by Abigail Appel | Dec 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilor David A. Salvatore proposed a “Green and Complete Streets” ordinance which would pave the way for safer streets in Providence, while codifying the City’s commitment to developing infrastructure that is safe, reliable, sustainable, and accommodating to all residents. This ordinance was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), Councilwoman Nirva R. LaFortune (Ward 3) and Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12).
The “Green and Complete Streets” ordinance aims to provide all Providence neighborhoods with fair access to local roads and sidewalk infrastructure,” stated Councilor Salvatore. “In the last ten months, the pandemic has shined a light on the transportation shortfalls that have existed in Providence for decades. Through this ordinance, we have an opportunity to improve health outcomes and advance equity, while meeting the demands for slower streets that our constituents have called for. This ordinance would incorporate the needs of motorists and all who use city streets, including pedestrians, residents with disabilities, bicyclists, and transit users alike.”
Green and Complete streets mean streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. It ensures that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities can safely move along and across a street.
Councilor Salvatore consulted with community advocates while drafting this ordinance to ensure that local needs are met as the City continues to move forward with street development.
“Complete Streets are streets that safely, comfortably, and conveniently accommodate all who use them, regardless of who they are or how they travel. A Complete Street means getting to work, school, the store, or your aunt’s house safely doesn’t require a private automobile — it’s low-stress whether you’re walking, bicycling, taking the bus, or using a wheelchair. Passing a Complete Streets Ordinance in Providence instills this philosophy and creates a reliable system that ensures our future street projects aim for an end result that is community-oriented, equitable, accommodating, and — in a word – Complete,” said C.J. Opperthauser, founder of WalkPVD and Director of Training & Placemaking at Grow Smart RI.
The ordinance also aims to provide visual pleasure, including exposure to natural elements, and improves environmental quality by providing for reduction and on-site pretreatment of stormwater. Currently, most of the City’s stormwater runoff flows into our waterways, carrying pollutants and other hazards into the State’s most precious natural resource – the Narragansett Bay.
“As Providence is finally beginning to transform its streetscapes to address the interconnected crises of public safety and health, affordability, air pollution and stormwater runoff, we applaud this legislation that will ensure the work moves forward so we can provide a safer, healthier, and cleaner city for our children and grandchildren,” said Liza Burkin, Organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition.
Emphasizing the importance of street trees, the Green and Complete Streets proposal will play a role in improving air quality by removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from our City’s neighborhoods. According to the Urban Forestry Network, ‘trees also reduce the greenhouse effect by shading houses and office buildings. This reduces the need for air conditioning by up to 30 percent which in turn reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned to produce electricity. The combination of CO2 removal from the atmosphere, carbon storage in wood and the cooling effect makes trees extremely efficient tools in fighting the greenhouse effect.
Councilor Salvatore continued, “Green and complete streets are intended not just to improve how residents and visitors move through our City, but will also add important quality of life enhancements by increasing the number trees in majority-minority neighborhoods, increasing access to wellness pathways, and promoting environmental justice.”
The Green and Complete Streets ordinance requires the City of Providence to track the development of street performance measures, including, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)compliant sidewalks, traffic complaints, total miles of bike lanes and an inventory of street trees. This aggregated information will be publicly updated on the City of Providence website.
This ordinance has been referred to the committee on ordinances. Read the full amendment to the Code of Ordinances here: https://bit.ly/3qpNICm
by Abigail Appel | Nov 20, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-7, Ward-9
Providence, RI (November 19, 2020)…At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution encouraging the Providence Police Department to commit to working towards a more diverse department at all levels. This resolution has been co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Finance Chairman John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“Our City is incredibly diverse. Over 60% of our population is made up of minority residents, yet our police force is 67% white. These numbers just don’t match up. Aligning the demographics of the police department with the communities they help serve will help to build trust between officers and local residents,” stated Councilman Espinal.
While fully diversifying the Police Department will take time, the last graduating cohort of the Police Academy was the most diverse in the history of Providence. This resolution encourages the department to continue to ensure that the next graduating class of the Police Academy is even more diverse than the last and more reflective of the demographic landscape of the City in 2020.
“The Police Department has the opportunity to take immediate action to address the demographic disparities within their ranks by focusing on diversity as they grow their force through the Police Academy. There are so many young men and women of color in our City who are willing to protect and serve their communities,” added Councilman Espinal.
