[Summit] Councillor John Goncalves' Ward 1 letter: Meeting, Vaccines & Tests. Downcity future, homestead exemption, etc.
David Kolsky
davidjkolsky at yahoo.com
Mon Jan 25 01:34:51 UTC 2021
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Councilman John Goncalves <info at johnforward1.com>To:
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2021, 8:11:45 PM ESTSubject: Reminder: Community Meeting Tomorrow & Other Updates
Keeping you informed about the neighborhood
|
|
|
|
| Ward 1 Newsletter |
| View this email in your browser |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Dear David,
I hope that you are having a safe and enjoyable weekend! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this newsletter.
Before you read our Ward announcements below, please know that you should never hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of any assistance or help to you. I am always here to serve you.
Know a neighbor who'd like to receive these updates? Sign up here. Please encourage neighbors to sign up and subscribe so they can also be in the loop. Also, please call or text me at any time: 401-227-5056. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Forward This Email To A Friend/Neighbor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| This e-mail covers several important items in our community:
1) Community Meeting: Tomorrow, January 25th, 2021, at 6 PM
2) Phase 1 Vaccination Timeline
3) Homestead Exemption Extension
4) Bond Measures
5) Exciting Environmental Legislation
6) Stay Local, Eat Well - Providence Restaurant Weeks
7) Imagine Downtown Providence Survey
8) Neighborhood Snapshots Digital Platform
9) Free Parking
10) Covid Testing Locations
11) Speed Cameras Activated
12) Councilman Goncalves - Legislation Update
13) Ward 1 Parks Slated For FY 2021 Improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Ward 1 Monthly Community Meeting
In an effort to strengthen consistent communication and get the most up to date information throughout the entire Ward, we will continue hosting Ward 1 Monthly Community Meetings (virtually due to COVID) every last Monday of the month.
Our next community meeting will include:
- Caroline Skuncik, the Executive Director of the I-195 Redevelopment District who will join us to tell us about developments in the Ward. It will also be an opportunity for neighborhood residents to ask about current and future proposed developments that will impact the neighborhood
- The developer of Parcel 6 will also be joining us to provide us with a Q&A presentation on their construction of a 15,000 sf grocery store, 8,000 sf of retail and office, and 62 dwelling units across the street from the Shell Gas Station/Corliss Landing building. We encourage neighbors to bring any relevant questions or concerns that they have about the project
- Lt. Dufault and O'Brien from the Providence Police Department will discuss public safety in the Ward
Ward 1 Monthly Community Meeting
(Last Monday of Each Month)
Tomorrow, January 25, 2021, at 6 PM
Please RSVP below to receive the agenda/ZOOM link.
|
|
|
| RSVP Here! |
|
|
| |
|
|
| WHO Can Get Vaccinated in PHASE 1 of Rhode Island’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program?
If you are looking for information about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in RI, you can receive vaccination updates and subscribe to get updates every Friday at http://c19vaccineri.org.
Additionally, you can learn more about the vaccination timeline at https://bit.ly/35gdeB0
With the transition in state leadership and Lt. Governor McKee assuming the governorship, we look forward to partnering with our presumptive Governor and advocating for our community at the City and State level
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Homestead Recertification Application Deadline Extended
The City’s homestead recertification application deadline has been extended a month from Friday, January 15 to Friday, February 12, 2021, to accommodate residents who received notifications via mail later than expected.
My Council colleagues and I have communicated our feedback to the City administration regarding the challenging rollout of the Homestead Recertification Application and as such, we were able to work with the City to get the deadline extended but also to make recommendations to make the process more seamless. As a result, the new online application is much easier to navigate.
As a reminder, the homestead exemption provides residential homeowners a 40% reduction on their annual property taxes. Providence residents claiming the homestead exemption must demonstrate proof of residency and identification in order to qualify for the exemption, which will be applied to your July 2021 tax bill.
To do so, you can file an application online or apply in person in the City Assessor’s Office, Room 208 of Providence City Hall. You can also download a copy of the application online
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Special Statewide Bond Referenda Election - March 2, 2021
On March 2nd, voters will have the opportunity to vote on $400 million in bonds for education, affordable housing, green infrastructure, transportation, and other initiatives. Most of these bond items (e.g. question 2-question 6) will have positive, important, and direct impacts on our Ward so I encourage you to look into them and vote accordingly.
