[Summit] Fw: Providence Ward 2 Letter from City Councillor Helen Anthony

Wed Apr 21 18:24:17 UTC 2021

   - George Floyd verdict
   - Covid updates
   - Council meetings
   - Change in Council leadership
   - Providence Water maintenance cut-offs (esp. on Blackstone and on Hope)
   - Report on improving Policing
   - Volunteers needed for Vaccinations and RI Responds
   - Gano Street off ramp (meeting at 6 p.m. tonight)
   - Kennedy Plaza survey
   - Rec. Centers open
   - Overnight Parking Permits
   - Summer Jobs for Teens
   - Tutorial Webinar on the basics of Zoning 101
   - Brown Street Park
   - More on Vaccinations
   - Trees on University Ave.

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Helen Anthony <helen at helenanthony.com>To: Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 09:20:47 AM EDTSubject: Providence Ward 2 Letter, April 21, 2021
   An update from City Councilor Helen Anthony  
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Dear Neighbors, 

Many in our community have closely followed the murder of George Floyd, the tragic death of 13 year old Adam Toledo in Chicago, and the terrible acts of violence against Asian and Pacific Islander people and communities. Sadly, these are just a few of the many cases of racism, classism and violence in towns across our nation -- including Providence. While yesterday's verdict offers a sense of justice, it is not just an individual who is guilty in these cases -- it is a system that is guilty. I hope that here in Providence we can take concrete steps toward more systematic transparency and accountability. One thing is clear, change will not happen unless people get involved. See an update below about conversations about policing.

Every Rhode Islander aged 16 and over is now eligible for a COVID vaccination. It has taken many months to reach this goal, and I continue to be proud of the ways our community has worked to support one another. This pandemic is not over, and most of our city has yet to receive a vaccine. Please see opportunities below to volunteer your time to help others get vaccinated. Please continue to follow public health guidance. 

Let's take care of one another. 

Helen
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COVID Updates

Free COVID Testing Sites   
   - RI Department of Health
   - Vaccination in RI
   - COVID Information for Businesses
   - City of Providence
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   - Providence Public Schools
   - Healthy Brown; Report concerns on this form, 877-318-9184 or 863-3322
   - RISD: COVID Information; Report concerns using this form
   - State Police COVID line: 401-764-5554
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Providence City Council Meetings

Next City Council Meetings:  April 20 at 7pm and May 6 at 5:30pm. Tune in to meetings on Zoom -- look for a link at the end of the agenda -- or on the Council's YouTube channel. Agendas and minutes are posted on the City of Providence Open Meetings Portal, and you can register to receive notice of any city committee or board meetings.
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Council Leadership
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|  As many know former Providence City Council President Sabina Matos was recently sworn in as our new lieutenant governor. I wish Sabina the very best in the important new role she takes on for Rhode Island. A special election will be held to fill her Ward 15 seat.

John Igliozzi, the city's longest-serving councillor, was elected as the new council president, and Councilman Pedro Espinal was elected as president pro tempore.  |

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Providence Water
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|  Providence Water has announced continued upgrades to the water main systems in Providence and Cranston during the 2021 season (April - November). This work will include areas in Ward 2 and Ward 3.
>> Overview of the Project and FAQ
>> Streets in Blackstone / Hope Street area to be addressed in 2021  |

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|  As you may know our neighborhoods have some of the oldest water mains in the state. While this work causes disruption, the upgrades to our water system are welcome. 

In January every resident of an impacted street was sent a packet of information from Providence Water about the phases of work this year. Once work is slated to begin, Providence Water will post a notification on the door of every impacted home 72 hours in advance of work beginning. Some work has already begun and other areas will not start until later this summer.

Providence Water has a helpful customer service line, and residents are encouraged to call (401) 521-6303 for more details as the construction schedule unfolds.  |

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Policing Update
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|  The Mayor recently announced the completion of a review of the Providence Public Safety Department by PFM Center for Justice and Safety Finance. The report lays the groundwork for increased use of more appropriately-trained social service and/or mental health teams, something the community has strongly advocated for.   |

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|  The City is hosting 3 public webinars to discuss the report -- the first is April 29 at 6pm. Register and submit questions in advance here. Recordings of the sessions will be available to the public after the sessions. 

>> Read the full report
>> Read the press release  |

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|  Meanwhile at the State House, several bills have been introduced to increase public accountability of law enforcement state wide, several focusing on changes to the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. East Side Representatives Ajello and Kislak have both sponsored bills to push for greater transparency that were recently heard in the House Judiciary Committee. I encourage you to follow these developments and reach out to state elected officials to push for greater accountability. 

