by Billy Kepner | May 7, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Earlier today I had a productive conversation with Mayor Jorge O. Elorza about the reopening of our City’s golf courses. As the Governor has indicated that she is lifting her “Stay at Home Order,” I believe that with proper safety protocols we can begin the reopening of our City’s golf courses.
Golf courses will be allowed to reopen by providing the City with a detailed safety protocol plan to keep employees and patrons alike safe from the spread of COVID-19.
Many in our community depend on these golf courses for fitness and stress relief, and I believe that we could all use both. It is my hope, that in partnership with Mayor Elorza, that we can get these open safely and sooner rather than later. I encourage these courses to submit their plans to the City as soon as possible and let’s work together to keep everyone safe and healthy.
I thank Mayor Elorza for his willingness to work with myself and my colleagues to do what we can to provide the residents of Providence with access to the “greens” safely and while practicing social distancing. That said, we must be mindful to adhere to any rules and regulations around access to these courses or we will be forced to close them once more.
Nicholas J. Narducci, Senior Deputy Majority Leader
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Apr 16, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4, Ward-6
City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6) and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4) will be introducing a resolution calling on the City’s Department of Public Works to prepare and issue an operations plan to ensure essential city services are carried out in a safe and timely manner at tomorrow’s City Council meeting.
“I have heard from residents daily regarding deplorable conditions of our City’s neighborhoods,” stated City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia. “My colleagues and I understand the unique circumstances we are in, but by being creative with how we schedule our DPW crews, we should not be having these issues. We are in a unique opportunity to use our existing workforce to do much-needed maintenance across the City, and by creating an operations plan, I believe we can achieve that end.”
Since the declaration of the state of emergency within the City, there has been a significant reduction in the services provided by the Department of Public Works especially surrounding the operation of the department’s highway division and the ability to respond to calls in a timely manner.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. stated, “Our residents deserve better. They work very hard to pay their taxes, and they expect that we will honor our obligations to them as residents. When we let trash pile-up and allow the illegal dumping of mattresses and bulky items across the City, we are just creating more problems that we will need to deal with at a later date. The City can safely deploy teams of five or less to accomplish many of the services that are needed to keep our City clean and safe, all while protecting the hardworking men and women of the DPW.”
As a result of the reduced services from the Department of Public Works, there has been an unacceptable increase in the amount of trash and bulk items strewn around the City’s streets and open spaces with no timetable for their removal. If not dealt with promptly, the rapid accumulation of trash across the City will result in a growing public health issue and interfere with the rendering of other essential city services needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Providence City Council requests that the Director of the Department of Public Works submit an operations plan to the City Council that sets forth in detail how the department will meet its obligations to the residents of the City during the COVID-19 pandemic.
by Billy Kepner | Apr 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-6
Tonight Providence City Councilors introduced a resolution calling for the State of Rhode Island to suspend evections and foreclosures and enact a series of other measures to protect Providence residents until the COVID-19 crisis is no longer a threat to our community. The resolution is co-sponsored by Councilors Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a recognized pandemic that has spread globally and threatens the health, well-being, and financial stability of community members in Providence and across the world. Since March 9, 2020 Rhode Island has been in a State of Emergency. With the closing of non-essential businesses, restaurants, bars, and the impact this has had on our robust gig-economy residents need protections to ensure they have the most basic necessities: shelter, food, and health care.
“We have to act now to help keep people in their homes. Importantly, this resolution asks for relief for renters, homeowners, landlords, and small business owners,” stated City Councilor Rachel Miller. “Thousands of Rhode Islanders and many service and restaurant workers in Federal Hill and the West End were suddenly unemployed. People are coming together from all walks of life to help and support one another right now, and attention to the issues of housing and homelessness is vital both now, and when we’re able to move to recovery.”
