other areas our City. These numbers are even more frightening considering the median household income in Providence is estimated to be $40 thousand a per year. It’s time that we put our money where our mouth is, and that’s what this ordinance will accomplish.”
For every $500 of a real estate sold within the State of Rhode Island a $2.30 conveyance tax is imposed, which $1.10 of that is retained by the municipality where the property was sold. For example, if a home is sold for $100 thousand, the state receives $460 in conveyance tax, and the municipality would receive $220. Councilman Salvatore is proposing that Mayor Elorza allocate 50 percent of the City’s portion of the conveyance tax be transferred to the Providence Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Councilwoman Helen Anthony stated, “Providence needs to significantly increase its inventory of affordable housing and we can’t do it without dedicated funding streams from the City and the State. The funding created by this ordinance, in conjunction with the funding generated by the City’s Tax Stabilization Agreements, will give the Providence Redevelopment Agency some resources to address this critical shortfall.”
The Trust Fund provides funding for the construction, development or financing mechanisms of affordable housing for families earning less than 120% of the median income. The City’s Internal Auditor has found that during the fiscal years 2010-2019 the City has retained just over $16 million through the collection of the state’s real estate conveyance tax.
“As the Councilman for Lower-South Providence and Washington Park, I know first-hand how hard it is to find affordable housing,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal. “Affordable housing is not a luxury, it is a basic human right, and by creating this dedicated funding stream, we can begin to chip away at this long systemic problem here in Providence.”
Councilman Salvatore continued, “This is not rocket science – we have an affordable housing crisis in the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island – but those of us in power just talk about it when we need to do something about it. This proposal is an actionable item that we can take as a City to help our neighbors who need it. Affordable housing is a human right, and it’s an integral part of ensuring safe, resilient, healthy, and dynamic neighborhoods.”
by Billy Kepner | Mar 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
First and foremost, I want to thank my neighbors – the residents of Lower South Providence and Washington Park – as well as the local community organizations and businesses for joining me in expressing our shared concerns that this project is not only bad for our neighborhood but could potentially have long-lasting environmental effects on our Port and quality of life for our residents.
Also, I wish to extend my gratitude to the staff of the City Planning Commission (CPC) who have found that the Commission as a whole should deny this project because it does not adhere to the City’s Master Plan and because of the potential adverse effects to our environment. These findings reflect what we, as a community, have been saying all along.
Thank you to Mayor Elorza, who earlier today came out against this proposed facility, my colleagues on the City Council, and my colleagues in the General Assembly who have been supportive and have spoken out against this facility as well.
The fight does not end today; we still have work to do.
I encourage my colleagues and my neighbors that are opposed to this project to join me at the March 17, 2020 CPC meeting, which will take place at 4:30 PM at 444 Westminster Street to speak up and out against this proposed facility. If you are unable to attend, you can still share your concerns by sending a letter to the CPC at the address listed above to the attention of Deputy Director Robert Azar, AICP of the Department of Planning and Development, or via email at razar@providenceri.gov.
Again, thank you to my neighbors and all those who have joined me in advocating to keep our Port clean, and who have the shared goal of making our Port area something to be proud of.
Pedro Espinal
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 9
by Billy Kepner | Feb 20, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-15, Ward-9
At tonight’s City Council meeting Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) along with his colleagues, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), and Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) will call on the City Plan Commission to deny the application of Allens Providence Recycling LLC.
“As the Councilor for Ward 10 it is not my intention to stand in the way of bringing new businesses to my Ward,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal. “That said, when the business in question could potentially have serious consequences for the environment and the well-being of my constituents, I will speak out. Our residents deserve to have clean air and clean water. I believe that any new business development along the Port should incorporate multi-use buildings and our goal as a City should be to clean-up Allens Avenue and the waterfront and make the area more hospitable for all of our residents and visitors alike.”
The proposed facility could potentially accept, process, and haul 2,500 tons of construction and commercial waste per day. This increase in industrial traffic will undoubtedly cause more pollution along Allens and Thurbers Avenues, in an area that is already considered a “frontline community” by the City of Providence’s recently published Climate Justice Plan.
The neighborhoods adjacent to the proposed industrial recycling location have the highest rate of childhood asthma in both the City and State and are ranked ninth in the nation, along with the highest rates of emergency room visits among children on Medicaid with Asthma in the City.
“I stand with Councilman Espinal in his support for the well-being of the residents of Lower South Providence and Washington Park,” stated Council President Sabina Matos. “I, like my colleagues, are always looking for ways to bring new businesses to our city, but we must do so with an eye on the ramifications of what proposed businesses can have on the environment and the surrounding communities. The proposed location, being so close to the Port of Providence, causes me further concern due to my fears of the potential for further pollution of the Narragansett Bay.”
The sponsors of the resolution have serious concerns with the project’s failure to meet the City’s Comprehensive Plan’s provisions regarding environmental sustainability and their ability to avoid disproportionate environmental burdens on residents. They are also concerned with the potential health impacts posed by the proposed industrial recycling operation in an area that is already highly impacted by pollution. In addition, they have concerns about the long-term impacts that a facility like what is being proposed might have on future development in and around the Port of Providence.
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo stated, “We must work to protect the safety of our residents at all costs. It pains me to know that so many young children are suffering from asthma in this one section of our City. It is a wake-up call that we, as elected officials, need to do more to protect our residents. I ask that the CPC deny this application.”
