by Billy Kepner | May 7, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-6
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) put forth two resolutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; one regarding an expansion of SNAP benefits and the other regarding anti-Asian sentiment in the City of Providence.
The first resolution, sponsored by Council President Matos, Council President Pro-Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), urges the Federal government to expand SNAP benefit services in Rhode Island to include online and delivery services.
“The Council is confronting this crisis head on and is working with our partners in government to help the most vulnerable amongst us,” stated Council President Sabina Matos.
Currently, SNAP recipients must physically travel to the grocery stores to purchase food items. This has been identified as a possible reason for racial disparities in the COVID-19 pandemic, as these SNAP recipients are forced to leave their homes, possibly exposing themselves to the COVID-19 virus at a greater level than those who are able to have food delivered to them.
Council President Matos continued, “It is vital that as Councilors we advocate for all residents, not just in our respective Wards but across the City. Increasing ability for SNAP recipients to use third-party grocery services, and providing access to other ways in which to use them is important to creating healthy communities.”
The Council urges the Federal Government to expand SNAP benefits to include delivery and online services in Rhode Island and throughout the country. Currently, the only states with these types of services are New York, Nebraska, Oregon, Iowa, Alabama and Washington. Upon passage, this resolution will be sent to Governor Gina Raimondo and members of Rhode Island’s Federal delegation.
The second resolution, sponsored by the same five Councilors, denounces xenophobia against the Asian community in Providence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States has sadly seen an increase in racial profiling, hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans since the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The World Health Organization has made clear that the COVID-19 virus is not affected by ethnicities or borders. The use of geographic descriptors is reductive and has led to unfounded profiling of the Asian-American community.
Any person who has witnessed or experienced racial profiling or bigotry due to the COVID-19 pandemic is urged to contact authorities for a proper investigation.
“Our Asian community is an integral part of our City. They contributions they have made culturally and economically are numerous and priceless. This resolution should put everyone on notice that hatred or discrimination has no place in our City,” continued Council President Matos.
In Providence, 6.1% of the population is of Asian heritage. The Providence City Council reaffirms its commitment to the well-being and safety of Asian-Americans in our community, denounces any case of anti-Asian sentiment in the City of Providence, and is willing to take steps to combat any crimes targeting the Asian community.
Council President Matos added, “This is the time to lift our neighbors up, and not tear them down. This disease has touched the lives of over 10,000 Rhode Islanders and knows no race.”
by Billy Kepner | Apr 29, 2020 | Council News, COVID-19, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-6, Ward-7
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) announced today that the City Council would be granting
Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic a $100 Thousand grant to expand COVID-19 testing at their health clinic. Data made public by the Rhode Island Department of Health last week showed that the City of Providence is being disproportionately affected by COVID-19 cases. More specifically, the hardest-hit zip code in the entire state encompasses the neighborhoods of Olneyville, Silver Lake, and Manton – communities that Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic serves.
“These neighborhoods are home to some of the hardest working and most marginalized populations in the state,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “These truths are also why they are more likely to be exposed to the dangers of this virus. These communities are the ones risking their lives manufacturing essential goods, ringing out and delivering food to everyone’s homes, and are more likely to access mass public transit. These critical funds will allow Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic to expand their testing operations from three days a week to six days a week and will provide the 02909 community a testing site that’s more easily accessible.”
Clínica Esperanza was founded in 2007 as a place for patients, volunteers, community partners and donors to be healthy. Their community health care model ensures that quality care comes from caregivers who are fully integrated in the community. They offer primary medical care to uninsured Rhode Islanders, with an emphasis on culturally accustomed and linguistically appropriate care.
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6) stated, “By providing expanded testing hours for our community we are sending a message to our residents that their wellbeing is our number one priority, and that we are doing whatever we can to make testing accessible and equitable. I commend the Council President for her leadership and guidance on this initiative.”
“The health of the community we serve is our highest priority,” stated Councilman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. “These funds will go a long way in ensuring that our most vulnerable residents can access COVID-19 testing safely and with the help and guidance of a culturally competent staff.”
Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic is located at 60 Valley Street in the City of Providence. With this grant, they will be increasing their COVID-19 testing to six days a week from 4 PM – 9 PM daily. Their staff is multi-lingual, and you will need to make an appointment by email at
coronavirus@aplacetobehealthy.org, or by calling 401-408-0238, or by sending them a
Facebook message.
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.
