Did February fly by or slowly crawl? I guess that's up to your perspective. For the Council, legislatively, a lot happened. If you missed anything, we've got you covered. |
Providence Leaders Commit to Ending All Traffic Fatalities and Serious Injuries by Signing Vision Zero
Last week, off a busy North Main Street and next to a broken steel fence damaged by a late-night hit and run, city leaders signed legislation with the ambitious goal of ending all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley endorsed the Vision Zero resolution after the City Council, including President Rachel Miller and Councilor Sue AnderBois, unanimously passed the measure earlier in the month. Vision Zero is an agreement and commitment to redesigning city streets for the safety of all who walk, bike, ride, and drive. Sweden first successfully adopted the Vision Zero strategy in the 1990s, and the movement has gained momentum across more than 45 U.S. cities and communities.
"The Vision Zero Resolution underscores our commitment to build a safer Providence for all," said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. "It is critical that we come together to improve our infrastructure and redesign our city streets to ensure Providence is safe for the many pedestrians, cyclists and motorists who live, work and visit our city. I am proud to be partnering with the Providence City Council to sign this critical resolution that signals our collective commitment to eradicate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030."
“There are dangerous roads and intersections across the city, including where we stand on North Main Street today,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Too many of our neighbors have been injured or killed in preventable traffic accidents. That’s why we are taking significant steps to make Providence streets safe for pedestrians, drivers, and everyone who uses our streets. Our commitment to Vision Zero by 2030 can end these tragedies and keep our community safe.”
On North Main Street, three residents, Edwin English, Vanda Makovetskiy, and Zacory Richardson, were killed during traffic incidents over the last year. Many more have been injured, some by hit and runs.
“Creating safer streets is not some magic or even rocket science. It’s simple things like ensuring the crosswalk lights are timed so a person can cross the street before cars enter the intersection,” said Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3). “We have a duty to keep our residents safe regardless of what mode of transportation they choose - car, bike, scooter, feet, wheelchair, etc. If folks don’t feel safe, they won’t feel like they have a choice to not drive - and our over-reliance on vehicles will continue to fill parking lots instead of more space for parks, restaurants, and homes.”
A comprehensive study by the Providence Streets Coalition found 2,200 recorded instances of cars hitting pedestrians and 904 instances of cars hitting cyclists between 2011 and 2021.
“Adoption of the Resolution and Vision Zero Policy will have far-reaching benefits for all who live, work and play in Providence, particularly older adults,” said Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island state director. “AARP Rhode Island looks forward to supporting the City in achieving Vision Zero, and transforming our streets – including this notorious stretch – into safe, inviting thoroughfares for all road users.”
| | Councilor Sue AnderBois addresses reporters gathered for the Vision Zero legislation signing on North Main Street, the site of several deadly hit-and-runs. |
Council Approves Opening of Nation’s First
State-Regulated Overdose Prevention Center
Moved by the tragic loss of life from accidental drug overdoses, councilors overwhelmingly approved a historic resolution authorizing Project Weber/RENEW to open and operate an Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) in the city.
In 2022, 434 Rhode Islanders died from overdoses, and countless others are affected by this crisis either directly or indirectly. Legislation authorizing the establishment of an Overdose Prevention Center in Rhode Island was passed by the state legislature in 2021. The life-saving Overdose Prevention Center, run by Project Weber/RENEW and clinical partner VICTA, is funded by opioid settlement funds designated for Rhode Island.
Set to open at 45 Willard Avenue, next to the Rhode Island Hospital Campus, the center will offer a range of services including but not limited to:
· Basic needs such as food, water, hygiene products, laundry and showers
· Safer use supplies and Narcan/naloxone for overdose reversal
· Case management services and housing support
· HIV and hepatitis C testing and linkage to care
· Peer recovery coaching
“I am grateful to Weber/RENEW for the vision, advocacy, and hard work they have put into making Rhode Island’s first harm reduction center a reality,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour the facility – there is no doubt in my mind that the center will save lives and prioritize the well-being of city residents. By creating a supervised and trusting environment and partnering with like-minded organizations, Rhode Island’s first harm reduction center will connect clients to healthcare, counseling, and outpatient services that will make a difference in people’s lives and throughout our city.”
| In Other Legislative News |
Tax and Revenue Recommendations Sent to the State House
Councilors passed a resolution endorsing recent recommendations made by the Special Commission for Taxation and Revenue. One key recommendation includes asking lawmakers in the General Assembly to pass enabling legislation that would allow the City to create additional categories of real property with corresponding taxing mechanisms and return to an owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied residential tax rate.
