SHARE:  
Facebook  Instagram  Twitter
Para español haga clic aquí
Small Business Roundtable Discussion _1_.png

March 2024

March came in like a lion but did not go out like a lamb. Your Providence City Council kicked it up a notch. If you missed any legislative news or community events, you clicked on the right email!


 Council Sets Energy Efficiency Timeline Requiring All City-Owned Buildings Go Carbon Neutral by 2040


Councilors unanimously took a significant leap toward creating a cleaner and healthier environment in the capital city by passing a law that commits to carbon neutrality in all city-owned buildings (including schools) by 2040. What is carbon neutrality? It’s a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing their environmental impact. Going carbon neutral can involve using renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices.

 

“By creating the path for carbon neutrality in Providence-owned buildings, the city is leading by example,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “We’re ensuring that public dollars are creating energy efficiency and savings in well-maintained public buildings, and while we do it, we're committing to developing a world-class workforce at the leading edge of the new energy economy. ”   

 

“Carbon neutrality is a big win for our fight against climate change but is also a huge win for our kids in school buildings and our municipal employees throughout the city,” said lead sponsor Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3). This requirement ensures a pivot away from polluting appliances like gas and oil-fired boilers and moves toward energy-efficient upgrades that don’t burn fossil fuels, creating safer, healthier classrooms and workplaces.”

 

Carbon neutrality was a specific recommendation in the Providence Climate Justice Plan of 2019. It is the city’s first substantive act in implementing a commitment to being a Climate Jobs City passed last September.

 

"Once again Providence, Rhode Island has made history, as one of the first capital cities in the country to commit to decarbonizing its municipally-owned buildings," said Michael Roles, Executive Director of Climate Jobs Rhode Island. "This ordinance is a win for climate, a win for justice, and a win for workers, because it aligns with the Providence Justice Plan, helps the state achieve its Act on Climate mandates, and honors the voices of frontline workers."

 

"Passage of this ordinance exemplifies Providence's commitment to a Just Transition that prioritizes climate action, while centering workers and communities," says Patrick Crowley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. Providence has set the example for the rest of the state and cities across the country, with a worker-centered approach to decarbonizing its municipally-owned buildings, including schools. Thank you, City Council President and the entire Providence City Council, for showing the rest of the county how to enact policy that supports a truly Just Transition."


Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) addressed reporters in the chamber after the passage of Carbon Neutrality. Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13) signed the new law immediately.

Council Takes Steps to Limit Weight on City Roads Affected by Washington Bridge Detours 


A newly introduced law limits the weight of heavy trucks traveling on city streets surrounding Washington Bridge detours. The ordinance amendment aims to prevent cut-throughs and damage to East Side roads caused by heavy truck traffic.

 

Under the new restrictions, trucks weighing more than 25 tons (50,000 pounds) would be prohibited from traveling on some roads exiting the Providence side of the Henderson Bridge.

 

  • Angell Street between Benefit Street and Butler Ave
  • Waterman Street between Benefit Street and Butler Ave
  • Gano Street between Angell Street and Trenton Street
  • Limits vehicles weighing more than 30,000 pounds from traveling over any city bridge
  • $200 penalty
  • Public Works to post signs stating “Weight Limit 25 Tons Except Local Deliveries”



For comparison, the maximum weight of a loaded tractor-trailer under U.S. federal law is 80,000 pounds.

 

Exceptions are made for:

 

  • Trash trucks
  • Deliveries
  • Vehicles owned and operated by the City of Providence or vendors contracted by the city
  • Road machinery, RIPTA vehicles, heavy-duty tow trucks, emergency vehicles, and natural gas vehicles

 

“For all of us who live in Providence, the Washington Bridge closure has been an incredible source of frustration. We're all dealing with its impacts on traffic, but we need to also consider its impacts on surrounding infrastructure,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Diverted trucks passing through are tearing up our city streets, and local communities are paying the price. Councilman Goncalves' ordinance would prevent this, significantly reducing the damage to our streets and bridges.” 

 

“This new law is a big step toward protecting our city's infrastructure,” said Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves (Ward 1). “We need to help prevent further damage to our local roads and bridges, ensure their longevity, make our streets safer for everyone, and improve our residents' quality of life. I thank Mayor Smiley for his leadership and our legal department for carefully balancing safety with the needs of local businesses and services amidst the Washington Bridge closure.” 

