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August 2023

In August, the Providence City Council was in recess from official council meetings, but that certainly did not stop councilors from joining neighbors in summertime fun, organizing clean-ups, and encouraging residents to offer input toward the city's Comprehensive Plan (more on that later). 

Council Challenges Tax Agreement with Downtown Developer

 

In early August, attorneys representing the Providence City Council filed a Motion to Intervene in Providence Superior Court in the case entitled Harrisburg Associates, LLC, et al. v. The City of Providence et al. PC-2020-04757. The motion is intended to be the first step in a challenge by the City Council to a 2021 Consent Order entered in that case. Neither the Consent Order, nor the agreement on which that order was based, was known to, let alone approved by, the City Council at the time they were entered into. The City Council contends that the Providence City Solicitor made these agreements without proper authority and without the knowledge or approval of the City Council, allowing 10 buildings in Providence controlled by Arnold “Buff” Chace to pay significantly reduced property taxes that would otherwise be due to the City.   

 

The City Council’s best estimate of the savings to the Chace entities is approximately $42.5 million over the life of the agreements. The City Council is also concerned about the possible implications of this agreement for other landlords who may seek similar reductions in taxes. 

 

The filing on behalf of the Council was made by Max Wistow, Stephen P. Sheehan, and Benjamin Ledsham of the Providence law firm of Wistow, Sheehan & Loveley, PC. 

 

The publicly available documents are also available through this link:


https://council.providenceri.gov/harrisburg/

Providence's Comprehensive Plan


August was a busy month for "Comp Plan" education in several different neighborhoods with quite a bit of help from the city's Planning Department. Informative meetings rolled out in Ward 3 (Councilor Sue AnderBois), Ward 4 (Councilor Justin Roias), and Ward 12 (Councilor Althea Graves). Many more are scheduled for September and October.


What is the Comp Plan? Once every 10 years, the City updates its Comprehensive Plan, the urban planning policy document that guides growth and development in the city. The Comp Plan is directly connected to street improvements, safety, housing development, growth, preservation, parks, neighborhood amenities, climate change – and everything related to the environment and zoning.


Please visit plan.providenceri.gov for future events throughout the fall coming to your neighborhood (see the calendar below for September opportunities) and follow the City Council on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay in the know!

Ward 4 Comp Plan meeting with Councilor Justin Roias at the DaVinci Center

A large crowd gathered at the Rochambeau Library in Ward 3 with Councilor Sue AnderBois to learn more about the Comp Plan

Out and About in Our Neighborhoods

Councilor and Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) gathered neighbors, Providence Police and Fire, and many other volunteer organizations for National Night Out at George J. West Elementary.

Councilman and Majority Leader James Taylor (Ward 8) "plugged in" to unveil a new Tesla location in the Reservoir Triangle. The electric automaker's new northeast regional hub will include sales, service, and delivery on top of creating nearly 30 full-time jobs in the neighborhood. Taylor then took a test drive with Councilors John Goncalves (Ward 1), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Oscar Vargas (Ward 15).

President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9) celebrates an end-of-summer cookout at the Sackett Street Recreation Center.

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) joined host Leon Clark for "Pride in Providence" on PEG-TV. He likes when councilors autograph his ward map!

Councilors danced through the streets in celebration of the Dominican Festival and parade.

Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) helped host the annual Pearl Street Block Party in mid-August. What a time of togetherness!

Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13) visited with kids and families at the Zuccolo Rec Center for an end-of-the-summer cookout. Miller brought backpacks, which were a big hit for the start of school!

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) organized a massive stormwater cleanup of the Pleasant Valley Parkway with Mayor Brett Smiley and the city's Fire, Police, and Parks Departments. And what dedication from about 100 student volunteers through Providence College Urban Action. Way to go!

Councilwoman Peterson (Ward 14) got the neighborhood together at Fargnoli Park for an end of the summer get together!

Councilor Roias (Ward 4) informed neighbors who live around the new Narducci Learning Center about parking and traffic flow before the start of school on September 6. The councilman also toured the incredible 21st-century facility, which underwent a major renovation after being vacant for many years. The new PreK-8 school will serve as a district-wide swing space while other schools undergo construction. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, at 11 AM.

PVD Fest

The city's much-anticipated free outdoor festival returns in September (Friday 9/8 to Sunday 9/10). For the latest information on performers, vendors, parking and street closures click here - PVD Fest

September Events Calendar


September 5 - Ward 5 Comp Plan meeting at Mt. Pleasant Library, 6:30 PM


September 6 - Providence Public School year begins


September 7 - City Council meets at 6 PM at city hall


September 8 - PVD Fest begins


September 11 - Ward 8 Comp Plan meeting at Reservoir Elementary, 6 PM


September 12 - Ward 14 Comp Plan meeting at RF Kennedy Elementary, 6:30 PM


September 13 - Ward 10 Providence Water presents lead line service replacements

for eligible homes at John Rollins Rec Center, 6 PM


September 14 - Ward 11 Comp Plan meeting at Providence Career & Technical

Academy (PCTA), 6 PM


September 20 - Ward 13 Comp Plan meeting at Zuccolo Rec Center, 7 PM


September 21 - City Council meeting at 6 PM at city hall


September 27 - Ward 9 Comp Plan meeting at Roger William Gateway, 5:30 PM

Ward 15 Comp Plann meeting at William D'Bate Elementary, 6 PM


The Providence City Council is the legislative body that serves the many diverse communities of the City of Providence. Each council member serves as an advocate for their neighborhood and as a liaison between residents and the various departments and services our city has to offer.


To find your Councilor, click here. Already know your Councilor? Learn more about their work here.

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Providence City Council

council.providenceri.gov