by Billy Kepner | Dec 18, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-5
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris was joined by Councilwoman-Elect Rachel Miller at the Building Futures – Rhode Island graduation.
Building Futures – Rhode Island helps prepare low-income urban Rhode Islanders for successful careers in the building trades.
They assess the work readiness of their applicants, provide training and other forms of services and supports to help address barriers to employment, and assist successful graduates in gaining a career through employment as registered apprentices.
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, who was unable to be there, made sure that she and Councilwoman Harris gave each of the graduates an official citation from the City Council commemorating this occasion.
For more information, visit them on the web: Building Futures RI
For more information on the upcoming Building Futures Orientation check out their Facebook event: BFRI Orientation
by Billy Kepner | Dec 13, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-5
Tonight at a special meeting of the Providence City Council, a majority of the members voted to override the Mayor’s veto of the zoning variance requested by the developer of the Hope Point Tower.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett (Ward 12), in his role as Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Ordinances, has shepherded this legislation through two public hearings and to the full Council for vote. Over his long career as a Councilman he has been on the front lines of some of the City’s most notable revitalization projects.
“I have seen a lot in my 21 years on the Council, and I believe that Hope Point Tower will turn out to be one of the most important developments in our City’s history,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Terrence M. Hassett. “I was there when neighbors said ‘no’ to the Renaissance Hotel. I was there when neighbors said ‘no’ to the Providence Place Mall. I went to bat for both and followed my gut that these projects were good for the City and the State, and they were. Today, I feel the same about this project, and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) has been a vocal proponent for this project. Through her role in Council leadership and as a member of the Council’s Committee on Finance, she has a unique understanding of the financial perils that face the city of Providence.
“Today’s vote is not simply an expression of support for a much-needed development project. It is a commitment to create jobs and much-needed tax revenue for our City. It is an essential step forward for economic development in Providence. And, it is an exciting opportunity to jump-start activity in the I-195 redevelopment zone,” stated Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Council for once again coming together and making a clear statement that we are serious about getting things done in Providence and helping to rebuild Rhode Island’s economy. I understand that sometimes when it comes to ambitious development projects, it is easier to vote ‘no’ and pretend that attacking developers and maintaining the status quo is somehow a public good. But when our schools are struggling, when our City is facing financial challenges, and when we needed to change the narrative in Providence, this vote sends a message to responsible developers that we are serious about taking the bold action that is needed to revitalize our City.”
Ryan continued, “This vote is a beginning and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the important work of bringing a new spirit of energy and excitement to the I-195 zone. Almost thirty years ago, Providence made history by moving rivers to create a new urban landscape. Then we moved a highway to create a new opportunity zone. Today, with this vote, we have begun to change the culture of how we look at development projects in the city. And, that will allow us to capitalize on a range of new opportunities, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and encouraging new businesses to make Providence their home.”
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) became the deciding vote to override the veto and grant the developer’s request for height relief and zoning change.
“This decision was not easy. I prayed about it. I talked to whoever would speak to me. I asked folks the right questions, and asked them all the same questions I always ask – what are the threats and what are the opportunities for my community. And I have concluded that opportunities far outweigh the threats,” stated Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris. “So today, I stood to override the Mayor’s veto, and I pledge to all those who have been so vocal about affordable housing: I heard you, and I am with you, and we will have it. By the end of my term, we will be a City that puts people to work, that pays them fair and livable wages, and we will have the equity, the income and the equality that every person needs and deserves.”
With tonight’s override, the developer can move forward working with the I-195 Commission.
The Hope Point Tower project is expected to generate more than 1,500 high-wage jobs in total for the three years of its projected construction period, representing nearly every trade, and will also create business for many suppliers and providers of materials and services. Over the next 20 years, the Hope Point Tower is expected to generate $70 million in property taxes alone; it is expected to pay Providence about $250 million in property taxes over the next 40 years. The 2017 Appleseed Study estimated that Hope Point Tower could generate $273 million in statewide economic impact, as well as a one-time increase of $146 million in the Rhode Island economy.
Councilors Luis A. Aponte, Carmen Castillo, Michael J. Correia, Terrence M. Hassett, John J. Igliozzi, Wilbur W. Jennings Jr., Sabina Matos, Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Mary Kay Harris, and Jo-Ann Ryan all voted to override the Mayor’s Veto.
by Michael Florio | Dec 11, 2018 | Council News, Ward-5
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan held her annual Christmas On The Parkway event on Sunday, December 9th. This event included seasonal treats, horse drawn sleigh rides and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself! Be sure to keep a lookout on our calendar and join us next year!
by Michael Florio | Dec 4, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-5
When a majority of the City Council came together to vote “Yes” for a zoning change that would allow a new $300-million development to go forward in our city, generating an estimated $4 million in annual tax revenues, it was an important sign that we understood the need to move Providence forward.
For too long, the city has been seen as fostering an anti-development culture. Instead of looking at economic development opportunities as a chance to get things done and generate vital revenue for Providence, some city officials appear to be more interested in imposing unreasonable demands on those who are willing to invest in the city. The fact is, we should be welcoming those who see promise in Providence and are willing to spend money to do business here.
It’s no secret that our city faces significant challenges, among them staggering pension liabilities that threaten to plunge us into possible bankruptcy. Many of the city’s schools are struggling and we received word this week that Rhode Island’s schools as a whole are underperforming, with a Dec. 2 Providence Journal editorial noting that “Rhode Island’s public education system is woefully bad” and that the situation “presents a direct threat to the state’s chances of rebuilding its economy.”