This resolution will be sent to Mayor Jorge Elorza, Steven Pare, Commissioner of Public Safety, and to Col. Hugh Clements, Chief of the Providence Police Department; asking for a commitment to the task of complete diversification, starting with the upcoming Police Academy.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 19, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-9
At tonight’s City Council meeting Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) proposed an ordinance amending the Licenses Chapter of the Code of Ordinances in an effort to curb the illegal dumping of used tires throughout the City. The proposal would amend the Providence Code of Ordinances to include a requirement that any motor repair business engaging in the repair, replacement or disposal of tires must be licensed by the Providence Board of Licenses. The proposal would also require that motor repair businesses legally dispose of old tires and provide a receipt proving lawful disposal. This ordinance was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“In recent months, the Department of Public Works and the City Council have been working to mitigate the excessive, unlawful dumping of waste throughout the City. One major issue has been unlicensed, improper tire disposal. With old tires being dumped on local roads, in wooded areas and in vacant lots, our local environment and overall quality of life in Providence remain at risk,” stated Councilor Salvatore.
Councilor Salvatore’s proposal includes a provision that creates a lawful disposal and delivery of used/waste tires to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation or to a privately-operated tire storage, recycling or recovery facility licensed by the director of environmental management. Tire haulers would be permitted to transport tires to an out-of-state recycling facility in accordance with Rhode Island General Law.
“This change to the Code of Ordinances will have a minimal effect on law-abiding, legitimate auto-repair businesses. These operations are already licensed and are aware of proper tire disposal procedures. My proposal is intended to stop the individuals who are collecting used tires for cash and disposing of them illegally,” added Councilor Salvatore.
This ordinance has been referred to the Committee on Ordinances. To read the full ordinance, click here:
https://bit.ly/3kMxe3l
by Abigail Appel | Nov 6, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-8, Ward-9
This evening, the Providence City Council passed a resolution requesting that the State of Rhode Island take an active role in easing the liquor license renewal process for Rhode Island restaurants. This is another step the Providence City Council is taking to simplify this process for local businesses. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“Right now, we need to be doing everything we can to help local businesses stay open. Too many restaurants have been forced to close down, or are barely getting by. That is why myself and my Council colleagues have proposed this resolution to provide some relief to restaurant owners,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, restaurants in the City of Providence and throughout the State of Rhode Island have been operating under significant duress. Further adding to this hardship is the upcoming deadline for liquor license renewals which takes place on December 1 every year. This process requires not only the payment of a fee, but also a letter of good standing from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. This resolution requests that Governor Raimondo waive the requirement for a letter of good standing from the Division of Taxation.
“This resolution is an effort to remove another roadblock for restaurant owners trying to renew their liquor licenses. It is imperative that we protect the sale of alcoholic beverages at license-holding establishments as they have become integral to the business models of so many restaurants operating under pandemic restrictions,” added Councilman John Goncalves.
In September, the City Council passed a resolution requesting that the Providence Board of Licenses work with local businesses to create sustainable payment plans for liquor license renewal fees.
“With these two initiatives, it is our hope that Rhode Island restaurant owners will find some relief as their liquor licenses come up for renewal next month. I hope that leaders at the State and local levels will continue to collaborate to further support business owners in the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 6, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-8, Ward-9
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9) introduced a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting calling for the formation of a Special Commission on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement. Off-road vehicles are currently banned from operating on city streets as they are not designed to be street legal. The use of these off-road machines creates significant safety hazards for the public and the off-road vehicles’ operators. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman James E. Taylor (Ward 8 ), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“The illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes in Providence has quickly become a serious quality of life issue for the residents of Providence over the past several weeks, and has raised serious concerns from motorists, pedestrians, and residents alike,” stated Councilwoman Carmen Castillo. “On October 18, 2020, during a response to a large gathering of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs in the City, there was an incident involving a Providence Police Department vehicle and a moped which resulted in a young man, 24-year-old Jhamal Gonsalves, sustaining significant injuries that left him in a coma. This incident has shined a light on the danger and risks associated with enforcing these vehicles’ use here in Providence. As elected officials, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of our residents, and I believe by reviewing our policies and procedures, we can find solutions to the challenges we are facing.”
