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July 2024 Council Newsletter

How did you handle the heat of July? Councilors were in meetings and spending time with the community! Keep reading to get the highlights of the month and see what's coming up in August.

Council Held Last Meeting before Legislative Break and Heard Update on PILOT Negotiations with Lifespan


Council held the last meeting before the summer legislative break, with the next full Council meeting scheduled for September 19. Although there will likely not be any Council or Committee meetings next month, Councilors will be easy to find at exciting summer events for the community. In executive session with Mayor Brett Smiley after the regular meeting, Council heard updates on Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) negotiations with Lifespan, the non-profit owner of Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital.  


“In nearby cities, hospitals contribute to ensuring the vibrancies of their local communities, but thus far, Lifespan has been unwilling to do the same. As the state’s largest hospital system, this is shameful. These funds are necessary for us to have a sustainable and supportive relationship long-term and to lessen the burden on home and business owners, who right now foot the bill for the city services Lifespan benefits from. I’m hopeful for a deal where Lifespan pays its fair share. After all, the future of our hospitals and our city are intertwined,” said Council President Rachel Miller.

 Councilors Received PVD Comprehensive Plan  


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 housing, economic development, environmental sustainability, and transportation over the next 10 years. At tonight’s meeting, Council received the latest draft of the Comp Plan which was referred to the Ordinance Committee as part of a multi-step review process that needs to be completed by January 2025. 


“I look forward to working diligently with the members of the Ordinance Committee to review the Comp Plan and ensure it guides Providence on a path of positive growth and development over the next decade,” said Ordinance Committee Chair Pedro Espinal (Ward 10).  

Learn more about the Comp Plan

PVD Servicemember Honored with a Special Visit by Judge Caprio


Councilors honored Kelvin McLeod, a proud Providence native, who was recently promoted to Sergeant in the Army. As a young boy, Kelvin appeared before Judge Frank Caprio on the show “Caught in Providence” and shared a poignant moment and handshake with former Rhode Island Governor and veteran Bruce Sundlun. The event helped inspire McLeod to continue in his father’s footsteps and serve his country. Judge Caprio visited the Council chamber for a reunion.  

Councilman Pedro Espinal Responded to Superior Court Decision

 

Following the Friday, July 12 decision from Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Brian Stern to grant a temporary restraining order against Rhode Island Recycled Metals, Councilman Pedro Espinal, Chairman of Ordinance Committee, released the following statement:

 

"I'm grateful that the Attorney General took swift action after the fire on Wednesday, July 10, and that Judge Stern recognized the damage this reckless facility is causing. Today's decision is a small victory, but a major step forward for our community. For the health of our neighbors, the safety of our firefighters, and the protection of our environment, Rhode Island Recycled Metals needs to be permanently shut down. I will continue fighting until it is."

Mr. Lemon Received Ceremonial Street Honor


The dedicated couple behind Mr. Lemon, Joseph and Eileen Rao, were honored with a ceremonial street designation along Hawkins Street which will be known as “Mr. Lemon Place.” For 12 years, the Rao family owned and operated this beloved frozen lemonade business until Joseph passed away, and Eileen Rao continued running the business for 40 years. This street dedication marks the North End community’s appreciation for the care that Joseph and Eileen Rao showed their customers throughout their lives. 


 “The Rao family has created and maintained a thriving and popular business in Ward 4, especially when hot summer days require a cool Mr. Lemon treat. The Rao legacy will forever be cemented on Hawkins Street, honoring their persistent hard work and dedication to our neighborhood,” said Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4).  

Council Appointed Community Advocate to PERA Board


Comprised of eight volunteer community members appointed by the Council, and a ninth member appointed by the mayor, the Providence External Review Authority (PERA) serves as a civilian oversight body that investigates allegations of police misconduct. At tonight’s meeting, Council President Miller appointed Norma Gonzalez to a vacant seat on the board. As the Executive Director of the DaVinci Center for Community Progress, with a 25-year track record of community advocacy in and around Providence, Gonzalez’s insight and experience will be invaluable on the PERA board. 

Learn more about PERA

Demolition Regulations Strengthened


In an ongoing effort to ensure neighbors are informed of demolition and construction plans, an ordinance that establishes more oversight from the Historic District Commission received second passage and heads to the mayor’s desk for signature. Before a property owner begins construction or demolition of a property within the Historic District Overlay District, the owner initiates a process for a “certificate of appropriateness” from the Historic District Commission. 


“This strengthened legislation will help preserve the historic buildings that shape Providence’s neighborhoods,” said Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). “This extended demolition delay will provide an increased period for public review and consideration, allowing for the possibility of preserving historic structures or exploring alternatives to demolition to protect the city’s historic vibrancy.”

