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Nolan Street to be Named for Providence Business Owner Patrick T. Griffin

by | Apr 7, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12

Councilman Terrence Hassett (Ward 12) will tomorrow host a ribbon cutting and street dedication in honor of Patrick T. Griffin, whose Smith Hill business, Patrick’s Pub, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The naming of Nolan Street to Patrick T. Griffin Way coincides with the pub’s 25th anniversary celebration. The event kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 pm, followed by an afternoon of entertainment from John Connors and the Irish Express.

“Patrick is an exemplary business owner and community leader,” said Councilman Hassett. “His twenty-five years in Providence have deepened the city’s Irish culture and contributed to Smith Hill’s small business economy. Our community has always been a welcoming home to immigrants, and Patrick’s Pub embodies that tradition. While Patrick’s Pub is authentically Irish, it also serves as a mecca for the heritage and traditions of so many countries that are represented in Providence. The culture at Patrick’s is enlightening and reflects what America is all about.”

Patrick, a native of Ireland’s County Roscommon, came to America in 1984 for a construction job in Boston. In 1992, Patrick became a US Citizen, moved to Providence, and opened Patrick’s Pub on Smith Street. The Smith Hill establishment quickly became a popular gathering spot for neighbors and politicians alike, and Patrick eventually expanded the pub to accommodate family events and fundraisers. Today, the pub even serves as the headquarters for a few cultural organizations, including the Providence Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Ireland’s 32 Society, and the 1916 Committee. Patrick is also widely credited for reinstating the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which had become defunct for a number of years prior to his arrival.

“I’m so happy I chose to come to America, start a family, and become a successful business owner. I’m proudly living the American dream, just as so many Irish immigrants did before me,” said Patrick. “It is a great honor to have a street in Providence, Rhode Island named after me. God bless America and God bless Ireland.”

Tomorrow’s events are open to the public and begin at 1:00 pm at Patrick’s Pub, 381 Smith Street, Providence.

Joint Statement from Councilors Ryan, Hassett, and Salvatore Regarding Recent Crimes in Eaton Street Neighborhood

Joint Statement from Councilors Ryan, Hassett, and Salvatore Regarding Recent Crimes in Eaton Street Neighborhood

by | Mar 20, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-5

City Councilors Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Terrence M. Hassett (Ward 12), and David Salvatore (Ward 14) today issued a joint statement in response to a string of violent crimes and other violations that occurred over the weekend in the lower Eaton Street neighborhood, which has a high concentration of off-campus student housing:

“This past weekend was marked by a dangerous series of events that threatened the safety of hundreds of people, including students, residents, and public safety officials. As City Councilors, we will not tolerate such a breach of peace in our neighborhoods.

While college students are learning to navigate adulthood, they must be held accountable for their choices and conduct. Following this weekend’s alarming series of events, we call upon the colleges and universities involved to take swift action in addressing the dangerous party culture occurring off-campus. Landlords who violate housing codes and enable these kinds of behaviors must also be held to account.

We are committed to curtailing this behavior, and will convene a meeting with the schools, landlords, and public safety officials to continue our positive dialogue and take all necessary action to protect our neighborhoods.”