by Billy Kepner | Oct 3, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-13
This morning we find ourselves deeply saddened about a violent act on Federal Hill resulting in the loss of a life. It is incomprehensible how anyone could act against another in this manner.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
Over the last several months we, in our capacities as State Representative and Providence City Councilor, Ward 13, we have been working diligently with the Providence Police Department on issues that impact life, health, and safety on Federal Hill.
We know the determination the police, city leaders and businesses have to keep Federal Hill and all areas of the city safe. We thank members of the Federal Hill Commerce, residents, city leaders, and the Providence Police for working with us and working together over the last five months.
This appears to be an isolated incident at a long standing establishment, where a violent act took place between two patrons as part of interpersonal dispute.
We will be in contact with Chief Clements to offer any assistance he may require, and to learn more details about what took place during this altercation.
We want to assure residents and visitors alike that the beautiful historic Federal Hill is a safe place to visit with your friends and family. Please join us during the upcoming Columbus Day festivities and what will be the start of fall and the holiday season.
Rachel M. Miller – Providence City Council – Councilwoman, Ward 13
Representative John J. Lombardi – Rhode Island General Assembly – District 8, Providence
by Michael Giles | Sep 3, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-13
Statement from Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller
This first day of school I know that students, parents, teachers, and administrators are putting their heart and effort into a positive first day back for our city’s youth. I also know that everyone must be feeling anxious and uncertain- while our city is united in acknowledging the crisis facing our schools, we’ve had so little information on what’s coming next, it’s hard to feel anything but uncertain.
As a city councilor, here’s my back to school commitment:
I will support a state intervention that gives meaningful structural decision making and voice to students and parents. I believe that’s the critical missing piece. If we’re serious about long-term change, not surface change- if we want to truly change the culture that brought us here- student and parent participation in decision making is non-negotiable. This means finding a path that goes well beyond listening sessions and community forums.
I will support a state intervention that includes a transparent process, accountable to the public, not just the state and city structures that got us here. Let’s make these critical decisions about our schools in the light of day, where public input is taken seriously and responded to.
I will support a state intervention that includes a turn-around plan beyond improvements in reading and math scores. Let’s make sure that we’re also measuring improvements in social-emotional supports, cultural competency, and behavioral interventions that embrace difference. Let’s embrace a plan to change how it feels to be in a Providence Public School every day. Let’s create a culture that embraces learning, curiosity, and a deep respect for one another.
I will support a state intervention that looks hard at school buildings and the health of students and teachers learning and teaching in those buildings. One that looks at funding mechanisms for our schools and understands that we didn’t get to this crisis point overnight- this has been a long time coming and every state institution, taxpayer, elected or appointed official, has a piece of this and can give a hand in creating positive, lasting change.
No one has a silver bullet for widescale change for our youth. But I think the students and parents who are organizing together know what won’t work- because it’s failed multiple generations of students already. Let’s make sure that this process ends the cycle of failing our young people. Let’s stand up for a process that is transparent and accountable to youth and to parents. Parents and students have a right to know what is being planned for their futures. That’s my back to school commitment- I’ll keep standing up for that voice, and that right, as we enter into a state process.
Rachel M. Miller
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 13
by Billy Kepner | Aug 1, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-13
Statement from Councilwoman Rachel Miller regarding yesterday’s DBR ruling to reopen Club Seven:
I’m deeply concerned by yesterday’s DBR ruling which allows for Club Seven to reopen, even with restrictions. The residents of Federal Hill deserve better. The countless visitors to Federal Hill deserve better. Providence deserves better.
Public safety is not a term that we throw around, it’s a real thing – and the residents and other business owners don’t feel safe with Club Seven in operation. I have spoken to so many members of the community who were relieved when the City’s Board of Licenses revoked their license. Today, those same residents and business owners will now have to live in fear again.
I ask the DBR how many people have to die before we can revoke a liquor license? What’s the number? It never should have come to this. There have been brawls, two separate shootings, and now a fatal stabbing.
We must ensure the safety of our residents, and the safety of one of the most visited neighborhoods in the city. The time to act is now. I plan to work with the community to appeal yesterday’s decision – because we deserve better.