“We must address the city’s tax challenges and ask our partners in government at the state house to help us on this path. Our tax reform package will deliver a predictable, transparent, and fair tax structure for the people of Providence,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, Chair of the Special Commission for Taxation and Revenue.
Enabling legislation was introduced at the state house. House Bill 7652 was sponsored by Representatives Scott Slater and Grace Diaz.
PVD Buildings to be Carbon-Neutral by 2040
In a major step toward energy efficiency, an ordinance amendment was passed by councilors for the first time, ensuring Providence leads by example and commits to stronger guidelines to achieve carbon neutrality in all municipal owned buildings – including school buildings by 2040. The legislation encourages electricity and energy-efficient upgrades over burning fossil fuels and producing harmful pollutants. A second passage is necessary.
Creation of the Pathway to End Gun Violence Advisory Council
Gun violence is a public health crisis that has taken the lives of far too many Providence residents. Gun violence threatens to undermine the city’s prosperity by disrupting education, public health, business, and the overall quality of life. To that end, an all-hands approach is needed to address the root causes of gun violence. Councilors passed a resolution establishing a 13-member Pathway to End Gun Violence Advisory Council. The advisory council's goal will be to assist the Mayor and the City Council in coordinating resources that will lead to opportunities rather than incarcerations. The advisory council will utilize Community Violence Intervention (CVI), a strategy used in other cities to drastically reduce homicides.
“As a young councilor, reducing gun violence is a top priority of mine because it is disproportionately affecting young people of color at an alarming rate,” said Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). “Other cities like Oakland, Austin, and Louisville have used this intervention model with great success. In Boston, homicides were reduced by 40 percent and youth violence by 63 percent. We must do our best to provide jobs, therapy, and support for our young people rather than lock them up."
RIDOT Urged to Repair Streets Damaged by Bridge Detour
The closure of the Washington Bridge has had a detrimental impact on Providence’s traffic patterns and has damaged roads. The impact is especially felt on Gano Street and Angell/South Angell Street, which are used as detour routes by commuters, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers. A resolution was passed that urges RIDOT to address the worsening wear and tear on these roads to ensure the safety and well-being of city residents.
Notifications for Demolitions
Three historic East Side homes were recently demolished with no notice to nearby property owners or the public. An ordinance amendment was introduced, requiring applicants seeking a demolition or grading permit to complete a more thorough notification process. Applicants would be required to submit a copy of their application with a site map, a list of parcels and their owners within 200 feet of the lot set to be demolished, and a $150 processing fee. Beyond that, applicants will also be required to notify the Council representative for the ward where the property is located. The notice will be published in a local newspaper.
“In our City of neighborhoods, every building helps shape the landscape of our communities. With this series of requirements, anyone pursuing a demolition will be tasked with publicly sharing this crucial news along with information about public health measures that will be carried out for the wellbeing of the public,” said Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). The legislation was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
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School Board Elections, City Regions, and Ward Boundaries
In 2022, Providence voters approved a ballot question to create a partially elected, partially appointed school board.
What voters approved
- Hybrid school board with 10 total members
- 5 elected board members from 5 equal regions of the city (North, South, East, West, Central) for a 4-year term
- Non-partisan elections in November 2024 (terms to begin in January 2025)
- 5 appointed board members by the mayor with a 3-year term
- No more than 1 appointed board member selected from the same region
- Board members will have no taxing authority
The time has come to prepare for the November 2024 elections of those school board members. Before the elections can occur, 5 new school board regions must be created and finalized by the city's Ward Boundaries Committee, made up of five city councilors. These regions must comply with the federal Voting Rights Act (42 U.S.C. Sec 1971), which requires the maintenance of the geographical integrity of neighborhoods of shared social and economic interests.
Important Questions and Answers
Q: Are there opportunities for the public to weigh in on the 5 city regions?
A: Yes. 4 public hearings will be held in different locations throughout March. A full council public hearing will also take place in April. Written testimony can be submitted at cityclerk@providenceri.gov. Spanish speakers are welcome.
Q: When will the Ward Boundaries Committee decide on a final map of the 5 city regions?
A: The committee is expected to finish its work by the end of March, and the full City Council must approve a final map in May.
