by Billy Kepner | Jun 25, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
The Providence Police and Fire Departments in coordination with the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office has organized a task force dedicated specifically to curb the use of fireworks due to the recent uptick in our city over the past few weeks. Beginning today, June 25th at 7:00 p.m. there will be a dedicated task force of approximately a dozen law enforcement officials working the streets from Thursday through Saturday, responsible for responding to the increased calls for fireworks and noise related incidents.
“Here in Rhode Island, ground-based fireworks and handheld sparklers are legal. But given the cancellation of a number of recent fireworks displays locally, illegal fireworks have become more accessible to the public,” said Colonel Clements. “This has not only been a local but nationwide problem and with this comprehensive effort we will do our due diligence to ensure that this does not continue to be a nuisance within our neighborhoods.”
“This is a great step forward and I commend the leadership of Chief Clements and State Fire Marshal Timothy P. Mclaughlin for their initiative. When I convened a group of City stakeholders last week to discuss this quality of life nuisance, we identified three main areas that need to be addressed: public education on what is and isn’t legal; licensing enforcement for businesses that are illegally selling fireworks; and a coordinated effort by public safety officials to laser focus on hot spot or problematic areas. I am optimistic that this task force is exactly the type of coordination that will help alleviate the problem,” stated City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan.
“Our office has received many more complaints about illegal fireworks this year than in any past years,” said RI State Fire Marshal Timothy P. Mclaughlin. “We are happy to join the Providence Police and Providence Fire departments on this task force to limit the use of illegal fireworks in our neighborhoods.”
–This is a press release of the Providence Police Department
by Abigail Appel | Jun 19, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan joined Providence Public Safety Officials today to announce a collaboration across City Departments to crack down on local prohibited firework use and sales. The City will now require all firework vendors to hold a firework sales permit. Vendors must submit a separate application for each location where fireworks will be sold. Each permit will cost $50 and is valid for one year.
“The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “We encourage residents to please be mindful of their neighbors’ safety and to not use dangerous fireworks or explosives, particularly in our densely-packed neighborhoods.”
Under Rhode Island law, only ground and hand-held sparkling devices (“sparklers”) are legal for use by the general public. Any firecrackers, rockets, mortars, or any other device that launches a projectile and/or makes a “bang” are illegal. Studies have shown the dangers of unpermitted use of these fireworks. U.S. hospitals saw 12,900 firework-related injuries in 2017 alone and yearly about 19,500 fires are started by fireworks.
“Every neighborhood in our City has been plagued by the illegal use of fireworks, and that’s partly because many residents don’t realize that the only legal firework in Rhode Island is sparklers,” stated City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “For the past several weeks I have heard from constituents and colleagues about the large scale use of fireworks in our community. The fact is, neighbors don’t want to call the police on each other, but those who would have a total disregard for their neighbors need to understand the impacts their behavior is having on the community. A week ago, I immediately began to investigate what I could do as a City Councilor to protect the quality of life of my neighbors. Working together with Mayor Elorza and his staff we realized that we needed to have a holistic approach to this very serious quality of life issue.”
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “I convened members of my staff, members from the Mayor’s staff, Commissioner Steven Paré and Chief Hugh Clements and their teams to discuss a coordinated outreach effort. What became apparent was the need to educate our residents about the laws surrounding fireworks, and the negative impacts they have on our community members. All too often, we forget that fireworks can have an adverse effect on many of our neighbors – from the elderly, to families with small children, to veterans and others suffering from PTSD, and is harmful to companion animals. Along with the education of our residents, we also must focus our efforts on regulating the illegal sale of fireworks in our city. In addition to this meeting, last night I also introduced a resolution requesting that the City Council, the Chief of Police, the City’s Fire Marshall, and the Director of the Board of Licenses coordinate our efforts to better mitigate the discharge of illegal fireworks with the City. With this plan in place, I believe we can mitigate this issue in a coordinated and calculated manner.”
To file a complaint or report the use of illegal fireworks, residents are encouraged to please contact the Providence Police Department non-emergency line (401) 272-3121 or to use the Online Police Reporting System. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report fireworks.
Over the next few weeks the Providence City Council will work with Mayor Elorza’s Administration , the Providence Police Department, the Providence Fire Department and community members to remind residents to practice safe celebrations and to remember to keep neighbors in mind who may be sensitive to noise, especially at night.
“We are still in the midst of a pandemic and I understand and support that residents would like to find ways to safely celebrate within our neighborhoods,” said Commissioner of Public Safety Steven M. Paré. “I ask residents to please consider their neighbors, some of whom may be first responders working long hours to protect our community, and refrain from engaging in activities that could put anyone unnecessarily in harm’s way.”
by Billy Kepner | Jun 2, 2020 | Council News, Ward-5
Like you, my thoughts have been heavy as we watched the tragedy of George Floyd’s death.
