[Summit] News of Local & City-wide interest from South Providence & the Elmwood

Fri Feb 21 19:34:03 UTC 2020

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Doug Victor <doug.crimewatch at gmail.com>To: Cc: Subject: Re:    
   - Weekly Crime Report (Week 7), 
   - Green Schoolyards, 
   - Health Equity Zone,
   - Wash. Park Ass’n,
   - Elmwood & S. Prov. Neighborhood Crime Watch,
   - Green Zones, 
   - Ghost Guns, 
   - Allens Avenue, 
   - Green Zones,
   - Wash, Park Neighborhood Assn,
   - RIDOT, 
   - Roger Williams Park, 
   - Recycle-A-Bike, 
   - Prov. Preservation Society Lecture Tonight (Fri. 21 Feb.),
   - SAGE LGBT History Club,
   - Mobility Justice, 
   - Sewing, 
   - Let Justice Roll,
   - Mayor Celebration, 
   - Atty-Gen’s Office,
   - Volunteer, 
   - Grants, Contests & Fellowships, 
   - Updates, 
   - Go Green, 
   - RI Nature VideoFest, 
   - Climate Map, 
   - Climate Justice, 
   - Safety Tips & Hotlines

 Highlights of the Week… 

ProvidenceGreen Schoolyards

Advocate for a school near you bycontacting your elected officials

In2020-2021, the City of Providence will dedicate $2.5M to developingGreen Schoolyards at 4-6 Providence public schools around the city.This work is included in the City of Providence 2020-2024 CapitalImprovement Plan.The schools have not yet been identified, but will be prioritizedbased on need, school demand and other factors.
GreenSchoolyards are multi-functional school grounds designed for and bythe school community that offer places for students, teachers,parents and community members to play, learn, explore and grow. GreenSchoolyards can include outdoor classrooms, native gardens, stormwater capture, traditional play equipment, nature play areas,vegetable gardens, trails, trees and more. Later this year, theHealthy Communities Office will release the Providence GreenSchoolyard Guide to help school communities transform their schoolgrounds into a Green Schoolyard. This work is supported by theNational League of Cities and the Children and Nature Network.

Thursday, February 27  6:00 pm

Health Equity Zone (HEZ) 02907 Speak Outs

City Arts!   891 Broad Street

Saturday, February 29  10:00 am

Alvarez High School   375 Adelaide Avenue

HEZ 02907 is an intiative now in its first year by West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC): The link: https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=156677

For more information on how you can be involved in the 02907 HEZ, contact Dominique Resendes at 401-453-3220 or dresendes at westelmwood.org  

Featured Organization of the Week...

WashingtonPark Association(WPA)

WPAcoalesced in 2015 after neighbors rallied to express concerns overthe violence at a local nightclub that resulted in a death. Thefocus of the group is to improve the quality of life for residents byaddressing safety, crime, pollution, noise, zoning and other issuesinthispart of the city bordering Roger Williams Park to Narragansett Bay,north to Public Street and south to the Cranston line.
WPAchampionsneighborhood improvement through advocacy, community organizing, andgrassroots efforts thatseek solutions.Theirmotto is “Working together with our neighbors”.
Recently,WPA has been in the lead, alongwith Councilman Pedro Espinal, tochallenge the Allens Providence, LLC in their bid to bringin a waste transfer business onto thecorner of Thurbers & AllensAvenue. 
WPAmeets on the second Wednesdayof the month, 6:00 pm, at the Washington Park Community Center. Allare welcome. LindaPerri is chair. She can be reached at bettylinda at aol.com 
FollowWPA on facebook at WashingtonPark Association

Weekly Crime Report...  2/10/20 - 2/16/20 (Week 7)

>From time to time, due to a variety of reasons, the crime report is not issued or is issued after the usual Friday send date. Both districts 2 and 3 are reported as they are both under Lt. Barros' command and, if you look at the map below, the districts abut and overlap. 

Car Post

21 – Elmwood
22 – Upper South Providence
23 – Lower South Providence
24 – Elmwood
31 – South Elmwood
32 – Reservoir
33 – Washington Park

District 2

Shots Fired:

·         None 

Violent Crime:

·          (23)  On 2/15 at 0230 hours officers responded to the 100 block of Ocean St.  A female victim reported being struck in the head with an object by a person known to her.  The suspect was taken into custody, turned over to detectives, and charged with felony assault. 

·         (21)  On 2/15 at 2031 hours a male victim reported being robbed with a weapon in the area of Broad/Glenham by a suspect known to him.  On 2/16 at 2031 hours the suspect was apprehended on Whitmarsh St., turned over to detectives, and charged with 1st degree robbery.  

