[Summit] Fw: Latest News from the Providence Mayor's office, Planning Dept and Arts, Culture+Tourism

Fri Apr 23 19:19:10 UTC 2021

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: City of Providence <akievning at providenceri.gov>To:Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021, 1:31:30 PM EDTSubject: PVD Newsletter 4/23/2021
  Here are some quick updates happening in the City of Providence. 
| 
| 
| 
|  | 
| 
|  |

 |

 |  |

 |

 |

| 
| 
|  | 
| 
Good evening everyone 😊

Here are some quick updates happening in the City of Providence.

If you know anyone that would be interested in receiving this newsletter, please tell them to email me at akievning at providenceri.gov to added to this newsletter distribution list!   
 |

 |  |

 |

 |

| 
| 
|  | 
| 
Update from the Mayor's Office

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

This Saturday, April 24th the City of Providence will be running a clinic at Providence Career and Technical Academy with Asthenis Pharmacy to administer over 2,000 vaccine doses for Providence residents. We are in need of volunteers and hope you can join us to ensure this clinic runs as smoothly and effectively as possible. We have divided the day into two shifts, one from 8:00AM-2:00PM and one from 1:30PM-7:30PM.

Click here to sign up to volunteer at the 4/24 vaccine clinic!

Please only sign up for one shift per clinic, as it is a very long day and making sure our volunteers aren't overworked will help keep everyone safe. 

We will also be running a clinic on Saturday, May 15th at Providence Career and Technical Academy.

Click here to sign up to volunteer at the 5/15 vaccine clinic!

Additionally, Asthenis Pharmacy and the City will work to vaccinate all volunteers upon the completion of their shift, if they have not yet been vaccinated.

Free Vaccine Transportation

RIPTA is now providing free transportation to people traveling to and from vaccination appointments. Those interested can first make an appointment (now available to Rhode Islanders who are 16+) here and then contact RIPTA’s customer service team and provide your appointment info. Visit online for contact details and more info.

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Opens for All

COVID-19 vaccination eligibility has opened this week for ALL Rhode Islanders, age 16 and older.

Beginning Monday, April 19, people age 16 years of age and older are eligible to make appointments to be vaccinated. That eligibility change will happen at 9 a.m. on Monday on www.vaccinateRI.org.

There may be a small amount of appointments still available at that time, of the appointments that will get posted on Friday afternoon. A new batch of appointments will also be posted on www.vaccinateRI.org on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. New appointments for State-run sites open every Tuesday at 9 a.m. and every Friday at 5 p.m. 

At this time, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for people age 16 and older. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for people age 18 and older.

This group of people age 16 to 39 includes approximately 258,000 people. Not everyone will get an appointment right away. However, we still remain on track to meet our goals.

By May 15, we expect 70% of Rhode Islanders age 16 and older to have at least one dose of vaccine. 

Mayor Elorza Announces COVID-19 Response Partnership with Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

Neighborhood Booking Vaccine Appointments for Providence-residing Members and Providing Resources at Upcoming Vaccine Clinics

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island President and CEO Peter Marino to announce a Providence COVID-19 Response partnership to support the City’s ongoing response to the pandemic. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) is registering Providence residents who are members of their health plan for open vaccine appointments at city-organized vaccine clinics. Neighborhood is also providing education about vaccine safety as well as facemasks and hand sanitizer supplies at the clinics in an effort to support CDC recommended precautions upon being vaccinated. 

Neighborhood has already reached out to thousands of members who reside in Providence to check on their needs during the pandemic and to assist with connecting them to resources. Outreach to these members by Neighborhood’s clinical teams includes scheduling vaccine appointments for those requesting assistance.

Providence residents who are Neighborhood members and eligible for the vaccine but need help with navigating the online sign-up process for city-organized clinics, should call the health plan at 1-800-459-6019, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A staff member will be available to input information into their online system, in English or Spanish, on the member’s behalf to schedule an appointment for them.

This partnership is in addition to a recently announced partnership with Providence Community Libraries (PCL). Residents who are eligible for the vaccine but need support to sign up can call any PCL library location (Fox Point, Knight Memorial, Mount Pleasant, Olneyville, Rochambeau, Smith Hill, South Providence, Wanskuck and Washington Park) during scheduled hours. A staff member will be available to input information, in English or Spanish, into the online system on their behalf and schedule an appointment.