The City Council, like the State of Rhode Island, is committed to helping to stop the spread of this pandemic within our jurisdiction by encouraging common-sense measures. Practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, limiting public events, and encouraging community members to stay at home are all simple ways to help stop the spread of the virus. Many community members are essential workers in healthcare, grocery, and the service and construction industries and cannot work from home. Many others have lost their jobs because of COVID-19 related preparedness measures.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune stated, “This resolution supports relief for residents and business owners who are trying to keep a roof over their heads during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Many of our renters, homeowners, landlord, and business owners already struggle to make ends meet. For some of our most vulnerable community members, this Pandemic has exacerbated existing financial hardships that make it challenging and sometimes impossible to stay above water. Providing relief that will allow renters, homeowners, landlords, and small business owners to remain in their homes or keep their business is essential. It will assist our city and state in setting a path to economic recovery once this Pandemic is over. “
The resolution put forth tonight calls on the State of Rhode Island to take the following actions:
- Suspend evictions due to nonpayment of rent if the inability to pay rent is due to loss-of-income related to reasonable precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
- Suspend foreclosure proceedings for homeowners and landlords if the inability to make timely mortgage payments is related to reasonable precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
- Mandate that Unemployment Insurance and Temporary Disability Insurance be considered acceptable sources of income for all residential rental agreements.
- Mandate that all tax sale proceedings authorized by Rhode Island General Law §44-9 et. seq. be suspended until no earlier than July 15, 2020.
“Now more than ever, the residents of Providence need certainty in these uncertain times,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal. “Residents should not live in fear of losing their homes, being evicted, or making choices between getting care if they are ill or paying rent. The neighborhoods I represent are home to some of the most economically challenged residents. They depend on their paychecks to make ends meet. Unemployment Insurance is a help, but my neighbors are having to make decisions between paying rent and buying groceries to feed their families. We need to provide them with some sense of assurance that they know that we will not leave them behind during this crisis. Taking these steps will go a long way to doing that.”
The members of the City Council applaud the work and the fortitude that Governor Raimondo has shown during this unprecedented global pandemic. The City Council supports the measures that the Governor and the Director Dr. Alexander-Scott from the Rhode Island Department of Health have put forth to stop the spread of the virus and to keep Rhode Islanders safe. Yet, it is paramount that we ensure that as Rhode Island slowly rebounds from this disaster that the most vulnerable members of our communities are not left behind.
Upon passage, a copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the Honorable Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, the Field Office Director of the Rhode Island Branch of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Honorable Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the Honorable President of the Rhode Island Senate, all State Senators and State Representatives whose jurisdiction includes any part of the City of Providence, executive offices of National Grid, and executive offices of Providence Water.
PROVIDENCE, RI (April 2, 2020)…Tonight Providence City Councilors introduced a resolution calling for the State of Rhode Island to suspend evections and foreclosures and enact a series of other measures to protect Providence residents until the COVID-19 crisis is no longer a threat to our community. The resolution is co-sponsored by Councilors Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a recognized pandemic that has spread globally and threatens the health, well-being, and financial stability of community members in Providence and across the world. Since March 9, 2020 Rhode Island has been in a State of Emergency. With the closing of non-essential businesses, restaurants, bars, and the impact this has had on our robust gig-economy residents need protections to ensure they have the most basic necessities: shelter, food, and health care.
“We have to act now to help keep people in their homes. Importantly, this resolution asks for relief for renters, homeowners, landlords, and small business owners,” stated City Councilor Rachel Miller. “Thousands of Rhode Islanders and many service and restaurant workers in Federal Hill and the West End were suddenly unemployed. People are coming together from all walks of life to help and support one another right now, and attention to the issues of housing and homelessness is vital both now, and when we’re able to move to recovery.”
The City Council, like the State of Rhode Island, is committed to helping to stop the spread of this pandemic within our jurisdiction by encouraging common-sense measures. Practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, limiting public events, and encouraging community members to stay at home are all simple ways to help stop the spread of the virus. Many community members are essential workers in healthcare, grocery, and the service and construction industries and cannot work from home. Many others have lost their jobs because of COVID-19 related preparedness measures.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune stated, “This resolution supports relief for residents and business owners who are trying to keep a roof over their heads during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Many of our renters, homeowners, landlord, and business owners already struggle to make ends meet. For some of our most vulnerable community members, this Pandemic has exacerbated existing financial hardships that make it challenging and sometimes impossible to stay above water. Providing relief that will allow renters, homeowners, landlords, and small business owners to remain in their homes or keep their business is essential. It will assist our city and state in setting a path to economic recovery once this Pandemic is over. “
The resolution put forth tonight calls on the State of Rhode Island to take the following actions:
- Suspend evictions due to nonpayment of rent if the inability to pay rent is due to loss-of-income related to reasonable precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
- Suspend foreclosure proceedings for homeowners and landlords if the inability to make timely mortgage payments is related to reasonable precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
- Mandate that Unemployment Insurance and Temporary Disability Insurance be considered acceptable sources of income for all residential rental agreements.
