December 2023

After the Thanksgiving break, pages on the calendar moved quickly in December. City Councilors spread bundles of holiday cheer and good wishes across the city with tree lightings and festive celebrations! Councilors were also engaged in the People's business, wrapping up the 2023 legislative session. 

 Council Approves $51 Million in Capital Improvement Funding for Parks, Sidewalks, Road Paving, and Sewer Maintenance 

Councilors approved Providence’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget for FY 2024 and beyond, which will allocate $51.29 million in immediate neighborhood improvements for parks, water parks, sidewalks, road paving, and sewer maintenance. The CIP ordinance will require a second passage by the Council in early 2024. Here are some FY 2024 funding details:

Parks Department - $12.33 million (funding for new water parks, playground/field upgrades, and $2 million for improvements to Roger Williams Park)

Public Property - $9.05 million (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs in city buildings)

Public Works Department - $22.1 million (road paving, sidewalk repairs/replacement, proactive sewer maintenance, stormwater program, and traffic engineering)

Planning Department - $7.81 million (Kennedy Plaza, Woonasquatucket Greenway/Riverwalk improvements)

“Making significant investments in our roadways, parks, and playgrounds increases the quality of life for all our residents,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “The Capital Improvement Plan not only accounts for necessary city maintenance across multiple departments but also incorporates what the Council sees as community assets, like building splash pads for hot summer days. I want to thank members of the Finance Committee and Chair Helen Anthony for thoroughly vetting the CIP on behalf of taxpayers.”

View CIP documents HERE

Council Approves School District’s Construction Application for $400 Million Bond

Councilors approved the public school district’s construction application that could lead to borrowing up to $400 million in a school construction bond. The Providence Public School District, currently controlled by the Rhode Island Department of Education, needs Council and General Assembly approval of its Stage II application for construction - before Providence voters are asked to weigh in on the $400 million bond during an election sometime in 2024. The deadline to receive a 91 percent reimbursement rate from the state for school construction expires on June 30. PPSD has taken on an aggressive plan to renovate aging buildings and build new city schools by 2030.

In Other Legislative News

Rat Abatement

An ordinance amendment was passed for a second and final time, requiring owners of buildings or property to hire a licensed rat exterminator before demolishing any structures in the city. 

Restrictions for Parked Trucks

An ordinance amendment also passed for a second and final time, calling for no commercial vehicles to park on any city street, highway, road, or parkway for more than one hour (unless loading or off-loading materials). A commercial truck is more than 20 feet in length, and/or any vehicle over 6,500 pounds gross vehicle weight.

Providence External Review Authority Director

Councilors re-appointed Ferenc Karoly, Esq. as the Executive Director of PERA for an additional two years, beginning on January 1, 2024. Karoly has served as executive director for two years. PERA was established in 2002 as a civilian oversight system over the Providence Police Department. PERA investigates allegations of police misconduct and makes recommendations of potential disciplinary action to the Chief of Police.

Rose Marie Russell Avenue

A resolution passed ceremonially designating Comstock Avenue as “Rose Marie Russell Avenue.” Russell was the proud matriarch of a family of 10. She was dedicated to her community, advocated for neighbors, and fostered unity among residents. The symbolic recognition reflects Russell's profound impact on the Ward 11 community.

Municipal Court Judge Vanessa Crum Honored with Thurgood Marshall Award

Providence Municipal Court Associate Judge, the Honorable Vanessa Crum, is set to receive the prestigious 2023 Thurgood Marshall Award from the NAACP Providence Branch for her substantial and long-term contributions to civil rights, civil liberties, or human rights in Rhode Island. Judge Crum is the first African American woman to sit on the municipal court bench.

“This award is significant to me because I want our Providence youth of color to see me and know that they can do the same,” said Judge Crum. “As a public servant, representation really matters. I've learned that you may not want to be the "first " or the "only one," but just do it! Trust that you are where you are supposed to be.”

“I applaud the NAACP’s Providence Branch for acknowledging Judge Crum’s numerous contributions to our city and state,” said City Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “I’m incredibly proud of the work she is accomplishing for our court, for women, and the people of Providence.

Judge Crum was first elected to the Providence Municipal Court in January 2023. Crum is a retired attorney with nearly 40 years of legal experience, which includes serving as an attorney and administrator for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and a former administrator for the City of Providence. Crum also served on the city’s Ethics Commission. Judge Crum was born and raised in Providence and graduated from the Wheeler School, Johns Hopkins University, and Columbus School of Law.

Out and About in Our Neighborhoods

Councilors joined in the downtown festivities for the lighting of the Christmas tree at city hall on December 1st!

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) brought St. Andrew's 10th graders (from her day job) to city hall for a field trip. The students, who hail from Providence, other states, and countries, are working on a project to create cities with the intent of tackling three major urban issues such as transportation, pollution, and homelessness.

Councilors joined Mayor Brett Smiley and residents for the lighting of the city hall menorah to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.

Council President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9) led a tour of city hall for the inaugural class of Providence Public School District's Parent Leadership Academy. PLA members worked to develop advocacy skills and emerge as leaders in both school and community settings.

"This building is the result of a commitment we've made to ensure our young students are learning in the best possible environment," said Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7) at the ribbon cutting for a brand new Spaziano Elementary School. The Pre-K through grade 5 building has a 684 student capacity.

Councilors honored two of Providence's finest police officers. Officer Joe Iannucci has been on the job for 28 years, most recently serving at city hall. Officer Frank Moody was sworn in for duty 43 years ago. Congratulations, Joe and Frank, for your dedication to our city!

Members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ and workers from Providence Community Health Centers joined councilors in the chamber before the meeting on December 14.

Cut that ribbon and let the kids play! Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez, Asa Messer Elementary School Principal Cassandra Henderson and former Principal Denise Missry officially recognized the long-awaited opening of the school playground space. Special thanks to former Councilman Bryan Principe for initially getting the project moving.

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) knows how to throw a holiday party. Her annual Christmas on the Parkway was complete with a visit from Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hot cocoa!

Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations

Tree lightings and special holiday celebrations came to neighborhoods throughout the city. Councilors and the city's Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism organized special nights that included tree lightings, carolers, mugs of hot chocolate, and visits from Santa! Special thanks to Huascar Beato, Events Coordinator for the Council office, for his extraordinary efforts in scheduling multiple events in the city's wards.

January Events Calendar

January 2 - Ward 5 community meeting with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan at the Mt. Pleasant Library, 315 Academy Ave, 6:30 PM

January 4 - City Council meeting in the chamber at 6 PM

January 8 - Ward 4 community meeting with Councilor Justin Roias at the DaVinci Center, 470 Charles Street, 6 PM

January 10 - Ward 13 community with Council President Rachel Miller on the topic of the 6/10 connector construction, West Broadway Neighborhood Association, 1560 Westminster Street, 6 PM

January 18 - City Council meeting in the chamber at 6 PM

January 29 - Ward 1 community meeting with Councilman John Goncalves via Zoom

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.

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