[Summit] Newsletters from City Councillors John Gonçalves and Helen Anthony
David Kolsky
davidjkolsky at yahoo.com
Mon Feb 22 13:49:53 UTC 2021
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Councilman John Goncalves <info at johnforward1.com>To:
Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2021, 7:23:45 PM ESTSubject: Ward 1 Meeting & Vaccine Updates For Residents
Keeping you informed about the neighborhood
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| Ward 1 Newsletter |
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| Dear David,
I hope this message finds you well. I just wanted to follow up with another important e-mail regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. I also wanted to invite you to participate in our virtual community meeting this upcoming Monday. Please RSVP here or below.
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 informed. Also, please call or text me at any time: 401-227-5056. |
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| | Forward This Email To A Friend/Neighbor |
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| This e-mail covers several important items in our community:
1) Next Community Meeting: This Monday, February 22, 2021 at 6 PM
2) The Latest On Rhode Island Vaccination Program
3) Covid Testing Locations
4) Homestead Exemption Extension
5) Important Advocacy Opportunities
6) Bond Measures
7) Neighborhood Snapshots Digital Platform
8) Councilman Goncalves - Legislation Update
9) Ward 1 Parks Slated For FY 2021 Improvements |
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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.
- Lt. Dufault and O'Brien from the Providence Police Department will discuss public safety in the Ward
- In addition, the Director of PEMA, Dr. Clara Decerbo, Ph.D., CEM and Dr. Philip A. Chan, MD, MS, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Brown University will be joining us to discuss and directly answer your questions regarding the vaccine and vaccine rollout.
- Kristen Adamo, President & CEO, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau will be joining to discuss Downtown and ways to support local in light of COVID.
- If you have suggestions on who/what you would like to be covered, please let me know
Ward 1 Monthly Community Meeting
(Last Monday of Each Month)
This Monday, February 22, 2021 at 6 PM
Please RSVP below to receive the agenda/ZOOM link
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| RSVP Here! |
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| The Latest On Rhode Island Vaccination Program
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed based on age, underlying high-risk health conditions, and geography.
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
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, "Three types of locations will soon be available for eligible Rhode Islanders to receive the COVID-19 vaccine: pharmacies, local and regional vaccination sites, and state-run vaccination sites. Below is a visual of your path to vaccination:
State-Run Vaccination Centers
Last week, the State opened State-run vaccination sites at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence and the Sockanosset Cross Road site in Cranston for people age 75 and older.
Update:
All Rhode Islanders 75 and older can continue to register for an appointment at one of the two State-run vaccination sites. Appointments can be booked online at VaccinateRI.org or by phone at 844-930-1779. Next week, beginning February 22, scheduling will open to any Rhode Islander 65 and older through these same methods.
You will need to register for these State-run sites. You CANNOT walk in without an appointment and get vaccinated.
At their first vaccination appointment, people will be able to make appointments for their next dose.
Registering for Vaccination at a State-run Site
To register to be vaccinated at one of the State-run sites, visit vaccinateri.org. People who cannot register online can get help by calling the automated line at 844-930-1779. Going forward, the call center will be open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on holidays).
Through both systems, an individual can either make a personal appointment or an appointment for someone else who is 75 years of age or older or 65 and older starting Monday.
Appointments are currently open through February 27. Appointments are expected to fill up quickly, so people may need to try multiple times before they are able to schedule.
Visit https://covid.ri.gov/vaccination for more information on the vaccination timeline.
What to Expect During and After Your Vaccination
For more information on what to expect during and after your vaccination appointment, visit C19vaccineRI.org.
Homebound Individuals
While all individuals are encouraged to seek vaccination opportunities through vaccination clinics and retail pharmacies, there are individuals who are unable to leave home to attend such opportunities. If you are unable to leave home to receive COVID-19 vaccination, or are the healthcare provider or family caregiver of someone who is homebound, please inform RIDOH through the following form: http://bit.ly/homeboundvax. Please note: this is not a vaccination registration form. This is a form to collect information for planning.
Vaccine Interest Notification List
Regardless of whether or not you are currently eligible to get vaccinated, you can add your contact information to a Vaccine Interest Notification List to get updates as eligibility opens to new groups. Enrolling in this list does not guarantee an appointment for vaccination. To enroll in the Vaccine Interest Notification List, visit portal.ri.gov.
There is no insurance requirement to get vaccinated, and no one has to pay to get vaccinated. For more information about vaccination in Rhode Island, visit C19vaccineRI.org.
