I want to thank the Providence College (PC) administration for their diligence and quick action regarding the newly reported cases of COVID-19 amongst their student body.
Last spring, I convened the colleges and universities in Providence to discuss their mitigation plans around bringing students back to campus. I am pleased to know that PC has followed their plan accordingly and has been committed to keeping the communities adjacent to campus informed of emerging COVID-19 cases and managing the pandemic.
As cases continue to rise on college campuses across the country, and as the World Health Organization just stated that the virus is projected to hit Europe in another wave in the coming weeks, it is now more important than ever that we stay vigilant and all do our part. This includes the students who attend PC and the other colleges and universities in our city who reside on-campus and off.
This morning, I was driving down Eaton Street and saw the road littered with red and blue solo cups and beer cans. Visually this tells me that students were gathering last night for parties and congregating, even as 80 of their classmates are fighting the virus. This behavior is unacceptable and needs to stop immediately.
Many college students need to remember that they are guests in the City of Providence during the years they are in school here. Students just like anyone else that chooses to flaunt the rules promulgated by Governor Raimondo and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dr. Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, need to be held accountable for their behavior.
This morning I have reached out to the PC administration, the Providence Police Department, and other agencies to ensure that we are increasing patrols in the areas around PC and enforcing the stay-at-home order issued by the College.
Further, I respectfully ask our neighbors to refrain from utilizing the PC campus unless they work there. Using the facilities and walking the grounds have become part of many of our daily routines; however, we have to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus. In light of these recent circumstances, it is imperative that residents cease using the campus for recreation.
If you are concerned that you may have come into contact with any person who may have COVID-19, the State of Rhode Island allows for asymptomatic testing at several of the sites across the state, including the drive-thru and walk-thru sites at the Convention Center in downtown Providence. To make an appointment for a test, please visit the RIDOH COVID-19 Site to schedule a test: COVID-19 Testing.
The Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act creates a streamlined and transparent process to incentivize development and further grow Providence’s tax base
PROVIDENCE, RI (September 17, 2020)…Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), along with a majority of her Council Colleagues including President Pro Tem Michael Correia (Ward 6), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 12), and Councilors Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13), James E. Taylor (Ward 8), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and John Goncalves (Ward 1) tonight introduced an ordinance entitled the Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act.
The Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act (The Act) would standardize the processes for all future Tax Stabilization Agreements (TSAs) in the City of Providence by increasing transparency, simplifying and streamlining the application process, and clearly defining the requirements that all developers must abide by should they wish to obtain a stabilization agreement with the City. The proposed legislation will create a tax stabilization system that not only protects our City’s financial interests but also incentivizes new development.
Council President Sabina Matos stated, “Over the past several years, my colleagues and I have grown increasingly frustrated with the existing TSA process as it has resulted in confusion for developers and Providence residents alike. This legislation sets clear expectations to developers from the get go and codifies them all in one section under our Code of Ordinances. By providing clear expectations and terms from the onset of an application for a tax stabilization agreement, the Council can better monitor and enforce the terms of the agreement that are meant to empower the communities that work and live in Providence. Furthermore, by streamlining this process developers will find it easier to move here, create more good-paying jobs, and grow our tax base.”
The Act is intended to balance economic development with responsible employment practices in order to increase the city’s tax base while revitalizing our existing communities. In order to advance this mission, it is vital that the city provide developers, entrepreneurs, and investors with a predictable TSA process which clearly defines both the procedure to obtain a TSA as well as the requirements that will be imposed should a property be granted such an agreement.
“I am very proud of the work we have done to create a crystal clear and reliable process that incentivizes development and defines community benefits,” stated City Councilor Rachel Miller. “When Providence forgoes tax dollars to support development, we should be able to trace the positive impact of that investment in our communities and to city residents. At the same time, developers should be able to rely on a predictable process. The Act is a tremendous step in both directions. The ordinance is the result of an intensive collaborative process between the Council, Council staff, the Solicitor’s Office, and the City’s Planning Department, and I look forward to a rigorous discussion of its merits with my colleagues and with city residents.”
About the Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act:
The Act will tie the length of TSAs to the amount of investment being made in the City of Providence, and it will standardize the process by which TSAs are reviewed and approved. This includes citywide departmental review before reaching the Council, as well as a clearly defined list of documentation that a developer must provide at the outset of the application.