Rachel Miller
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 13
Declaración de la Concejal Rachel Miller sobre la decisión de ayer del Departamento de Regulación de Negocios de reabrir el Club Seven:
Estoy profundamente preocupada por la decisión del Departamento de Regulación de Negocios que ayer permite que el Club Seven se reabra, incluso con restricciones. Los residentes de Federal Hill merecen algo mejor. Los innumerables visitantes de Federal Hill merecen algo mejor. Providence merece algo mejor.
La seguridad pública no es un término que tiramos en conversación casualmente, es una cosa real – y los residentes y otros propietarios de negocios no se sienten seguros con el Club Seven en funcionamiento. He hablado con tantos miembros de la comunidad que se sintieron aliviados cuando la Junta de Licencias de la ciudad revocó su licencia. Hoy, esos mismos residentes y dueños de negocios tendrán que vivir con miedo nuevamente.
Pregunto al Departamento de Regulación de Negocios, ¿cuántas personas tienen que morir antes de que podamos revocar una licencia de licor? ¿Cuál es la cifra? Nunca debería haber llegado a esto. Ha habido peleas, dos tiroteos separados, y ahora un apuñalamiento fatal.
Debemos garantizar la seguridad de nuestros residentes y la seguridad de uno de los barrios más visitados de la ciudad. El momento de actuar es ahora. Planeo trabajar con la comunidad para apelar la decisión de ayer, porque merecemos algo mejor.
Rachel Miller
El Consejo Municipal de Providence
Concejal – Distrito 15
by Billy Kepner | Jul 18, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-13, Ward-15, Ward-6
Ward 13 Councilwoman, Rachel Miller, introduced an ordinance tonight that calls for a one-year moratorium on any new late-night (2:00 AM) operating, liquor or entertainment licenses in the Federal Hill Neighborhood. She was joined by co-sponsors Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
“Let me be clear, this ordinance does not affect any existing businesses with existing track records on the Hill, just new businesses coming online in the next year,” stated Councilwoman Rachel Miller. “We need a citywide policy to take on the problems that exist when nightclubs co-exist in our residential neighborhoods. During this one-year moratorium, I will be working with my colleagues in city government, including the City’s Board of Licenses, to propose and vet policy solutions that server everyone in our city. I have heard from many residents and business owners regarding their concerns of problems related to club activities, even when clubs are operating with the best of intentions and with the best security protocols, problems still occur.”
Councilwoman Miller continued, “Federal Hill is a unique neighborhood in Providence, but the problems with night clubs in a residential neighborhood are not unique to Federal Hill. We need to come together citywide to craft legislation that works for every neighborhood. Federal Hill is a jewel in Providence, for the tourists who visit, for the businesses and restaurants, and for the hundreds of residents who call Federal Hill home. Tonight, we took a step together to create peace of mind and peace while we work together in City government and with our neighborhoods to create a citywide solution.”
The amendment to Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances will take effect upon second passage by the full Council, and will immediately put into effect a one-year moratorium on any new 2:00 AM operating or liquor license on Atwells Avenue and adjoining streets in the Federal Hill Neighborhood.
Council President Sabina Matos stated, “I am in complete support of Councilwoman Miller’s ordinance. It is fair, reasonable, and a thoughtful approach to addressing quality of life issues that happen when nightclubs are operating in residential neighborhoods. I look forward to working with her and our colleagues on how we can better protect our neighbors, preserve our unique communities, and foster greater relationships with existing and new businesses that want to open in our neighborhoods.