Q: If I am interested in being a candidate, what are the deadlines to decide?
A: The deadline for candidates to file declarations is June 24, 2024.
Q: Is there a primary election?
A: No. The elections are non-partisan, and no primary will be held. The election will held on November 5th.
| | Out and About in Our Neighborhoods | What a milestone! Councilors honored Dr. Bennie Fleming for her 100th birthday (which she celebrated in November). Fleming is a World War II veteran and a former educator. She became the first Black nurse to teach at Rhode Island College, where she stayed for more than 40 years and worked with Providence Public Schools to enhance the quality of science education. | Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) discussed a proposed scholarship opportunity with administrators of 360 High School, the Met School, and Juanita Sanchez. | Councilwoman Harris and Mayor Smiley were glad to meet with Dr. Eugenio Fernandez Jr, owner of Asthenis Pharmacy. The pharmacy prioritizes patient needs and offers health education in English and Spanish. During the pandemic, Asthenis vaccinated and educated tens of thousands. | Councilors were proud to participate and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall of Fame awardees, including Chief Judge Frank Caprio, Helen Baskerville-Dukes and Derek Earl Hazard Jr. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” | One day after the city's first significant winter snowstorm, Council President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9) toured the Department of Public Works with Director Patricia Coyne-Fague. Thank you to the DPW crews for working long hours to keep our streets clean! | Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) met with neighbors from Leige Street about construction concerns around Providence College. | The City Council and City Archives hosted a Black History Month celebration mid-month. Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris led the event, and Archivist Caleb Horton guided the Black Suffrage exhibit, which is still available for the public to view on the third floor of city hall. Come check it out! | Councilors congratulated James Beard Awards semifinalists: Jahunger, New England's sole Uighur restaurant, Dolores, highlighting the food and traditions of the Mixteca region, Courtland Club, a hidden gem in Federal Hill, and Gift Horse, infusing Korean & classic New England dishes. | The Council Chamber was put to good use to celebrate 180 years of Dominican independence! Thank you to Quisqueya en Acción for bringing our diverse community together for music, dancing, and inspiring words from local Dominican and Latino leaders. | Councilman Pichardo helped launch an informational session at Sackett Rec for homeowners interested in free lead service line replacements through Providence Water. The service line connects water to your home from the water main in the street, and that line could be unhealthy if it is old and contains lead. To learn more about the program and whether you qualify for work being done in Wards 9, 10, and 11, click here - https://www.provwater.com/water-quality/lead-center | Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12) hosted a community meeting to share information with residents about a newly constructed 45-unit pallet shelter village off Victor Street. ECHO village sits on state-owned land and will operate as an emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The village will be operated by House of Hope. Please call Coordinated Entry System at 401-277-4316 for shelter needs. | Councilman Goncalves is interviewed by Channel 12 WPRI on his resolution requesting RIDOT repair roads damaged by Washington Bridge detour traffic. | Councilor Sanchez talks with Channel 10 WJAR on the Council's passage of a resolution allowing a safe injection site to operate in the city, the country's first state-regulated facility. | | |
March 4th
Ward 3 community meeting with Councilor Sue AnderBois at Hope High School, 324 Hope Street, at 6 PM
Ward 5 community meeting with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan at the Mt. Pleasant Library, 315 Academy Ave, at 6:30 PM
March 7th
City Council meeting in the Council chamber at 6 PM
March 8th
International Women's Day Celebration, 5:30 PM, City Hall, 3rd Floor
March 9th
St. Patrick's Day Parade on Smith Hill, 12 PM
March 11th
Ward 4 community meeting with Councilor Justin Roias at E-Cubed Academy, 812 Branch Ave, at 6 PM
March 12th
LBGTQ+ Office Hour at City Hall, 5 PM (see details below)
March 13th
Ward 14 community meeting with Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (location TBD) at 6 PM
March 15th
St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the Council chamber, 12 PM
March 18th
St. Joseph's Day Celebration in the Council chamber, 12 PM
Ward 5 community meeting with Councilor Miguel Sanchez at George J. West Elementary School, 145 Beaufort Street, 6 PM
March 21th
City Council meeting in the Council chamber at 6 PM
March 23rd
International Women's Day Breakfast hosted by Councilwoman Ana Vargas, Igliozzi Rec Center, 675 Plainfield Street, 10 AM
March 25th
Ward 1 community meeting with Councilman John Goncalves via Zoom at 6 PM
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