City takes first steps towards addressing graffiti problem
A recent press release from the Mayor’s office reads:
“Initiative significantly increases fines for graffiti offenses, offers rewards to those who help police apprehend graffiti vandals, and enhances city’s clean-up capabilities” (read full release here).
There exists the potential for some positive outcomes with the new proposal. Increasing the penalty from $200 up to $1,000 may have a deterrence factor. Likewise, the release indicates that the City may step up and enforce a city ordinance that gives private property owners 10 days to remove the graffiti or seek the City’s assistance in doing so. Enforcing existing regulations is a great start.
Another initiative referenced in the release is that citizens can file a graffiti report electronically at the city’s website. Unfortunately, the graffiti reporting tool is yet another government run roach motel (in that data goes in, but it never comes back out). Providence must follow the lead of other large cities (Chicago’s ICAM data drives chicagocrime.org or Washington DC’s Service Request data) that are using technology to increase transparency and visibility into city services.
What is missing on the City’s graffiti reporting site is a view of the data that citizens have submitted. A view that includes
- the date the graffiti was reported
- the location of the graffiti (perhaps with a neighborhood designation so citizens could see all the graffit data on their neighborhood)
- the date that the City placed a notice on the property to start the 10-day enforcement countdown
- the date the City is scheduled to remove the graffiti
- confirmation that the graffiti has been removed
Something perhaps like this:
The electronic reporting is a good first step, let’s hope our city takes the next one towards greater transparency into the services it purports to provide.
Citywide planning kickoff meetings approach next week
June 15 - Although we haven’t seen specifics, the city is planning to hold three major meetings to share and begin the new citywide planning process. We’ll post more information - but watch the news. These could be very important.
Over the summer, you should be seeing new surveys from the Department of Planning and Development, a new website and information pamphlets about the city and its neighborhoods, according to Linda Painter, Deputy Director of DPD. These are the first steps toward a citywide planning process described as “open and inclusive” by the Mayor and his staff at a preview for neighborhood activists on May 30. The full city presentation lays out concepts and key dates. Providence Tomorrow, June 06, Dept. of Planning and Development
We like the way Roanoke, VA, has included all neighborhoods in its planning process for the last 20 years with great success. Check out what Roanoke’s neighborhood plans look like.
Sidewalk Talk (Updated)
Here’s an encouraging update on the inclusion of grass strips in any sidewalk replacement scheduled for Ward 3, which includes Summit. At SNA’s request, our councilman, Kevin Jackson, has coordinated with DPW to revise the sidewalk bids to include grass strips, which should be covered by current funding. We will confirm as the work is scheduled, but this looks like a big win for a walkable streetscape in Summit and Mount Hope !
Attached is the SNA resolution on the grass strips. Read on for the history. Read more
Hillside property limbo continues
June 5: Liz Cameron reports that her contact with the bankruptcy receiver for the former Hillside Health Center suggests that there will be no action on development for some time. Read more
Miriam 2006 2nd Quarter Meetings Announced
Miriam Hospital has announced the dates of its Community meetings for the 2nd Quarter of 2006. All meetings will be held in Miriam’s Fain Building. Dates and times are below.
Community members are encouraged to attend these meetings, and feel free to post comments with any feedback following the meeting.
Landscaping Meeting
Monday June 12th 6:30-7:30pm
Fain Building 1st Floor Conference Room
Environmental Committee
Tuesday, June 20th 6:30-7:30pm
Fain Building 1st Floor Conference Room
Quarterly Community Meeting and Free Pneumonia Vaccination Clinic
Tuesday, June 27th
Meeting Time: 6:30-8pm
Vaccinations: 5pm-6:30 and then following the meeting
Fain Building