• Question 1: $107 million for higher education projects at three state colleges such as a fine arts center at URI, Clarke Science Building at RIC, and renovations at all four CCRI campuses
• Question 2: $74 million for green initiatives such as the I-195 land park, parks, clean water, the Woonasquatucket greenway project, and Providence river dredging, state beaches, campgrounds,
• Question 3: $65 million for affordable housing development
• Question 4: $72 million for transportation infrastructure which would match federal funds for ports, highways, roads, and bridges
• Question 5: $15 million for early childhood education capital fund and facilities
• Question 6: $7 million for arts and culture including the Trinity Repertory Company, The Rhode Island Philharmonic, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts grant program,
• Question 7: $60 million for Quonset to develop the Port of Davisville
Special Statewide Bond Referenda Election Timeline
Sunday, January 31 - Voter Registration Deadline
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 4:00 p.m - Mail Ballot Application must be returned to the Board of Canvassers at Providence City Hall (Mail Ballot Application Here)
February 10 - March 1 - Vote Early In Person
March 2 - Special Election Day (Polls close 8 p.m. - check your polling location)
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
2021 Environmental Legislation - Fighting For Environmental Justice
During the January 7th, 2021 City Council meeting, I was proud to introduce and be the lead sponsor on two resolutions that were passed in alignment with the City of Providence's Climate Justice Plan.
The first resolution requests that the Office of Sustainability collaborate with the Purchasing Department to develop an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) policy. An EPP policy will guide City staff in making purchasing choices that minimize negative impacts on human health and the environment.
|
|
|
| Read The Full Resolution Here |
|
|
| Read The Press Release Here |
|
|
|
The second resolution calls on the City’s Office of Sustainability, the Department of Public Works, and the Environmental Sustainability Task Force to produce a residential composting plan to explore current composting practices in Providence and identify short and long-term steps to eliminate food waste from the City’s residential waste stream.
|
|
|
| Read The Full Resolution Here |
|
|
|
Most importantly, I'm thrilled to support my Council colleague Helen Anthony (Ward 2) on a bold piece of legislation that she has put forth called the Building Energy Reporting Ordinance (BERO), which will require all Providence buildings over 10,000 square feet to make public their annual energy use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I'm incredibly grateful for her work on this important initiative and I'm proud to support my colleague in tackling the climate crisis head-on as we seek to achieve bold climate action and environmental justice for all the residents in the City of Providence.
|
|
|
| Read The Press Release Here |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau Updates
After a successful relaunch (with a twist) last summer, “Providence Restaurant Weeks Presents: Stay Local. Eat Well.” will be back January 10 through February 6.
January 10–February 6, 2021
Warm-up your winter with four weeks of delicious dining specials brought to you by Providence Restaurant Weeks Presents: Stay Local. Eat Well. Participating area restaurants will feature deals and specials for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or even all three). You'll also find other special offers, like signature cocktails, family-sized entrees, specialty products, and more.
Whether you choose to dine inside, outside, or take it to go, enjoy a well-deserved break from the kitchen while showing your support for Rhode Island's amazing restaurants.
For more information, visit ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com. Interested restaurants may offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or other specials and Navigant Credit Union is once again on board as a sponsor. to sign up, email Christine at cphillips at goprovidence.com.
The PWCVB is also looking toward the future, so they can safely host meetings, conventions, and sporting events again.
This includes hybrid meetings, where on-site content for attendees is mixed with broadcast content that can be accessed remotely, encouraging local businesses and groups to host smaller meetings in Rhode Island in 2021 and encouraging support for downtown businesses in light of COVID which has adversely impacted the restaurant and hospitality industry. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Imagine Downtown Providence Survey Deadline: February 1st
The City of Providence is currently facilitating a community engagement process as part of our work to reimagine the public spaces in and around Greater Kennedy Plaza. A public meeting was recently held with more than 160 people on ZOOM and a website has been launched that includes a survey that is currently open and collecting feedback. Feel free to leave your feedback.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Neighborhood Snapshots Digital Platform
Providence Planning has launched the Neighborhood Snapshot platform. With 7 data categories & an interactive interface, the digital platform allows you to explore neighborhood-level statistics on topics such as demographics, economics and housing, development, history, transportation, and more. Check it out here: https://neighborhood-snapshots-pvdgis.hub.arcgis.com/
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Free Two-Hour Parking During Providence Restaurant Weeks
The City will offer free, two-hour parking in designated commercial districts in alignment with Providence Restaurant Weeks through February 6, 2021.