Local Vaccination Sites
The City of Providence has also officially announced available appointments for two upcoming Providence COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Providence residents 65 or older. Appointments are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Providence residents 65 or older who are technologically able can register* themselves for an open appointment here:
- Thursday, February 25, 2021
- https://www.vaccinateri.org/client/registration?clinic_id=733&token=86ab6f2b-4f2c-4b87-97cc-2722747c0a1e
- Tuesday, February 23, 2021
- https://www.vaccinateri.org/client/registration?clinic_id=725&token=e00f764c-58bc-4b12-8c2a-a6ef53bd26bd
*Internet Explorer will not work with the above-provided links. Copying and pasting the registration link is encouraged. Anyone who registers that is not a 65 or older resident of Providence will have their appointment canceled.
Residents who need assistance signing up for an appointment are encouraged to dial 3-1-1 to speak with a Mayor's Center for City Services Representative who can walk them through the enrollment process in English or Spanish. Although additional staff are supporting phone lines, residents should expect longer than normal wait times as MCCS anticipates a higher than normal call volume.
Clinics will adhere to all COVID-19 safety guidelines and best practices. Upon arrival, individuals who enter the clinic will undergo medical screening and will be required to wear a mask. If residents are sick or in quarantine for COVID-19, they are encouraged to stay home and book a new appointment.
For updates regarding the City's vaccination efforts, all residents are encouraged to join the Providence Vaccine Notification List in English or Spanish, visit the VaccinatePVD website.
Regardless of your age, you can also sign up for the City notification service at https://www.providenceri.gov/vaccinate/vaccine-notification-eng/ and enter your information into the “Join Our Notification List” section. This is specific for vaccination in Providence, so only open to Providence residents.
As the city receives additional doses for our residents and schedules more vaccine clinics over the coming weeks, city staff will contact residents who have filled out this form as one form of communication.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies to Expand Eligibility to People 65 and Older
On Monday morning, people who are 65 and older will also be eligible to make appointments through CVS and Walgreens.
The federal government is doubling the doses going to CVS. CVS was receiving roughly 3,500 doses of Moderna vaccine per week. Going forward, in addition to those doses, CVS will be receiving an additional 3,500 doses of Pfizer vaccine per week.
By the end of next week, CVS should be vaccinating at 14 locations (currently vaccinating at seven locations), and Walgreens should be vaccinating at 24 locations (currently vaccinating at 15 locations).
- For CVS, go to CVS.com, use the CVS Pharmacy app, or call CVS directly. Those without online access can contact customer service: (800) 746-7287. CVS has asked individuals eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations to use the appropriate digital channels or contact customer service to check for appointment availability, as opposed to contacting individual CVS Pharmacy locations. Active stores will change regularly based on vaccine supply.
Vaccine eligibility at pharmacies will depend on the same timeline, as well as the same age, high-risk conditions, and geography framework that the State is using. When additional age groups become eligible statewide, those same age groups will be eligible for appointments at pharmacies.
- For Walgreens, go to Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call your local Walgreens.
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Local COVID Testing Locations
While the vaccine rollout will take time, there is a lot you can do in the meantime to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Testing is more available now than it has ever been in Rhode Island. If you go online right now to portal.ri.gov, you can make a same-day appointment to get tested at many sites throughout the state.
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
Other Testing Updates
- Two locations for COVID-19 testing have been added to the State’s self-scheduling portal:
- East Bay Health Care – Newport: 6 John H Chafee Blvd. Newport, RI 02840; and
- East Bay Health Care – Riverside: 100 Bullocks Point Ave. East Providence, RI 02915.
- Both locations offer rapid testing by appointment only. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. A complete list of State-run COVID-19 test sites is available here.
For a complete list of local Covid testing sites, click here. |
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| Homestead Recertification Application Deadline Extended. Deadline Is Now March 15th
The City’s homestead recertification application deadline has been extended to Monday, March 15, 2021, to accommodate homeowners who have not yet reapplied.
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
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College Hill Historic District Expansion (Excerpt From Providence Preservation Society Newsletter)
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"The petition to expand the College Hill local historic district is on the February 24 agenda of the Ordinance Committee (5:30 pm). PPS invites all property owners within the expansion district -- roughly bounded by Hope, Young Orchard, Governor, and Angell -- to attend the virtual meeting and voice their support.
You can tune into the Zoom meeting via the link on the agenda. If you wish to voice your SUPPORT for this zoning ordinance (and we hope you will!), you must sign up by 3 pm on the day of the hearing (2/24) by registering here. If you prefer to submit written comment, you can do that by emailing the cityclerk at providenceri.gov. Either way, it's perfectly acceptable to be brief; just clearly communicate your support of the expansion to the City Council's Ordinance Committee.
