Ward 4
All Members
Councilor Justin Roias
Councilor Justin Roias represents Ward 4 and the North End of Providence, which includes the Charles and Wanskuck neighborhoods. He is the Vice-Chair of the Committee on State Legislative Affairs and is a member of the Committee on City Public Works, Committee on Ordinances, the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE), the Housing Crisis Task Force, and the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency. Roias currently works as a school social worker and licensed mental health counselor. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Rhode Island College. Roias is also a member of the Providence Housing Authority.
Ward 4 – Charles and Wanskuck (North End)
Ward 4 is considered the North End of Providence, which includes the Charles and Wanskuck neighborhoods. At the end of the nineteenth century, an expanding mill industry led to influx of European immigrants, especially Italian immigrants. This expansion of the population led to the further development of the North End. Today, both the Charles and Wanskuck neighborhoods are home to a strong Italian cultural community as well as a rich history of industrial labor.
Recent News
Ordinance Committee Adopts Amendment Striking RIPTA Bus Hub Language from Proposed Comprehensive Plan
Providence, RI – After hearing community testimony at tonight’s public hearing, Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) introduced an amendment to strike “Point N, Objective M1” from the proposed Comprehensive Plan. Point N, which will not appear in the Comprehensive Plan...
Councilors Receive PVD Comprehensive Plan, Honor a Servicemember with Judge Caprio, and Highlight the Accomplishments of a Popular North End Business
Providence, RI — In a process that began in 2022, the Planning Department and City Plan Commission (CPC) have been working to update the Comprehensive Plan, the urban planning policy document that guides growth and development in the city. The Comp Plan will impact...
City Council Rejects Lease Proposal of a Public Elementary School Building to Charter Schools
Providence, RI – City Councilors rejected a proposal from Mayor Brett Smiley for the city to lease Carl G. Lauro Elementary School to two charter schools. The proposal for a $1 per year 30-year plus lease to Achievement First Rhode Island, Inc. and Excel Academy Rhode...
City Council Proposes Halting Providence Investments in Israel Bonds over Alleged War Crimes and Human Rights Violations
Providence, RI – Tonight, Providence City Councilors heard an ordinance that would divest city funds from Israel sovereign bonds and prevent future investments in sovereign bonds of governments accused of war crimes and human rights violations. The move makes...
Council Introduces a Newly Revised Law to Protect Affordable Housing in the City
Providence, RI - A revised and strengthened 8 Law ordinance was introduced at tonight’s Council meeting (off docket). The new ordinance was crafted after significant input and lengthy discussions with community partners, who are out in Providence’s neighborhoods...
Councilors Support Affordable Housing and Funding for Critical Transportation Services
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Providence, RI - Housing access and affordability are priorities for the Providence City Council. As part of this agenda, an ordinance amendment was introduced at tonight's council meeting that will expand affordable housing opportunities...