Breaking and Entering:

·         (23)  On 2/10 at the 200 block of Swan St.

·         (24)  On 2/12 at the 100 block of Adelaide.  Two suspects apprehended, turned over to detectives, and charged.

·         (24)  On 2/13 at the 40 block of Sackett St.

District 3

Shots Fired:

·         None  

Violent Crime:

·          None  

Breaking and Entering:

·         (32)  On 2/11 at the 300 block of Reservoir (business)

Elmwood and South Providence Neighborhood Crime Watch (ESPNCW)
Started in 2012, ESPNCW works with community members, city and elected officials and neighborhood stakeholders to address crime, safety and quality of life concerns in Police District 2. A member of Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (PCNA), ESPNCW partners with other neighborhoods to address city-wide concerns.
ESPNCW meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month hosted by the Greater Providence YMCA on the 6th floor of the St. Jos Building on Peace Street. 
Attend the next meeting to discuss concerns with the commander of Police District 2, Lt. James Barros, who presents a crime report for the month.
It's a great way to meet your neighbors and join into the ongoing conversations about crime, safety and quality of life.
6th Floor (YMCA) St. Josephs Hospital Building, 20 Peace Street  (Enter via the security office doors on the side of the building)  
All are welcome.
Next meeting: Wednesday February 26 6:00 pm, all are invited.
Liza Burkin of Our Streets Providence will be our guest.
Our Streets Providence is an alliance of community organizations, local businesses, schools, institutions, civic leaders, and engaged individuals advocating for people-friendly streets in Providence. We support providing more transportation options to improve safety, equity, sustainability, prosperity, health, and quality-of-life in our city and region. Our Streets Providence advocates for streets that let all people move safely and easily no matter how they travel – whether driving, walking, biking, taking buses, scooting, skating, and/or using mobility-assistance devices.
The mission is to help more people get engaged in the process of designing streets built to share.  
 For more information, contact Doug Victor, Chair at doug.crimewatch at gmail.com  

In the News… 

Green Justice Zones Comingto Providence 
Thecity’s Green Justice Zones — Olneyville and South Providence —are being formed in conjunction with the $220 million CapitalImprovement Plansigned by Mayor Jorge Elorza in early January. These zones, which“seek to achieve health equity, improve quality of life, andclimate resilience in frontline communities," are also includedin last year’s ClimateJustice Plan.The goal is to make sure the people who live in these areas have avoice and are heard.

https://www.ecori.org/social-justice-archive/2020/2/14/creation-of-providences-green-justice-zones-underway

GhostGun LegislationPasses but...
Last week the full House voted on a version of the billthat was different than the version the Senate had voted on, meaningthe bill now needs to go through committee again to be reconciledbefore once again getting voted on by the Senate. The hearing will bein room 101 at the rise of the house (which could be anytime after4pm).
There will be another hearing on ghost guns in the HouseJudiciary Committee on Tuesday, Feb 25 beginning at 4pm.
Previuosly,theHouse voted to ban "ghost guns" by a wide margin. Seeif your Rep. was in favor and, if so, send them a thankyou!

https://patch.com/rhode-island/cranston/ghost-gun-bill-passes-rhode-island-senate

A New Waste Transfer Station?  

87 People Attended Wednesday's Washington Park Meeting 

Councilman Pedro Espinal, along with many concerned public officials and local residents and concerned groups gathered to oppose the Allens Providence Recycling LLC bid to put a waste transfer station on Allens Avenue. Support against the waste transfer station was given by the RI Senate, Mayor Elorza and members of the Providence City Council, including Council President Sabina Matos, who drafted a resolution in opposition that will be voted on March 5. Meeting Street School,Land RI, Providence Community Health Center and others are standing in opposition. 
Allens Providence Recycling LLC was granted a last minute postponement by the City Planning Commission. The originally scheduled review on January 21, to which over 50 people 
attended in opposition, has been rescheduled to March 17. There are mounting concerns about the reported adverse health and activities on Allens Avenue and the Port of Providence. 

https://upriseri.com/2020-02-20-transfer-station/

https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200219/many-in-south-providence-say-they-donrsquot-want-recycling-facility-in-neighborhood

Want to get involved? 