Free two-hour parking will be offered in designated commercial districts throughout our Ward:
- Downtown Providence – bounded by Fountain Street, Memorial Boulevard, Weybosset Street, Empire Street, and Friendship Street (from Dyer Street to Dorrance Street)
- South Main Street – James Street to Packet Street
- Thayer Street – Bowen Street to Waterman Street
- Wayland Square – East Angell Street/Angell Street to Gano Street and Wayland Avenue from Angell Street to Pitman Street
- Wickenden/Ives – Wickenden Street at Benefit Street to Ives Street at Preston Street
- While parking meter violations will not be issued during free two-hour parking in the specified districts, parking time limits will be enforced.
Also, Please Download the Passport Parking App
Parking meters in Providence will no longer be accepting credit cards in 2021. Thus, it is encouraged that city residents currently using credit cards for parking meters to download the Passport parking application. The Passport Parking App allows you to conveniently pay for parking from anywhere by your mobile device.
All meters will still accept coins. Since this change has implications on those who do not own Smart Phones, I inquired to the City why this change was made.
This change resulted because pay-by-cell utilization has increased by over 25% organically with no intentional marketing. Additionally, credit card processing at meters is dependent on wireless networks and with the advent of 5G, if the City chose to continue with the in-person “swipe” feature for credit cards, it would have to make over hundreds of thousands worth of infrastructure and software upgrades. In an effort to be conscious of the budget, the City decided to make a full transition.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Henderson Bridge Updates From The Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Below is a quoted excerpt from RIDOT's announcement regarding the Henderson Bridge:
"Starting January 22nd, RIDOT is shifting traffic on the Henderson Bridge. Once the new traffic pattern is in place by the end of the day today (1/22), we will have one lane of travel and one bicycle lane in both the eastbound and westbound directions of the bridge.
Next week, all operations are anticipated to take place within our existing work zones so no lane closures are scheduled. We plan to remove asphalt from the bridge deck, highway bridge lighting, and the existing safety rail system. Weather and schedule permitting, we may also mobilize barges along the Seekonk River that will house cranes that will be used during demolition and construction activities.
Learn more about the project here."
"Starting Friday, January 22, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will make additional changes to traffic patterns on the Henderson Bridge in East Providence and Providence, shifting all travel lanes to the side of the bridge carrying eastbound traffic toward East Providence. This change will allow for demolition and reconstruction of the other half of the structure and will be in place for approximately two years.
One lane in each direction will be open, from South Angell Street and Waterman Street in Providence to North Broadway in East Providence. RIDOT has conducted several lane closures both as part of this project and earlier repair work on the bridge and observed little to no delays. RIDOT will include bike lanes in both directions and a sidewalk.
Speed limits on the expressway range from 25 mph to 35 mph and will be strictly enforced. RIDOT will add reflective delineators to the striping separating the lanes of traffic. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and drive cautiously through the work zone."
For more updates directly from the RIDOT, and to learn more about the project visit: http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/Henderson/index.php |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Local COVID Testing Locations
CIC Health
CIC Health in Ward 1's Innovation District is conducting $80 PCR tests on individuals 2 years of age and older. According to CIC Health, results are delivered in 24 hours, on average.
Rhode Island Convention Center Parking Garage
Drive-up Testing Available Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM, Weekends 9AM-3PM. English, Spanish, and Portuguese Available.
114 West Exchange Street
401-222-8022, 2-1-1 after hours and on weekends
For a list of local Covid testing sites, click here. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Providence School Zone Speed Cameras Reactivated
Fourteen-speed cameras in school zones have been reactivated and will operate on school days from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Any vehicle going 11 mph over the 20 mph posted speed limit in these zones will automatically be issued a $50 ticket.
For a full list of locations, click here. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Councilman Goncalves -
Lead Sponsor On The Following Policy Items
Below are several passed items/initiatives that I've introduced and been the lead sponsor on with support from my Council colleagues:
- Resolution Requesting the Providence Retirement Board to assess the viability of a voluntary early retirement program.
- Resolution Regarding a Security Plan for the Michael S. Van Leesten Bridge
- Resolution Encouraging all residents to vote "Yes" on the November Ballot Referendum to approve the $140M Bond for School Improvement Projects.
- Resolution Requesting the Rhode Island Department of Education to ensure that every Providence Public School has a School Nurse available during the school day.
- Resolution Requesting the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Providence Public School District provide a Remote Learning Best Practices Workshop for parents
- Resolution Recommending the Rhode Island Department of Education utilizes Disaggregated Data in their School Operations Decision Making.
- Resolution Supporting local Colleges and Universities Mask Policies and encouraging all Students, Faculty, and Staff to abide by said policies both on and off-campus.
