[Summit] From Councillors John Goncalves' & Helen Anthony's newsletters (inc. Monday meetings)
David Kolsky
davidjkolsky at yahoo.com
Mon Oct 25 02:01:26 UTC 2021
The North Main Street Corridor Visioning workshop originally scheduled for Monday, 10/25 has been postponed. Please keep an eye on your emails and the Providence Planning Department social media pages for a new date.
If you were unable to join us for the first community meeting or just want to get caught up, you can watch the meeting recording on the project webpage at https://www.providenceri.gov/planning/north-main-street-corridor-revitalization-study/.
The North Main Street Corridor Study Online Survey is still open! We invite you to participate in the survey between now and October 25th. Your responses will help the team collect and organize your ideas and vision for the North Main Street Corridor. Take the survey here: https://principlegroup.typeform.com/to/uVHhmO6K
The online survey is a great way to participate in the corridor study, especially if you can’t join us for the virtual visioning workshop!
What is the North Main Street Corridor Study?
In August 2021, the City of Providence in partnership with Councilperson Nirva LaFortune contracted Principle Group (a planning consultant) to conduct a corridor study for North Main Street. The Study will focus on the entire length of North Main Street from Downtown to the Providence-Pawtucket border. The goals of the study are to: analyze existing conditions; develop and assess alternatives with conceptual costs for different combinations of streetscape improvements, bicycle and pedestrian improvements; study development opportunities on vacant and underutilized parcels to complement further transportation investments; study the feasibility of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and potential revenue; examine existing residential and commercial market conditions and needs; and identify strategies to encourage the type of development the community would like to see along the corridor to improve quality of life for neighborhood residents. This study will build upon past plans and more recent work that has been done by various parties to develop a cohesive, implementable strategy for North Main Street that will guide city departments and state agencies and inspire private investment.
How can I participate in the study?
- Keep an eye out for a new date via email and social media for the Virtual Visioning Workshop
- Visit the project website at https://www.providenceri.gov/planning/north-main-street-corridor-revitalization-study/ to sign up for our email list and be notified of future public meetings for this study. On this page, you can view previous meeting recordings and read through previous plans and reports as well!
- Share this email and social media posts about the meeting from @ProvPlanning on Twitter and Facebook with your friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
- Take our online survey at North Main Street Corridor Study. The survey will be open until October 25 th.
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North Main Street Corridor Study
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- Keep an eye out for a future email about the final virtual public meeting planned for Spring 2022.
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| October 2021 |
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Dear Neighbors,
My team and I made an extra effort in the last year to share timely, clear information about COVID-19, and we were flattered that other officials shared our information across the city. In a crisis information is one of the most potent forms of prevention.
While I am hopeful that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, it is not over. We live in a community with many young children who are not able to be vaccinated and people who have complicating health issues. I wanted to share some important updates issued yesterday by the RI Department of Health in an effort to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Let's take care of one another.
Helen
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COVID Updates
- RI Department of Health
- City of Providence
- Healthy Brown; RISD COVID Information
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- Free COVID Testing
- Get your COVID-19 Vaccination Record
- Vaccination Information
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Vaccine Booster Shots
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| Booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are now available to many Rhode Islanders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced their endorsement of COVID-19 booster shots on Thursday and the State of Rhode Island announced yesterday, October 22, that booster shots of Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer are now available.
The Rhode Island Department of Health has set the following criteria for booster shots:
Johnson & Johnson
Everyone who is age 18 and older and who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine can get a booster dose two months or more after their first dose.
Pfizer and Moderna
People who got the two doses of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can get a booster dose six months or more after their second dose if they are:
- Anyone age 65 years or older
- Anyone age 18 or older who lives in long-term care settings
- Anyone age 18 or older who has an underlying medical condition
- Anyone age 18 or older who works or lives in high-risk settings
People can choose which vaccine they get as a booster dose.
Eligible Rhode Islanders must make an appointment to receive a booster shot. Details on appointments and much more available from the RI Department of Health at: https://covid.ri.gov/boosterdoses |
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Children, Testing and Vaccines
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| We are still waiting on local and federal guidance to vaccine children under 12. Recent results of tests on the Pfizer vaccine for children are promising and shots could begin in in the next few weeks.
COVID-19 testing for school students and school staff is available at test sites and in Pre K-12 schools. Learn more at covid.ri.gov/PreK12testing. |
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Vaccine Third Doses
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| Third doses of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are available to certain Rhode Islanders who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. |
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Mask Guidance Still in Place
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| Even if you are vaccinated there are still circumstances in which you are encouraged to wear a mask. The RI Department of Health offers this list:
- If a business, private school, camp, healthcare setting, or other entity requires it
- In public K-12 schools
- On public transportation like planes, buses, and trains
- When providing or using paid ground transportation services
- In transportation hubs like airports and stations
- In enclosed or semi-enclosed transit stops and waiting areas
- If working in a healthcare setting where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated
- When required by other state and federal laws and regulations
The Department of Health and the CDC recommend that you wear a mask when you are in crowded areas where you may be near other people who are not vaccinated. |
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Upcoming Meetings & Events
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- 10/23 & 10/29: Join the Blackstone Parks Conservancy for trail maintenance and daffodil planting this month. More details on all of their events on their web site!