This past weekend we saw members of our community peacefully gather to share their collective grief and outrage which was moving and inspiring. Last night, June 1st, was not. What happened in our City last night was not a protest; it was an orchestrated and planned act of violence. The individuals who took to our City streets last night to wreak havoc and destruction were not honoring the memory of George Floyd or any of the others who have died. I want to thank the amazing men and women of our police department and the other agencies that helped in ending last night’s violence.
Nonetheless, the events in Minneapolis last week was a wakeup call that we all have a role to play in ensuring that the killing of black men in police custody must stop and stop now. I believe that Mayor Frey of Minneapolis explained the community’s reaction best, “… It is the result of so much built up anger and sadness – anger and sadness that has been ingrained in our Black community, not just because of five minutes of horror, but 400 years.”
This quote struck a chord with me — It stands as a reminder that this kind of systemic racism and violence needs to stop, and we all have a part to play in seeing that it ends now. Let’s not confuse the peaceful protest over the weekend addressing the issue at hand with the looting of last night. During these troubling times, I call on each of us to come together in unity to make our City and State better for everyone and for future generations to come.
by Billy Kepner | May 29, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
City Council Majority Whip and Chairman of the Committee on Finance John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7) has called for a meeting of the Committee on Finance to discuss Mayor Elorza’s plan to reopen our municipal government on Monday, June 1, at 5:00 PM via remote teleconference.
“It’s time to bring our City staff and offices back online safely and efficiently,” stated Chairman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. “A large percentage of our workforce has been idle, and not performing at full capacity. Over the past month, we have held almost daily Finance Committee meetings regarding the City’s budget and finances. The Committee has learned that the City is paying a large percentage of its employees for work that they are not able to do – at no fault of their own. There is no doubt that this pandemic has changed how we all live and work, but the City has had three months to take actionable steps to ensure that city services are being carried out. The administration did not provide modern technology to many of our employees, like call forwarding, laptops, or Wi-Fi hot spots. These simple steps would have allowed for city services to be done remotely and efficiently. At Monday’s meeting, the Committee expects the administration to provide an actionable plan of how they are going to safely and efficiently bring our employees back online and do the work that our taxpayers expect us to do whether that be remotely or in-person.”
City Hall and most other city-owned buildings have been closed to the public and non-essential staff since Saturday, March 14. During this time, residents have not been able to access city departments as they normally would. The City Council nor the Committee on Finance has been noticed on what the plans are to reopen city buildings and how the administration plans to bring back staff that is safe and manageable during the phased reopening process as put forth by Governor Raimondo.
Vice-Chairwoman of the Committee on Finance and City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) stated, “It is imperative that we get back to work, but we also must be able to ensure the safety of our city’s workforce. We have several offices that were able to pivot and work remotely, but not everything can be done online. We need to understand what the plans are to reopen the City because absent a comprehensive plan we are putting the health of our employees at risk. I look forward to hearing from the administration as to how they will be bringing back our workers safely and the measures they are putting in place to keep both our employees and visitors alike safe from the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
The Committee on Finance will meet Monday, June 1, at 5:00 PM via Zoom. Members of the public are able to join the Zoom meeting either by phone or computer or watch on the City Council’s YouTube Channel. The information for Monday’s meeting can be found below:
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device.
Please click this URL to join the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98023635365
Or join by phone – Dial: US: 1-646-876-9923 or 1-877-853-5257 (Toll-Free)
Webinar ID: 980 2363 5365
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adDcs7QB17
Meetings are also streamed live on the City Council’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/pvdmeetings. Please refresh your browser every minute or two until the meeting starts.
by Billy Kepner | May 29, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
At tonight’s Committee on Ordinances meeting chaired by Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) the Committee voted to schedule several public hearings in the coming weeks regarding matters important to the community and passed several matters which will be sent to the full Council for a vote.
“The spring is a busy legislative season for the Committee on Ordinances,” stated Chairwoman and Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council has been meeting remotely. These meetings are tremendously laborious for our staff so scheduling can be challenging. With that said, we have important work that needs to be done and we will move forward with virtual meetings and public hearings. There are several important matters that are before the Committee and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring this slate of legislation back to the Council.”
One particularly important public hearing is related to a change to the City’s Zoning Ordinance that would eliminate Incinerator or Waste Facilities from being able to operate in the City of Providence.
