by Abigail Appel | Dec 8, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
Located on the western side of Providence, Silver Lake is home to strong cultural identities in both Italian and Hispanic backgrounds. Silver Lake is a hub for Central American restaurants, bars and markets and is also the site of the annual Feast of Saint Bartholomew; a 3 day celebration in August. The 73 acre Neutaconkanut Park provides residents with public access to nature trails, skate parks, swimming pools and baseball fields.
A Brief History of Silver Lake- Courtesy of the Providence City Archives
In 1710, the Silver Lake/Harford neighborhood — bordered by Johnston and Cranston to the west – came to fruition after constructing the Plainfield Road, which allowed traffic and trade to move freely between Plainfield, Connecticut, and Providence. The neighborhood was demographically rural and populated by a community of farmers, many of whom did not feel Providence, with its growing urban sprawl, represented their agricultural interests. In 1759, with the establishment of the Town of Johnston, Silver Lake was swiftly annexed by the rural town.
Silver Lake earned its namesake from a picturesque body of water that once bordered Murry, Sybil, Mercy, and Plainfield Streets – at the foot of Neutaconkanut Hill, and at one time was a source of recreation. A particular spectacle of note occurred in 1859 when many spectators came to see tightrope walkers take a high-wire stroll over the lake as pictured below:
(courtesy of the Providence City Archives)
By the mid-20th century, the lake was eventually dredged and filled over time to accommodate neighborhood development.
By 1898, Providence annexed back portions of the neighborhood. In 1882, the community’s identity drastically changed from rural to urban with the Plainfield Street Trolley line’s extension. The electric trolley made it possible for factory workers to move to and throw Providence. Soon, farmland turned into triple-decker house lots. European immigrants, specifically Italians, accounted for much of the Silver Lakes’ new demographic. By 1919 Silver Lake became fully incorporated into the City of Providence.
By the end of the nineteenth century, nearly three hundred Italians settled in the areas of Laurel and Neutakonkanut Hill. With them came the establishment of St. Bartholomew’s Church in 1907 on Moorefield Street. A shrine of the church remains in the form of a bell tower named Scalabrini Piazza dedicated to the memory of Bishop John Baptist Scalabrini, responsible for the establishment of “Saint Raphael Association,” dedicated to the care of Italian migrants. 1969 marked the construction of a new church on Laurel Hill Ave. to accommodate the growing number of the neighborhood’s practitioners.
During the decade of the 1990s, 43 percent of Silver Lake comprised of Italian Americans. By the year 2000, beginning a decade prior, Hispanics established a vibrant community in Silver Lake, comprising roughly 42 percent of current day Ward 7’s population. That number has grown exponentially in the last 20 years. The neighborhood also includes a growing Haitian community.
by Abigail Appel | Dec 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Tonight, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) were lead sponsors of a resolution addressing the Rhode Island Community Food Banks’ recently released annual Status Report on Hunger, which highlighted the significant hardship Rhode Islanders are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution is co-sponsored by President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Finance Chairman John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva R. LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12) and Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10).
The Rhode Island Community Food Banks’ annual Status Report on Hunger found that one in four Rhode Island households lack adequate food, which is the highest rate the agency has seen in over two decades. The report noted that food insecurity levels are highest in Black and Latinx communities, which are the very same communities that have been hardest hit by the global pandemic. Due to this overwhelming demand, the Community Food Banks has increased its food distribution by 1.6 million pounds (a 45% increase from before the pandemic).
“This is not just a Rhode Island problem,” stated Council President Sabina Matos. “What the COVID-19 pandemic has done in this Country is exacerbated the already demanding need for food not just in Rhode Island but in every state. It has also shone a light on the massive inequities in our society, where nearly 5.3 million more Americans are unemployed today than they were in February of this year. Rhode Island was not immune to that alarming statistic, which is why in the early days of the pandemic, I reached out to George Ortiz of The Elisha Project to work with the Council to help bring food to Providence’s most struggling communities. Through our partnership with the Elisha Project, the Council hosted 24 food distribution events across the City. We were able to provide approximately 816 thousand pounds of culturally appropriate nutritious meals or the equivalent of 680 thousand meals to our most vulnerable residents. We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Ortiz for the work he is doing in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to address the food insecurity that too many families are facing.”
The resolution is calling on the Federal government to pass another COVID-19 relief bill that would bring back the supplemental unemployment compensation and boost SNAP benefits for individuals until the pandemic subsides. It also calls for the USDA to provide Pandemic-EBT benefits for all children from low-income families when schools are closed.
Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan stated, “This is an alarming statistic; if more than one in four people statewide are food insecure as stated in this recent report, we know the ratio is much higher in our urban core. The City Council initiative to provide immediate assistance to our struggling families is an admirable local level effort. However, we need a COVID Relief Bill passed in Washington without delay. While our federal delegation has been leading the charge in Washington, we need federal relief. The United States Senate has had the opportunity to pass the $2.2 trillion HEROES Act since May and has failed to do so. The stimulus package that my colleagues and I call for in this resolution will not just help those facing food insecurity, but will also address the nearly 20 million renters at risk of losing their homes. It has been eight months since the Senate and House passed the CARES Act, and it is time to put Country over party and pass the HEROES Act to protect our most vulnerable residents.”
Additionally, the resolution calls on the Rhode Island Department of Health and Human Services to implement a comprehensive SNAP outreach program to help newly unemployed Rhode Islanders enroll and gain access to these much-needed services.