To read a copy of the amended ordinance, please visit the open meetings portal: Chapter 14, Article X, Section 14-234.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 7, 2019 | Council News, Ward-1, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3
City Council members passed three resolutions at tonight’s council meeting urging the General Assembly to pass legislation banning assault weapons, banning high capacity magazines, and prohibiting concealed-carry weapons on school grounds. These resolutions were introduced by Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Rachel Miller (Ward 13), and Councilman Seth Yurdin (Ward 1). “We are not going to wait until the next tragedy for changes that we need to see enacted now,” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune. “It is time to take a stand against gun violence and the City Council supports the Senators and Representatives that have put forth this much-needed legislation. We need to keep assault weapons off the street and away from criminals in order to ensure the safety of families, students, and law enforcement officers.” The Providence City Council respectfully requests the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass House Bills H-5741, H-5762, H-5739; and Senate Bills S-635, S-636, S-637. These legislative bills include the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act, the Large Capacity Feeding Device Ban Act and an amendment to the RI General Law chapter 11-47 entitled “weapons.” Seven States and the District of Columbia have enacted laws banning Assault weapons including: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Councilman David A. Salvatore stated, “The debate is over; there is no justification for military-style assault weapons with large-capacity magazines to be in the hands of civilians. Firearms should be nowhere near our school grounds or public spaces and it is our moral obligation as public servants to protect the people through common sense gun legislation. Rhode Islanders will not let the proliferation of assault weapons go unchecked.” “This is a clear message from Providence residents to our state leaders that it is time to put an end to mass shootings by banning assault weapons once and for all,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony. “Our children deserve a safer world and not one where anybody can easily acquire a weapon that shoots up to 100 rounds a minute.” Click here to view a digital version of the resolutions.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 7, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, 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
City Council Passes Resolution Welcoming June as Pride Month
At the June 6, 2019 City Council meeting Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller (Ward 13) introduced a resolution welcoming the month of June as PRIDE month in Providence. The resolution was unanimously passed by the full council.
“Providence is a city that welcomes everyone, regardless of their gender, race, orientation, religion or how they identify,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “As a Catholic, I was deeply hurt by the remarks of Bishop Tobin regarding the LGBTQIA+ community, and believe that God welcomes all and stand by Mark 12:31, ‘The second {commandment} is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which many consider being the catalyst that moved the gay liberation movement forward. In the early hours of June 28, 1969 Trans-women and men, gays, lesbians, and their ally’s took to the streets after continued abuse at the hands of the New York City Police in a series of riots that would propel the movement forward to where we are today.
“We can’t forget that Pride’s origin was a broad social movement for equity and inclusion. That’s especially true in today’s political climate while the LGBTQIA community is organizing to stop a national rollback on some hard-won victories,” Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller stated. “As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I was angered by Bishop Tobin’s recent comments but I’m proud to create an opportunity for elected officials to be on the side of love and on the side of affirming and supporting our LGBTQIA+ community.”
The first Pride march in Providence took place in 1976 when over 70 brave men and women, marched in Kennedy Plaza, after winning the right to do so after a court battle handled by the ACLU. They were taunted by police and residents alike, yet they were not deterred. Today, known as the “76’ers,” Belle Pelegrino one of the original marchers, told The Providence Journal that, “We totally expected that when we stepped into the plaza, gunfire was going to come. We thought we were going to die.”
As noted by The Washington Post, The New York Times, Time, Rolling Stone, CNN, and countless other news outlets the Trump administration has continually rolled back almost every single LGBTQIA+ protection that were put in place by previous administrations. This is why the City Council believes it is more important than ever to memorialize and codify their support for all members of our community.
Pride is celebrated around the world during the month of June, in recognition of the Stonewall Riots that took place on the morning of June 28, 1969. This year marks the 43rd Anniversary of Providence Pride which has grown from a march of 70 men and women to a weekend celebration that brings 1000’s of people to our city in celebration of equality and love.
In 2018, the City Council officially recognized the month of June as Pride Month in perpetuity and was passed by the full Council. The Providence City Council celebrates and recognizes the contributions, struggles, risks, and many identities of Providence’s LGBQIA+ community and their families and proudly affirms that love is love.
The City Council recognizes and thanks Rhode Island Pride for all they do to for the community not just on Pride weekend, but throughout the year. Pride takes place on Saturday, June 15 with Pridefest taking place along South Main Street (North from Memorial Boulevard and South Water Street to the South ending at Wickenden Street) from 12 pm – 7 pm. It will culminate in New England’s only illuminated night Pride Parade that begins at 8 pm and will travel down Dorrance Street, to Washington Street, to Empire Street and ends on Weybosset Street. This year’s theme is #LiveYourTruth.
For more information on Rhode Island Pride, please visit prideri.org.