Contact your City Council person to express your views.
Write a letter in opposition to: City Planning Commission, 444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI  02903 
Report... 
If you see something, say something.   If you smell something, say something.   First, call the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Hotline: 222-1360 & after hours 222-3070 wwww.dem.ri.gov/contact/
If it is an emergency, call 911

Second, contact any and all of the following to ensure of the problem:

Your City Council, State Senator and State representative
Federal: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hotline: 1-800–424-8802 www.epa.gov > home > epa-hotlines
Rhode Island: Governor’s Office: 222- 2080 www.governor.ri.gov/contact/email.php
Providence: Center for City Services: call or text 311 www.providenceri.gov > contact
                     Mayor's Office Providence: 421-4440 www.providenceri.gov/mayor
Cranston: Call the Mayor's Office: 461-1000 www.cranstonri.com/contact.php

RIDOTCommunicationUpdates:

Theeasiest way to share is by going to thispage: http://www.dot.ri.gov/community/.
Clickon the “Project Updates” section, and choose the option to “SignUp Today!” 

What’s Happening...

RogerWilliams Park WinterWonder Days 

VisitRoger Williams Park Zoo for half-price admission daily throughFebruary 29 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

BeginnerPilates

Wednesdaysin February from 5:15-6:00 PM
Inthis introductory series, learn to engage the breath, move withcontrol and precision, and build strength in the core. Space islimited; pre-registration is requested.
DalrympleBoathouse 

OpenPaint and Amateur Photography Fridays

EveryFriday from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Artistsare invited to explore with a sketch pad, washable paints, and theircameras.
BotanicalCenter 

PlanetariumShows

EverySaturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Seea show of stars, planets, and constellations simulating the nightsky.
Museumof Natural History 

Formore information, go to: https://rwpconservancy.org/

Recycle-A-Bike Hosts Open Shops 

Tuesdays 3:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 - 3:00 pm 

1911 Westminster St in Olneyville Square

For more information, go to: www.recycleabike.org or call 401-525-1822

Friday, February 21  6:00 pm

Providence Preservation Society and Our Streets Providence

What makes cities great for 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds alike?

The Providence Preservation Society and Our Streets Providence are hosting a free public lecture by Gil Penalosa, titled “What makes cities great for 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds alike?”. Gil has an impressive resume including serving as former Commissioner of Bogota, Colombia, founder and Chair of 8 80 Cities, Ambassador of World Urban Parks, and senior advisor to the Vision Zero Network, Children and Nature Network, and America Walks.

All are welcome to attend, so please pass this along to anyone who might be interested. More information, including registration instructions can be found online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-keynote-with-gil-penalosa-tickets-88024141577?fbclid=IwAR2ydA6wiJrlSp_ThfXzFxpy--AagqV_53PeHCDaV1I61MerVCtJuoabu8I.

Saturday, February 22

FREE Workshop Exploring Mobility Justice and Equitable Streets 

Providence Streets Coalition 

Mobility Justice is a framework for thinking about human movement and transportation systems that centers the lived experience of racially, economically, and culturally marginalized individuals and communities. As cities seek to provide safer streets and more transportation choices, how do those decisions take into account the multitude of factors that make a road or neighborhood "safe?"

This free full-day workshop will dig into the past, present, and future of transportation in Providence through the lens of mobility justice.

FEATURING:

"What makes cities great for 8- and 80-year olds"? with Gil Penalosa, founder, 8 80 Cities

Racism and Identity: A breakdown- Intersecting Identities in Mobility Justice with Youth in Action

Local history panel led by Samuel Coren (Brown), Marco McWilliams (Black Studies), and Morgan Grefe (RI Historical Society)

Climate Justice action planning with the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee of Providence

Accessible location. Food and drink provided.

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2631919350209398/

There are only 50 spots available so attendees must register. Eventbrite link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mobility-justice-movement-equity-and-action-

tickets-92265423365?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR3dYPse0i3swHrUvTQyQApx2U4zivMyQ0zCzmqp0TSeHT4ZkNtvCmhZwx0

For more information, contact Liza Burkin at liza at ourstreetspvd.org

Saturday, February 22 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Love to Sew?

Renaissance Church, 184 Broad Street

Zero Waste Providence and Ground Work RI are coming together once again with lots of supplies to sew sturdy reusable bags for those who need them. Supplies are provided. You may bring your own sewing machine. Want to help out? Come anytime. For ore information about this or other Sew-In events: SewInPVD at gmail.com

Sunday,February 23 3:00pm

LetJustice Roll! 