- Resolution Endorsing and Urging Passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 8015, Delivering for America Act
- Resolution Establishing a Ceremonial Designation at the intersection of Ives Street and Wickenden Street as "Britto Way."
- Resolution Requesting Periodic Workshops on Zoning Practices and Procedures
- Resolution in Honor of Veterans Day
- Resolution Commemorating and Honoring the life of the late United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Resolution Recognizing International Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Resolution Recognizing and Congratulating Secretary of State Gorbea, the Rhode Island Board of Elections, and the Providence Board of Canvassers for Ensuring that every vote cast in Providence and Rhode Island was counted
- Resolution Regarding the Downtown Providence Overdose Hotspot Assessment and Plan
- Resolution Regarding An Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy
- Resolution Urging Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health to Prioritize Public School Educators for Covid-19 Vaccine Access
- Resolution Requesting Posting of Alternative Off-Street Parking Locations During a Parking
- Resolution Recognizing the Value of School Libraries and the Contributions of Library Media Specialists within Providence Schools (Lead Sponsor with Councilwoman LaFortune)
- Resolution Endorsing An Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy
- Resolution Requesting to Study Providence Composting
- Resolution Requesting Posting of Alternative Off-Street Parking Locations During a Parking Ban
- Resolution Urging Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health to Prioritize Public School Educators for Covid-19 Vaccine Access
- An Ordinance in Amendment of Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Providence Entitled: " The City of Providence Zoning Ordinance." Approved November 24, 2014, As Amended, to add certain parcels to the Historic Overlay District
- Resolution Requesting the Traffic Engineer to cause Ship Street to become a "One-Way" Street in an easterly direction from CliffordStreet to Richmond Street
Additionally, I've been a co-sponsor on countless other items with my colleagues. City Council agendas and minutes are posted on the City of Providence Open Meetings Portal.
I want to thank my colleagues for their hard work and for continued support/collaboration on these legislative items. There are several legislative items that we continue to work on and I look forward to continuing my legislative work to push for meaningful change for quality of life issues, education, social and environmental justice and public safety for the people in our Ward and in the City of Providence. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Ward 1 Parks Slated For FY 2021 Improvements
There are several places in the Ward slated for improvement in FY 2021.
Among them include Brassil Memorial Park on 41 Arnold Street, which is named for the first woman elected to the Providence City Council who served from 1975-1989.
The park includes a small hill for toddler sledding and bike riding and it is currently used as a recess area for local schools.
Additional improvements in FY 2021 are also coming to:
- India Point Park (Fox Point)
- Gano Street Park (Fox Point)
- Waterplace Park (Downtown)
- Burnside and Biltmore Park (Downtown)
I look forward to these improvements that will strengthen our neighborhood. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent News
Providence City Council Endorses Creation of An Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
|
City Councilors Ask for Federal and State Help to Fight Hunger |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
|
City Councilors Pass Resolution Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| Councilman John Goncalves Partners with The Avenue Concept and The Vartan Gregorian Elementary School and VG PTO For a Pilot Program to Bring Art to Campus |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
|
City Council Urges Governor to Assist Restaurants Seeking License Renewals |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| Councilman Goncalves Proposes and City Council Passes Resolution Requesting Public Workshops on City Zoning Practices |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| Councilman Goncalves and Council Colleagues Introduce Several Resolutions Regarding Returning To School In Providence |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| Councilman Goncalves and Colleagues Propose and Pass Resolution Supporting University Mask Policies |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| Councilman Goncalves and Colleagues Propose and Pass Resolution Supporting University Mask Policies |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| Providence Councilors, Residents Fed Up With Illegal Vehicles On Streets |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| A Promise Made, A Promise Delivered
Brown University Announces $10 Million Endowment for Providence Public Schools |
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Councilman John Goncalves and Community Partners Announce “Produce in The Park”
|
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
|
We Want to Hear From You
|
|
|
| Contact us |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for reading. I'm incredibly grateful to have committed folks like you who read our newsletters and stay informed on what's happening in the neighborhood. Please share this information with a neighbor who may need it and please reach out at any time.
Thank you,
Providence City Councilman, Ward 1
www.johnforward1.com
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Please reach out: (401) 227-5056
Email John: info at johnforward1.com |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friends of John Goncalves · PO Box [PENDING] · Providence, RI 02906 · USA
|
|
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://sna.providence.ri.us/pipermail/summit_sna.providence.ri.us/attachments/20210125/7f8132a4/attachment.htm>
More information about the Summit
mailing list