July 2019 | Issue 6
Member Highlight
Finance Committee Chairman
Majority Whip
John J. Igliozzi
Councilman John J. Igliozzi has been a member of the City Council since 1997; representing the Hartford and Silver Lake neighborhoods of Ward 7. Councilman Igliozzi is the Council’s Majority Whip and the Chairman of the Finance Committee.

As a lifelong resident of Silver Lake, Councilman Igliozzi comes from a family that is active in public service, including, his late mother Dolores, his brother David, his sister Angelica and his father Vincent who sadly passed this month after decades of service to the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island. Councilman Igliozzi also has two sons; Gian and Nico.

Throughout his long tenure on the City Council, Councilman Igliozzi has done a great deal for the City of Providence and for Ward 7. He spearheaded the building of Carnevale Elementary School and DelSesto Middle School, as well as the rehabilitation of several existing schools. Councilman Igliozzi was also instrumental in the creation of Providence’s first ever skate park and the modernization of the Merino Fields Soccer Parks, along with managing the City’s finances.

Council Igliozzi is an attorney by profession.


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Summer in the City
The sun is out, and the pools are open which means Summer is in full swing in Providence! Councilors took part in summertime festivities like Independence Day Celebrations, as well as working to ensure that Providence residents can enjoy the summer at their local parks and pools. Read on to learn about how City Councilors have been enjoying the Summer season with their constituents.
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Independence Day Celebrations


American Independence Day

On July 4, Council President Matos, President Pro Tempore Correia, Councilwoman LaFortune and Councilwoman Castillo joined the community to celebrate America at India Point Park where there was an impressive fireworks display.

Cape Verdean Independence Day

On July 5, members of Providence's Cape Verdean community, including City Council staff member Kyle Delgado, celebrated Cape Verdean Independence Day. A ceremony was held in the Council Chambers, where a citation was presented by the City Council to the Cape Verdean Community. This event was followed by a festival at India Point Park on July 9. 2019 marks the 44th anniversary of Cape Verdean Independence being celebrated in Rhode Island.

Liberian Independence Day
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia joined members of the City’s Liberian Community for a celebration of the 172nd Liberian Independence Day! Rhode Island is home to the largest Liberian population in the United States.
Summer Family Fun!

Sun Shades at George J. West
Water Park

On July 1, Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan kicked of the summer with the unveiling of new sun shades at George J West Water Park. These sun shades will protect both the pool equipment and pool-goers from overheating in the Summer sun.


Councilman Salvatore's Seventh Annual Free Basketball Clinic
On July 9, Councilman David Salvatore, along with Providence College Men's and Women's Basketball Teams, and Friar's Head Coach Ed Cooley, hosted a free basketball clinic at Corliss Park.


Preparing for Pearl St. Block Party

Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris joined Ward 11 community members on July 9 to design t-shirts and flyers in preparation for the annual Pearl St. Block Party which will be taking place in September.


Ridge St. Park Ribbon Cutting
Councilwoman Rachel Miller gathered with Mayor Jorge Elorza and members of the community for the ribbon cutting of a new basketball court at Ridge St. Park on July 10.

Nelson St. Neighborhood
Block Party
Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan attended a neighborhood block party in Ward 5 on Nelson St. on July 12. Community members enjoyed food, music and the lovely summer weather.

Councilman Correia Giants are Mt. Pleasant Little League Champs
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia took his sponsored little league team; 'The Councilman Correia Giants' out for pizza on July 13 to celebrate their Mount Pleasant Little League Championship win. Congrats to these young superstars!

Diamond St Tot Lot
On July 17, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris joined Mayor Elorza and members of the community to celebrate the opening of the Diamond St. Tot Lot.

Neighborhood Meet and Greet with Local Law Enforcement
On July 22 , Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia joined local law enforcement for a Police meet and greet with the community. The event aimed to foster a strong relationship between Providence residents and our men and women in uniform.
Supporting Local Organizations
Celebrating International Co-Op Day at Urban Greens
On July 11, Councilwoman Rachel Miller joined Mayor Jorge Elorza and members of the community to celebrate International Co-Op day and the expansion of Providence's Urban Greens Co-Op.

Project Weber/Renew
On July 16, Council President Sabina Matos and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris toured the new facility for Project Weber/Renew. This organization provides a full range of harm reduction and recovery services, as well as basic needs for at risk people in Rhode Island.
Providence Public Library
On July 17, Council President Matos and Council President Pro Tempore Correia met with Jack Martin,the Executive Director of the Providence Public Library to tour the renovations that are being done to bring new life to this community landmark.