Performed by Combined Choirs, Guest Artists & RI Leaders

FirstBaptist Church in America, 75 North Main Street

OriginalChoral Work Selected to Celebrate Dr. King at the Nation’s OldestBaptist Church 
Musiciansfrom The First Baptist Church in America in Providence’s downtownare joining forces with East Providence’s Newman CongregationalChurch UCC and Stages of Freedom – the non-profit organization thatgenerates funding to increase swimming proficiency in the RhodeIsland African American community – to produce an afternoon oforiginal choral music designed to lift up the leadership and legacyof the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Thisdramatic concert begins with Dr. King’s “Letter from a BirminghamJail” and ends with a dramatic choral cantata with narrationentitled “Let Justice Roll!” – an original work written byJulliard graduate and lecturer at Yale Institute of Sacred Music,Mark Miller. The concert will take place at 3pm on Sunday, February23, 2020 at The First Baptist Church in America, 75 North MainStreet, Providence.  Admission is free.

|  |

|   |
|   | This Sunday!
A Powerful Concert.Free & Open to the Public! |   |
|   |

|  |

|   |
|   | Learn more about the concert and our guest artists by clicking the button below. |   |
|   |

| 
| Let Justice Roll |

 |

Monday,February 24 | 5:30-6:30 pm

RecyclingRight… and Going Beyond the Bin!  

Dalrymple Boathouse,  Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Avenue

Yourecycle, right? But do you recycle right? If you’veever found yourself squinting to look for a recycling symbol on aproduct, arguing with your partner over a pizza box, or wonderingwhat actually happens to your recycling when it leaves the curb inRhode Island, get answers to these questions and more  

Monday, February 24  5:00 - 6:30 pm

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza for a Celebrationof Community

Roger Williams Park Casino, 1000 Elmwood Avenue  

Ifyou’re interested in tabling and bringing information from yourorganization, RSVP to Shawndell Burney-Speaks, Community Relations Advisor,at sburneyspeaks at providenceri.gov or(401)680-5406

Wednesday February 26   6:00 pm

Elmwoodand South Providence Crime Watch  

6th Floor (YMCA) St. Joseph’s Hospital Building, 20 Peace Street  

(Enter via the security office doors on the side of the building)  
LizaBurkin of Our Streets Providence will be our guest. 
Our StreetsProvidenceis an alliance of community organizations, local businesses, schools,institutions, civic leaders, and engaged individuals advocating forpeople-friendly streets in Providence. We support providing moretransportation options to improve safety, equity, sustainability,prosperity, health, and quality-of-life in our city and region. 
OurStreets Providence advocates for streetsthat let all people move safely and easily no matter how they travel– whether driving, walking, biking, taking buses, scooting,skating, and/or using mobility-assistance devices. 
The missionis to help more people get engaged in the process of designingstreets built to share.

Wednesday, February 26th from 2:00 pm

SAGEHistory Club  

Church of theTransfiguration,1665 Broad Street, Cranston

SAGELGBT History Club in preserving RI History along the Pride Timeline.Each month a topic will be chosen and explored then we will move toopen topic conversations about the past. This coming month’sconversation around the idea of "family" and how it haslooked over the years. We will now be recording our speakers as apodcast. There will be time before and after the speaker to talk andask questions unrecorded. Please bring any memorabilia that you wishto share and join in our conversations. 

Saturday, February 29  1:00 - 4:00 pm

Friends of Knight Memorial Library BOOK SALE

Knight Memorial Library, 275 Elmwood Avenue

Lots of great books at great prices. Read on!

   Southside Neighborhood Associations…

Elmwood Neighborhood Association

The Elmwood Neighborhood Association (ENA) has produced a helpful reference guide which includes a list of neighborhood action groups and contacts, city and state information, ways to green your

life, how to recycle correctly, tips on preventing and reporting crime.

ENA is a strong and diverse community network for sharing information, connecting neighbors, fostering civic engagement and advocating for a safe and healthy quality of life for all residents.

ENA seeks positive change by partnering with organizations and governmental agencies in order to promote sustainable and healthy neighborhood development and fostering open and respectful dialogue about

issues affecting residents.

Follow ENA on Facebook: ElmwoodPVD/. To subscribe to ENA mailings, please email Karen at Karen_ena at earthlink.net

South Providence Neighborhood Association

Formed in December of 2015, the South Providence Neighborhood Association (SPNA) brings members of the South Providence community together to organize, inform

and empower its local residents, businesses and organizations while at the same time facilitating meaningful dialogue and long-term partnerships. 

SPNA envisions a community that values inclusiveness, sustainability, awareness, investment, and active involvement in South Providence, and where carefully

planned social, economic, and physical development promote a safe, multi-cultural, diverse, vibrant, and prosperous neighborhood.

SPNA holds monthly regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, except for August during which no meetings are held. It holds Special Meetings to accommodate

other topics and additional meeting requests that cannot be held during its regular meetings.

