SHARE:  
Para español haga clic aquí

May 2024 Council Newsletter

April showers brought May flowers and the Council's advocacy efforts were in full bloom! If you missed any policy passed in the Council Chamber or events in the community, here's your opportunity to catch up.

Council Introduces a Newly Revised Law to Protect Affordable Housing in the City


A revised and strengthened 8 Law ordinance was introduced at the May 16th Council meeting. The new ordinance was crafted after significant input and lengthy discussions with community partners, who are out in Providence’s neighborhoods building and protecting affordable housing units. 

 

The changes made from the previously introduced version add flexibility in compliance, reduce redundancies, and eliminate the possibility of unintended burdens on organizations that are increasing the affordable housing stock across the city.

 

Following weeks of collaboration, Housing Network of Rhode Island, the state association of nonprofit developers, sent the Council a letter that read in part: "We wish to commend the City Council staff, President and members, and extend our sincere thanks, for their incredible responsiveness to our outreach efforts to elevate our concerns. The time that was taken by City Council staff, president and individual members to truly hear and understand our concerns, and work together to address those concerns, was exceptional and in our minds, stands out as a model for how municipal level government can be a real partner in advancing common goals."

 

The law, commonly known as the 8 Law and introduced earlier this year by Council President Rachel Miller, considers rental units ‘low-income’ when restricted to tenants earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI), and the rent is limited to 30% of their income. In the past, this tax treatment has been abused, with wealthy developers applying it to entire buildings that only have a few income-restricted units or even for commercial spaces in mixed-use buildings.

 

“Councilors held multiple meaningful discussions with our community development groups and non-profit developers over the last two weeks,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “We listened and collaboratively made the appropriate changes to the legislation. Council urgently needs to move forward with this ordinance to close the tax loophole being taken advantage of by ultra-wealthy developers and to ensure that everyone is paying their fair share in our city.”


To see the updated legislation, click - HERE

 

City Regions Decided for School Board Elections 


Councilors finalized the boundaries for five city regions that will ultimately select Providence's first five elected school board members this fall. The council’s Ward Boundaries Committee considered community feedback from multiple public hearings in neighborhoods across Providence, which created a map that represents the North, East, South, West, and Central areas of the city. The map groups Wards 1, 2, and 3 for the first school board region, Wards 4, 5, and 14 for the second school board region, Wards 6, 7, and 15 for the third school board region, Wards 8, 9, and 10 for the fourth school board region, and Wards 11, 12, and 13 for the fifth school board region. Each of the five regions hosts approximately 20% of the city population, roughly 40,000 residents.

 

The deadline for candidates interested in running for school board positions is June 26th. The elections are nonpartisan, and no primary will be held. Elections are scheduled for November 5th.


Providence residents who are interested in running for school board can learn more by calling the Providence Board of Canvasser’s office at 401-680-5525 or by visiting their website at www.providenceri.gov/board-of-canvassers/.

Requirement for Short-Term Lenders to be Licensed


Councilors passed an ordinance amendment into law that adds protection for customers of short-term lenders by requiring those lenders to be licensed in Providence. Short-term lenders typically loan borrowers credit with exorbitantly high interest. The new law requires a short-term lender to pay an annual licensing fee of $250. Lenders are also required to maintain accounting records that are open and available for inspection by the police department or other authorized personnel.

 

“Payday lenders continue to prey on the most vulnerable working family members of our community. While we wait for the General Assembly to pass further regulations, the Providence City Council took action and added stricter oversight to these lenders so that we can increase accountability and help protect our residents from high-interest small loans,” said Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9). 

Demolition Permits


Neighbors and abutters will now have more information before a property is demolished. Councilors passed into law an ordinance amendment that now sets a more stringent notification process for the demolition of property in the city. Last year, three adjacent historic homes were demolished on the city’s East Side with minimal notice to neighbors. Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves (Ward 1) first introduced the ordinance amendment, which requires demo applicants to submit a copy of their application to owners within 200 feet of a lot to be demolished. 

Councilors in the Community

During May's first Council Meeting

Councilors celebrated the accomplishments of the Parent Leadership Training Academy during their visit to City Hall.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas

joined Providence Public School representatives and developers for a community meeting to discuss the construction of Spazziano Middle School.