“The RI Food Bank report also critically highlights that food insecure Rhode Islanders are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to prevalent underlying medical conditions,” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “Additionally, it makes clear the racial and ethnic disparities that exist related to food insecurity, and the fact that disabled adults also experience a higher risk for food insecurity due to healthcare-related expenses and limited employment opportunities which further exacerbate already existing health and economic disparities.
We are seeing record levels of demand from food-insecure Providence and Rhode Island residents, low-income families and children, which demonstrates that critical funding and assistance is needed now, more than ever, to address widespread hunger in our communities.”
The resolution also urges the Rhode Island General Assembly to support Governor Gina Raimondo’s call for increased funding for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris stated, “I know what it is to be hungry. I know what it is to decide between buying food for my family and paying the light bill. Our neighbors need help. We live in the land of plenty, but until we have plenty for all, we have plenty for none. I applaud the Elisha Project, the Rhode Island Food Bank, and the work that so many are doing in the City, the State, and across the nation to address food insecurity. But, as the poet Robert Frost so eloquently stated, we have miles to go before we sleep, and this is no time to sleep. Our neighbors here in Providence, and in every city and town in our state and across the country need help. I, like my colleagues, urge the United States Senate to pass the HEROES Act now before they end their session.”
The City Council passed the resolution, and copies of the resolution will be sent to each member of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, Governor Gina Raimondo, Director Courtney Hawkins of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, and to the members of the Providence delegation of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
About the Elisha Project:
The Elisha Project is a movement that is focused on bringing diverse communities together through service, sharing, teaching, and learning. With the mission of addressing food insecurity and operating by the motto, “There is Always Enough to Share.”
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 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
by Abigail Appel | Oct 30, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-15, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Statement from Providence City Council Leadership Regarding Arrest of ‘Providence Purge’ Suspect
We would like to thank the Providence Police Department for their diligent work, apprehending an individual who was inciting fear and violence in the City of Providence. His actions, including threatening a member of the press, disorderly conduct and circulating the troubling ‘Providence Purge’ flyer have all contributed to the recent unrest in our City.
This is an example of the great work that the men and women of the Providence Police Department do everyday to fulfill their duty to protect and serve. The behavior displayed by the apprehended individual has no place in our City. These acts misrepresent the character of our community and do nothing but cause fear and distrust.
Moving forward, we expect that all parties will promote peaceful and tolerant behavior as we continue to work towards a safe, equitable and stronger City.
Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15)
Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6)
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)
Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7)
Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8)
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9)
For more information visit us online at council.providenceri.gov.
by Billy Kepner | Oct 23, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
Last night, the City Council’s Committee on Finance met to review the City of Providence Public Safety Budget related to launching a new cohort for the Providence Police Academy. The Committee, Chaired by Chairman John J. Igliozzi Esq, (Ward 7), met with Providence Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Paré, Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements, City Chief Financial Officer Larry Mancini, and the City’s Internal Auditor Gina Costa to discuss budgeting and how we could fund an Academy in this current year.
“Public safety is a vital component to our City’s budget, and our residents and taxpayers expect that we will have an adequate police force to protect them if they come into harm’s way,” stated Chairman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. “Last night, our Committee was able to ensure that our Public Safety division had the appropriate allocations to fund a new Academy and would be able to move forward without further delay.”
With the help of the City’s Chief Financial Officer Lawrence Mancini and the City’s Internal Auditor Gina Costa, Chairman John J. Igliozzi, Esq., and Vice Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan confirmed that there are currently ample funds available to move forward with the current police academy while also maintaining the salaries of officers currently employed by the City. This funding was approved in the FY ’20 budget, and through attrition and current spending, the dollars remain available and even allows for a surplus in the division. Over the past several weeks City Councilor’s have called on the Mayor and the Commissioner to launch a new Academy and were told that the funds were not available to move forward. However, funding exists and removes any perceived roadblocks that contributed to the 2019-2020 police academy’s slow progression.
“Our police department is losing more officers than it is bringing on. We need to continue to recruit and train diverse and culturally competent new officers, especially during this time of unprecedented violence and crime in our City. There are young men and women out there who are ready and willing to serve. As a City, we need to actively seek out these selfless individuals so that our police department can continue to progress and improve. I, along with my colleagues, ask that the Academy move forward without any further delay, and I am very pleased that the Committee and the City’s finance teams identified funding to make this happen. Additionally, I look forward to working collaboratively with Family Services of Rhode Island and our finance teams to enhance the social services component of our policing,” added Vice-Chairwoman and Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
Currently, 119 young men and women are participating in the Providence Police Academy enrollment process. This multi-phase Academy includes recruitment, physical training, personal interviews, and background checks. The Academy is currently working through the interview portion for a cohort recruited in November through January of 2019.
It is prudent that we not stall the new Academy any further. The Council cannot responsibly pass a budget until they get a clearer picture of what amount the City will receive in State aid. However, with the current allocations, this new cohort can begin in earnest.
With approximately 113 officers currently eligible to retire from the Providence Police Department, it is crucial that the police academy moves forward and recruit more officers. A well-staffed police department in the City of Providence consists of anywhere between 450-500 officers. Because of retirements, the COVID-19 pandemic, and officers who have been injured while on duty and are unable to work, the Police Department is understaffed.