Ryan continued, “I applaud Councilman Espinal for working to bring this matter to our Committee. Recently, there was a proposal for a Waste Transfer Station near the Port of Providence that would have adversely affected his community. While I am a proponent of creating industry in our City, the quality of life and the wellbeing of our residents need to be at the forefront of every decision we make.”
The Committee has scheduled public hearings for the following matters:
- Item #28680: Incinerator/Waste Facility Use Category
- Item #28681: Compassion and Cultivation Centers
- Item #29002: Zone Change for 1192 Westminster Street
- Item #25790: Zoning Amendment around Non-Conforming Sign Usage
The Committee also voted and recommended approval of the following matters to the full Council for a vote:
- Item #12482: Zoning Change for 12 Lenox Avenue
- Item #27140: Amendment to the Code of Ordinances allowing for use of skateboards in designated parks and in bike lanes or where bicycling is allowed
- Item #27186: Creation for Special Committee on Commemorative Works in the City
This matter was held for further study:
- Item #27940: Zoning Change for 193 Vinton Street
The Committee also voted to continue the several remaining matters indefinitely.
For more information and a complete listing of tonight’s Committee on Ordinances Docket, please visit the
Open Meetings Portal.
by Billy Kepner | May 27, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
The Rhode Island State Supreme Court today upheld the 2018 ruling by the State Superior Court, regarding an amendment to the Providence zoning ordinance that limits student housing in residential neighborhoods. In 2015, City Council Majority Leader, Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), introduced an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that placed a limit on the number of students who could live in non-owner occupied single-family homes. The Amendment was passed by the Council, signed by the Mayor, and later challenged in Court. The Plaintiffs who brought the suit were a landlord and several tenants who claimed the law violated their constitutional rights.
“I am very pleased that the State Supreme Court upheld the City ordinance,” said Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “This ordinance is about preserving the single-family housing stock and about public safety. Single-family homes were not intended by zoning law to be used as mini-dorms. In a city where individuals and families are finding it harder and harder to find safe and affordable homes, it is imperative that we, as elected officials work to preserve our housing stock and to protect the residential character of our neighborhoods.”
The ordinance states that in certain zones, a single-family dwelling, which is not owner-occupied, may not be occupied by more than three college students. A college student is defined as an individual enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at any university or college who commutes to campus.
“I join my colleagues in City Council in our appreciation for this decision,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “As we continue to build for the Providence of tomorrow, this ordinance plays a critical role in supporting our residential neighborhoods and protects our community members who call Providence home and have for generations.”
Ryan introduced the legislation in response to concerns from residents in the Elmhurst and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods. who were frustrated that single-family homes were being purchased by investors and rented to numerous college students. Ryan, whose ward includes Rhode Island College and is adjacent to Providence College said, “off-campus student housing creates a host of challenges for residents. Moreover, the Court held that limiting population density, congestion, noise, and traffic are all valid governmental objectives. This ordinance will help to ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe and will preserve the quality of life for all.”
Rhode Island State Supreme Court Justice Francis Flaherty in his 24-page opinion stated, “The legislative body may have initially considered more drastic measures, but decided to pass a less restrictive ordinance, is indicative of a democratic process—not a reason to find the result unconstitutional.” Justice Flaherty also opined, “It is conceivable that the City Council could have determined that a large number of college students residing in single-family homes in residential areas is deleterious to the preservation of the character of these areas. It is further conceivable that the City Council could have concluded that, by restricting the number of college students that may rent single-family homes in these areas, some incremental benefit might be effectuated. The rationality of these possibilities is strengthened by the fact that the Amendment conforms with the mission of the City of Providence Zoning Ordinance, which explicitly states among its purposes: ‘promoting the public health, safety and general welfare’ and ‘promoting a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe, and sanitary housing,’ goals that are mandated by the General Assembly…The rationality of the Amendment is further illustrated by its adherence to the City of Providence’s Comprehensive Plan…”
Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) stated, “This ordinance is important to preserving our housing stock, especially at a time when we have a serious shortage of housing in the City. I applaud the work of my colleague, Majority Leader Ryan, and all the hard work she did to preserve the quality of life in our city of neighborhoods.”
Ryan noted that the zoning amendment was the product of countless and regular conversations with residents, landlords, college officials, the City Solicitor, planning and public safety officials, and two public hearings on the issue throughout 2015.
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “This is a perfect example of how government should work. I heard the concerns of my constituents and went to bat for them. It has taken five years, two state court opinions, and countless hours to bring this to fruition. I’m pleased for my neighbors that this fight, which I took on as a freshman City Councilor has finally achieved this level of success. However, this is not the end, but a beginning. I will continue to work to deliver results for the families of Providence.”