In addition to the above provided options, Providence residents ages 40 and older, 18 and older with specific health conditions outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Health or 18 and older living in zip codes 02904, 02905, 02906, 02907, 02908, and 02909 are encouraged to register for vaccine clinics through the City's online portal VaccinatePVD.com. If residents cannot register themselves, they are asked to please call and connect to the Mayor's Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 or (401) 421-2489. Representatives are available to help fill out the registration form on the constituents’ behalf in English or Spanish.

City of Providence Announces Historic Bond to Capitalize Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Providence Redevelopment Agency to Invest in Safe, Affordable and Equitable Housing Citywide

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, City Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7), and Providence Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Bonnie Nickerson today announced that the City of Providence, through the Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA), has closed the first-ever bond issue to capitalize the Providence Housing Trust Fund. 

In partnership with the Providence City Council and PRA, Mayor Elorza announced a first-of-its-kind $20 million Affordable Housing Bond to stimulate affordable housing construction in December 2020. The City‘s improved finances and track record of prudent debt management allowed the bond issue to achieve a ‘BBB’ rating. Along with the current low interest rate environment, the City was able to increase the size of the bond issue on the day of pricing, resulting in over $6 million additional program funding.

The Providence Redevelopment Agency is currently soliciting proposals to spur the production, preservation, and protection of affordable housing through the Providence Housing Trust Fund. These funds are available to private and public developers for construction and project financing.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis to the Providence Housing Trust Fund for review. Program documents will be available later for download at the Providence Redevelopment Agency’s website at providenceri.gov/planning/providence-redevelopment-agency-pra-2/. Those interested in applying for funds should call the Providence Redevelopment Agency at 401-680-8400.

City of Providence Celebrates Earth Day by Launching the Pesticide Free PVD Campaign to Eliminate Harmful Pesticides and Chemicals

City eliminates the use of pesticides and chemicals from Providence Parks and greenspaces and encourages community members to take the Pesticide Free PVD pledge

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined City Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7), Parks Superintendent Wendy Nilsson, Sustainability Director Leah Bamberger, Audubon Society of Rhode Island Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr, Partnership for Providence Parks Executive Director Helene Miller, and community members at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center to launch the Pesticide Free PVD campaign and celebrate Earth Day.

Pesticide Free PVD encourages community members, property owners, and businesses to commit to eliminating the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers in lawns and gardens, as well as other toxins in the home. Going pesticide-free is one of many ways the City is encouraging residents to celebrate Earth Day. The Parks Department and Partnership for Providence Parks will also launch an Earth Day Bingo game to encourage families to get outside, enjoy our parks, and take part in being good stewards of our environment. Community members can find their local park by using the City’s Park Locator and Park Stories Map.

The Providence Parks Department is leading by example, having eliminated nearly all pesticides and herbicides from City parks and playgrounds, according to a report released today by the City and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. The Roger Williams Park Botanical Center is an excellent example of the success of a pesticide-free policy, leveraging strategies like beneficial insects inside the center and housing three goats that provide weed control throughout Roger Williams Park. The report includes recommendations and best practices for others looking to enhance their land management practices and reduce the use of chemicals in their maintenance.

The Pesticide Free PVD campaign and the report on the chemical free practices in Providence Parks were supported by a grant and partnership with Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF). In 2018, the City of Providence and partner Clean Water Action Rhode Island joined the third cohort of HBBF’s Bright Cities program to take actions that can significantly reduce chemical exposures throughout the City. Encouraging Providence residents and organizations to go pesticide free reduces exposures to neurotoxic chemicals and protects human health, pollinators, waterways, and many other aspects of a healthy ecosystem.

By taking the pledge to go pesticide free, residents and organizations can receive a free Pesticide Free yard sign and the Top 10 Tips for a Pesticide Free Lawn & Garden. The website, sustainpvd.com/pesticidefree, offers resources to help people shift away from harmful chemicals, from information about health impacts and pesticide-free lawn care to trainings and resources. Leaders across the City have already shared their commitment to reducing and eliminating chemicals, including West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Providence College, Armory Management Company and Blackstone Parks Conservancy.

This Earth Day, with COVID still at the forefront of planning, the City is shifting from large clean-ups and major projects to encouraging community members to play, relax and explore our parks. Individuals, families, pods, and bubbles are invited to accept a series of challenges to explore different parks or participate in a new activity at their convenience. Complete an Earth Day Bingo, send it in and win prizes like Roger Williams Park Zoo passes, seeds for your garden and more! For more information and to download the Earth Day Bingo Card, visit providenceri.gov/celebrate-earth-day-arbor-day-2021/.