 

“Our neighborhoods are seeing a dramatic increase in traffic volume as a result of the Washington Bridge closure, negatively impacting our residents, businesses and local infrastructure,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “Now that we know that this closure will be ongoing for the next two years, my Administration is beginning to make permanent changes to alleviate the continued burden on our residents and local businesses. Our city streets were not designed for heavy truck traffic and this ordinance blocking them from using these streets is a critical step in preserving both our infrastructure and our local quality of life.”

 

The ordinance was passed by the council and sent to the Committee on City Property, where it also recently passed. The newly proposed law will go back before the full council for a second and final passage, likely in early April.

In Other Legislative News

Gun Violence Advisory Council Set to Begin Work

Council President Rachel Miller named PJ Fox and Juan Carter, the final two appointees, to the 13-member 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 undermines the city’s prosperity by disrupting education, public health, business, and the overall quality of life.

 

The advisory council's goal will be to help coordinate resources that lead to opportunities rather than incarcerations. The advisory council will utilize Community Violence Intervention (CVI), a strategy used effectively in other cities to reduce homicides.

 

“I’m excited to quickly get to work with this diverse and dedicated group to help make our city safer, especially for our younger residents. We will be tasked with creating and expanding community violence intervention initiatives across our city to reduce community violence,” said Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6).

 

 

Advisory Council members:

 

Councilor Miguel Sanchez

Kethural Manokaran

Allen Williams

Detective David Perez

Michael Stephens

Corey Jones

Diana Darlington

Jill Van Leesten

James Monteiro

Lisa Pina-Warren

Juan Carter

Michael Hogan

PJ Fox


Zoning Changes to Allow for More Housing Opportunities

During a housing crisis, councilors voted to expand housing opportunities in Ward 6 (Mount Pleasant and Manton neighborhoods). Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) proposed an ordinance amendment that would allow the building of two-family homes in 328 different plots. With the previous R-1 zoning designation, property owners were limited to building single-family homes on these plots. The shift to R-2 zoning presents property owners with the option to expand their single-family homes or establish new buildings that contain two separate housing units on the lot. 

 

"Addressing Providence’s housing crisis is my top priority, and this type of zoning change is an effective tool for encouraging the type of development that the city desperately needs. I am hopeful that property owners will take advantage of this opportunity and that we will start to see more multi-family dwellings get built in this neighborhood,” said Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). The zoning change was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.



Dumpster Requirements for Larger Apartment Buildings

An ordinance amendment was introduced, establishing new dumpster requirements for buildings with six or more housing units. Dense residential apartment buildings often face trash overflowing from dumpsters, which creates offensive odors, invites rodents, and presents other public hazards. This amendment makes necessary changes to maintain the quality of life for our city’s residents.

 

“Providence residents deserve a safe, welcoming environment both within and outside of their homes, and this dumpster requirement can support efforts to improve the ongoing waste management challenges in our city”, said Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14). The amendment was referred to the Committee on Ordinances. 

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 and create those five regions in the city by selecting a final map.


The city's Ward Boundaries Committee made up of five city councilors, hosted four public hearings in neighborhoods throughout the city during March. The next step is for the committee to vote on a map of preference.


See the three maps - HERE


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.


A public hearing will occur in the council chamber before councilors vote on a final map in May.



Important Questions and Answers


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 24th through the 26th, 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.

The Ward Boundaries Committee kicked off four public hearings in early March at PCTA.

Out and About in Our Neighborhoods

Councilors happily participated in the dedication of the Public Safety Auditorium, named after former Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh Clements.

Council Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9) visited Children's Friend to raise interest in reading.

Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) hosted a packed house community meeting at Hope High, providing neighbors an opportunity to weigh in on a proposed 58 unit apartment building on Evergreen Street.

Councilors celebrated the DaVinci Center's 50th Anniversary milestone. The Center's mission is to improve the quality of life for the residents of the North End of Providence by providing or helping to bring about a broad array of quality services and neighborhood improvement projects that respond to the community's needs.

