by Abigail Appel | Apr 16, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-7, Ward-8
At last night’s City Council meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a change to the Providence Code of Ordinances which would require a building official to provide written notice to their City Council representative upon the issuance of a demolition permit. This ordinance was co-sponsored by Council President John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), and Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14).
“Recently, a beloved building in the Fox Point neighborhood was demolished, to the surprise of myself and the local community. Not only was this demolition project an inconvenience to residents of the area, it also was at the location of the former Duck & Bunny; a landmark of the Fox Point neighborhood,” stated Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
Under current City law, building officials are not required to notify the City Council or the local neighborhood when a demolition permit has been issued. The proposal would require that written notice be given to the Council representative. This will allow for proper communication to be made between various City Departments, and ensure that residents and businesses surrounding the demolition site are made aware of the upcoming operations in their neighborhood.
“As a City, we work best when communication is open and reliable. As a City Councilman, I know I can better serve my constituents when I am aware of all developments in our Ward. Residents of any neighborhood deserve to know about major plans for construction or demolition which could affect their property, quality of life, safety or the integrity of our neighborhood. Moving forward, I hope this ordinance will encourage an open line of communication between building officials, City operations and residents,” added Councilman Goncalves.
The ordinance has been referred to the Committee on Ordinances for further review.
by Abigail Appel | Apr 14, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-10, Ward-7
At a special meeting of the Providence City Council, Councilman John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), was elected by the majority of his peers to serve as the body’s President. In addition, the Council also elected Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) as Council President Pro Tempore. Each will hold this position for the remainder of this current term which will conclude in January of 2023.
“I want to thank my colleagues for putting their support in me during this time of transition. As the longest-serving member of the Council, I want to ensure that when many of us step down in 2023 that there is not only a transfer of power but a transfer of institutional knowledge. In my capacity as Council President, I plan to work every day to ensure that the City Council continues the important work of creating a stronger and fiscally stable Providence. We are committed to advocating for new jobs, new development, affordable housing, and ensuring that the essential quality of life services that our taxpayers expect is further enhanced. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to congratulate our outgoing Council President Sabina Matos, who today was approved by the Rhode Island Senate to serve as our State’s next Lieutenant Governor. We wish her well and are grateful for her service to the Council,” stated Council President Igliozzi.
During his time on the Council, President Igliozzi has been laser-focused on the myriad of fiscal issues that Providence has faced and has worked to improve his residents’ everyday quality of life. He has served as the Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Finance since 2007 and has been a staunch advocate for tax and pension reform – both before and during his time as Chairman. He has also served as a member of several committees and commissions during his more than two decades-long tenure.
Council President Igliozzi has represented the Hartford and Silver Lake neighborhoods of Providence since 1997. He is a lifelong resident of Silver Lake and is deeply entrenched in his community. During his time in public service, he has spearheaded and allocated funding for several major community infrastructure and quality of life enhancements for the residents of Ward 7. These projects include thousands of initiatives from roads, sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, and two new schools. He was instrumental in bringing Achievement First Providence Mayoral Academy Elementary School, a highly ranked charter school, to the Silver Lake neighborhood. President Igliozzi has also made significant investments in community resources such as the Reading Express Library at the Silver Lake Community Center, neighborhood water parks, playgrounds, the first skateboard park in Providence, and the soccer field’s modernization at Merino Park – now home to the Capitol Youth Soccer League.
In his professional life, Council President Igliozzi is an attorney. His family has a long history of public service, beginning with his late father Vincent, who served as Chairman of the 7th Ward Committee, his late mother Dolores, who served on the Rhode Island State Democratic Committee, his sister Angelica, and his brother and former Councilman, Judge David Igliozzi. He is the proud father of two sons, both of whom still live in the same Silver Lake neighborhood where President Igliozzi grew up.
The Council also elected Councilman Pedro Espinal as Council President Pro Tempore. The President Pro Tempore serves as acting President in the absence of the Council President.