Please reach out if you have any questions about this effort. Thank you neighbors for initiating this important districting effort and to Councilman John Goncalves for sponsoring the ordinance. (Image: 1892 et seq G. Richmond Parsons House on George Street)."
Brown Dorms on Brook Street (Except From Providence Preservation Society Newsletter)
A portion of the proposed new Brown dormitories on Brook Street is on the agenda for the Historic District Commission's meeting on Monday, February 22 at 4:30 pm. This project spans several parcels flanking Brook Street between Charlesfield and Power Streets, but only the southern portion of one building is under the purview of the HDC (116 and 118 Power Street -- currently surface parking).
Find the meeting agenda here; see the materials Brown submitted for the meeting by clicking here: https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Case21.011-116118Power-SR-docs-02-22-21.pdf All concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the virtual hearing. Read more about this advocacy issue on our website.
Neighborhood stakeholders, including CHNA, FPNA, PPS have expressed concerns about the design and not being consulted accordingly. I stand in solidarity with them and their request to continue (delay) the meeting to a new date in order for our neighborhood to discuss and be able to weigh in on the massing, location, scale, and design details in keeping with the historic fabric of the neighborhood and Power Street. |
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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, 3, question 5) will have positive, important, and direct impacts on our Ward so I encourage you to look into them and vote accordingly.
During the February 4th City Council meeting, I was the lead sponsor on three passed resolutions urging Providence voters to vote "YES" on the following:
- Resolution of the City Council Encouraging All Residents to Vote “Yes” on Bond Question 2 Which Includes $74 Million For Green Initiatives
- Resolution of the City Council Encouraging All Residents to Vote “Yes” On Bond Question 3 Which Includes $65 Million For Affordable Housing
- Resolution of the City Council Encouraging All Residents to Vote “Yes” On Bond Question 5 Which Includes $15 million For Early Childhood Care and the Educational Capital Fund
Ultimately, many of the measures below are important and I encourage you to support them if you believe in/are passionate about them.
• 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)
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Crook Point Bascule Bridge Update
In October, the City of Providence with support from the Providence Redevelopment Agency, issued a Call for Design Ideas to solicit creative ideas for reuse of the Crook Point Bascule Bridge structure. It's thrilling to announce that 80 submissions have been narrowed down to 5 finalists!
Out of the nearly 80 proposals received from around the world, five teams have been awarded $1,000 each and asked to submit more detailed ideas. Once final proposals are received in March 22nd, a comment period will be opened to provide the public an opportunity to view the designs and submit feedback. The jury will then review submissions from each of the five finalists and select one winner in Spring 2021 who will receive $10,000 upon award.
The five groups that have been asked to submit more detailed proposals are:
- Horsley Witten Group & Jonathan Harris — a Providence-based engineering and environmental consulting firm;
- James Carpenter Design Associates — a New York-based design firm led by a former RISD student and faculty member;
- Joshua Teas — an architect based in both Norway and Maine;
- PORT — a Philadelphia and Chicago-based design consultancy; and
- Ultramoderne — a Providence-based architecture firm.
The teams have been notified and are now hard at work preparing their final designs. Please stay tuned! In March, the designs will be posted, and we will be asking for your feedback.