In addition to procedural changes, the proposed legislation condenses a number of existing requirements on TSAs into one section of the Providence Code of Ordinances to eliminate confusion. These requirements include the criteria all developers will be held to if they want a TSA, such as hiring Minority and Women Business Enterprises, paying prevailing wage during construction, and defining specific reporting timelines to ensure compliance. There are also specific designations for the taxes generated from stabilized properties, which includes 1% of all taxes for First Source, 10% for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and 7% for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. While these designations have been designated by ordinance in the past, the new legislation places them directly in the section of the Ordinances governing TSAs in order to eliminate any uncertainty regarding where TSA taxes must go.
Finally, the Act establishes a very specific notice and cure provision in order to increase the enforcement capabilities of the Council so that they can exercise greater control over compliance with all of the terms and conditions of each TSA.
At the September 3 City Council Meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced several resolutions with City Council colleagues regarding the start of the new school year, school improvements and COVID-19 preparedness within Providence schools.
“As we approach the 2020-2021 school year, it is crucial that we take all considerations to build a safe and productive school year. I commend and applaud the hard work of the Department of Education, Commissioner Infante-Green, Superintendent Peters and the Department of Health, and offer these resolutions as simply suggestions to further ensure these goals are met,” stated Councilman Goncalves.
The first resolution encourages Providence residents to vote “Yes” on the November ballot referendum to approve a $40 million bond for school improvements in Providence. These improvements would include construction, renovation, landscaping, furnishing and equipping Providence schools and school facilities throughout the City.
This resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Castillo (Ward 9), Councilman Espinal (Ward 10), Finance Chairman Igliozzi (Ward 7), Councilwoman Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Miller (Ward 13), Councilor Salvatore (Ward 14) and Councilman Narducci (Ward 4).
Council President Matos stated, “While we should prioritize the warmth, safety, and security of our learning spaces for our youth, we should also invest into projects that inspire learning and instill a sense of pride in students about the spaces they spend most of their days in. Voting yes on this ballot referendum would help provide us the flexibility we need to work towards transforming our schools both academically and structurally into investments we can be proud of.”
As plans are made to begin the new school year, the possibility remains that students will be returning to in person learning for at least some of the school year. This means that the physical state of Providence school buildings remain a timely and important concern.
The second resolution proposed by Councilman Goncalves requests that the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) ensure that every Providence Public School has a trained nurse available on site during the day.
“As in-person learning resumes, at a time when public health is so important, it is imperative that a trained nurse or substitute nurse in every building be made available to all Providence students. This will further protect the health of Providence children, their families and surrounding communities,” added Councilman Goncalves.
The next resolution suggests that the RIDE and Providence Public Schools provide a remote learning best practices workshop for parents, through whichever means they see fit. This resolution has been co-sponsored by Council President Matos, Council President Pro Tempore Corriea, Councilor Anthony, Councilor Castillo, Councilor Miller, Councilor Narducci, Councilor Kerwin and Councilor Salvatore.
“So many parents have suddenly had to become teachers as they help their children navigate distance learning. Feedback has indicated that many parents would like to learn more about what they can do at home to provide the best possible learning environment for their children,” continued Councilman Goncalves.
“With the possibility that schools may be relying on distance learning for part of the school year, this type of training would help to mitigate absenteeism and provide parents with some assurance as families adjust to this change,” stated Councilor Anthony.
The final resolution recommends that RIDE utilize disaggregate data in their school operations decision making. While the current guidelines call for broad municipal data in which any city or town with more than 100 positive cases per 100,000 residents cannot move to a full in-person reopening, disaggregate data captures community spread of COVID-19 more closely by pinpointing data within certain subsets of the populations such as race, ethnicity and zip code.
“We have all learned that data and science is crucial when it comes to combating COVID-19. I have 100% confidence in our Governor, Department of Health and Department of Education and the five metric methodology for a safe reopening in person, and this is simply a recommendation to look at our municipal readiness in a more granular way. Since COVID zip code data is readily available, looking at zip codes, race and ethnicity to guide school operation decisions could ensure a safe and equitable return to school, specifically among communities of color and zip codes that have been disproportionately impacted,” stated Councilman Goncalves.