- Mandate that all tax sale proceedings authorized by Rhode Island General Law §44-9 et. seq. be suspended until no earlier than July 15, 2020.
“Now more than ever, the residents of Providence need certainty in these uncertain times,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal. “Residents should not live in fear of losing their homes, being evicted, or making choices between getting care if they are ill or paying rent. The neighborhoods I represent are home to some of the most economically challenged residents. They depend on their paychecks to make ends meet. Unemployment Insurance is a help, but my neighbors are having to make decisions between paying rent and buying groceries to feed their families. We need to provide them with some sense of assurance that they know that we will not leave them behind during this crisis. Taking these steps will go a long way to doing that.”
The members of the City Council applaud the work and the fortitude that Governor Raimondo has shown during this unprecedented global pandemic. The City Council supports the measures that the Governor and the Director Dr. Alexander-Scott from the Rhode Island Department of Health have put forth to stop the spread of the virus and to keep Rhode Islanders safe. Yet, it is paramount that we ensure that as Rhode Island slowly rebounds from this disaster that the most vulnerable members of our communities are not left behind.
Upon passage, a copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the Honorable Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, the Field Office Director of the Rhode Island Branch of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Honorable Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the Honorable President of the Rhode Island Senate, all State Senators and State Representatives whose jurisdiction includes any part of the City of Providence, executive offices of National Grid, and executive offices of Providence Water.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 19, 2020 | Council News, COVID-19, 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
Participants Can Call Into the Meeting With Their Phones
Providence will be the first Council Body to use this Teleconferencing Technology
In light of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak which has affected many of us here in Rhode Island, the Governor issued an executive order earlier this week lifting the Open Meetings Act (OMA) restrictions for public meetings.
The order allows for adequate alternative means of public access such as over phone, internet, and audio or videoconferencing when it comes to public body meetings.
“Our goal as a City Council is to be as transparent as possible,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15). “We have decided to move from livestreaming to teleconferencing due to the rapid spread of the virus here in Rhode Island. In the last 48 hours, we have seen an increase of 21 positive infections, totaling 44 positive infections here in Rhode Island as of 1:30 PM today. It’s with that in mind that we have made the difficult decision to host our meeting using a teleconference line, a widely used and implemented practice. This will allow for residents to hear the discussions as it happens by our body in real-time.”
In light of this executive order, in addition to the prior executive order limiting gatherings of more than 25 people, and to protect the health of our Councilors, staff, and our residents Council President Sabina Matos has decided to seek alternative public access mediums for tonight’s Council meeting. The City Council will be using a teleconferencing platform for tonight’s meeting.
Call-In Information is Below:
Please dial: 1-646-558-8656
Pin: 692739810#
Press # again to enter the conference waiting room.
This tough decision is premised on an urgency to preserve public health while also maintaining the spirit of an open and transparent governmental process.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 15, 2020 | COVID-19, 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
There are 13 sites across the city where children ages 18 and younger, can access several days worth of “Grab & Go” meals (breakfast and lunch). The locations will be open from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday during the duration of the school closure.
Service lines will be located at the front entrance of each school. No families will be allowed in the buildings. Sodexo staff will hand each student pre-packaged meals. Please note that children do not need to be enrolled in the Providence Public School District to access this program. This is a change to what has been previously shared.
The 13 Sites Are:
- William D’Abate Elementary School School located at 60 Kossuth Street.
- Gilbert Stuart Middle School located at 188 Princeton Street.
- Providence Career and Technical Academy located at 41 Fricker Street.
- Mt. Pleasant High School located at 434 Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
- Reservoir Elementary School located at 156 Reservoir Avenue.