- 10/27: Committee on Ordinances Public Hearing on Leaf Blower Ordinance at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chamber (3rd Floor)
Details on the meeting here
- 11/2: District 3 Special Election: polls open 7am to 8pm.
- 11/3: Ward 2 Infrastructure Conversation with Department of Public Works at 5:30PM. On Zoom RSVP here
- Rolling until 11/12: City of Providence COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. More here
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Ward 1 Monthly Community Meeting This Monday
In an effort to get the most up-to-date information to constituents, we will continue hosting Ward 1 Monthly Community Meetings (virtually for the time being) every last Monday of the month.
Thank you to all who attended our previous community meetings.
We will be holding our next Ward 1 Monthly Community Meeting
This Monday, October 25, 2021.
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The three Boston-based developers vying for the I-195 land will present at our October 25th meeting. More details and information on each of the plans are contained in our newsletter below.
We will also have several other guests to be announced so please RSVP as this will be a meeting you do not want to miss.
I-195 Redevelopment District Land In Ward 1
***Please note that the following is NOT an endorsement or an indication of support of any of these proposals but simply being shared to keep constituents informed. We are eager to hear your thoughts and feedback below as we think about our recourse moving forward.***
Three developers are vying to develop mixed-use apartment buildings with ground-floor commercial businesses and public space at the foot of the pedestrian bridge (Parcel 2). These projects are selected and under the purview of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission.
All three proposals are led by Boston-based firms: Urbanica, Parent and Diamond, and Eden Properties.
The proposals include between five and six stories and between 120 and 194 apartments on the 1.1-acre building site. Additionally, they will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Variations of ground-floor shops, restaurants, and public plazas leading into the walkway to Transit Street are also included in the plans. A walkway between South Water Street and South Main Street is included in all three designs since the site is bisected by a utility easement.
Senate District 3 Special Election Dates
• October 13 – November 1, 2021: Early in-person voting period for the election
• November 2, 2021: ELECTION DAY – Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Halloween Ward 1 Movie Night on Thursday, October 28th
Please join me for a Halloween Ward 1 Movie Night on Thursday, October 28th at 6 pm at Gano Street Park! We will be watching Hocus Pocus (Rated PG). Be sure to bring chairs or blankets.
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| RSVP Here! |
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Hocus Pocus 2 Filming In Ward 1
Speaking of Hocus Pocus, the filming of Hocus Pocus 2 will continue in Ward 1 throughout the weekend.
October 22, 12:30pm-7:30am (ending on October 23)
- Governor Street between George & Young Orchard
- Benevolent Street between Hope & Governor
- Cooke Street between George & Young Orchard
NO PARKING PERMITTED
October 20-23, 7am-7pm
- George Street between Hope & Cooke
- Young Orchard between Hope & Benevolent
- Governor Street between George & Young Orchard
- Cooke Street between George & Young Orchard
Leaf Blower Ordinance Public Hearing Next Thursday
A few weeks ago, in response to complaints about leaf blower noise, I introduced an ordinance seeking to amend the current noise-control ordinance governing "machinery, equipment, fans, air-conditioners, and leaf blowers" (Sec. 16-97) along with my fellow East Side Council colleagues.
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The amendment removes leaf blowers from the broader category of noise-making equipment and puts them in their own section of the city's municipal code, as follows: |
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| Sec. 16-100. Leaf Blowers
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to use, at any time, a leaf blower within any residential zone that has an average sound level exceeding sixty-five (65) dBA measured at or within the real property boundary of a receiving land use or when the same is audible to a person of reasonably sensitive hearing at a distance of two hundred (200) feet from its source.
(b) Leaf blowers shall not be operated within the city between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. |
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| The City Council's Committee on Ordinances has scheduled a public hearing on the amendment on Wednesday, October 27, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall at 25 Dorrance Street, to hear from members of the public about the effects of limiting noise levels from leaf blowers and when they can be used.
| Along with The Providence Noise Project, I urge Providence residents who want to reduce noise in the city to attend the meeting to show their support to reduce excessive, unnecessary, and unhealthy noise that's been rampant in the city for too long.
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As the Providence Noise Project writes "Among the reasons to limit gas-powered leaf blower noise levels and times of use that supporters may want to mention at the public hearing (or in a personal message to City Council members) are: |
· Gas-powered leaf blowers produce toxic gases, particulates, and levels of noise that are unhealthy for their operators and those nearby. Most landscaping workers don't wear proper masks or hearing protection, and can suffer permanent health effects from their jobs.