Southside Neighborhood groups include:

Elmwood and South Privdience Crime Watch (ESPNCW)

Elmwood Neighborhood Association (ENA)

Washington Park Association (WPA)  For information about meeting times and activities, contact Linda Perry at bettylinda at aol.com 

South Providence Neighborhood Association (SPNA)

Reservoir Triangle Association

South Elmwood Neighborhood Association

Trinity Square Together

Many of these groups are part of a city-wide neighborhood group called the Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations

Attorney General’s Office, Gun Violence Action…
RI Attorney General's Office on Broad Street

693 Broad Street Office

Open Wednesdays 12:00 - 4:30 pm and Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Getting spam robo calls? Report them to the the AG's Office. Data makes a difference in efforts to curb this practice in Rhode Island. 
The Office of the Attorney General has a broad mission - public safety, environmental protection, open government, consumer and worker protection, and more.
Elmwood and South Providence neighborhood window safety placards are now available at the office.
Check out their website: www.riag.ri.go

Want to Volunteer?...

RogerWilliams Park SeekingStormwater Volunteers

Thenew Providence Stormwater Innovation Center, headquartered at RogerWilliams Park, seeks volunteers for regular water quality monitoringbeginning this spring.  

AARP RI

RI's state chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons has all kinds of volunteer possibilities to promote a better quality of life for people over 50 and their families.

Want to support AARP's efforts via legislative advocacy, fraud watch, tax aide, driver safety or assist with community event?

Contact Darlene Reza Rossi at drezarossi at aarp.org or 866-542-8170

Save The Bay

SPRING CLEANUPS: Check out Save the Bay’s spring cleanup calendar 

There are lots of events ready for signup. Great project for individual volunteers, families, and teams. 

Grants, Contests and Fellowships…

Rhode Island Foundation(RIF) Community Grant 2020

Doesyour organization have a project that builds social networks amongneighbors, enhances the role of shared public spaces, or sharestraditions with community members? Your community-making effort mayqualify for an up to $10,000 Community Grant. Deadline to apply isMarch 13.

Formore information, go to: https://rifoundation.org or call401-274-4564

EarthDay 2020 Mini Grant Deadline Extended

TheProvidence Department of Parks, the Partnership for Providence Parks,the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and community partners areonce again pleased to offer a small grants program to provide fundsto 

help with your event for PROVIDENCE’SANNUAL EARTH DAY SPRING CLEANING 2020, on Saturday, April25th!  AllEarth Day events should include a park cleanup. Trash bags, leaf bagsand disposable gloves are provided at NO cost to you and your groupas well as healthy snacks for volunteers to all of our Friends Groupswho applyby midnight on February 24th,2020. 

Click the link to apply: 2019Earth Day Grant Application 

AvenueConcept Mural Residencies 2020

Accepting Proposals until Sunday,March 8

Thecall for entries is open for AC’s 2020Mural Public Art program.They'relooking for artists 18 and older who are located within 90 minutes ofProvidence for three different mural residencies. Your vision could

come to life on the front or rear of the historic Providence NationalBank facade in Downtown or the front of Avenue HQ in SouthProvidence.Applynow...

RI Department of Education (RIDE) Contests:

Extraordinary Women: Statewide Poster Contest

Rhode Island students are invited to participate in a statewide poster contest celebrating extraordinary women in Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns. Students will select a woman from their community and demonstrate her leadership and community commitment in a three-panel display board. Winning entries will be displayed at the Rhode Island State House.

Shall Not Be Denied: Statewide Essay Contest

All Rhode Island 7th and 8th grade students are invited to participate in a state-wide essay contest inspired by the passage of the 19th amendment: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. 

Essays may address topics such as: why voting matters; present-day barriers to voting; reasons for low voter turnout; or advocacy more generally. State-wide winner(s) will receive a cash prize and will be invited to read their essays aloud during an event at the Rhode Island State House.

PVD Art, Culture and Tourism (ACT) Project Fund

Through awards ranging from $500 - $4,000, The City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism supports projects that advance cultural access and equity, foster

transformation, and demonstrate relevance and responsiveness. ACT also funds some small projects (under $500) with Micro Grants on a rolling basis.

The deadlines to apply for Project Fund grants are 11:59 PM on:

March 15 (for grant activities between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021) and

September 15 (for grant activities between January 1 and June 30, 2021)

All applicants must contact Special Projects Manager, Micah Salkind, at msalkind at providenceri.gov or 401-680-5774 to discuss their application prior to its submission.