On May 1

Councilors walked with hotel workers from downtown to city hall in support of May Day action and workers' rights.

Councilman Jim Taylor

joined Mayor Smiley in supporting the city's Home Repair Program, which helps income eligible homeowners who have incurred housing code violations make needed repairs at no cost. The Providence Revolving Fund administers the program. Call 401.272.2760 for more information.

Councilwomen Althea Graves and Ana Vargas

dodged rain drops to highlight a new and improved WaterPlace Park tunnel, complete with special lighting and an updated skylight feature.

Councilman Pedro Espinal

spent some quality "Mother's Day" time with residents at Charlesgate Apartments and Oxford Place and Garden Apartments.

Providence's Beat the Streets

girls wrestling team visited the Council. Congratulations on their first ever wrestling state championship! Learn more about their incredible organization https://btsne.org/providence/

Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris joined the long-awaited Caffey Apartments and Townhomes ribbon cutting in South Providence. Just a few blocks away, she came together with the community for the dedication of Rose Russell Way!


Councilwoman Shelley Peterson

organized with Wheeler School students for a clean-up at Corliss Park and the grounds outside of the Wanskuck Library. Thank you, students!

Department of Public Works

Councilors toured DPW's antiquated garage facilities on Ernest Street. A new proposal would bring the department into a modern, warm, and safe building complex.

New Food Pantry

Councilors attended the grand opening of Community Action Partnership of Providence County’s new food pantry location on Hartford Ave. CAPP serves hundreds of families each month. For more information call 401.273.2000.

Illegal ATVs

Councilman John Goncalves supports the city's ongoing efforts to eliminate dangerous and illegal ATVs from city streets. Mayor Smiley and Police Chief Oscar Perez formed a dedicated Community Response Team that has confiscated more than 200 illegal bikes since 2023. You can drop anonymous tips to 401.680.8288.

Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris

was honored with the Wanita M. Osborne Life Time Achievement Award at an event celebrating 22 years of Music One, an organization inspiring young people in Providence.


On the Radio

Councilor Miguel Sanchez

stopped by Poder 102 FM's

studio to talk about his journey to the Council and share updates on efforts to address Providence’s housing crisis!

Safe Drinking Water

Councilors Graves, Espinal, and Pichardo joined partners in government during a

lead service line replacement on Early Street in Ward 9. RI was granted $26.65 million in federal funds to replace lead pipes and ensure clean drinking water. To learn more about the program - http://provwater.com/waterquality/lead-center

Fire Supplies Donated to Guatemala

Councilman Oscar Vargas and community members presented Mayor Smiley and Fire Chief Derek Silva with plaques in appreciation for the department donating supplies like boots, gloves, and helmets to volunteer firefighters in Guatemala.

Top of the Class

Council President Miller celebrates and congratulates Providence Public School valedictorians and salutatorians at a special ceremony held at the Roger Willams Park Botanical Gardens.

June Events Calendar

June

3

Ward 5 Community Meeting with Councilwoman

Jo-Ann Ryan

6:30-7:30 PM at Mt. Pleasant Library

June

6

City Council Meeting

6 PM in the Council Chambers

June

8

Mattress Drive and E-Waste Clean-up with Ward 9 Councilman Juan Pichardo

8 AM - 2 PM Elmwood Community Center

June

10

Ward 4 Community Meeting with Councilor

Justin Roias

6 PM at E-Cubed Academy

June

12

Ward 14 Community Meeting with Councilwoman

Shelley Peterson

6-7:30 PM at Kennedy Rec

June

16

Ward 7 Father's Day Celebration with Councilwoman Ana Vargas

1 PM at Scalabrine Piazza 49 Moorefield Street

June

20

City Council Meeting

6 PM in the Council Chambers

June

24

Ward 1 Community Meeting with Councilman

John Goncalves

6 PM, Virtual meeting

June

26

Latino Open House

5:30 - 6:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of City Hall

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.


Are you interested in bettering our community by serving on a city Board or Commission?


Come to an Open House to learn more.


Tuesday, June 4, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM


444 Westminster Street

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.

Visit our Website
Facebook  Instagram