March brought the importance of International Women's Day to the forefront. Council President Rachel Miller signified the day with a group picture of the women who help run the Council office, including the Treasury, the Clerks, and the Office of the Internal Auditor.


The Council held a significant IWD event at city hall on March 8th. Women-owned businesses set up booths on the third floor, and a well-attended program took place complete with inspiring performances, stories, and empowerment.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7) hosted a special International Women's Day breakfast at the Vincent A. Igliozzi Rec Center.

Providence's St. Patrick's Day Parade is always a festive time, filled with Irish pride on Smith Street.

The parade isn't the only St. Pats tradition, city hall goes green too!

Council Chief of Staff June Rose organized the first LGBTQ+ evening in the chamber, creating a space for meeting new folks and imagining a more inclusive Providence!

Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) and Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) visited an Olneyville site for a proposed Washington Trust branch on Westminster Street. Last year, the council passed a resolution calling on the bank to partner with the city on its expansion into underserved neighborhoods.

Councilors AnderBois and Goncalves filled those shovels alongside U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg during the groundbreaking for the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Buttigieg was in PVD to tour infrastructure projects, including the rebuilding of the Washington Bridge.

Councilwoman Peterson shared her insight at the first annual Youth Build Preparatory Academy Empowering Women Conference for Young Girls at the Providence Public Library.

St. Joseph's Day was a time to honor our city's Italian culture and influence, complete with plenty of fresh Zeppole!

At the end of the month, councilors invited the 360 High School community to the chamber for public comment on the school's planned closure. Students, teachers, staff, and parents passionately advocated for their school, and councilors asked tough questions of Providence Public Schools leadership. RIDE's Commissioner was invited but did not attend.

Easter Celebrations


Providence has the best city parks around and what perfect spots for councilors to host Easter egg hunts across the city!

Councilman Goncalves supported the new partnership between Providence Police, Cranston Police, and the Dominican Republic National Police. Lights and Sirens International helped donate 21 seized ATVs/dirt bikes to the Dominican Republic for safety efforts on the Caribbean Island.


Other Stories


City Council holds hearing on 360 High School closure, but Infante-Green absent

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2024/03/28/hearing-coming-on-360-high-school-closure-but-where-is-infante-green/73121801007/


All Providence school board terms will end in 2024 as first election takes shape

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/25/metro/providence-elected-school-board/

 

Commentary: Climate action and jobs are a winning combination

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/22/metro/commentary-climate-action-jobs-are-winning-combination/?event=event25


Providence councilor reveals MS diagnosis

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/providence-councilor-reveals-ms-diagnosis/


Providence audit shows overpayment, but no kickbacks tied to State Towing contract

https://www.wpri.com/target-12/providence-audit-shows-overpayment-but-no-kickbacks-tied-to-state-towing-contract/

April 1

Ward 5 community meeting with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan at the Mt. Pleasant Library, 315 Academy Ave, at 6:30 PM


April 3

Councilors AnderBois and Anthony host a virtual community meeting

RSVP at http://bit.ly/MeetApr3


April 4

City Council meeting in the Council chamber at 6 PM


April 6

Ward 14 community meeting with Councilwoman Shelley Peterson, Mir Mediterranean Restaurant, 605 Douglas Ave, from 12-2 PM


April 8

Ward 9 community meeting with Councilman Juan Pichardo, Elmwood Community Center, 155 Niagra Street, 6 PM


Ward 4 community meeting with Councilor Justin Roias, E-Cubed Academy, 812 Branch Ave, 6 PM


April 15

Ward 5 community meeting with Councilor Miguel Sanchez at George J. West Elementary School, 145 Beaufort Street, 6 PM


April 17

Mayor Brett Smiley's budget address, 6 PM


April 18

City Council meeting in the Council chamber at 6 PM


April 24

Ward 12 community meeting with Councilwoman Althea Graves, Smith Hill Library, 31 Candace Street, 6 PM


April 25

Ward 11 community meeting with Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island, 393 Broad Street, 6 PM


April 27

Cambodian Genocide Day of Remembrance, City Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall, 11:30 AM


April 29

Ward 1 community meeting with Councilman John Goncalves, Fox Point Boys and Girls Club, 90 Ives Street, 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.

Facebook  Instagram  X

Providence City Council

council.providenceri.gov