- E-Cubed Academy located at 812 Branch Avenue.
- Juanita Sanchez High School located at 182 Thurbers Avenue.
- Hope High School located at 324 Hope Street.
- DelSesto Middle School located at 152 Springfield Street.
- Vartan Gregorian Elementary School located at 455 Wickenden Street.
- Nathanael Greene Middle School located at 721 Chalkstone Avenue.
- Alan Shawn Feinstein Elementary School, 1450 Broad Street.
- Times2 Academy, 50 Filmore Street.
In addition, the City of Providence will be offering free, several days worth of packaged dinner meals at each of Providence’s eleven recreation centers. Meals can be picked up between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are available for those 18 and under, but they must be personally present at the distribution site.
- Vincent Brown at 438 Hope Street.
- John H. Rollins at 674 Praire Avenue.
- Madeline Rogers at 60 Camden Avenue.
- Davey Lopes at 227 Dudley Street.
- Zuccolo at 18 Gesler Street.
- Armand E. Batastini Jr. at 50 Obediah Brown Road.
- Joslin at 17 Hyatt Street.
- Neutaconkanut at 675 Plainfield Street.
- West End at 109 Bucklin Street.
- Sackett at 159 Sackett Street.
- Kennedy at 195 Nelson Street.
Please note that all childcare centers have been ordered closed by Governor Raimondo effective Monday, March 16, 2020 for at least one week. This is a change from what was originally reported.
We will update as other sites are designated for this service.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 14, 2020 | Community Engagement, 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
Dear Neighbors,
The Members of the City Council have been in constant communication with the Administration, the Providence Emergency Management Agency, the Providence School Department, and Public Safety officials to assess and ensure the safety of our residents during these trying times.
As you are aware, yesterday Governor Raimondo moved the spring vacation of all public schools in the State of Rhode Island to begin on Monday, March 16, 2020. Since that announcement, the Providence School Department has worked to put mechanisms in place to ensure that no student goes hungry.
Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, there will be eight sites across the City where Providence Public School children can access “Grab & Go” lunches for that day and breakfast for the following day. The locations will be open from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Monday – Friday during the duration of the break, and will continue if the State decides to keep schools closed for a longer period to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Service lines will be located at the front entrance of each school. No families will be allowed in the buildings. Sodexo staff will hand each student pre-packaged meals. To qualify for meals, students must attend a Providence Public School and be personally present at the distribution site.
The Eight Sites Are:
Asa Messer Elementary School located at 1655 Westminster Street.
Gilbert Stuart Middle School located at 188 Princeton Street.
Providence Career and Technical Academy located at 41 Fricker Street.
Mt. Pleasant High School located at 434 Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
Alvarez High School located at 375 Adelaide Avenue.
E-Cubed Academy located at 812 Branch Avenue.
Juanita Sanchez High School located at 182 Thurbers Avenue.
Hope High School located at 324 Hope Street.
During this time we ask that everyone continue to practice safe hygiene by washing their hands, coughing and sneezing into their elbows, using hand sanitizer, and staying indoors and at home if feeling sick.
Every student present in Providence schools on Friday – in grades 3-12 – was sent home with a Chrome Book so that they can access online learning and other tools. Here is a great selection of sites that have waived subscription fees during this period: Online Learning
The City has implemented a 100 person rule for restaurants and bars and has closed all City buildings and many of our cultural sites to protect against the spread of the virus. Today, the City launched a website with information for residents on COVID-19 and our response: Providence COVID-19.
The City is also working with utility companies to ensure that if someone is unable to pay their bill due to lack of income, that their services will not be interrupted. As we know more about these programs we will share them in later updates.
As of now, we are awaiting direction from the Attorney General’s Office regarding public attendance at the City Council meeting on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 pm. Due to the advice of the Rhode Island Department of Health and the City to implement “social-distancing” we encourage you to watch the meeting on our YouTube Channel or Facebook Page where it will be livestreamed.
For more information on what you should do if you feel that you may have contracted COVID-19, or come into contact with someone that could potentially have COVID-19 please visit the Rhode Island Health Department’s website or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 401-222-8022.
Sincerely,
City Council President Sabina Matos and the Members of the Providence City Council
