[Summit] Fw: Councillor Gonçalves' newsletter: Fallen Tree Limb Removal, COVID Updates, Dr Fauci today (1pm Friday) & More

Fri Aug 7 14:57:48 UTC 2020

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Councilman John Goncalves <info at johnforward1.com>To: Sent: Friday, August 7, 2020, 09:02:26 AM EDTSubject: Fallen Tree Limb Removal, COVID Updates, Fauci & More
   Keeping you informed about the neighborhood   
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|  Dear David, 
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this newsletter. I send these out to keep neighbors in our Ward informed and I hope that this information is helpful to you.  

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of any assistance or help to you.  

Know a neighbor who'd like to receive these updates? Sign up here.

This e-mail covers several important items in our community:
1) Power Outages/Ward 1 Fallen Tree Limb Removal 
2) A Note About Tax Bill Extensions 
3) Calling Volunteers! Ward 1 Community Summer Clean Up!
4) $140M Bond For School Construction
5) COVID-19 Updates
6) Later Today: Brown University Conversation with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci
7) Open Air Saturdays in Downtown! (Westminster Street)
8) Friends of India Point Park "Light In The Park" 
9) A Call For Unity Letter & Community Policing Survey 
10) FREE Tree Planting
11) Wayland Sidewalk Repairs   |

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Report A Fallen Tree or Limb In The Neighborhood
 As you may be aware, more than 75,000 in Providence were without power Tuesday evening and during the last few days as Tropical Storm Isaias swept through the state, downing trees and power lines.

Outages can be reported online, by calling 1-800-465-1212 or texting "out" to 64743.

As a result of the storm, there are still several fallen tree limbs in the community that we have been actively trying to get to. Due to the demand, there are still trees/limbs out there. 

If you notice a tree that is blocking a road, or another limb that you are unable to take care of in the neighborhood, please fill out the form below as soon as possible. Crews are picking up and they need to know where to go so we appreciate you filling this out. I personally have reported several during my walks in the neighborhood. Please be a good neighbor and share this newsletter or feel free to fill this out for a neighborhood. Additionally, thank you for your patience in advance if they are unable to get to it today or over the weekend as a result of the current demand. 
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Tax Bills  
 Many neighborhood residents have reached out saying that didn't receive their tax bills on time in the mail. Due to the late receipt of tax bills by taxpayers and COVID-19, the Mayor announced that first-quarter tax payments, normally due July 24, can be paid without interest or penalty through Friday, August 14. Taxpayers are encouraged to avoid a physical trip to City Hall and instead, to pay by mail or online https://www.providenceri.gov/collector/online-tax-payment-system/. Payment through check or money order can be made using the drop-box located outside of the Eddy Street entrance of City Hall; cash payments will not be accepted via drop-box. For taxpayers who pay in-person, City Buildings are closed on Wednesdays and screening will be done of all visitors.  |

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Calling Volunteers: Ward 1 Summer Community Cleanup

Calling all volunteers! There’s no better way to contribute to a cleaner and healthier Ward 1 community than by volunteering to tackle out-of-control waste. Join me and our fellow community members for a summer, socially-distanced Ward 1 clean up. More details forthcoming about the date and time, but please sign-up if you're interested in participating in the near future!
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|  Sign-Up To Volunteer Here!  |

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$140M Bond For School Construction

Last week, my Council colleagues and I passed a $140 million bond referendum for school-improvement projects across the city which must also be approved by voters in November. 

Among much-needed repairs and improvements to schools across the entire city, this bond would allow for over $5 million in student-centric investments to Vartan Gregorian/Fox Point Elementary School (also my grade school alma mater!) in our Ward in the coming years. I hope that you will vote "yes" for this measure in November. 

Read more here or here.
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BUSINESS & ENFORCEMENT

   - Starting today, Friday, Aug 7th, bars will not be allowed to operate past 11PM. Restaurants that have bars can still stay open, but the bar must be closed. Inspectors last weekend found 20% of bars still were not separating bartender from the customer and enforcement should be expected. 
   - A new unit in the RIStatePolice to crack down on social gatherings has been created. If you see a large social gathering, there's a hotline specifically for this unit: 401-764-5554.  It's only for this purpose only. The State Police will be working with local law enforcement + agencies.  

GATHERING LIMITS LOWERED
Last week, the Governor announced the gathering limit was being lowered to 15. This should be the same 15. Fine for violating the social gathering limit is up to $500. We also need mayors + community organizations to help reduce crowds.    

TRAVEL TO AND FROM RI
If you go to CT, NY, NJ for 24+ hours, you need to quarantine for 14 days. If you go to MA as of 8/7 quarantine for 14 days or provide a negative COVID test from within 72 hours. Exceptions: commuters, essential workers, seeking medical care

TESTING AGE 18-30
 RIHEALTH director says 18-39 age range is still an issue, says much of it comes down to a decision to wear a mask.  The state has resulted in expanding asymptomatic testing to every Rhode Islander 18-39 years old. If you are in this age group, please go to http://PORTAL.RI.GOV and sign up for a test. This group has higher % positive than others + spreads it  

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Brown University Conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci Later Today

Dr. Ashish K. Jha — incoming dean of the Brown School of Public Health — will moderate a conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci today.  

