by Michael Florio | Jun 25, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Providence City Councilwoman Sabina Matos (Ward 15) announces several completed community park projects in her Ward, and several more about to begin. These projects range from building concession stands, to improving current park landscapes.
“I believe that recreation and access to green spaces are paramount to the quality of life in our neighborhood,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Sabina Matos. “Over the past year, I have worked with the Providence Parks Department to improve and redevelop many of our green spaces. This has been an exciting year, and I can’t wait to see all these projects come to fruition.”
Much of the funding for these projects has come from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), City Council Neighborhood Infrastructure Funds, Eagle Square TIF funds, and other grants.
Breakdown of Community Park Projects
Joslin Playground:
Completed: Installation of shade sail, new fitness equipment, Water Park, soccer field, and landscaping.
In Progress: New entrance to be located on the Kossuth side parking lot.
James Ahern Park:
In Progress: Backstop and fence repairs, foul line pole, updated players’ area that includes benches and dugouts, infield renovations, and new signage.
Clarence Street Playground:
Completed: Outdoor classroom and new higher quality benches have been installed.
In Progress: Installation of additional play piece, fence repair, and replacement.
Riverside Park:
In Progress: Construction of parking lot, landscaping, repairs to the swale, renovations to the bike path, and signage.
Donigian Park:
Completed: Areas near Barstow Street received new seating from Downcity Designs and fitness equipment fabricated by the Steelyard and a soccer field.
In Progress: Construction of new concession stand, restroom facilities, turf and irrigation improvements. (Community meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 at 6:30 pm in the park.)
For more information on Providence Parks, visit www.providnceri.gov/providence-parks, or call the City Council Office at 401-521-7477.
by Michael Florio | Jun 18, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-5, Ward-9
Fiscally responsible budget holds the line on taxes, implements public safety enhancement programs, preserves historical assets, improves quality of life in every Providence neighborhood
The Providence City Council Committee on Finance tonight voted approve the recommendation of the FY2019 $748 Million city budget, which is now forwarded to the City Council for passage.
The budget is the result of collaboration between the City Council and City Administration with the ultimate goal of producing a fiscally responsible budget that includes no tax increases; invests in schools, safety and neighborhoods; enhances public safety; preserves significant historical assets; and improves the quality of life in every Providence neighborhood.
“I am pleased to announce that we are holding the line on tax increases, ensuring that our yearly fiduciary responsibility to the pension fund is met in full, and investing in quality of life initiatives to benefit all Providence neighborhoods – like the Council’s initiative to save the Federal Hill fountain located in DePasquale Plaza,” said Committee on Finance Chairman and Council Majority Leader John Igliozzi. “I am grateful for the hard work of the Finance Committee and for the cooperation of every City department that sat before us. The budget process is not easy, sometimes even contentious; but in the end we all want the same thing – a budget that efficiently and effectively utilizes taxpayer dollars and serves the people of Providence – and we believe we have achieved that end.”
“The review and passage of the budget is one of the most important duties of the City Council, and this budget prioritizes spending to support our public schools and enhance safety and quality of life in all city neighborhoods,” stated Council President David A. Salvatore. “Every year the Committee on Finance is tasked with reviewing the budget and ensuring that it serves the constituents of our city. The process is inclusive and I am proud of the way this body has worked to ensure those principles.”
Council-led budget initiatives include:
Holding the line on all tax rates, providing residents and business owners with the certainty they need to prosper.
No less than 35% of the revenue garnered from portable speed camera violations will be used on school safety and other traffic calming measures. The goal of the speed cameras was always to make Providence streets and schools safer, and the City Council has made this a priority.
Restored Neighborhood Infrastructure Fund (NIF) to help ensure that any unexpected brick and mortar projects that arise in FY 2019 can be addressed. This fund has a positive impact on our neighborhoods and helps to improve the quality of life for all residents of Providence.
Enhancing the quality of life in Providence neighborhoods and improving city services through infrastructure improvements, public safety initiatives, and school and parks improvements.
Saving, preserving and maintaining Providence’s beloved historical landmarks, including the fountain in Federal Hill’s DePasquale Plaza, as well as other significant monuments throughout the City.
Bringing the City’s original charter back to City Hall for display to the public, as well as ensuring the preservation of important historical City artifacts.
The City Council will hold special meetings on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, where the budget will receive its first vote from the Council. Once passed, the second and final vote will take place on Friday, June 22, 2018.
