May 2019 | Issue 4
Member Highlight
Senior Deputy Majority Leader
Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. - Ward 4
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas Narducci has served on the City Council since 2006 and is currently the Chairman of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits.

During his time on the council, Councilman Narducci has worked to make neighborhoods safer, expand access to quality education and to make local government more accessible.

As a life-long resident of Providence’s
North End neighborhood, Councilman Narducci is deeply involved in his community. He is a Parishioner at St. Agnes Church and a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He also works in collaboration with the North End Community Action committee to deliver Christmas toys and gifts, food baskets at Thanksgiving, and Easter baskets in the spring to families in need. 


Meet Your City Councilor
Providence is separated into 15 distinct Wards, each a unique and dynamic community. We believe that access to your Councilor is paramount.

By clicking on the link below you will be able to learn more about your Councilor, and have the opportunity to send them an email to share your thoughts or concerns.


Look for your City Councilor in the
Rhode Island Pride Parade
on Saturday, June 15 at 8:00 PM
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The Roots of the City
This month, Councilors were immersed in local affairs; from Neighborhood Carnivals, to City Legislation, to Memorial Day celebrations. May brought the beautiful spring weather and an array of events that recognized the people and local institutions that make Providence a great place to live, such as education, youth recreation, infrastructure and law enforcement. Keep reading to see what your Councilor got done this month!
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Over the Edge for Providence Public Library
Councilwoman Kerwin and Councilwoman LaFortune participated in the "Over the Edge" fundraiser for Providence Community Library on Saturday, May 4. Participants rappelled down the side of the Regency Hotel to show their support for the library. The Providence Public Library plays an integral role in providing education services to all Providence residents.
Councilwoman Kat Kerwin
(Ward 12 )
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune
(Ward 3)
Supporting Education in Providence
The Gentlemen's Academy
The City Council acknowledged the 'Gentlemen's Academy' on May 2, for their volunteer service hours and for helping the community. The Gentlemen's Academy is a young men’s leadership group made up of students from Jorge Alvarez High School.

Community Prep Fundraiser
On May 9, Council President Matos attended a fundraiser for the Community Preparatory School. Community Prep is a private school located in Providence for grades 4 through 8. The City Council's Special Event and Community Organizer, Stephanie Jourdain is a Community Prep alumni!

Back to School Celebration
Since 2004 the Providence City Council has supported the Sodexo Back-to-School program that provides students with the school supplies they need. On May 18, Council President Matos, President Pro Tempore Correia, Councilman Taylor and Councilwoman Castillo attended the annual gala.

Councilman Taylor Reads to Students
On May 22, Councilman Taylor read to a group of students at Reservoir Elementary School. The students spent the week learning all about the importance and joy of reading for their annual reading week.

Centro de Innovacion Mujer Latina
On May 23, Council President Pro Tempore Correia joined Mayor Elorza at the 2019 Graduation Ceremony for the Centro de Innovacion Mujer Latina. This organization provides members of the Latino community with various types of professional training. This class of graduates focused on being better community advocates for mental health.
Council Recognizes Providence's 2019 Teacher of the Year- Elizabeth Amadio
On May 24, Council President Pro Tempore Correia spoke at Gilbert Stuart Middle School recognizing the tremendous hard work of all the dedicated staff in our Providence Public Schools. With special recognition to Elizabeth Amadio, who is the 2019 Teacher of the Year!
Celebrating E-Cubed Academy
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Narducci presented citations on May 29, to senior class students at the E-Cubed Academy. The students were being recognized for their academic achievements and accomplishments.

City Council and Providence School Board Meet With Young Voices
On May 29, the City Council and the Providence School Board held a historical joint meeting to hear from Young Voices, and to learn about the schools out-of-school suspensions and restorative action plan.

Providence Youth Steps up to the Plate
Spring is always an exciting time for young athletes in Providence. The City Council was glad to be a part of several opening day ceremonies for various Little League T-Ball, Baseball and Softball teams. Best of luck to all of the aspiring athletes throughout the City in the upcoming season!
Council President Matos, President Pro Tempore Correia and Councilman Igliozzi at the Silverlake-Olneyville Little League opening day.
Councilwoman Castillo at the Cal Ripken opening day at Washington Park.
Council Majority Leader Ryan at the opening day for Mt Pleasant Little League.
Council President Pro Tempore Correia at the opening day for Mt Pleasant Little League.
Dedicating Doña Fefa Way
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo and President Pro Temp Correia joined members of the community and state leaders to honor the legacy of Josefina “Doña Fefa” Rosario, the Mother of the Latino Community in Providence. Lenox Ave has been ceremonial renamed in her honor!

Zero K Race



On May 18, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. supported our police officers and firefighters at the 3rd Annual Zero K Race. This year, all proceeds benefited the RI Special Olympics team!

National Police Week

On May 10, Council President Pro Tempore Correia, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Narducci, Councilwoman Anthony and Councilwoman Miller joined the Providence Police Department to commemorate all police current and retired who passed away this year. National Police Week honors police officers across the country.

National Public Works Week


The Providence City Council passed a resolution sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Correia, recognizing the week of May 19 through May 25, 2019 as National Public Works Week. National Public Works Week is observed as a way to pay tribute to the public works professionals, engineers, managers and employees who make substantial contributions to protect our national health, safety, and quality of life.