Titled “A Conversation with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci,” the discussion will take place today, Friday, Aug. 7, beginning at 1 p.m. EDT. The event will be live-streamed and accessible to viewers across the globe via the Brown website at  https://www.brown.edu/go/fauci.
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"During the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Westminster Street will close to vehicle traffic between Eddy Street and Union Street so that you can take to the street for some socially distanced shopping and browsing. The program will continue each Saturday through the fall, allowing you the opportunity to support your favorite local businesses in a safe manner in the comfort of the fresh, open air.

Participating businesses along Westminster Street include Craftland, Queen of Hearts, Modern Love, Small Point Cafe, Sura, Symposium Books, Kleos, The Vault, Civil, Homestyle, Eno Fine Wines, Oberlin, The Salon and The Eddy. Other nearby restaurants offering takeout as well as outdoor and indoor seating include Birch, The Malted Barley, Serendipity Gourmet, Gracie’s (starting August 6), Tori Tomo, Figidini, Bolt Cafe, North, and the newest addition to the neighborhood, Durk’s BBQ, slated to open early fall.

Visitors to Open Air Saturdays are asked to wear face masks and practice social distancing while shopping. No-touch hand sanitizing stations will be provided along Westminster Street." 
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Courtesy of the Thayer Street District Management there will be a limited summer music series for Thayer Street 3 Saturdays in a row between 12-2. 

Here is the schedule:

August 8 - in front of the Brown Bookstore
August 22 - in front of 271 Thayer (corner of Meeting & Thayer)
August 29 - on the patio at Blue State Coffee (300 Thayer)
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"Please join Friends of India Point Park in celebration of the City of Providence’s beloved and unique waterfront park by entering their first photography contest and exhibition.

The exhibition and its theme, “Light in the Park,” are conceived as an opportunity for the community to reflect on the role of the park during these difficult times. Interpreted literally or figuratively, light is meant to suggest people, scenes, events, or objects at the park that brighten our everyday life. Photos submitted by anyone age 10 and older taken in and of India Point Park will be posted on the @indiapointparksfriends Instagram account with appropriate photo credit.

They accept all styles of photography, including photographic manipulation, and using any equipment from smartphones to professional cameras.

Lisa Limer, a prominent professional travel photographer, will be the juror of the exhibition. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place."

Read more here.
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A Call For Unity Letter & Community Policing Survey  
 Over the last few weeks, I have gotten hundreds of calls and e-mails from community members in Ward  about policing. I continue to hear all of you, loud and clear, and it’s my responsibility to make sure that all of your voices are being heard with gravity. Regardless of where on the spectrum you stand on this issue. Please know that I'm ready to listen without judgment, and please fill out our community safety and law enforcement survey after reading my call for unity letter, where I denounce the demonization of all police but also acknowledge the history of policing in our country.   |

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|  Read My Call For Unity Letter Here  |

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|  Fill Out The Ward 1 Community Survey on Public Safety and Law Enforcement  |

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 Tree Planting Applications!
Marjorie & Candace Powning are organizing another tree planting in Fox Point through the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (www.pnpp.org). If you're interested in receiving a FREE street tree in front of your home, please fill out this form with your name, address, and the best way for them to contact you! All you'll need to do to receive a tree is commit to participating on the community planting day with your neighbors to plant the new trees (the planting will be a Saturday TBD in October) & watering the tree in front of your home once per week for its first two summers.

Do you rent, but want a tree in front of your home? No problem! Get in touch with us & we'll work with you.  |

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|  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A FREE TREE IN FRONT OF YOUR HOME!   |

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Wayland Sidewalk Repairs 
 Sidewalk improvements are still ongoing in Wayland Square though many have been completed. For those of you who walk on these streets, there have been major improvements.

Sidewalk work to repair spot locations on the south side of Angell Street from Gano Street to Hope Street. Construction will be continuing. The contractor for this work is Hartford Paving. 

Anticipated Limits   
   -    Angell Street (Hope St./Ives St. to Wayland Ave.)
   -    Wayland Avenue (Angel St. to Waterman St.)
   -    Wayland Avenue (Angel St. to Orchard Ave.)
   -    South Angell Street (north side, Wayland Ave. to Butler Ave.)
Construction will continue typically Monday through Friday, 7 AM-5 PM. The improvements include removal and replacement of portions of the sidewalks and driveways as indicated by field markings. 

Some driveways will be partially or fully repaired, restricting access to the driveway. Residents and Businesses as these locations will be provided a 24-28 hour notice of access restrictions. Arrangements will be coordinated with the Providence Police to ensure on-street parking during these periods. 

The City is aware of the inconvenience that is caused by this construction activity and will work with Businesses to avoid disruptions during business hours to minimize the impact as much as possible. 

If there are any questions regarding construction work, please reach out. 

Other notifications about paving plans in Ward 1 will be forthcoming.

Thank you in advance for your understanding. 
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|  I'm so grateful to have committed folks like you who read our newsletters and stay informed on what's happening in the neighborhood. Please reach out at any time. 

Thank you, 

Providence City Councilman, Ward 1 
www.johnforward1.com

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