To submit a proposal, go to https://artculturetourism.com/project-fund-arts/

Census Grants Available

The Rhode Island Foundation is offering grants to local organizations through the Rhode Island Census Fund to encourage participation in the 2020 Census. Those activities should focus specifically on increasing

census response rates in communities that have been historically under-counted or are vulnerable to an under-count in 2020.

 For more information on the 2020 Census grants, visit: rifoundation.org/censusgrants

Take a Survey…

Cultural Plan 2020: Creative Providence Online Survey

Take the Creative Providence Online Survey to help shape the design of upcoming community meetings and planning efforts that will begin later this fall into the new year.

The survey should take about 20 minutes to complete: Creative Providence Online Survey

Providence Public Library Community Survey

Providence Public Library is interested in hearing from community members across RI for whom English is not their primary language. PPL is in the process of developing

a strategic plan for the organization and your input is crucial. Your responses to this survey are anonymous.

For more info, visit: https://www.provlib.org/

Important Updates and Resources...

City Walk

Conceived as a walking connection between India Point Park on the Eastside and Roger Williams Park on the Southside has received a lot of attention and has expanded into

a plan to create city-wide Urban Trail system.

Phase 1: Clifford, Pine and Friendship... paid with city funds

Phase 2 Broad Street… $1.7M budget with construction this April – August

Visit the project website to see the details and sign up for the email list: www.providenceri.gov/planning/citywalk

Hope Point Tower (Fane) Update

The Fane Organization filed its obligatory tax-treaty application on November 26 along with a non-refundable filing fee to the city for $205,575 prior to the December 1 deadline. The developer now has until

October 2020 to file construction and operating permits with the I-195 Redevelopment District. Building Bridges continues to pursue legal action against the tower. The  lawsuit that challenges the legality of the

city council vote to not comply with the Comprehensive Plan is moving forward. Judge Stern has read all the briefs and determined there were no questions. 

Superman Building

State Leaders in discussion about saving the Superman Building.

Read about the building and the plan here: https://upriseri.com/2020-01-24-mike-fink/ 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/06/metro/ri-leaders-discussing-options-saving-superman-building/

PVD Arts, Culture and Tourism (ACT) Resources:
Wantto film or do a photo shoot in PVD? - CLICKHERE
Wantto host a public event in PVD? - CLICKHERE
Wantto realize a public art project in PVD? - CLICKHERE
Listyour event for free on ArtsNowRI! - CLICKHERE
Reports& Publications - CLICKHERE
Wantto apply for a grant? - CLICKHERE

Go Green, Go Nature, Health, Climate and Racial

Justice…

Senator Sheldon WhitehouseClimate Action News

Clickhere for the latest edition of ClimateNews, a newsletter Senator Whitehouse circulates everyweek to colleagues in the Senate and 

constituents.

Providence City Health Dashboard

Want to learn more about health in Providence? Check out the City Health Dashboard, which includes metrics such as cardiovascular disease and life expectancy. You can

use an interactive map and learn more about each metric.

For more info, go to: http://www.providenceri.gov/providence-online-mapping-dashboard/

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Climate Change Program

Puts out an informative monthly virtual newsletter. To sign up, go to: http://eepurl.com/cQeLOj

Green Justice Zones

Green Justice Zones seek to achieve health equity, improved quality of life, and climate resilience in frontline communities. This is achieved by making investments in sustainability and equity in neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested from and are overburdened with pollution, support community members in developing action plans alongside City officials to address the priorities and concerns of the neighborhood and ultimately seeing their concerns addressed by resources and changes in policies that affect them specifically in their neighborhood.

Climate and Health in the News

Preparing for Hot Weather in a Cold State. Health & Climate Solutions Blog. January 24, 2020.

Local author’s acclaimed book on climate change is focus of Reading Across R.I. Providence Journal. January 24, 2020.

Racist Housing Practices from the 1930s Linked to Hotter Neighborhoods Today. National Public Radio, January 14, 2020.

Unhealthy Temperature: Rethinking Public Health as Climate Changes. 41⁰N, Fall 2019.

Northeast’s coastal counties are warming faster than their neighbors. The Atlantic may be why. Newportri.com, December 2019.

Ticking Bomb: Climate Crisis Increases R.I. Lyme Disease Cases. EcoRI News, January 8, 2020.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Climate Change Program puts out an informative monthly virtual newsletter. To sign up, go to: http://eepurl.com/cQeLOj

Garden Space Available: Accepting Applications

African Alliance of Rhode Island

Grow in your backyard or in a Providence Garden at Bami Farm in Johnston. AARI can provide technical assistance, safe soil.

Want to grow to sell? Pop up market schedule in Providence TBA.

AARI is seeking two people to train as bee-keeper at Bami Farm. Volunteers are needed to assist in planning for the 2020 Pop Up Markets and more.

