by Michael Florio | Oct 18, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Proposes new restrictions for sex offender residency
Councilman Luis A. Aponte introduced an amendment to the Providence Code of Ordinances at tonight’s City Council meeting to codify restrictions for registered sex offenders residing in the City of Providence.
The amendment calls for stronger restrictions for sex offenders who reside in the City of Providence. It increases the distance sex offenders may reside from schools, daycares, and recreational areas from a 300-foot radius to a 500-foot radius. It also redefines the term “daycare” from a school with a certified pre-K program, to include all licensed daycare facilities that are clearly marked with at least one sign. Registered sex offenders will also be prohibited from entering or loitering within a 500-foot radius of the premises of a school, daycare center, or recreational area.
“The City of Providence has no ordinance regarding restrictions for sex offenders,” stated Councilman Luis A. Aponte. “We have depended on state and federal statutes to serve our needs, but what we have learned from Richard Gardner moving into the Washington Park neighborhood is that sometimes those statutes aren’t enough to keep our families safe. Last night at our community meeting, hundreds of neighbors expressed concerns, fear, and outrage that Mr. Gardner has only to register with the police in the jurisdiction where he lives and must stay 300 feet away from schools. For a man that has committed such heinous crimes these restrictions are not satisfactory. Until our state representatives and senators can craft strong legislation, we need to act now.”
The ordinance that was brought to the floor at tonight’s meeting will be sent to the Committee on Ordinances to be vetted and reviewed. Councilman Aponte hopes that this will happen at the committee’s earliest convenience.
by Michael Florio | Apr 18, 2018 | Community Engagement, Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-6
The Providence City Council helped secure a location in South Providence for a carnival for children and families of that neighborhood and beyond. Family-owned Rockwell Amusements’ midway will be located between Point and Eddy Streets from April 27 to May 6.
City Councilors Michael Correia, Mary Kay Harris, and Luis A. Aponte worked with Lifespan and Rhode Island Hospital to secure a location for the carnival on a piece of hospital property located across the street from Lifespan’s Coro Center.
“As City Councilors, we know that events like carnivals are not always something that our community members can access,” stated Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6). “We’re thrilled to be able to help find a location for this event with support from our community partner Rhode Island Hospital.”
“Rhode Island Hospital is happy to work with the Providence City Council to secure a location for the carnival in the neighborhood we share with so many residents and businesses of South Providence. My hope is that the children and families in our surrounding communities have a safe and enjoyable time,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital.
Lifespan will also provide free parking to carnival patrons at the Coro Center garage, and a surface lot at 139 Point St. Street parking will also be available on one side of Hospital and Globe streets.
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) shared that “we’re grateful to Lifespan for their commitment to community and for providing a location for the carnival and also offering free parking during the event.”
City councilors will be distributing bracelets to community groups in South Providence for free carnival rides.
“I want to thank our partners at Lifespan for their willingness to work with us and Rockwell Amusements in order to make this festival possible on the Southside of the city,” said Councilman Luis A. Aponte (Ward 10). “The festival will bring together families from around our community and city, and I’m grateful to Rockwell for providing free admission for many of our young people who would not otherwise be able to attend.”
Carnival hours will be from 5-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 16, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-10
The Providence City Council on Thursday unanimously approved and cosponsored a resolution introduced by Councilman Luis Aponte (Ward 10) that formalizes the body’s support for the Paris Climate Accord.
“Our federal government has chosen to neglect its duty to protect America and the world from the harmful effects of climate change,” said Aponte. “Ignoring climate change does not lessen its threat. More responsibility now lies in the hands of local governments across the country to enact policies that protect our planet from further destruction. Cities house the majority of industry and population, which makes it more important than ever for us to take the lead on these issues.”
In addition to affirming the Council’s support of the Paris Climate Accord in full, the resolution also formalizes the Council’s commitment to reducing emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 1, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-15, Ward-9
Following public concerns raised among hundreds of constituents in Providence and Cranston, three members of the Providence City Council tonight introduced a measure to halt Mayor Elorza’s controversial traffic pattern plan for Roger Williams Park. The resolution, introduced by Councilors Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and Luis Aponte (Ward 10), calls for the administration to cease work on the project until traffic impact studies are conducted in both Providence and Cranston. The Elorza administration has suggested a traffic study was conducted inside the park, but has not yet released its findings to the public or to the City Council.