Mayor Elorza Signs Fiscal Year 2021 Budget

$511 Million Budget Keeps Providence on a Path to Rebuild Through COVID-19 Pandemic; Does Not Raise Taxes on Residents or Businesses

Mayor Jorge Elorza today, joined by Providence Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7) and Council Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), signed a $511 million budget for Fiscal Year 2021 that utilizes strong fiscal management, invests in a new approach to public safety response including a Community Relations and Diversion Services Major position within the Providence Police Department as well as the beginning stages of a behavioral health and social service diversion program and puts the city on a path toward rebuilding through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last Thursday, the Providence City Council approved the FY2021 budget.

With the Mayor’s signature, the budget will be enacted and take effect for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 through June 30, 2021.

Mayor Elorza's FY2022 Budget Address

You are invited to watch live as Mayor Jorge Elorza presents the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Address. Tune in on his Facebook page to watch at 6:30PM. #PVDBUDGET

For more information, please visit https://fb.me/e/VhxIa8SL
 |

 |  |

 |

 |

| 
| 
|  | 
| 
Update from the Department of Planning & Development

Paragon Mills Virtual Community Meeting

Join the Department of Planning and Development and the nationally-recognized Alexander Company on Monday, April 26 at 5:00 pm for an update on the redevelopment of the historic Paragon Mills into 100 units of affordable and market-rate housing. During the virtual gathering, participants will get a sneak peek of designs for the housing redevelopment project, set to break ground later this spring. Community participation is strongly encouraged for a chance to meet the redevelopment team, learn about the project timeline and celebrate this transformative affordable housing investment in Olneyville. 

The event will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Spanish interpretation will be provided. To join the meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join: https://providenceri-gov.zoom.us/j/93551390452 

REMINDER to Register for the Virtual Coffee Hour: Zoning 101

Can you build that here? How did that housing project get the green light? Do I live in a historic district?

Whether you’re an urbanist or simply curious about how things work, the Department of Planning and Development is excited to offer a virtual coffee hour series for Providence residents. Led by guest experts, each gathering will cover topics essential to the planning process. The inaugural event, Zoning 101, will walk attendees through the basics of common zoning regulations and the boards and commissions that review the process along the way. Bob Azar, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Development and members of the Current Planning and Inspection and Standards teams will help lead the discussion.

We hope you can join us for our first conversation on April 28 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM on Zoom. This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is required. To register, please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqdO-oqjwuHtKoTMLABG8gCz5z9CXyGFjh?fbclid=IwAR2S8pfvrgMIPhKti60jWvOeTcHeEDwvA-kqWQ4NKCfbBIUwzWiWw6Jj2Xo

For more information, visit https://fb.me/e/3mVmUTl5M

REMINDER to Please Take the Imagine Downtown PVD Survey #2

The Department of Planning & Development just launched a second public survey, which will be instrumental to our path from conceptual to 30% design plans.

Take the survey here:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6231431/Imagine-Downtown-Providence-Project-Feedback

Public Meetings To Look Out For

   - Providence Historic District Commission - 04/26/2021 04:30 PM - https://providenceri-gov.zoom.us/j/95445255340, Virtual Meeting, Providence, RI, 02903

For the full list of public meeting schedules, visit: https://www.providenceri.gov/planning/public-meeting-information/
 |

 |  |

 |

 |

| 
| 
|  | 
| 
Update from the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism 

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 5/2 - ACT Public Art Call: Sidewalk Tattoos 

The City of Providence and the Art in City Life Commission invite RI-based writers and artists to submit poetry or word-based art for permanent display on City sidewalks. The curatorial prompt is Ode to Providence.

The Art in City Life Commission will oversee the Art Selection Process and ultimately award 30 artists $1000 each for a total of 30 poems or designs.

The poems and designs will later be stamped into newly repaired sidewalks beginning as early as fall 2021. The stamps will then be stored by the City and applied in the future as funding and site conditions allow. This opportunity is made possible by the Providence Percent for Art Allocation, which calls for one percent of capital improvement dollars allocated for public art.  Ode to Providence marks the first allocation of its kind in the City’s history.

We are looking for poems that reflect our diverse residents, Providence history, and visions for the future of the City. This call is open to RI-based individual artists or artist teams, which can include teacher-led teams, writers’ groups, and youth organizations. Black Indigenous People of Color and multilingual writers are highly encouraged to apply.

The deadline is May 2, 2021.