The disturbing results of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment raised a serious alarm. We are lagging behind Massachusetts, because our neighbors to the north made a commitment to improving their schools as part of a broad approach to economic development and job growth. We can do the same, but the only way to get on the road to making that kind of meaningful, sustained commitment is to take advantage of significant opportunities when they present themselves. That is how we get on a path to making things better.
In this environment, rejecting a proposal like the Hope Point Tower is not just reckless and irresponsible — it does a disservice to our taxpayers. It ignores the need to get things moving in our city, to show some signs of progress with the I-195 redevelopment zone, an area that was created for the expressed purpose of generating new development and jobs. But it isn’t just about reshaping our city’s skyline … it’s about sending a message that Providence is serious about getting its economy on track and taking the bold action necessary to revitalize our city.
The Providence Journal implored Mayor Jorge Elorza not to stand in the way of this project. The speaker of the House and Senate president rightly called on him to act and reminded him that this was a chance to change the perception that the city was “mired in the same bureaucratic delays and barriers that have held it back in the past.” And the City Council gave him the chance to green-light this vital project and create a new sense of energy in Providence.
Unfortunately, the mayor missed an opportunity to lead. I hope my colleagues on the City Council will come together to recognize that our city deserves better. We need to take action now to change the culture and show that Providence can effectively promote and support economic development. We can do it as part of a comprehensive approach to building a strong community where businesses and individuals work in concert to help rebuild our schools, create affordable housing opportunities and make this a vibrant city that is a destination for those seeking a strong quality of life.
It starts with vision, the ability to see that a zoning change can represent a change in attitude, a shift in perspective, and a willingness to do things differently. By letting the Hope Point Tower go forward, we can finally begin to make good on the promise of the I-195 redevelopment zone, approving a signature project that will spark further development, while creating desperately-needed jobs and generating essential tax revenue.
*Originally published by The Providence Journal on December 4, 2018
by Michael Florio | Nov 1, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
At tonight’s City Council meeting four Tax Stabilization Agreements (TSAs) were passed for the first time. Each will need to be passed one more time by the Council to formally be approved.
“We are creating jobs and growing businesses here in Providence,” stated City Council Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Finance John J. Igliozzi. “More cranes in the city skyline mean two things – more jobs, and more growth – and that’s a good thing for all of us.”
These TSAs were vetted by the Committee on Finance through a transparent, open, and predictable process, and were sent to the full Council for passage. Three of the projects passed tonight by the City Council are for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of approximately 207,000 square feet of underused space, which will be redeveloped into mixed-use residential and commercial spaces in the North End and the downtown corridor. The fourth project, also in the North End, will develop an empty lot into nearly 111,000 square feet of new commercial space.
“These projects expand our tax base which is a direct benefit for every taxpayer, and will bring greater opportunity for our residents,” stated City Council Majority Whip and Committee on Finance member Jo-Ann Ryan. “Providence continually gets ranked as one of the best cities to live, and development like these only adds to the quality of life for current and future residents who wish to call Providence home.”
The first two TSAs passed tonight are both located in the City’s North End neighborhood. Providence 2017, LLC plans to transform an empty lot at 145 Corliss Street into a self-storage facility which would include 863 storage units. The second is for Wanskuck Mill, located at 725, 726, 715, and 745 Branch Avenue; the development is owned by Branch Holdings, LLC, and currently has 60 apartment units. The project would include an additional 150 apartments with affordable rents ranging from $1,100 to $1,400 per month in rent. The project would also include the addition of commercial space in the property, such as a restaurant, retail and/or office space.
The final two TSAs passed tonight are both located in the downtown corridor. The property located at 185 Westminster Street will include the redevelopment of 50,000 square feet of underused space. The developer will create new mixed-use residential and commercial spaces, which will also include a restaurant. A property located at 170 Westminster Street will be redeveloped into 57,000 square feet of residential and commercial/office space, including a restaurant on the top floor.
Together these projects will create 360 high-paying construction jobs and 140 full-time jobs upon their completion. The developers have also agreed to use minority and/or women-owned businesses when possible, will enter into a First Source agreement with the City, will take part in the “Buy Providence” initiative as much as possible, will make an investment into the City Council Parks and Recreation Trust Account, and will ensure that all contractors and subcontractors have or are affiliated with an apprenticeship program.
Projected total annual tax revenue for these projects at the end of their TSAs is expected to be more than $2M.
by Michael Florio | Sep 25, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
Last week, during a Committee on Finance meeting, we learned that members of the Mayor’s Administration had unilaterally renegotiated the contract for the City’s school zone speed cameras with the vendor, Conduent Inc. This action bypassed city purchasing laws and circumvented the public process.
As required by the City Charter, the contract should have gone to the Board of Contract and Supply and then before the City Council for public review and ratification.
Therefore, we have requested that the City’s Internal Auditor review the contract and process by which it navigated the system. We have also asked the City Solicitor to review this process as well, and ask that the Administration immediately send the contract to the Board of Contract and Supply and the City Council for a full review and rigorous vetting.
John J. Igliozzi, Majority Leader and Chairman, Committee on Finance
Jo-Ann Ryan, Majority Whip, and Member, Committee on Finance