National Infrastructure Week

On May 13, Council President Sabina Matos and President Pro Tempore Michael Correia joined Mayor Jorge Elorza,  Providence DPW  Director Tony Morabito, and members of his team to kick-off National Infrastructure Week, which is recognized from May 13 to May 20 annually.

Councilwoman Castillo Honors the Life and Legacy of Jennifer Rivera
On May 21, Councilwoman Castillo was joined by State Leaders and members of the community to honor the life and legacy of Jennifer Rivera. Jennifer was killed 19 years ago, shortly before she was to testify against the now-convicted murderer who killed her 17-year-old neighbor and friend Hector Feliciano. It is because of Jennifer's brave actions and untimely death that the Attorney General's office now provides witness protection in the state.
Haitian Flag Day


Haitian Flag Day was celebrated on May 19 and Mayor Elorza and the City Council held a ceremony in the Council chambers on Friday, May 17. Council President Matos, President Pro Tempore Correia, Councilwoman Miller and Councilwoman LaFortune joined members of Providence's Haitian community to kick off the weekend.
Taste of Federal Hill


On May 15, Council President Matos, President Pro Tempore Correia and Councilwoman Miller joined Judge Frank Caprio at “Taste of Federal Hill” in support of Federal Hill House Association. The FHHA helps provide immigrant populations with pathways to become self-sustaining citizens.

Food Trucks at Fargnoli Park

On May 30, Councilman Salvatore hosted a night of food trucks and music at Fargnoli Park. Community members enjoyed the lovely weather and local cuisine!
City Legislation
Councilman Salvatore Introduces Fair Housing Ordinance for Older Adults and Disabled Persons
Councilman Salvatore reintroduced an ordinance that ensures security measures are being implemented in housing developments where older adults and disabled persons reside. According to the proposed ordinance, every landlord that holds title to any elderly/disabled multi-family housing development will be required to provide a safety officer or submit for approval a security plan that meets the security needs of residents.
City Council Introduces Ordinance Allocating More than $5M in Community Development Block Grant Funding for Providence
On May 23, the City Council passed an ordinance allocating more than $5M in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the city of Providence. The CDBG Program is a federal program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.
City Council Passes Text Changes to Zoning Ordinance
The City Council passed the Committee on Ordinances’ recommendation for text  changes to the zoning ordinance  that will work to limit short-term rental units in the City. The text changes will require all short-term rental units to be in owner-occupied dwellings in residential neighborhoods, and owners will need to get a FREE permit from the City’s Department of Inspection and Standards yearly.
Council President Pro Tempore Correia
Announces Public Safety Upgrades in Ward Six
City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia announced planned public safety upgrades in Ward Six with the installation of speed lumps and more speed patrols by the Providence Police Department. The Providence Police Department was asked by President Pro Tempore Correia to increase patrols in the area of Manton Avenue, Amherst Street, and Academy Avenue. All traffic calming measures in Ward Six are ongoing and will be completed by the end of summer.  
In the News
Mayor Elorza Signs Plastic Bag Reduction Act Into Effect
On May 1, Mayor Jorge Elorza signed the Majority Leader Ryan's Plastic Bag Reduction Act into effect. This was the final step in a long effort by Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan to make Providence a greener and cleaner City through this legislation.

Super Steel Yard Renovation Ground Breaking
On May 2, Council President Matos attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the soon to be renovated Super Steel Yard. The space will serve as a center for creativity and industrial skills in the City.

Fund Home Gala
Council President Sabina Matos joined Josh Short and his team at Olneyville’s  The Wilbury Theatre Group  for their “Fund Home” gala which kicks off their next show “Fun Home.” on May 4. The Wilbury is located in the Council President’s Ward - Ward 15.

Providence Pilots Self Driving Bus Program
State and local leaders gathered on May 14th, for a first look at the "Little Roady"; a small self-driving bus. Council President Matos, President Pro Tempore Correia and Majority Whip Igliozzi were able to take a short ride in the innovative new bus. The bus will complete a short route around the City and will have an attendant in it at all times.
March to End Violence Against Women
On Sunday, May 19, Council President Pro Tempore Correia and Councilwoman Castillo joined members of the community for a march to end violence against women. The march was followed by remarks at the Juan Pablo Duarte Monument.
T.F. Green Airport Providing Direct Flights to the Dominican Republic
Beginning in November, the airline Sun Country will be providing non-stop flights from T.F. Green airport to the Dominican Republic. Council President Matos joined with several Rhode Island leaders to welcome Sun Country to Rhode Island and to encourage Rhode Islanders to visit her beautiful home country; the Dominican Republic.

The Organic Project Donates 100,000 Feminine Care Products to Providence Public Schools
On May 28, Councilwoman Kerwin, Mayor Elorza and representatives from Young Voices of Rhode Island and The Organic Project announced the donation of 100,000 feminine care products to Providence Public Schools.

City Updates
Construction on Routes 6 and 10
Road work is progressing along the Route 6/10 corridor, with abutments, columns and bridge piers all being constructed. Construction currently at the Hartford Avenue Bridge will shift to the Plainfield Street Bridge. No pile driving is expected during this period. Minimal night work is expected during June.
Route 10 North, from Westminster Street to Broadway, will have periodic lane closures for construction, on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Westminster Street On-Ramp to Route 10 South will be closed in June with a detour posted. Most work will be during the day and behind barrier. For additional RIDOT updates, click here .
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