[Summit] Councillor Gonçalves’ Newsletter – Ward 1 Meeting, Trash & Tree pickup, Covid tests, Taxes, Environment, Housing, Restaurants, Parks, Traffic, etc.

Mon Jan 18 22:05:32 UTC 2021

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Councilman John Goncalves <info at johnforward1.com>To: 
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021, 8:01:40 AM ESTSubject: Ward 1 Newsletter [Please Read]
   Keeping you informed about the neighborhood  
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|  Ward 1 Newsletter   |

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|  Dear David, 

Happy Monday and I hope that you have had a safe and enjoyable weekend! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this newsletter.

Today, we celebrate and honor the life, memory, and legacy of The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Today, Martin Luther King Jr. would have been 92, and his love, relentless desire for equal Civil Rights, and his insight, and courage are still with us.

50 years after his death, Martin Luther King Jr's words still ring true and they are a reminder that love is greater than hate, and that inclusion and treating our neighbors with kindness and respect makes for a better, stronger society.

In honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I leave you with a few of his profound quotes: 
 “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” - Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  - Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr.

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.  - Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr.

"The time is always right to do what is right." - Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr.

 “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr. 
 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.  

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 me at any time: 401-227-5056.   |

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|  This e-mail covers several important items in our community:

1) Community Meeting: Next Monday, January 25th, 2021, at 6 PM
2) Trash Delay Due To The Holiday
3) Homestead Exemption Extension  
4) Exciting Environmental Legislation 
5) Stay Local, Eat Week - Providence Restaurant Weeks
6) Free Parking
7) Covid Testing Locations 
8) Feedback Needed On The City's Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Housing Strategy Draft
9) Christmas Tree Pick Up 
10) Speed Cameras Activated This Past Monday
11) Councilman Goncalves - Legislation Update
12) 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. 

Our next community meeting will include: 

   - Caroline Skuncik, the Executive Director of the I-195 Redevelopment District 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 13,000 sf grocery store, 10,000 sf of retail and office, and 49 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)
January 25, 2021 at 6 PM
Please RSVP below to receive the agenda/ZOOM link. 
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|  RSVP Here!  |

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Holiday Reminder: All Trash and Recycling Pick-Ups Will Be Operating On A One-Day Delay This Week
HOLIDAY REMINDER: All trash and recycling pick-ups will be operating on a one-day delay this week. Help us recycle by not placing plastic bags in the recycling bin!
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|  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 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 well.  

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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 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.
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|  Read The Full Resolution Here  |

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|  Read The Press Release Here  |

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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.
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|  Read The Full Resolution Here  |

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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. 
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|  Read The Press Release Here  |

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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.   |

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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.
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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 
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Henderson Bridge Updates From The Rhode Island Department of Transportation  

Below is an excerpt from RIDOT's announcement regarding the Henderson Bridge: 

"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 Avenue 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  |

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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.  |

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Feedback Needed on The Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Housing Strategy

In late December, the City of Providence unveiled the City’s Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Housing Strategy. 
The draft report can be accessed, here.

Many of my Council colleagues and I have expressed concerns about parts of the report. Several neighborhood groups have also expressed concerns about parts of the report. If you are able, I'd love to hear directly from you about your thoughts or concerns in order to advocate effectively on behalf of our constituency. 

The public is encouraged to review the draft report and provide feedback, comments or questions via email before Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 5:00 PM to Jess Pflaumer at jpflaumer at providenceri.gov.

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Christmas Tree Pick-Up 
The City of Providence announced that free, curbside pick-up of Christmas trees will take place from Monday, January 4 through Friday, January 29 on regularly scheduled trash pickup days. All trees collected by the City will be delivered to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and recycled into compost.

Any Providence resident wishing to take advantage of this free service must place their tree at their curb on the day of the week that trash and recycling pick-up is normally provided in their neighborhood. Trees must be free of all contaminants, such as garland, tinsel, lights, ornaments and should not be placed in a bag.

If you have trouble with your pickup for any reason, please let me know and we will notify the appropriate City parties on your behalf.  
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Providence School Zone Speed Cameras Reactivated

Fourteen-speed cameras in school zones have been reactivated since this Monday 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.   |

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 Councilman Goncalves -
Lead Sponsor On The Following Policy Items  
Last week, as stated above, I had several legislative items that were voted on during our full-body Council meeting, and 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 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
 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

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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Friends of John Goncalves · PO Box [PENDING] · Providence, RI 02906 · USA 

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