For more information and to apply, visit https://artculturetourism.com/sidewalk-tattoos/

Questions about this call to artists may be directed to Gina Rodriguez-Drix, Cultural Affairs Manager at grodriguez at providenceri.gov.
 |

| 
|  |

 |

| 
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 5/2 - ACT Public Art Call: Landmark Public Art 

The City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism and Art in City Life Commission invite artists to submit qualifications for a Landmark Public Artwork in the City’s new Providence Innovation District Park. This inaugural, large-scale, signature, permanent work of art will be the first of its kind in the City and is the first activation of Providence’s Art in City Life Ordinance, also known as a percent for art allocation. Successful proposals will grapple with the historic complexity of the site. A site brief accompanies this RFQ which outlines both the current site condition and use as well as historical context.

Qualifications must be submitted through the call’s callforentry.org page. 

The deadline is May 2, 2021.

For more information, visit https://artculturetourism.com/landmark-public-art-at-the-providence-innovation-district-park/

Questions about this call to artists may be directed to Gina Rodriguez-Drix, Cultural Affairs Manager at grodriguez at providenceri.gov.

Livable RI Poster Campaign

Presented by the Civic Alliance for a Cooler Rhode Island and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism

The exhibition will be available during City Hall hours on the 2nd floor of Providence City Hall between March 18, 2021 through May 20, 2021.

Exhibition Statement:

These posters call out for a civic alliance to reverse global warming. They echo the art that built community around wartime efforts, especially those produced by the United States Food Administration during World War I. The substitution of Secretary of the Future is Kurt Vonnegut’s idea that government must better account for long-term interests of future generations. The Livable RI seal indicates the place of origin with cattails representing local flora at the edge of our coastline in this vulnerable state.

The art work was generously donated by local artists and professionals eager to be part of a transformative civic response to the ominous threat of a changing climate. The artists include Irene Allen, Jim Bush, Bob Chatham, Lucy Handy, Mimo Gordon Riley, Janet Downing Taylor, and Edith Vonnegut. The project manager was Paul A. Roselli and the artistic director was Janet Downing Taylor. The concept was developed by Seth Handy with valuable contributions by many volunteers.

For more information, visit the FB event page.
 |

| 
|  |

 |

 |  |

 |

 |

| 
| 
|  | 
| 
Events in PVD 

Are you looking for something to do this weekend?

Check out the www.ArtsNowRI.com calendar for a bunch of events happening in the Providence area or virtually!

For any city hosted, sponsored, or partnered events, visit this website for more info: https://www.providenceri.gov/event/

Check out Go Providence's calendar of events as well: https://www.goprovidence.com/events/

Hotel Week Rhode Island 2021

Hotel Week Rhode Island, presented by Go Providence & Visit Rhode Island, is coming up! From Saturday, April 17th through Friday, April 30th, you will be able to book stays in RI for great prices and experience all that the local area has to offer for dining and activities.

Special, promotional rates starting as low as $100, will be available at high-end, boutique and family-friendly Rhode Island hotels, inns and B&Bs.

For more information and to book your stay, visit https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/rhode-island-hotel-week/

Saturdays at Sims Market

The Farm Fresh RI farmers market on Sims Ave in Providence, Sims Market, is now open every Saturday 9am–1pm year-round! You'll find fresh produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, coffee, treats, and more. The Farm Fresh facility is located at the corner of Sims and Kinsley Avenues, along the Woonasquatucket River, where you can enjoy other local businesses and artists nearby like The Steel Yard, ISCO: The Industrious Spirits Co., Revival Brewing Co., The Floral Reserve, The Garden of Eve, Nicholson File Art Studios, and Waterfire Arts Center! Learn more: farmfreshri.org/simsmarket

RI Summer Farmers Market Guide

Farm Fresh RI's annual guide to statewide farmers markets is now available. A collection of information from the many market managers across Rhode Island, this list will continue to be updated as details evolve this season. Plan ahead for a great spring and summer of local food, and learn which markets accept SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Bonus Bucks. View the guide: farmfreshri.org/summer2021
 |

 |  |

 |

 |

| 
| 
|  | 
| 
Have a great rest of your week!

Best,
 |

 |  |

 |

 |

| 
| 
|  | 
| 
|  |

 |

 |  |  | 
| 
Alexis E Kievning 

 Neighborhood Liaison and Digital 

Communications Specialist

Preferred Pronoun: she/her/hers 

 Department of Planning and Development

 Joseph A. Doorley Municipal Building

 444 Westminster Street 

 Providence, RI 02903

 Akievning at providenceri.gov

 (401) 680-8400 | Ext: 5408

 Call to Connect | PVD311

 |

 |  |

 |

 |

 |

 City of Providence
 444 Westminster Street
 Providence, Rhode Island 02903

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://sna.providence.ri.us/pipermail/summit_sna.providence.ri.us/attachments/20210423/a1e61181/attachment.htm>