 Safe soil is available through AARI. See flyer attached. For more information: info at africanallianceri.org. or call 401-331-5535

Gardening... Want to grow your own vegetables?

To get on a waiting list for a plot in Southside Community Landtrust's gardens contact Andrew at 401-273-9419.

For a plot in Peace and Plenty Community Garden contact Doug at doug.crimewatch at gmail.com

Shop locally... Urban Greens

90 Cranston Street Open: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm daily

Rhode Island Nature Video Festival 2020 Registration Announced

Join this family friendly adventure in wild Rhode Island organized by the Environment Council of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Natural History Survey. FREE.

Registrations appreciated for planning purposes.

2020 RI Nature Video Festival

Saturday February 22 2:00 pm

 Doody Auditorium in Swan Hall - URI, Kingston Campus

Nature videos featuring Rhode Island that are produced exclusively by Rhode Islanders for a fun, entertaining and informative winter afternoon nature showcase.

For more information, go to: https://www.environmentcouncilri.org/content/2020-rhode-island-nature-video-festival

Health Equity Zone 02907

Check out this great initiative now in its first year by West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC): The link: https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=156677

For more information on how you can be involved in the 02907 HEZ, contact Dominique Resendes at 401-453-3220 or dresendes at westelmwood.org

Groundwork RI Maps the Intersection of Housing, Climate and Race

What does race have to do with climate change? Which neighborhoods in Providence are at most risk from extreme heat and flooding? What can residents and

local government do to climate change resilient neighborhoods? To find out more, go to: 

htpps://groundworkusa.org/network/groundwork-ri/

PVD Best Practices for Nightlife Establishments

The Providence Department of Public Safety has created this best practices guide is to provide nightlife establishments with guidelines for best practices for

conducting businesses that are city and resident friendly.

The link: https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Best_Practices-Providence_Nightlife.pdf              

Climate Justice Plan - PVD

The City of Providence has developed a climate justice action plan.

To familairize yourself with the plan, go to: http://www.providenceri.gov/sustainability/climate-justice-action-plan-providence/

RI Department of Health (RIDOH) Monthly Newsletter

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Climate Change Program puts out an informative monthly virtual newsletter. To sign up, go to:

http://eepurl.com/cQeLOj

Rhode Island Foundation Racial Equity Training

RiF is offering free racial trainings the state to encourage learning and dialogue specifically around racial equity within the community. The Groundwater presentation series

will be provided by the Racial Equity Institute, an alliance of trainers, organizers, and institutional leaders devoted to creating racially equitable organizations and systems.

The link: https://rifoundation.org/impact-insights/capacity-building-for-nonprofits/racial-equity-trainings

Winter, Cold and Snow Storm Resources…

City Ordinances Require Everyone to Clear Snow from Sidewalks. This Includes Businesses and bus stops.  

If you see sidewalks not cleared on Elmwood or Broad, call 311 to report to the Mayor's Center for City Services. 

Not clearing snow presents a serious safety issue in the Southside and many other parts of the city. 

For potholes, signs down and any other condition that compromises the livability of the Southside, call at 3-1-1, follow them on Twitter or download the smartphone app that has been downloaded 10,000 times by neighbors like you from the Apple App Store or Google Play!  

Emergency Food for Providence Youth Program...  

In an effort to secure access to food during inclement weather for Providence youth, Mayor Elorza’s Office, the Healthy Communities Office, the Parks Department and the Department of Recreation partnered

with provider Sodexo to create the Emergency Food for Providence Youth Program. This is a first-of-its-kind pilot initiative in Rhode Island and was designed to provide healthy, safe, and adequate food to

Providence students most in need during unanticipated school closures. The City will offer a free snack and meal at recreation centers for youth 18 years old and under. Currently all recreation centers which open

from 12:00PM-9:00PM and will serve a snack from 12:30PM-1:30PM and a meal from 4:30PM-6:30PM.

Non-emergency issues...

To report a non-emergency issues, download the PVD311 application on the Apple Store or Google Play or call 311.

Up-to-the-minute alerts and updates...

To receive up-to-the-minute alerts and updates, residents are encouraged to register for the CodeRED emergency notification system by visiting: https://www.providenceri.com/PEMA/codered

Power outages...

Residents experiencing power outages should contact National Grid at 800-322-3223. Individuals are warned never to touch downed power lines and report downed lines to National Grid.

Emergencies... 

In the event of an emergency, dial 911 

Providence Warming Centers open during inclement weather... 

PEMA urges residents to check on family, the elderly, or others with functional needs to make sure they are safe during cod weather. 