· The emissions from inefficient two-stroke leaf blower motors is proportionately more damaging to the environment than car and truck exhausts. If we're serious about addressing climate change, small-engine emissions must be reduced.
· Noise levels from gas-powered leaf blowers already violate Providence municipal code — and in some neighborhoods are among the biggest sources of noise — but are rarely cited for it. We can't reduce excessive noise in the city without addressing landscaping equipment.
| Those are a few of the most important reasons to regulate gas-powered leaf blowers, but hardly the only justifications for doing so." |
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2021 WaterFire Season Schedule
Below is the 2021 WaterFire Season Schedule!
Additionally, below is the map of the street closures for WaterFire.
Wednesday, October 27
WaterFire’s 25th Birthday Celebration!
Partial lighting
Saturday, November 6
9th Annual WaterFire Salute to Veterans
Full lighting
Saturday, December 4
WaterFire Celebrates the Holidays
Partial lighting
WaterFire Providence, in close cooperation with the Rhode Island Department of Health, requests all visitors, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, wear masks while attending the WaterFire event.
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Brown University Dorm Project To Forge Ahead - Multiple Structures To Be Demolished
A few months ago, I sent President Paxson a letter regarding the Brown University dorms on Brook Street dorm. We appreciate Brown’s vested interest in having more students live on campus to alleviate local neighborhood and housing concerns. However, we expressed our concerns regarding the Brook Street Dorm proposal and expressed dismay that the University rejected all four actionable concerns regarding the dorm proposal despite the nearly 1,000 neighborhood residents, including Brown faculty members, students, and alumni, who signed on in support of neighborhood recommendations in the letter below.
The university has made a few concessions since initially rejecting all four actionable but is largely moving ahead as planned this fall. |
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| Read The Letter To President Paxson Here |
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For additional context on this story and our advocacy:
Joint Statement from Councilman John Goncalves and Councilwoman Helen Anthony Regarding Brown University’s Dormitory Development
Brown University Rejects All East Side Resident’s Recommendations-Boston Globe
Councilman John Goncalves And Community Stakeholders Call for Community Support on Brown University Brook Street Dorms Petition
Providence East Side Battle Brews Between Brown University and Long Time Residents-Boston Globe
Ward 1 Residents Criticize Revised Brook Street Dorm Plans-Brown Daily Herald
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South Water Street Developments
Construction and safety improvements on South Water, Empire, Chestnut, and Richmond Street in Ward 1 are nearly complete.
Many of our constituents, including local resident abutters, provided robust feedback and were supportive of the plans for South Water Street, which includes traffic calming measures that will mitigate the issues in this area.
Avid supporters and neighborhood abutters of the plan cited the safety concerns, loud music by the Pedestrian Bridge, the street racing as a result of the two-lane drag strip, ATVs, altered mufflers, droves of motorcycles, and other issues undermining the quality of life and the calmness visitors should feel along the waterfront. Simultaneously, we heard about the importance of on-street parking for adjacent businesses and worked together to ensure that on-street parking remains along South Water Street, even with the new trail.
We have witnessed how the reliable multimodal options and updates to South Water Street, which was supported by hundreds of neighborhood residents, have prioritized safety and service to the neighborhood. Read our initial statement here. These repairs help build and sustain our community, calming the waterfront front from speeding traffic, and protecting and providing safe space for all types of travel and gathering.
While I know there are mixed opinions on this plan, we have received hundreds of letters of support for many of the reasons stated in this statement.
Throughout the process, we have advocated for our constituents, sought to find common ground, and pushed back on aspects of the plan from the City administration that we have found problematic.
Additionally, after meeting with South Water Street business abutters and hearing their concerns, we pushed the City to make the following changes which were communicated to stakeholders:
- We adjusted the placement of planned flexible delineator posts to accommodate large vehicles utilizing the loading dock at 121 South Main Street.
- We studied potential adjustments to existing loading zones so delivery vehicles would not double park on South Water Street and as a result, DPW plans to install new loading zone signage once the contractor work is complete.
- We explored adjusting the timing of the traffic signal at the Wickenden/South Water intersection to optimize the flow of traffic along South Water Street and will adjust the Wickenden signals to further improve traffic flow.
- We pushed back on the installation of any speed lumps (which many folks were supportive of) and speed data from S Water since the construction is very encouraging and seems to vindicate that we likely don't need speed lumps for now.
Additionally, we were pleased that the FHWA and RIDOT will not be involved in any further discussion or legal proceedings regarding South Water Street. Read our statement here.
Moving forward, I remain committed to collaborating with businesses, neighbors, developers, or any other parties who are concerned about South Water Street. Most importantly, however, I will continue to advocate for the residents and constituents of our neighborhood and city who have supported these critical multimodal infrastructure plans as a way to calm traffic along the waterfront and ultimately improve the quality of life in our ward.
For an interesting take, read Dan McGowan's commentary: Real cities have bike lanes, no bikers aren't destroying the fabric of the city
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