The administration’s plans to change F.C. Memorial Boulevard to a one-way greenway has drawn criticism from residents in Cranston and Providence neighborhoods that border the park. Concerns about the plan’s impact on city streets surrounding the park have not been addressed, and residents are especially concerned about the traffic impact around neighboring schools.
Cranston Mayor Allan Fung has publicly stated that the City of Providence did not engage his administration in any discussion about the plans. Fung also called on the administration to halt implementation until further information becomes available. Much of Roger Williams Park abuts Cranston neighborhoods.
In a letter sent to Mayor Elorza and the Providence City Council today, Rhode Island Foundation Executive Director Neil Steinberg stated concerns and frustrations with the administration’s execution of its plan: “[W]e are disappointed by what we believe are avoidable, public scuffles about the efficacy of the directional change on Greene Boulevard and an inability to transparently gather and consider input from the community regarding this change.” The Rhode Island Foundation is a key partner and steward for the park; the organization has led a $10M fundraising campaign for the park and manages its permanent endowment.
The resolution was sent to the Committee on Public Works for further deliberation.
by Billy Kepner | May 19, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10
Councilman Luis Aponte (Ward 10) today resigned as President of the Providence City Council and issued the following statement:
“After much deliberation, I have determined that it is in the best interest of my constituents, colleagues, and city to formally submit my resignation as Providence City Council President.
Serving the people of Providence is one of the greatest honors of my lifetime, and I remain committed to representing my constituents in my capacity as Councilman. While it has been a privilege to serve my colleagues as Council President, I believe this is the appropriate time to step down from my leadership position and focus on the best opportunities to serve the needs of my community.
I understand that some of my Council colleagues wish to amend the Council Rules to allow for the removal of a Council President at any time. I urge my colleagues to take a more measured approach, and refrain from rushing into a reactive rules change that undermines our democratic principles.
In recent weeks, I have been fortunate to receive an outpouring of support from my constituents. At this time, I’d like to offer my deepest gratitude for all their well-wishes and support throughout this process.”
by Billy Kepner | May 5, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-5, Ward-6
The Providence City Council tonight approved an ordinance that allows the Providence Police Department to confiscate and destroy recreational vehicles that are driven in the city illegally. In recent months, the city has faced an alarming uptick of unauthorized recreational vehicles being used on city roads and in public parks, sometimes swarming in large numbers to intimidate the public. On Easter weekend, dozens of people riding dirt bikes and ATVs swarmed a playground on Aleppo Street, endangering the twenty parkgoers who fled the area when the pack arrived. One motorist was killed while operating an ATV on a city street in the Manton neighborhood earlier this year.
“We have been hearing from many residents and community organizations about dangerous incidents across the city involving ATVS and dirt bikes,” said Council President Luis Aponte (Ward 10). “These incidents threaten everyone’s safety, and the ordinance we passed tonight gives our police department greater latitude in addressing the problem.”
Rhode Island Foundation President Neil Steinberg recently stated in a letter to the Council that ATV and off-road motor vehicles “are causing significant damage” to Roger Williams Park, and that “large groups of riders frequently meet in the Park to ride off-road on trails and fields.” He noted that the vehicles’ damage to Roger Williams Park has cost the Providence Parks Department nearly $20,000 in repairs.
The ordinance, adapted from a similar law in New York City, has already earned support from the Providence Police Department. “The City of Providence has experienced lawlessness in the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles and off road motorbikes on our City Streets,” said Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare. “This has created a danger to our community and to our police officers who try to intercept these vehicles driving at high rates of speed on our streets, in our parks and on the bike path. The ordinance will allow the Providence Police to stop, seize and potentially forfeit these vehicles so they are forever removed from the public spaces that they operate illegally. We thank the Council for their support in this ordinance and we look forward to removing this menace from our community once and for all.”
“This is a city-wide issue that has great implications for the quality of life in all of our neighborhoods,” said Councilwoman Ryan (Ward 5), who sponsored the ordinance. “This ordinance gives our Police officers the tools they need to deal with the growing epidemic of illegal vehicles abusing our traffic laws and endangering the public.”
“We are doing everything we possibly can to rid the city of the ATVs and dirt bikes terrorizing our parks and neighborhoods,” said Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), who recently called upon the police department for increased enforcement.