It has become increasingly clear that the City must undertake a comprehensive review of how Providence enforces its laws, practices, and policies governing off-road recreational vehicles, which is why Councilwoman Castillo is calling on the City Council to establish this Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles. The Commission will be charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the City’s current enforcement practices and making recommendations regarding appropriate changes to City procedures, ordinances, and policies to prevent the operation of ATVs and recreational vehicles on the City’s streets.
Councilman John Goncalves shared, “I applaud the Council for supporting this resolution to figure out more meaningful, creative, and robust solutions to further address this. Residential neighborhoods in all parts of our city to have been affected by this ongoing issue and I look forward to working collaboratively with my council colleagues and community members to determine creative mechanisms to ensure the utmost safety of Providence residents.”
The Special Commission on All Terrain Vehicles will consist of not more than seven members, including the Commissioner of Public Safety or his designee, one member appointed by the Mayor, and five members to be appointed by the Council President.
“I am in full support of this initiative,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “We must work together to find the solutions that our residents are demanding to end the illegal use of these vehicles on our streets.”
Councilwoman Castillo continued, “If we are to create changes in the behavior of our residents, we must work with our community to understand their needs and how we can safely and legally allow for the use of these vehicles within our City. Currently, there is no designated area for their uses, and riders are risking their lives and the lives of others by riding them through our neighborhoods. I hope this Special Commission can create actionable steps for us to protect and preserve our quality of life, but also find outlets for residents who wish to use ATVs and dirt bikes legally and safely.”
The Special Commission will be tasked with issuing a report of recommendations to the City Council within 120 days of the date appointments are made to the Commission.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8
The Hospitality Worker Comeback Legislation Ensures that Hospitality Workers Laid Off Due to the Pandemic Can Return to Their Jobs and Their Livelihoods
Tonight the City Council passed the “Hospitality Worker Comeback” legislation which was introduced by City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) at the October 15, 2020 City Council Meeting. The legislation received its first passage at that meeting, before it was sent to the Council’s Committee on Ordinances. This legislation ensures that any hotel worker who was laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic would be rehired before other candidates, as City hotels come back online. The Ordinance is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), and Councilors David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13), James E. Taylor (Ward 8), Pedro J. Espinal (Ward 10), and John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“I am very proud to stand up in support of the over 700 Providence hotel employees that are currently laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “We don’t yet know how long this current pandemic will impact our hospitality industry, but this important piece of legislation ensures that our hospitality industry employees will have jobs to come back to when their hotel reopens. It also gives our hardworking hospitality professionals peace of mind that they will get their jobs back and reclaim their livelihoods as we return to normal business operations. Further, this legislation ensures that these dedicated workers will have the option to return to their job by classification and seniority. It’s about fairness, and I want to thank all my Council colleagues who joined me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.”
City Council President Sabina Matos stated, “As the creative capital, and home to James Beard award winning restaurants, and several hotels, hospitality is in our City’s DNA. As elected leaders we have an obligation to our hospitality workers to make sure that they have jobs as we come back from this ongoing crisis. One thing I know for sure, is the Providence is all about resilience, and we will get through this and become a go-to destination once more.”
Over the past several decades, the City of Providence has invested heavily in tourism. The Council has approved several tax stabilization agreements that gave investors the help, they needed to bring their hotels to Providence. These agreements are also an investment in the City’s workforce. With 700 jobs on the line, this legislation makes it clear that the City Council is in full support of our hospitality employees. Because of this legislation, hotels located in Providence will not be able to permanently fire their employees and ask them to reapply as if they were just starting out with the company.
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “Since I first introduced this legislation, I have heard from other cities that are interested in what we are doing here in Providence. Hotels as close as Boston, have fired their employees and told them they could reapply when the hotel reopens. Yet, if hired they would not come back at the same level or paygrade. This is simply not a good business practice, and frankly I find it very unsettling that during a time when so many are out of work and are not making ends meet with unemployment, that this is occurring. Not just in New England, but in cities around the Country.”
The legislation also includes protections and enforcement for employees that are not brought back to work, including the right to bring legal action and penalties. The legislation does include a sunset clause and will remain in effect until November 1, 2022, unless it is repealed or the City Council approves an extension or re-authorization.
The Hospitality Worker Comeback legislation can be found here: https://bit.ly/3451