“I am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me to carry out this new role. The Council is at an inflection point, and there is much to be done. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of not only my community but for all the residents of Providence. We have endured so much in the past year, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am committed to working together with my Council colleagues to address the many issues our City is facing – from getting our residents vaccinated, making affordable housing a priority, and working to end food insecurity in our City. As Councilors, we are often the ones that our residents reach out to when they need help, and many of those requests are quality of life of issues. Together this body will address the most pressing needs of our residents, and I look forward to the work ahead,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal.
President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal was elected in 2019 to serve the South Providence and Washington Park neighborhoods of Providence. Pro Tem Espinal has been an advocate for his residents. In his tenure on the Council, he has spearheaded several important pieces of legislation to ensure green and vital initiatives in the Port of Providence, amongst other quality of life issues. He has been a resident of Providence since 1978 and lives in the Washington Park neighborhood with his family.
Also, Council President Igliozzi has named City Treasurer James Lombardi III, Esq., CPA, to serve as the Acting Chief of Staff of the Providence City Council. In addition to his role as City Treasurer, Mr. Lombardi will manage the City Council staff and departments’ day-to-day operations. In addition to the Council’s administrative office, the City Council oversees the Treasury Department, Office of the Internal Auditor, Probate Court, Municipal Court, Providence City Archives, and the City Clerks Department.
by Abigail Appel | Apr 1, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
Included in the FY ’21 Budget is Direct Funding for a Crisis Diversion Program
Tonight, the City Council’s Committee on Finance approved the City’s $510 Million Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget which will now go to the full Council for vote and passage. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the budget’s spending portion was delayed due to uncertainties around funding from the state and the federal government. The City Council already passed the tax levy in July without an increase in property taxes.
“After nine hours of public testimony, I want the residents of Providence to know that we heard them. We listened to their call for a dedicated crisis intervention team. We ensured that we allocated more funding to Family Services of Rhode Island to increase their ability to provide crisis intervention services when police response is not required. We also ensured that we provided relief to our residents by passing the tax levy with no increase. Yet, when we received the Mayor’s budget in the early part of 2020, we could have never predicted what we were facing as we saw how much our City was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to acknowledge that without the COVID Relief Package the City would have had a multi-million-dollar deficit. Yet, the City Council’s finance team and the Administration’s finance team worked tirelessly to make sure that the focus remained on the residents and our businesses and that we would be able to pass a responsible and fiscally prudent budget. There is still more work to do as we look to the FY 2022 budget, and I look forward to continuing advocating for the residents of Providence,” stated Chairman of the Committee on Finance and City Council Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq.
The FY 2021 budget will provide the actuarially required contribution to the City’s pension fund; it will include funding for quality of life services and ensure that the City meets all its financial obligations and maintains its bond ratings.
Vice-Chairwoman of the Committee on Finance and Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) stated, “The City Council Leadership team has worked very hard to mitigate the adverse effects of the lost revenues due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. These are challenging times for every municipality across the country, and we have been grappling with a year-long pandemic and civil unrest, and financial uncertainty. Yet, we must keep the City running and our essential services operational and be good stewards of our precious tax dollars. Further, I am proud that we could allocate additional funding for our Family Service “Go Teams,” which will take some of the police department’s burden when an armed response is not warranted. I want to thank the hardworking members of the Council’s Committee on Finance and the Council’s finance team for helping craft a fiscally responsible budget that ensures the City is meeting its financial obligations and provides for services that are important to a vibrant and culturally diverse city like Providence.”
Budget Initiatives Include:
- No Tax Increase.
- Homestead Exemption remained the same – 40% or $14.74/$1,000.00 of assessed value.
- Non-Homestead Tax Rate remained the same – $24.56/$1,000.00 of assessed value.
- Commercial Tax Rate remained the same.
- Funding for the Providence School Department is funded as proposed by Mayor Jorge O. Elorza at $130 Million.
- Funds Family Services of Rhode Island for the “Go Team” Diversionary Program.
- Creates a grant-funded department to support the American Recovery Act – COVID-19 Stimulus Package of $130 Million.
- Per the Mayor’s request the budget funds:
- The Providence Police Department contractual increases of $2.78 Million – including a 4.5% wage increase.