Upon passage, a copy of the resolution will be sent to Chairwoman Christine West of the Providence City Plan Commission, Director Bonnie Nickerson of the Department of Planning and Development, and the registered principals of Allens Providence Recycling, LLC.
by Billy Kepner | Feb 7, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-2, Ward-3
Councilors Helen Anthony, Nirva LaFortune, Pedro Espinal, Kat Kerwin,and Rachel Miller Endorse ECRI’s Climate Crisis Plan
City Councilors Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13) introduced a resolution endorsing the Environmental Council of Rhode Island’s Climate Crisis Campaign at last night’s Council Meeting which was passed by the City Council.
“Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. We as a country, state and city need to take immediate action to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions; create a just and equitable transition to a sustainable economy and invest in adaptation and resilience to protect the people and places we love.”, stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony. “Continued increases in global termperatures will hit RI particularly hard as our temperatures have risen faster than in any other state, We can’t wait to take action.”
Rhode Island faces many challenges due to changing climate including increased storm intensity, flooding, heat waves, insect-born diseases, crop and fishery failures, accelerating coastal erosion, and a sea-level rise of up to 11.5 feet during this century. In January, there were several 65 degree days – in a month where you would expect to see snow and freezing temperatures.
Councilman Pedro Espinal stated, “The climate crisis is occurring here in Providence and much of that is due to pollution from industry. In South Providence, the neighborhood I represent, we have some of the highest rates of childhood asthma in the city, we have the highest rate in the city and state and have the ninth highest in the nation, which can be life-threatening and costly. The climate crisis is not just about warmer winters, longer summers, it’s about our well-being. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in support of this important mission.”
Rhode Island has experienced the fastest temperature rise of any state in the continental United States. The state and its municipalities must take immediate action to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out fossil fuels, create a just and equitable transition to a stable environmentally-focused economy, and invest in mechanisms to adapt and remain resilient to protect the people that call Rhode Island home.
“I have been working on and in support of the ‘Green-New Deal’ here in Providence,” stated Councilor Rachel M. Miller. “Not because it’s fashionable, but because it is the right thing to do. We are being left behind at the federal level by a President who does not believe in a changing climate, who pulled our Country out of the Paris Climate Accord, and who continually works to promote a culture that embraces coal and fracking. These policies are not only harmful to the environment, but they will in fact harm all of us.”
The Environmental Council of Rhode Island’s Climate Crisis Campaign is working to elevate climate issues and the need for policy solutions within the state and at the local level. ECRI is working on updating the Resilient Rhode Island Act and the Energy Facilities Siting Act, helping the State acheive its renewable energy goals and opposing attempts to allow dirty pyrolysis (gasification) electricity generation.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune shared, “It is all of our responsibility in creating a climate-resistant city that supports solutions that promote cleaner air, sustainable communities and access to unpolluted safe resources. Any action undertaken by our state has to be done with an eye on safety, health, and our economic well-being. We must also remember when we often talk about the climate crisis we forget those that are most vulnerable and we must create inclusive approaches that consider the voices of all our residents. We must ensure that we leave no one behind in this important work, because it requires all hands on deck.”
“I became a City Councilor and campaigned on fighting for the residents of my neighborhood, and I can’t think of a more worthy fight than this,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “I use my role to lift the voices of my generation who are often not given a seat at the table when it comes to issues like this, yet it is my generation and the ones after that will be dealing with the ramifications of our climate crisis. If we don’t act now, then when?”
For more information on the Environmental Council of Rhode Island’s Climate Crisis Campaign, visit them on the web here: ECRI.
by Billy Kepner | Feb 6, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Tonight the City Council will introduce a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Michael Van Leesten, a Providence native and a pioneer in the Civil Rights Struggle of the 1960s.
Mr. Michael Van Leesten was a graduate of Hope High School, Rhode Island College, and was a veteran on the United States Airforce. Upon his graduation from Rhode Island College, he became active in the Civil Rights Movement and participated in SCLC SCOPE Project in Choctaw County, Alabama. He along with six other college students, worked doing community organizing and voter registration in rural Alabama during the height of the Civil Rights Struggle. He spoke of his time in the Movement as a “defining moment in my life,” and he believed that this singular experience made him a better person, better husband, better father, and better community leader.
“Michael Van Leesten was my friend, and a ray of inspiration and hope to many. We would talk over the phone and laugh and before we hung up he would also say ‘Nirva, I am so proud of you,’” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3). “He was more than a board member, the executive director of OIC or a father, he was a community citizen, someone who was aware of and understands the broader issues that our community- and his place in the community and his role in effecting change. He was all of these things because he was a community citizen first and took an active role in his community and the people of his community. He was a bridge builder, an architect of connections and that is why it would be appropriate to name the bride after him. Like the new Pedestrian bridge he bridged gaps and created a platform for all to pass through and that gave others permission to do the same.”
Mr. Van Leesten served as the Executive Director of Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Rhode Island, which he helped found, for more than 15years. He was also a consultant and the owner of Van Leesten Associates, and also served as the Director of Planning and Development in Providence. After which, he went on to be the Director of Public Affairs for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and then in 2006 he resumed his role at the OIC until his passing. He was board member of numerous organizations including the Board of Regents, Peerless Precision, and Fleet Bank, and was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Roger Williams College, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island.
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) stated, “Mike played a very important role in my life. Through his vision as the Executive Director of Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), he was essential to me becoming a welder. Giving me a profession and career that helped me raise my children and provide them with a quality education. His life’s work was ensuring that those living in poverty could find a way to rise up, learn a trade, and we are all better for having had him in our lives.”
Many community members have been working on several different ways to honor Mr. Van Leesten’s life and legacy, and the City Council and its members wish to make that process more cohesive. The resolution that will be introduced tonight and will be sent to the Council’s Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning, which is chaired by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris. There the Committee will work to bring all the relevant parties together to discuss the most meaningful and fitting way to honor Mr. Van Leesten.