Pan African Heritage Celebration
On July 25, Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune, Mayor Elorza and Oasis International hosted a celebration of African Heritage at City Hall. The event highlighted the vibrant culture and significant contributions of the African immigrant communities that have enriched the City of Providence.
Councilman Salvatore Visits PVD Young Makers
On July 24, Councilman Salvatore met with the PVD Young Makers at Wanskuck Library where he engaged with them in a conversation about the importance of Municipal Government.
On July 29, Councilman Salvatore performed with the Young Makers at The URI Fienstien Auditorium. The PVD Young Makers Program encourages creative behavior, problem solving, and active learning in our youth throughout the summer months.
Celebrating at the Olneyville Expo
On July 25, Council President Pro Tempore Correia joined State Senator Sam Bell at the Olneyville Expo- A three day event that celebrates the history of the vibrant Olneyville neighborhood and its bright future as a place where residents and businesses come together.
On July 27, Council President Matos spoke at the Olneyville Expo in celebration of the neighborhood’s rebirth through artistic performances and family friendly entertainment.
City Legislation

FY 2020 Budget is passed
On July 9, the City Council and Mayor Jorge Elorza passes the budget for the 2020 fiscal year. The FY 2020 budget includes a tax levy ordinance that brings back a homestead exemption (in addition to other exemptions like senior, widow, veteran, etc.)
Majority Leader Ryan Calls for a Formal Analysis of JUMP Bikes
At the July 18 Council Meeting, Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan introduced a resolution calling on the administration to complete a formal and thorough analysis of the JUMP Bikes, Bird and Lime e-Scooters. In seeking a review of the contracts, internal controls, and program operations, Leader Ryan hopes to fully analyze the benefits and shortcomings that these bikes are having in the community.
Councilwoman Miller and Colleagues Call for a 1-Year Moratorium on Any New Late-Night Liquor or Entertainment Licences
Ward 13 Councilwoman, Rachel Miller, introduced an  ordinance  at the City Council Meeting on July 19 that calls for a one-year moratorium on any new late-night (2:00 AM) operating, liquor or entertainment licenses in the Federal Hill Neighborhood. She was joined by co-sponsors Council President Matos, President Pro Tempore Correia , Senior Deputy Majority Leader Narducci, and Deputy Majority Leader Harris.
Dedication of Miguel C. Luna Way
On Saturday, July 27, Council President Matos, Council President Pro Tempore Correia, Councilwoman Castillo, Councilwoman Harris, Councilwoman LaFortune, Councilwoman Miller and Councilman Taylor all gathered along with family and friends of Miguel Luna for the dedication of Miguel C. Luna Way. The City Council was proud to honor Mr. Luna, who was a dedicated member of the community for many years.
Council President Pro Tempore Correia Calls for Moratorium on JUMP Bikes & E-Scooters in Ward Six
Council President Pro Tempore Correia has called on the companies behind JUMP Bikes, Bird Scooters, and Lime Scooters to remove them from  Manton and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods  until a community meeting can be scheduled in September.
Newest Members of Juvenile Hearing Board Sworn in by Council President Pro Tempore Correia
On July 30, Council President Pro Tempore Correia swore in Brandon Soum and Jacqueline Watson to the Juvenile Hearing Board. Congratulations to both of them!

Special Notice for Residents of Ward 11
In the month of August, there will be no Ward 11 Community Meeting. Starting in September, Ward 11 Community Meetings will be taking place on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The next community meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 24 at 6 pm.

In the News
Council's Special Committee on Public Safety Adopts Hurricane Plan
The Providence City Council’s Special Committee on Public Safety met on July 8 to discuss a five-year strategy presented by the city’s Emergency Management Agency that outlines how the city can best prepare for catastrophic events.
Deputy Majority Leader Harris Calls on the John Hope Settlement House Board for Reform
At a press conference on July 11 , Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, along with several active community members spoke out about their concerns regarding the leadership board of the John Hope Settlement House. This community organization has been a central part of the community for generations.
Councilman Taylor Advocates for Safer Schools In Providence
Councilman James Taylor, who serves as the chairman and founding member of the City Council's Special Committee on Public Safety has publicly spoken out about safety concerns in the public schools in the City. As a retired firefighter, Councilman Taylor has championed public safety improvements throughout the City of Providence.

Councilwoman Castillo Attends Washington D.C. Screening of Councilwoman Documentary
On June 18, Councilwoman Carmen Castillo traveled to Washington D.C. for a screening of the documentary about her political career, ' Councilwoman'. Councilwoman Castillo was joined by United States Senator Jack Reed.

Majority Leader Ryan and Senator Jack Reed Tour Woonasquatucket Greenway
On Friday, July 26 Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan joined United States Senator Jack Reed for a tour of the Woonasquatucket Greenway from the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council .

Congratulating Frank Coletta on 41 Years of Service
On July 26, Council President Pro Tempore Correia presented Frank Coletta with a citation at the NBC 10 Studio, to congratulate him on 41 years as a New England news personality!
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