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Henderson Bridge Updates From The Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Here is the latest expert from RI DOT regarding the Henderson Bridge:
"Alternating one-way traffic is anticipated on Massasoit Avenue for overnight demolition of the existing westbound bridge deck Sunday and Monday nights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Expect noise and vibrations. Weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., we are scheduled to install shielding on the center span of the Henderson Bridge and continue building the access road off Waterfront Drive." |
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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/
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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
- 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
- An Ordinance Amending Chapter 16 “Offenses And Miscellaneous Provisions”, Article II “Discrimination”, Section 16-54 “Definitions” Of The Providence Code Of Ordinances
- Resolution of the Providence City Council Recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Resolution of the City Council Encouraging All Residents to Vote “Yes” on Bond Question 2 Which Includes $74 Million For Green Initiatives
- Resolution of the City Council Encouraging All Residents to Vote “Yes” On Bond Question 3 Which Includes $65 Million For Affordable Housing
- Resolution of the City Council Encouraging All Residents to Vote “Yes” On Bond Question 5 Which Includes $15 million For Early Childhood Care and the Educational Capital Fund
- Resolution Thanking And Congratulating The United Way of Rhode Island On Unveiling its 5 Year Plan to Invest $100 Million To Address Affordable Housing, Education, and Racial Equity
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. |
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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. |
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Recent News
Statement from Councilman John Goncalves On the Passing of John “Johnny” Britto
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Providence City Council Endorses Creation of An Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy |
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City Councilors Ask for Federal and State Help to Fight Hunger |
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City Councilors Pass Resolution Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance |
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| 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 |
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City Council Urges Governor to Assist Restaurants Seeking License Renewals |
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| Councilman Goncalves Proposes and City Council Passes Resolution Requesting Public Workshops on City Zoning Practices |
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| Councilman Goncalves and Council Colleagues Introduce Several Resolutions Regarding Returning To School In Providence |
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| Councilman Goncalves and Colleagues Propose and Pass Resolution Supporting University Mask Policies |
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| Councilman Goncalves and Colleagues Propose and Pass Resolution Supporting University Mask Policies |
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| Providence Councilors, Residents Fed Up With Illegal Vehicles On Streets |
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| A Promise Made, A Promise Delivered
Brown University Announces $10 Million Endowment for Providence Public Schools |
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| Councilman John Goncalves and Community Partners Announce “Produce in The Park”
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We Want to Hear From You
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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
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| Please reach out: (401) 227-5056
Email John: info at johnforward1.com |
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Dear Neighbors,
More vaccination news available below as well as updates on the city's budget and an important city-wide housing report. I know people are anxious for timely information about vaccines, and I am doing my best to synthesize accurate information about vaccine clinics in these Ward Letters. I also post some updates to my Facebook feed here: https://www.facebook.com/CouncilHelen
Thank you for your continued efforts to look out for our neighbors. 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
- State of Rhode Island
- City of Providence
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- Providence Public Schools
- Brown: Healthy Brown; Report concerns: using 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: March 4 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.
Anti-Discrimination Ordinance: At our February 18 meeting, the City Council passed an ordinance that protects tenants from discrimination based on the source of their income. I was pleased that all three of the East Side's councillors joined colleagues in sponsoring this protection for residents with section 8 vouchers.
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COVID Vaccination
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| I encourage everyone to sign up for multiple information streams about available vaccines. The information will continue to change as more vaccines become available.
State Vaccination Strategy
In several briefings this week Dr. Alexander-Scott, Director of the RI Department of Health, shared the state's plans to streamline vaccine distribution. In the coming weeks the state will ramp up high volume state and regional vaccination clinics, and appointments will be through one RI DOH web site and phone number. Fewer, larger vaccination clinics will increase the efficiency of managing inventory, distributing doses and scheduling appointments. It is unclear when additional state and regional clinics will open, so stay tuned.
Vaccines from CVS and Wallgreens, which happen directly with the federal government, will continue as separate appointment systems. It is clear that the system will continue to evolve.
Targeted Groups & Timeline
As of Monday, February 22 the state will open vaccinations to people aged 65 or older. People 65+ as well as other priority groups can make appointments for vaccination through state clinics, municipal clinics or at private pharmacies starting Monday: https://covid.ri.gov/vaccination
Homebound
If you are unable to leave home to receive a vaccination or you are the caregiver of someone who is unable to leave home, please register with the RI Department of Health by using this form or by calling 401-462-4444.
Residents Needing Transportation
Individuals who are Medicaid members or over the age of 60 may request transportation to a vaccination clinic through MTM at https://www.mtm-inc.net/mtm-link/ or 1-855-330-9131 (TTY: 711), at least 48 hours before the vaccination appointment.
State Clinics
Register Now: Get on the COVID-19 Vaccine Notification List https://portal.ri.gov/
(note: this is is the same site where you can register for a COVID test)
Vaccination Clinics
- Where: Dunking Donuts Center in downtown Providence at 1 LaSalle Square and 100 Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston.
- When: The state has released appointments for February 18-27
- Make an Appointment: You MUST have an appointment and be in the targeted age range. Schedule an appointment at vaccinateri.org or on the automated phone line at 844-930-1779.
Get Updates: Click here to read weekly email updates from RI DOH
City of Providence ClinicsRegister Now: Sign up for the PVD Vaccine Notification List to hear directly when city vaccine appointments are available: VaccinatePVD.com
Vaccination Clinics
- Where: Locations may vary but John Hope Settlement House has been a primary site
- When: Weekly clinics scheduled for targeted age groups.
- Make an Appointment: Residents ages 65+ can make an appointment using links below.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021: https://www.vaccinateri.org/client/registration?clinic_id=725&token=e00f764c-58bc-4b12-8c2a-a6ef53bd26bd
Thursday, February 25, 2021: https://www.vaccinateri.org/client/registration?clinic_id=733&token=86ab6f2b-4f2c-4b87-97cc-2722747c0a1e
Or dial 3-1-1 or 401-421-2489 Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm to speak with the Mayor's Center for City Services.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies offer vaccines to people in targeted age groups. You must have an account to make an appointment, so set one up in advance. Appointments appear and are filled throughout the day, so keep checking back for available slots.
Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine |
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Henderson Bridge Project
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| The RI Department of Transportation (RI DOT) continues work on the Henderson Bridge Project.
The DOT is demolishing some of the older bridge structure in the coming weeks, which will cause noise and vibrations. On Sunday (2/21) and Monday (2/22) they will be demolishing some structures on the East Providence side of the bridge during the overnight hours. This work must happen at night so they can shut down nearby traffic lanes on Massasoit Avenue safely. There will be other periods of demolition during the project, but they will primarily occur during the day.
The final project will result in better traffic flow and a dedicated bike/ pedestrian lane.
The RI DOT's plans for the bridge project are here: http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/Henderson/ -- and at the bottom of the page you can sign up to receive project updates via email. If you have questions please contact RI DOT's customer service team at dot.customerservice at dot.ri.gov or 401-222-2540 or by using this form. |
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City Budget Status
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| As I have stated in previous Ward Letters, the city is currently operating without an approved budget. The State’s 2021 budget, H7171A, was signed into law by Governor Raimondo on December 12, 2020. At that time the budget gap was $275M -- far less than the projected $900M. The state’s 2021 budget avoided cuts to municipal aid and fully funded state aid to education.
Despite this effort by the state, the City has not been able to pass its 2021 budget of approximately $508M. I note that the Finance Committee has not received a detailed School Department budget, despite repeated requests. Although the City no longer oversees the Providence School Department, it does approve its budget, which makes up a significant portion of the city’s annual budget.
To not pass a budget is fiscally irresponsible – potentially jeopardizing school bond documents, accounting for COVID relief funds and diversion services (what does that mean? Criminal justice programming?). Currently budget negotiations are happening between staff for the City Council and the Mayor – those conversations are not happening in Finance Committee meetings, which are accessible to the public.
I’ve been advocating for a more open and transparent municipal budget process, and this year’s budget affirms that we must continue to press for progress in this area.
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Important City-wide Housing Strategy
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| In October 2019, the City of Providence Department of Planning began work Providence’s first Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Strategy in coordination with the consultant RKG Associates. The goal of the project is to develop an actionable ten-year housing plan to ensure that Providence offers housing that is affordable, safe and equitable.
Just before Christmas, the City of Providence released its draft report and welcomed public comment through mid- January. I and many others have requested a more robust public process around the report as it will impact every neighborhood in our city for years to come. The goals of the plan are extremely important to the future of our city, but the real challenge will be in the detailed strategies for implementation. In particular the College Hill Neighborhood Association has voiced concerns about the impact of potential measures to increase housing density in certain neighborhoods.
This comprehensive plan will lay the foundation for pursuing safe and affordable housing for all residents and will set the stage for other municipal regulations and governing bodies, so I urge you to read the draft report. The link to receive information about the report appears to be broken on the planning department’s web site, so I would suggest emailing Jess Pflaumer at the Planning Department at jpflaumer at providenceri.gov to be added to their mailing list.
My concern is that the public be adequately informed and engaged in the development of the final report and that communities are adequately informed about the potential implications for our neighborhoods. |
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March 2 Special Election
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| Rhode Island will hold a state-wide vote on the bond initiatives on March 2. The complete guide to state referenda and voting is here.
- February 10-March 1: Early in-person voting at Providence City Hall
- March 2, 2021 Special Election: Polls close at 8pm
- On the East Side, the only poll open on March 2 will be at Temple Beth-El at 70 Orchard Ave. Anyone can vote there regardless of where they live in Providence.
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Homestead Exemption Deadline: 3/15
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| The Tax Assessor's Office has extended the deadline for Homestead Tax Exemption applications to Monday, March 15. You can file your application online, in person at City Hall or via mail. Details here: https://e.providenceri.gov/homestead-recertification/
Contact the Tax Assessor at TaxAssessors at providenceri.gov or 401-680-5229, and the city also suggests calling 3-1-1 or visiting PVD311.com. |
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A Bright Light
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| In celebration of Anthropology Day, the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Brown created a free virtual escape room game -- "Escape the Haffenreffer" -- that takes people through the rooms of the museum by solving online puzzles. Located on Brown's main green the museum is currently closed to visitors, but you can explore their collections and recent exhibits on their web site: https://hma.brown.edu/ |
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| | Forward this Email to a Friend |
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| View Past Issues of the Ward 2 Letter |
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