The Council’s Committee on Finance is comprised of:
Majority Leader John J. Igliozzi, Chair
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett, Vice Chair
Council President Pro Tempore Sabina Matos
Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo
by Billy Kepner | May 25, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Providence City Councilwoman Sabina Matos (Ward 15), was honored on Thursday, May 17 at The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s (WRWC) annual Yellow Perch Cocktail Party with the first annual Fred Lippitt Award.
“Sabina has been a great partner and visionary for Olneyville just like Fred Lippitt right from the start,” stated Den DeMarinis, Jr., Director of Development at Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. “Her belief in the WRWC has made the organization much stronger and more effective. She supported and helped to fund many of WRWC’s improvement projects, and we thank her for her belief in them. We also thank her for her trust that together we could make these wonderful things happen for Olneyville and folks on the river, her commitment to opening up the river, improving green spaces, and being a champion for improving quality of life and bringing Fred’s vision to fruition.”
Sabina Matos, Providence Council President Pro Tempore stated, “like Fred, I too understand the value of our community’s natural resources. And like many other families in Olnyeville and beyond, we have spent many hours walking, biking, and taking time to reconnect. In this busy, multi-media world the WRWC provides a respite from the barrage of the daily world, and for that I’m thankful. Fred’s vision was to transform the watershed to provide recreation opportunities to the community of Olneyville, to restore the river’s environment, to stimulate the economic reinvestment and promote this amazing neighborhood that so many of us call home. His drive and tenacity to make a better Olneyville and a better Providence inspires me every day to do the same. And I thank the WRWC for recognizing the commitment that I have for our community, and I look forward to continuing advocating for Olneyville and its many fabulous resources for the years to come.”
The mission of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is to encourage, support and promote the restoration and preservation of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed as an environmental, recreational, cultural, and economic asset of the State of Rhode Island. To learn more about The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, visit www.wrwc.org.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 2, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-15
Providence City Councilwoman Sabina Matos (Ward 15), will be introducing a resolution at the March 15 City Council meeting asking the City to delay any further speed camera installations until an educational campaign can take place.
“I’ve heard from countless constituents that they had no warning that these speed cameras were being installed,” stated Sabina Matos, Council President Pro Tempore. “After many conversations with concerned constituents, it was apparent that there was not enough education and outreach to alert the community about how these cameras work, their sensitivity, and the high cost of the tickets. I’m hopeful that the City will take a step-back and institute better and more signage, and implement an outreach component that explains the cameras and how they work.”
Along with Councilwoman Matos the resolution will be co-sponsored by Councilman Luis A. Aponte (Ward 10), Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman Bryan Principe (Ward 13), and Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9).
The City plans to install a total of 15 cameras across the city. Currently, 11 have been deployed, and all will be operational as of Monday, March 5, 2018.
by Billy Kepner | Nov 21, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-6
Acting City Council President Sabina Matos and Councilman Michael Correia will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new computer lab recently installed at Joslin Recreation Center on Wednesday, November 22 at 4:00 pm.
Through a grant from IGT, the city council was able to secure $15,000.00 in funds to create a computer lab at the Joslin Recreation Center. The lab will give children access to digital learning that was not previously available.
“Not every child has access to a home computer,” stated Acting City Council President Sabina Matos, Ward 15. “It’s our hope that by ensuring that students have access to computers at the Joslin Recreation Center this will help bridge that gap.”
Councilman Michael Correia of Ward 6, whose constituents are also served by Joslin said, “I’m very happy that IGT was able to provide this much-needed support to our neighborhood recreation center. Providing students with the tools they need to succeed in school is something that the City Council takes very seriously, and we’re grateful to all who made this possible.”
“Learning doesn’t end when our students leave school,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Our youth deserve the highest quality access to technology and I thank the City Council and IGT for their commitment to making sure our kids have the tools they need to succeed.”
The Joslin Recreation Center located at 17 Hyatt Street in Providence is open Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.
by Bonnie | Oct 4, 2017 | Community Engagement, Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
When the Bus Is Not An Option
Acting Council President Matos joins Principal Brent Kermen, members of the Providence Police Department and volunteers on the Walking Bus route at William D’abate Elementary School.
The walking bus is comprised of volunteers who help provide a safe and timely passage to school for students whom the bus does not service.
Read more about walking bus routes and how you can start one in your community