- Gives non-union and union employees a 2% wage increase.
- Providence Fire Department Received a 2.75% wage increase.
- Ensures that the City will make 100% of its obligated pension payment of $73,494,647.00.
- The City’s “Rainy Day” Fund is increased by $100,000.00 to $15 Million.
To view all budget documents, please visit: https://bit.ly/PVD2021-Budget.
by Abigail Appel | Mar 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-13, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a resolution supporting Rhode Island House Bills 2021 H-5674, H-6074, H-5595, and Senate Bills 2021 S-0219, S-0468, and S-0540, known collectively as the Rescue Rhode Island Act. This resolution was co-sponsored by Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman John J. Igliozzi Esq., Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), and Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8).
“We urge our elected representatives in the Rhode Island General Assembly and Senate to support and pass the Rescue Rhode Island Act. This initiative takes bold action to address a myriad of issues facing our State, from housing insecurity to sustainable food systems and climate justice. ” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
The Rescue, Rhode Island Act focuses on three main areas of concern. The first concern is the expansion of green and affordable housing construction. The Rescue, Rhode Island Act would allocate funding towards the construction of high quality, energy-efficient, affordable housing through the Housing Jobs Construction Program, which would also provide job training programs in energy-efficient construction and solar panel installation.
The second focus is the support of locally sourced food production. The legislation would assist in developing a reliable food production system in the State of Rhode Island.
“The Rescue Rhode Island Act takes progressive steps to move Rhode Island into a new era of green jobs, sustainable, affordable living, and a return to embracing local food systems. We have the technology, and we have the ability to make our State’s practices more environmentally friendly, so it is time for us to take the necessary steps in government to allow these exciting changes to happen,” added Councilman Goncalves.
Finally, the Rescue Rhode Island Act’s third focus is the creation of Green Justice Zones in Washington Park and the South Side of Providence. These Green Justice Zones would receive funding for projects such as the replacement of lead pipes. Within Green Justice Zones, polluting facilities would be more strictly regulated, and new polluting facilities would not be allowed to move into the area. Washington Park and the South Side of Providence are regions of the City that have been significantly impacted by air, water, and soil pollution. The outcomes of this pollution include disproportionate rates of childhood asthma and increased risks of environmental hazards.
“Changes must be made to protect the residents and the Washington Park and South Side neighborhoods’ ecosystem. The ongoing pollution only deepens the inequities in health and economic outcomes in the City of Providence. It is time that we put Rhode Islanders first and make meaningful change to improve the future of our State, but also to improve the everyday lives of those residing in areas that are prone to excessive, harmful pollution,” added Councilman Pedro Espinal.
The resolution has been sent to the Special Committee on State and Legislative Affairs.
by Abigail Appel | Mar 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
At tonight’s City Council Meeting, Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) proposed a resolution urging Mayor Jorge Elorza to decisively enforce the multiple laws that the Providence City Council has enacted to mitigate the dangers and nuisance of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the City of Providence. This resolution was passed and co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), and Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9).
“As a freshman Councilor, I got to work drafting and enacting legislation that would keep dangerous ATVs off our City streets. In doing so, my Council colleagues and I created a clear, legal framework that prohibited the operation of illegal ATVs and gave the Providence Police Department the power to seize and destroy any ATVs operating illegally. We legislatively created an ATV task force and ATV phone line. Yet years later, our City is still facing the major threats to traffic and pedestrian safety that ATVs create. The City Council is calling on the Mayor to uphold City ATV ordinances, support our Police and to take action necessary to address the public nuisance that illegal ATVs are causing in our City” stated Deputy Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan.
Additionally, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) appointed Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), and Councilman John Goncalves to the Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles. The committee will be tasked with investigating best practices regarding the enforcement of existing ATV laws in the City of Providence.
“I want to thank Councilwoman Carmen Castillo for advocating for a Special Commission to look at best practices and how we can encourage the Mayor to enforce the laws that this body has already passed. I have full confidence that this Commission will work diligently with residents, stakeholders, and the administration to find ways to mitigate this ongoing issue further,” shared Council President Sabina Matos.