For information on Warming Centers, visit: http://www.providenceri.gov/pema/providence-warming-centers/

Hotlines and Useful Information…
Informational link to the city's web page describes the police districts and introduces the lieutenants in charge.
Our police district is PPD2 with four posts: 21, 22, 23 & 24: http://www.providenceri.gov/police/districts/
Report all emergencies 911
Report all suspicious activities 272-1111
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  1-800-273-8255
Day One Sexual Assault Helpline:  1-800-494-8100
Reporting Child Abuse: www.dcyf.ri..gov   1-800-742-4453  or 1-800- RI-CHILD
Report hate crimes 877-342-7463
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence:  www.ricadv.org
RI SPCA Animal Abuse Hotline: www.rispca.com   401-438-8150
To report potential environmental hazards go to https://www.demri.gov
RI Coalition Against Gun Violence: www.ricagv.org
To access social support and services (United Way Hotline) call 211.  https://www.unitedway..org/our-impact/featured-programs/2-1-1  
Next Door Urgent Alert: This tool helps PPD push out real-time, critical information area-wide, targeted to a specific service area, or neighborhood. Find out how you can
ensure your Urgent Alert feature is active in case of an emergency: https://help.nextdoor.com/s/article/How-to-send-an-urgent-alert?language=en_us
And remember, Nextdoor and other social media platforms should not be considered a replacement for emergency-related requests. If you need immediate assistance, lways
call 911.
Are you subscribed to Nextdoor urgent alerts?
Remember, if something doesn't seem or feel right, it may not be. Do not second guess but call. Let the professionals decide. Unreported crime impacts us all.

Safety Tips…
Winter is still  here but the days are lengthening. Spring is around the corner yet there still may be snow.  Make sure your sidewalks are shoveled for pedestrians and for mail/ parcel delivery.  
Always take extra care walking, biking and/or driving.  If walking, cross major streets at the crosswalks and wear lighter colored clothes.
Wearing darker colors makes it hard for drivers to see you. Use crosswalks and walk only when when you are signaled to do so. 
Make sure you lock all garage doors and leave nothing within sight inside your car. Prevention is the best defense.
Get a window CW placard to put in your window to give anyone pause to think about creating any mischief. They are available at the Crime Watch meetings and at the
Attorney General's Office on Broad Street. 
Research and invest in a home/ apartment security system. Video doorbells are showing up in our neighborhood.
Leave nothing visible in your car that might attract a break in. Do not forget to lock your vehicle. 
Make certain all doors, including garage doors, are locked and windows are secured. 
Trash cans located under windows can serve as a boost up for burglars. Think about where you place your trash cans. 
Make special arrangements for the delivery of packages to your home, perhaps with a neighbor.. Package theft is all too common.
Install motion detector lights in critical areas, like driveways, back and side yards. 
Tips for tire and rim theft:
1.  It is recommended that you purchase Tire locks and do not keep the key in your vehicle over night.  
2.  If possible park your vehicle in a well lit areas and visible to the public. 
3.  When you park turn your tires in, this makes it harder to remove the lug nuts. 
Report problems like broken sidewalks, potholes, graffiti, missing manhole covers, mattresses left on sidewalks, etc.. by calling 311. 
Download the App and take photos of things that need attention on your street: http://www.providenceri.gov/pvd-311/
If things in our neighborhood look uncared for or unattended to, they may be inviting more serious problems.
Pick up litter on your block.
We can all do our part to improve the Southside, our quality of life and increase everyone's safety.  
Get to know your neighbors and exchange contact information to create a stronger sense of community and social cohesiveness. 
Start a block watch effort.  Alert each other about suspicious activities on your block/street or if a crime has taken place. 
Attend your neighborhood association meetings.
Volunteer!

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://sna.providence.ri.us/pipermail/summit_sna.providence.ri.us/attachments/20200221/114b5315/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: KML book sale flyer (2) (5) (2) (5) (1) (1).docx
Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
Size: 56191 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://sna.providence.ri.us/pipermail/summit_sna.providence.ri.us/attachments/20200221/114b5315/attachment.docx>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: WestElmwood_HEZMap.pdf
Type: application/pdf
Size: 2608078 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://sna.providence.ri.us/pipermail/summit_sna.providence.ri.us/attachments/20200221/114b5315/attachment.pdf>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: Final HEZ Speak-Outs Flyer (3).pdf
Type: application/pdf
Size: 324663 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://sna.providence.ri.us/pipermail/summit_sna.providence.ri.us/attachments/20200221/114b5315/attachment-0001.pdf>