“Communities of color and lower income communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 within the City of Providence. This disaggregate data would provide a deeper understanding of the risks involved with returning to school within these specific communities and zip codes’ ‘ stated Finance Chariman Igliozzi.
Council President Matos added, “It’s extremely important that we as the City Council continue to advocate for reform and transformation in our schools: whether it be for better family engagement or basic personnel such as a school nurse. I’m proud to have partnered with Councilman Goncalves and my Council Colleagues in bringing forth these resolutions to keep our kids and families safe.”
Upon passage, these resolutions will be transmitted to the Honorable Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Mayor of Providence, the Superintendent of the Providence Public School District, and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for the State of Rhode Island.
At the September 3 City Council meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a resolution supporting the proposed mask policies at local colleges and universities, and encouraging all faculty, staff and students to abide by said policies on and off campus.
“Providence is home to so many world class colleges and universities, and I am so proud to share the City with thousands of college students, faculty and staff. But as the new semester begins, it is crucial that all steps are taken to preserve the health of members of these college communities and the members of our greater neighborhoods and City as a whole,” stated Councilman Goncalves.
This resolution has been sponsored by Council President Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Castillo (Ward 9), Councilman Espinal (Ward 10), Councilman Igliozzi (Ward 7), Councilwoman Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Miller (Ward 13), and Councilor Salvatore (Ward 14).
“Local college communities enrich our neighborhoods, and we are proud to have them in our City. The work done by these universities to implement safe health plans such strict mask policies will be imperative in protecting not only students and faculty, but also residents in the surrounding communities. For this reason, myself and my Council colleagues ask that these policies be taken very seriously,” added Councilor David Salvatore.
Providence has long been a central location for higher education and is home to several prestigious institutions. Students and staff come from all over to make Providence their home. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these colleges and universities have worked tirelessly to adjust to new health and safety guidelines.
If you are a student, faculty member or part of a college community, make sure to stay informed on your institution’s health policies such as mask wearing and social distancing. As our City works towards the new semester and school year, compliance with these policies will make the difference in mitigating community spread of COVID-19.
The Department of Public Works is classified as an essential city department and for good reason. The hard work this department performs everyday to keep our streets and sidewalks in good shape, keep trash off of our streets, and our environment safe is vital to the operation of a healthy and prosperous city.
However, this summer we’ve experienced a rampant decline in the quality and frequency of these services due to DPW workers being put on furlough one and two days a week. This decline is of no fault of our hardworking men and women in the DPW, but of the circumstances we are facing due to the above mentioned furloughs.
While we understand that the city must find cost-saving measures to preserve the short-term financial stability of the city, we do not think those savings should come at the price of allowing our city to decline into a hazardous eyesore. Graffiti, illegal dumping, rat infestations have become a serious threat this summer to our residents’ quality of life.
Not only are these issues dangerous to our individual and collective health, but they also affect the community’s self-esteem and pride in their neighborhoods and invite further vandalism and destruction.
This is why we, the undersigned, are requesting that the administration end furlough days for workers in the City’s Department of Public Workers and that we wrap our arms around these exponentially growing issues before they get too out of control. We ask that you join us in asking the administration to bring back our essential workers in the DPW by signing the below petition so that we can restore these necessary services in our community.
I am calling on Mayor Jorge Elorza and the Providence Police Department to take action regarding the illegal and dangerous use of ATVs on our City Streets. Over the past week, I have received numerous phone calls and emails from constituents who are concerned about and troubled by the frequent ATV traffic throughout Ward 14 and the rest of the City.
Not only is the loud noise created at night by ATVs disrespectful to families with children and workers with early morning shifts, but ATVs also pose a serious threat to the safety of Providence residents, including pedestrians, children, and other drivers. Just last week, an eight-year-old boy was injured in an ATV accident.
I understand that we live in a city and what is not tolerated in other municipalities might be given leeway in dense populations, but putting residents in harm’s way when these vehicles are speeding through our streets and on our City sidewalks is unacceptable.
The current ‘no pursuit’ policy is not working. While our police officers have a responsibility to mitigate any potential for traffic accidents, other drivers and pedestrians live in fear of being hurt or worse by an ATV or dirt bike.
For these reasons, I am asking Mayor Elorza and the Providence Police Department to take decisive action against the illegal use of ATVs and to mitigate threats to the quality of life and safety of our neighbors.