The Council has passed multiple ordinances to stop the illegal use of ATVs in the City. On April 2, 2015 Councilman Michael Correia’s ordinance banning snowmobiles and ATVs from operating on City streets was passed. The City Council passed a second ordinance from Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan on May 4, 2017, which gave the Providence Police Department the power to confiscate and destroy ATVs that were caught being operated illegally. Both of these laws are still in place today.
“ATVs have been a major safety and quality of life issue in our City for years. The Council has continually worked with the Providence Police Department and community members to stop the massive gangs of ATVs speeding through our neighborhoods. We have done the work to end this problem, and we will continue working until it is not a problem anymore. But we need the same commitment from the Mayor,” added Councilwoman Carmen Castillo.
Despite the decisive legislative action taken by the Council, ATVs have continued to be a significant threat to traffic and pedestrian safety in all neighborhoods of the City. This is why Council President Sabina Matos has assembled this Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles and why Councilors are calling on the Mayor to enforce the laws already in place, as we enter another spring and summer season.
“It seems like every time I look at the news, especially during the warmer months, there is another story about a pedestrian who was injured by an ATV, or a car that was damaged, or a big traffic jam due to a huge group of ATVs recklessly driving around our City. As elected officials, it is our job to put a stop to this. As a member of the Special Committee on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles, I am hopeful that myself and my colleagues can find new solutions to help our police department better enforce our City’s ATV laws and bring peace and safety to our streets,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.
The Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles will be tasked with studying the best practices regarding the enforcement of existing ordinances in a way that is fair, practical, and above all protects the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and families in neighborhoods across our City.
“The illegal use of ATVs has been a major issue in my neighborhood. I feel my neighbors’ frustration as these loud and intrusive vehicles speed through our streets, endangering children, cyclists, drivers, and really anyone nearby. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to work towards the stricter enforcement of the laws we have put in place. I hope we can find an off-road place that they can ride. I am optimistic that Mayor Elorza will do his part in enforcing these laws so that our City does not have to continue facing the dangers created by ATVs daily,” added Councilman John Goncalves.
ATV Recreation Enforcement: Resolution.
Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles: Appointments and Resolution.
by Abigail Appel | Mar 18, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Tonight, Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution, which was passed, calling for more environmental controls and compliance in the Port of Providence after last week’s fire. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) and Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8).
“After the fire at the scrap yard on Allen’s Avenue last week, it has become even more pressing that we need to have better environmental controls and compliance by the businesses who are working in the Port of Providence. Last year, I introduced and passed an Ordinance to protect the Port and other areas of the City from becoming a wasteland. Yet, these existing businesses continue to pollute our neighborhoods and potentially our waterways. I want these businesses to do better, be safer, and to transition as best they can to cleaner and safer practices,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal.
The Port of Providence and Allens Avenue neighborhoods have the highest asthma rates in the state and are ranked ninth in the Country. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, these neighborhoods have some of the highest emergency department visits among children on Medicaid with asthma in the City of Providence.
“One of the greatest crises that we are facing as a society is climate change, and the damage that is being done to the environment by businesses like scrap yards and other ‘dirty’ businesses. As a city and state, we want businesses to operate and flourish here, but we can’t have that at the expense of our residents and our natural environment. I share my colleague’s concerns and hope that we can move to more environmentally friendly business practices in the Port,” shared Councilman John Goncalves.
Through this resolution, the Council is calling on the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, who is tasked with ensuring compliance with State and Federal environmental regulations at the Port, to provide them a copy of all Notices of Violation issued to businesses and property owners located in the Port of Providence for the past ten years.
“Thankfully, last week’s incident did not result in any injuries or damages, and it should serve as a wake-up call to the entire City. The scrap yards and other businesses located around the Port can cause significant negative environmental and health impacts on the community, which is why my colleagues and I call for better oversight of the businesses around the Port. It is only a matter of time before the surrounding communities are put in jeopardy due to a lack of environmental compliance,” continued Councilman Espinal.
Copies of the resolution will be sent to Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, Director Janet Coit of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and the members of the Providence Delegation at the Rhode Island General Assembly.