Councilors in the Community

Councilman John Goncalves helped spread the sord that all Summer Meal sites are open and running through September 1! Anyone 18 and under can enjoy free, healthy meals.

Find locations

Councilors Ana Vargas, John Goncalves and Oscar Vargas welcomed the Prime Minister of Cape Verde at the State House in honor of the 49 year of independence!

Councilor Sue AnderBois welcomed the community to the newly renovated courts at the Ninth Street Park!

Surrounded by graduates of the CTE program, Councilors Juan Pichardo, Mary Kay Harris, and Oscar Vargas applauded Mayor Smiley's announcement of Summer Learning Week!

Councilman Pedro Espinal spoke to 12 Informa about the ongoing battle with Rhode Island Recycled Metals and the impact this business has had on his neighborhood.

Residents of Carroll Tower spent some quality time with Councilwoman Althea Graves during a fun and engaging art session!


Councilwoman Ana Vargas celebrated the renovations made to Paul Grande Park along with the Mayor and community!

Council President Rachel Miller marked the first anniversary of the Patio with a ribbon cutting event.

Councilman John Goncalves gathered with the young residents of Ward 1 to appreciate the upgrades in Brassil Memorial Park!

Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris and Councilman Juan Pichardo organized a flag raising event in Trinity Square to honor veterans and showcase investments in the neighborhood! These enhancements not only beautify our neighborhood but also strengthen community pride. Stay tuned as we work to create a more vibrant and connected Broad Street!

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson was joined by fellow councilors and community members to celebrate Peruvian Independence Day! Guests gathered in the Council Chambers for an evening of great music and delicious food.

Councilman Oscar Vargas spent quality time with his Ward 15 neighbors at his Kids Fun Day event!

Neutaconkanut Skate Park got some upgrades and Councilwoman Ana Vargas helped celebrate with her young neighbors!

Councilwoman Althea Graves gathered with her engaged Ward 12 residents for a community meeting at the Smith Hill Library!

Neighborhood Improvements

This is a new segment of our monthly newsletter where we'll update you on the neighborhood improvement projects that your Councilors are investing in!

Within Ward 1, we're working to beautify Gano Street to promote a safer and cleaner area for all who live here. Councilman Goncalves ordered several new banners that are now hung along the street, welcoming those who drive in, and four new murals were painted to highlight the strength within the community.

Mansion Conlen Jr. Park is getting an upgrade! We got the green light to construct a pickleball court and work will begin soon. This project will create a space with more opportunities for exercise, socializing, and activities to commence during the hot summer days. This new pickleball court will be an incredible addition to an already amazing park! 

August Events Calendar

August

10

Councilwoman Ana Vargas Family Fun Day

10AM - 2PM at Igliozzi Rec Center

August

14

Councilwoman Althea Graves Smith Hill Block Party

3PM - 7PM at 32 Candace Street

August

14

Councilman Juan Pichardo Ward 9 Summer Celebration

5PM - 8PM at Miguel Luna Memorial Park

August

17

Councilwoman Harris Peace and Love Day

2PM - 5PM at 227 Dudley Street

August

19

Ward 6 Community Meeting with Councilman Miguel Sanchez

6PM at George J. West Elementary School

August

19

Ward 4 Community Meeting with Councilor Justin Roias

6PM at the DaVinci Center

August

21

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson Summer Celebration

6PM - 7:30PM at General Street Park

August

24

Ward 14 Student Housing Working Group meeting with Councilwoman Shelley Peterson

10AM at the Kennedy Rec Center

August

26

Ward 1 Virtual Community Meeting with Councilman John Goncalves

6PM via Zoom

August

28

Ward 3 Community Meeting with Councilor Sue AnderBois

6PM at Hope High School Auditorium

August

28

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson Summer Celebration

5PM - 7PM at Fargnoli Park

Do you need help in the neighborhood? Use the city's PVD 311 system as a link to city departments and services. Report issues with:


-animals

-business concerns

-garbage

-health & safety

-housing & building

-lights, signage & traffic signals

-parks

-quality of life

-streets & sidewalks

-tax services

-trees & overgrowth

-vehicles & parking


Log on HERE to report.


You can also call to connect by dialing 3-1-1 or 401-421-2489, M-F from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or download “PVD311” on your smartphone for 24/7 access.


The Providence City Council is the legislative body that serves the city's many diverse communities. Each council member advocates for their neighborhood and acts as a liaison between residents and the various departments and services our city offers.


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

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