by Billy Kepner | Aug 19, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) was joined by Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson, and William D’Abate Elementary School Principal Brent Kerman for the ribbon-cutting in celebration of recent upgrades and improvements to the Joslin Street Playground on Monday, August 19, 2019 .
“Nature is as important to learning as are books,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “Outdoor classrooms give kids the opportunity to learn about the natural world in a way that makes sense and has proven to improve STEM learning amongst students. In addition, scientists have proven time and time again, that giving children time in nature helps them to focus, relax, and decompress. Something that I think we could all use. I am proud of the work that the Parks Department has done to make these improvements not just for the students at William D’Abate but for all the residents of mighty Ward 15.”
Council President Matos continued, “This is a project that began in 2011 with the creation of the Joslin Street Playground Master Plan, and I am so glad to watch these pieces come together. This is quickly becoming the crown jewel of the Olneyville and surrounding neighborhoods!”
Aligned with the City’s Green Schoolyards initiative, the new playground installations feature natural elements and a new outdoor classroom meant to encourage youth connection to nature, support afterschool activities and recess time, and provide a neighborhood resource. Resources and labor were provided by the Providence Parks Department, with engagement from community organizations and partners including ONE Neighborhood Builders, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, and the William D’Abate School community. This project completes the second phase of improvements, funded by the City’s Capital Improvement Plan for $115,000.
These improvements are the latest in achieving the goals set by the Master Plan for the Joslin Street Playground in 2011. Since that time, the park saw the installation of an innovative waterpark, amongst many other additions and yet more to come.
Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan, MPA the Resident Engagement Project Manager at One Neighborhood Builders said, “At One Neighborhood Builders we believe that projects like this one at Joslin Playground not only benefit the students from William D’Abate Elementary but the whole community. Our goal as an organization is to help build strong, healthy communities which include affordable housing, and supporting programs that vitalize neighborhoods and provide quality of life enhancements to all we serve.”
by Billy Kepner | Aug 8, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Today Commissioner Infante-Green issued her reconstitution order of the Providence Public Schools. I believe that this is a necessary step, and although I have concerns that the state is taking control of more than half of the City’s budget, I remain committed and supportive of this process.
This process was never going to be easy, but I hope this will be an opportunity to transform our school system and serves all of our students. It is essential that all stakeholders, including the City Council, have a seat at the table as we navigate these changes.
The Commissioner has proposed a bold plan, and I look forward to working with her to make sure that Providence City Schools are no longer at the bottom, but that we fix the systemic issues that have plagued our schools for generations, and rise to the top. It’s what our children deserve.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 5, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) announced today that she is convening the City Council for a meeting to discuss the status of the Providence City Schools this coming Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
“We all must play our part to rebuild our school system,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “The Council must augment the voice of the families who demand accountability. In partnership with the State and the administration, we must ensure that our schools are safe and clean on day one for our students.”
The Council has invited Providence City School’s Interim Superintendent Francis Gallo, Chief of Administration Joseph DiPina; Providence City School Board President Nicholas Hemond, Esq., Providence City School Board Members; and Providence’s Director of Public Property Michael Borg to attend and and provide an update on the condition of our school buildings, and to discuss the comprehensive education report conducted by Johns Hopkins University.
Council President Matos continued, “I attended all but one of the community meetings held by Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and I was deeply moved by the passion and the resilience that our community voiced. Over the past two months, I have met with stakeholders at all levels and have expressed that the Council will do whatever it takes to improve the quality of education for our students. Our community is not only resilient, but we have proved time and time again that anything is possible with hard work. But first, we need to ensure that the basics are met – that our schools are clean, that our infrastructure projects are completed, that students, staff, and faculty have what they need to achieve success.”
City Council as a Whole meeting occurs when the Council wants to convene all its members to discuss a specific issue or topic.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 29, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
I have learned that Councilman Luis A. Aponte has entered into a plea agreement and will resign as a member of the Providence City Council, a post he held for more than two decades.
As public servants, we are held to a higher standard and Councilman Aponte’s resignation is a necessary and important step forward as we continue to focus on creating greater opportunities and improving quality of life for Providence’s residents and taxpayers.
Sabina Matos, President, Providence City Council, Councilwoman – Ward 15
Me he enterado que el Concejal Luis Aponte ha llegado a un acuerdo con la fiscalía y renunciara inmediatamente como miembro del Concejo Municipal de Providence, cargo que ocupó durante más de dos décadas.
Como servidores públicos, estamos sujetos a mantener un estándar más alto, la renuncia del Concejal Aponte es un paso necesario e importante hacia adelante mientras seguimos enfocados en crear mayores oportunidades para mejorar la calidad de vida de los constituyentes de Providence.
Sabina Matos, Presidenta, el Consejo Municipal Providence, Concejal – Distrito 15
by Billy Kepner | Jul 19, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-15, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7
Statement from City Council President Sabina Matos and the City Council Leadership Team Regarding the States’ Takeover of the Providence City School District:
In the aftermath of the Providence Public School District Community Forums and on the eve of a state takeover of our public school district, the City Council remains committed to playing a collaborative role in our children’s educational future.
We look forward to the opportunity to work in partnership with RIDE and to help foster solutions that will improve educational outcomes for our kids.
Despite the Mayor not being communicative or transparent with the Council in these preliminary stages of this process, we remain unwavering in our shared responsibilities to provide students with safer and cleaner school buildings, a more relevant and rigorous curriculum, and a quality of education that sets them up for success.
—
Council President Sabina Matos
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia
Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris
Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq.
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.