As I have stated before, I believe strongly in public safety for all residents in every neighborhood. We have heard moving, disturbing accounts from black and brown people nationally and right here in Providence. At a minimum we need increased transparency and accountability if we are to build common trust. Part of my frustration with the closed door nature of our recent budget process was that the public had no opportunity to voice their ideas and opinions about the budget for public safety in Providence. Advocates have made it extremely clear that they expect progress from our city in this area. I hope that this report and activity at the state level can help us move forward toward real change.  |

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Volunteers Needed
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|  Providence Vaccine Clinics: Many Providence residents have received vaccinations, but most people in our city have not. You can sign up to volunteer at a clinic and help our community get everyone vaccinated. Fill out this form to volunteer.

RI Responds: The State of RI is offering training for volunteers who want to be prepared to help our state during emergencies. Details on the ways you can get involved here. 

And see the Bright Light below for a call for Tree Planting Volunteers.  |

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Gano Street Exit / DOT
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|  On April 19, I attended a meeting that my colleague Councilman John Goncalves held for Ward 1 focused on the construction and redesign of the Gano Street I-195 exit ramp. RIDOT's current plan involves moving the exit. The meeting included a presentation by Providence city planner Alex Ellis.  |

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|  The Providence Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission recently released a report with recommendations about the Gano Street ramp design and is holding a meeting tonight, Wednesday, April 21 at 4:45pm to discuss the RI Department of Transportation's plans.

I spoke with David Walsh, RIDOT Acting Manager of Project Management, about hosting a meeting with the community to get direct feedback, and he agreed to hold a conversation this summer once the project's design build team is in place. Stay tuned.  |

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City News
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|  Department of Planning & Development: Launched a second public survey, about their design plans for Kennedy Plaza. Take the survey here. At the same time, protests continue about the lack of transparency and public input to plans for the Kennedy Plaza bus hub, which critics maintain will make using public transportation harder, not easier. 

Recreation Centers Open: On Monday, April 12 the City of Providence reopened all 11 community recreation centers across the city. The centers have begun offering programming for youth and will follow COVID health protocols at each site. 

Overnight Parking Permits: Recently the city announced a new online application for overnight parking permits. Providence offers annual overnight parking permits to residents, including college students. Permits are $100 per year for cars registered in Providence, and $200 for cars registered elsewhere, with a limit of 2 permits per household. Guest passes, enabling street parking 5 nights per month, are $25. More detail and online applications here. 

Summer Jobs for Teens: City of Providence is offering youth summer employment opportunities to operate lunch program sites, camps, and water parks. Youth must be at least 14 years old as of June 15 to apply. More here: pvdsummerjobs.com. 

Zoning 101 on April 28, 12-1PM : Department of Planning and Development is offering a virtual coffee hour series. The inaugural event, Zoning 101, will cover the basics of common zoning regulations and the boards and commissions that review the process along the way. Register for Zoning 101 here.   |

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Brown Street Park Construction
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|  On April 26th construction will begin on the much-loved Brown Street Park. The playground area and the exercise stations will be closed during renovation. Construction will include erosion control measures, new seating, new play equipment and new landscaping. I know many residents have offered input to the Providence Parks Department on the renovation plans, and I appreciate your participation. Construction is planned to last for about a month, but will depend in part on the weather.  See construction plans here.  |

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COVID Vaccination
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   - All residents aged 16+ are eligible for vaccine appointments 
   - Homebound: Register with RI Department of Health or call 401-462-4444. 
   - Appointment Help: Call 2-1-1 for help making an appointment, 24 hours a day.
   - Vaccine Record: Get a copy of your record at: portal.ri.gov/VaccineRecord.
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|  RI COVID-19 Vaccine Site Map
Click here to see state-run sites, retail pharmacies, and local clinics. 

Pharmacy & Hospital Clinics
Walgreens or 800-925-4733 
CVS or 800-746-7287 
Walmart
Stop & Shop 
Care New England
Lifespan or 401-475-7468  

State & Regional Clinics   
   -  Schedule Appointments at vaccinateri.org or 844-930-1779.  
   - Clinics: In Providence (Dunkin' Donuts Center), East Providence, Cranston, Middletown, West Kingston, Woonsocket, Johnston, and Westerly.
   - Updates: Click here for weekly email updates from RI DOH

City of Providence Clinics
The City of Providence is staging vaccination clinics on weekends at the Providence Career & Technical Academy (PCTA). To register go to VaccinatePVD.com  |

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A Bright Light
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|  On April 17 Ward 2 got some new trees courtesy of the Providence Neighborhood Tree Planting Program. Pictured above new trees on University Avenue. The program is looking for more volunteers for tree plantings on April 24, April 30 and May 1 in neighborhoods throughout the city. Also, did you know that Providence has a Street Tree Plan?  |

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|  View Past Issues of the Ward 2 Letter  |

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Our mailing address is:
Providence City Council Ward 2654 Angell StProvidence, RI 02906-5552
Add us to your address book

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