by Billy Kepner | Feb 13, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-13, Ward-4, Ward-6, Ward-8
Council President Sabina Matos has created a special committee to examine public safety in municipal-owned buildings and has tapped Councilman James Taylor to lead the effort.
“After much discussion with my colleagues I decided to create a special committee to explore public safety in our city-owned facilities,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “City Hall and other municipal buildings are used for public meetings, and although we have security protocols in place, there is always more we can do to ensure the safety of all that visit and work in our facilities.”
The Special Committee on Public Safety will include:
- Councilman James E. Taylor, Chair
- Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia, Vice-Chair
- Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.
- Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris
- Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller
Councilman James E. Taylor stated, “Public safety is only discussed during the budget season, and we need to be proactive instead of reactive. I believe that this committee can address some of these public safety issues that we face. In addition to looking at the security and safety of public buildings, we will be addressing the current challenges of having our E911 CAD system upgraded to receive ANI (Automatic Number Identification) and ALI (Automatic Location Identifier) to make Police and Fire Dispatch more efficient. The Committee will also address why the Providence Fire Department, the Country’s second oldest paid Fire Department, does not currently have a dedicated Chief and hasn’t for the past four years. We live in turbulent times, and as a life-long public safety officer I believe in preparedness, and that’s my goal for this committee.”
The Special Committee on Public Safety will meet regularly and will work closely with all stakeholders, including public safety officials in the city and the state.
by Billy Kepner | Feb 1, 2019 | Council News, Ward-11, Ward-13, Ward-2, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-8
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris reminds us all to be the best street sweepers we can be at Providence’s 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards & Hall of Fame Ceremony hosted by Mayor Jorge O. Elorza.
In 1967, Dr. King in a speech to a group of middle school students in Philadelphia stated: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”
Congratulations to Shawndell Burney-Speaks, Detective Anthony Roberson, and to the family of the late Laura Rodriguez who live, and lived, in service to others. They each were the best street sweepers Providence has to offer.
by Billy Kepner | Dec 18, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-5
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris was joined by Councilwoman-Elect Rachel Miller at the Building Futures – Rhode Island graduation.
Building Futures – Rhode Island helps prepare low-income urban Rhode Islanders for successful careers in the building trades.
They assess the work readiness of their applicants, provide training and other forms of services and supports to help address barriers to employment, and assist successful graduates in gaining a career through employment as registered apprentices.
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, who was unable to be there, made sure that she and Councilwoman Harris gave each of the graduates an official citation from the City Council commemorating this occasion.
For more information, visit them on the web: Building Futures RI
For more information on the upcoming Building Futures Orientation check out their Facebook event: BFRI Orientation
by Billy Kepner | Dec 13, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-5
Tonight at a special meeting of the Providence City Council, a majority of the members voted to override the Mayor’s veto of the zoning variance requested by the developer of the Hope Point Tower.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett (Ward 12), in his role as Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Ordinances, has shepherded this legislation through two public hearings and to the full Council for vote. Over his long career as a Councilman he has been on the front lines of some of the City’s most notable revitalization projects.
“I have seen a lot in my 21 years on the Council, and I believe that Hope Point Tower will turn out to be one of the most important developments in our City’s history,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett. “I was there when neighbors said ‘no’ to the Renaissance Hotel. I was there when neighbors said ‘no’ to the Providence Place Mall. I went to bat for both and followed my gut that these projects were good for the City and the State, and they were. Today, I feel the same about this project, and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) has been a vocal proponent for this project. Through her role in Council leadership and as a member of the Council’s Committee on Finance, she has a unique understanding of the financial perils that face the city of Providence.
“Today’s vote is not simply an expression of support for a much-needed development project. It is a commitment to create jobs and much-needed tax revenue for our City. It is an essential step forward for economic development in Providence. And, it is an exciting opportunity to jump-start activity in the I-195 redevelopment zone,” stated Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Council for once again coming together and making a clear statement that we are serious about getting things done in Providence and helping to rebuild Rhode Island’s economy. I understand that sometimes when it comes to ambitious development projects, it is easier to vote ‘no’ and pretend that attacking developers and maintaining the status quo is somehow a public good. But when our schools are struggling, when our City is facing financial challenges, and when we needed to change the narrative in Providence, this vote sends a message to responsible developers that we are serious about taking the bold action that is needed to revitalize our City.”
Ryan continued, “This vote is a beginning and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the important work of bringing a new spirit of energy and excitement to the I-195 zone. Almost thirty years ago, Providence made history by moving rivers to create a new urban landscape. Then we moved a highway to create a new opportunity zone. Today, with this vote, we have begun to change the culture of how we look at development projects in the city. And, that will allow us to capitalize on a range of new opportunities, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and encouraging new businesses to make Providence their home.”
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) became the deciding vote to override the veto and grant the developer’s request for height relief and zoning change.
“This decision was not easy. I prayed about it. I talked to whoever would speak to me. I asked folks the right questions, and asked them all the same questions I always ask – what are the threats and what are the opportunities for my community. And I have concluded that opportunities far outweigh the threats,” stated Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris. “So today, I stood to override the Mayor’s veto, and I pledge to all those who have been so vocal about affordable housing: I heard you, and I am with you, and we will have it. By the end of my term, we will be a City that puts people to work, that pays them fair and livable wages, and we will have the equity, the income and the equality that every person needs and deserves.”
With tonight’s override, the developer can move forward working with the I-195 Commission.
The Hope Point Tower project is expected to generate more than 1,500 high-wage jobs in total for the three years of its projected construction period, representing nearly every trade, and will also create business for many suppliers and providers of materials and services. Over the next 20 years, the Hope Point Tower is expected to generate $70 million in property taxes alone; it is expected to pay Providence about $250 million in property taxes over the next 40 years. The 2017 Appleseed Study estimated that Hope Point Tower could generate $273 million in statewide economic impact, as well as a one-time increase of $146 million in the Rhode Island economy.
Councilors Luis A. Aponte, Carmen Castillo, Michael J. Correia, Terrence M. Hassett, John J. Igliozzi, Wilbur W. Jennings Jr., Sabina Matos, Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Mary Kay Harris, and Jo-Ann Ryan all voted to override the Mayor’s Veto.
by Michael Florio | Dec 4, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11
Since last Friday, I have been inundated with calls, texts, and emails asking me where I stand on the issue of the Hope Point Tower. Since this development was proposed, I have remained neutral and steadfast in my request to find out more information on the project and what it truly means for the City of Providence, and more specifically, for my neighbors in Ward 11.
Since even before taking office, my interests and goals for my community have focused on equitable housing, and how the Council as the legislative body of Providence can reduce the tax burden for our citizens. Since this project first came before the Committee on Ordinances, I have been talking with stakeholders, community members, advocates, and those opposed to this project to gain a fuller picture of how a development of this magnitude would help or hurt the city I love.
It’s clear to me why many oppose this project, but it is less clear why and what the real, long-lasting benefits are for this City and my neighbors. I’ve read that I have little time to come to a conclusion on this matter, but I am working hard on behalf of my neighbors and all citizens of Providence to come to a decision that will be in our best interest.
Finally, as a former a tradeswoman (yes, I was a welder), I am in full support of our tradespeople and our unions. I know full well what this kind of project can mean for the men and women who work to build our City every day. However, I am thinking about and reflecting on the totality of this project.
To all those who have offered support, guidance, and advice, or shared insight, I am grateful. Governing should never be done in a vacuum, and I am very proud of how my colleagues on the City Council have engaged in spirited debate and discussion on this matter.
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Mary Kay Harris, Councilwoman – Ward 11
Providence City Council
