East Providence News Briefs

City to seek Voter Approval for Martin & Waddington Renovations
Based on the recent success of the new East Providence High School construction and a recommendation from the Rhode Island Department of Education, City officials are seeking voter approval for a bond issue to renovate Martin Middle and Waddington Elementary schools.  The question will be put before voters on the November 2022 ballot.  Outgoing Superintendent of Schools, Kathryn Crowley and the School Committee have been studying a $148 million plan to demolish part of Martin and build a new classroom wing and to renovate Waddington.  The Waddington project would include building a three-floor addition to include traditional classrooms while reconfiguring the current “open” concept currently in some of Waddington.  The City Council unanimously approved a joint resolution with the School Committee which seeks to benefit from a proposed $300 million statewide referendum.  The resolution unanimously passed last month states in part, “… numerous studies have identified tens of millions of dollars worth of necessary renovations and new construction to bring East Providence school facilities into the twenty-first century … funding provided by the State of Rhode Island by way of a similar program was integral to the construction of the new East Providence High School …”

The city will ask voters to approve up to $148 million for these projects.  According to school and state officials, East Providence could receive up to $100 million in reimbursements, standing the project at about $48 million for the total bond local cost.  The City Council and School Committee held a public meeting at the high school in early May where the project plan was described by school officials and Peregrine Group project managers which also worked on the new high school.  A second presentation was made before the council at its May 17^th meeting.    Peregrine Group Headquarters are in East Providence with offices in Newport and Boston.

The state of Rhode Island previously hired an architect to study deficiencies in all state schools.  Martin, with its open walls concept, was identified as the second most deficient school in need of renovation. The Nayatt School in Barrington was number one on the list. Martin, which opened in 1977 with a so-called “open classroom” concept, is now in need of major reconfigurations, if not a total rebuild.  The Peregrine Group and school officials have decided on a “hybrid” form of renovation.  “Good parts of the school will remain as is.  The auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria are all in great shape with just minor work done.  They will remain while we build a new classroom wing.  Once the classrooms are done, we will demolish the old, open area and it will be like a brand-new school,” Superintendent Crowley told the joint meeting of elected officials last month.  Timing is important because the reimbursement rate will drop from a locked 48.1% currently to 42% in 2023.  There could be an additional 20% reimbursement if state incentives are met, bringing the project total reimbursement to 68.1%.

“The two-story addition at Waddington will address safety, security and acoustical issues associated with Waddington’s open classrooms.  All exterior window systems and doors will be replaced.  Work will include improvements in the original 1954 building.  About $6 million of the $148 million is slated for Waddington,” said project engineers.

The full plan includes moving all the city’s Pre-K and related programs to the new Martin structure.  Students will no longer be housed in the former Meadowcrest building on Bart Drive in Riverside.  This will free up the “Meadowcrest” building for future use as a full elementary school should one be needed.  Officials plan to hold more public sessions regarding these renovations.  The entire projected is estimated to take between 3 and 6 years to complete. 

Kent Heights Park Upgrade
Mayor Bob DaSilva and city officials announced that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has awarded the city a $400,000 Recreation Department Grant for improvements to the Kent Heights Recreational Facility.  “This is great news for our community. Our administration with the support of the city council had submitted a grant application to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. We will be making major improvements to this great facility,” said Mayor DaSilva.  “I will be scheduling a neighborhood community meeting with Council Vice President Bob Rodericks, Ward Three Councilman Nate Cahoon and the City of East Providence Parks Division at the playground to discuss our plans and to get public input,” DaSilva added.

“On November 16, 2021, Ward Three Councilman Nate Cahoon and myself sponsored a resolution to request a RI Recreation Development Grant for improvements to the Kent Heights Recreational Facility.  The City committed to the required minimum of a 20% match of funds.  The total for this extensive improvement is $550,000.  The grant received is for $400,000.  The City commitment is a total of $150,000 in capital funds as we originally budgeted and agreed to.  The total project for the Kent Heights Recreational Facility includes resurfacing basketball and tennis courts, repairs to existing walkways, resurfacing/grading existing multiuse athletic field, new futsal court, accessible walking path and play equipment, landscaping benches, and bike racks.  The November 2021 council vote was unanimous,” said Councilman at Large, Bob Rodericks.  This 21-acre park remains popular.  “Finally, after many years, Kent Field Park will have major renovations which are much needed,” added Cahoon.  “We also need to address proper drainage there as the project develops.” 

Department of Planning & Economic Development, including Director Bill Fazioli, engineers & planners Erik Skadberg, Patrick Hanner, Ernie Germani and Mayor DaSilva, all worked together on procuring a $400,000 RI DEM grant for Kent Field.  The grant will include much needed resurfacing of basketball and tennis courts, repairs to existing walkways, resurfacing/grading existing multiuse athletic field, new futsal court, an accessible walking path and play equipment, landscaping, benches, and bike racks.

The RIDEM grants will fund 16 projects across the state including new athletic fields, playgrounds, a splash park, a dog park, a kayak/canoe launch, a pump track, walking trails, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, and various site improvements.  “Investments in recreational facilities tie our communities together and are integral to both physical and mental health and well-being,” said Governor McKee.  Six communities received the $400,000 maximum grant. 

According to the RIDEM, competitive applications were evaluated and scored by the Rhode Island Recreation Resources Review Committee, consisting of government and non-profit members using the Open Project Selection Process developed under the 2019 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Waterfront Commission appoints new Executive Director
The East Providence Waterfront Commission issued a press release announcing the appointment of its new Executive Director.  “The East Providence Waterfront Commission, charged with facilitating the transformation of the waterfront into a model of urban revitalization, has appointed Raymond Lavey as its new executive director,” said commission Chairman William Fazioli in May.

“East Providence’s waterfront has a prodigious amount of economic development opportunity that has the potential to celebrate a harmony of urban and natural uses while also strengthening our economic and environmental sustainability – and I couldn’t be more excited to work with the Commission to see that vision through,” Ray Lavey said.

Lavey, who has more than 30 years of experience as a developer and commercial real estate loan officer, adds an owner’s perspective to managing a project and its team with acute attention to detail, cost, and responsiveness.

“Ray Lavey’s unique knowledge and insight into the various aspects of proposing a viable development, navigating through complex permitting requirements, and successfully managing diverse real estate projects from concept through construction, enhances the Commission’s charge of transforming the East Providence Waterfront into a model of urban revitalization,” East Providence Waterfront Commission Chairman William Fazioli said.

“The City looks forward to working with Mr. Lavey and the Commission on the transformation of our once industrial and vacant waterfront to a vibrant and productive place for all to enjoy,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

Lavey will be tasked with overseeing the coordination of all administration for the Commission as the primary liaison between the business and development community, the Commission, and its reviewing bodies.  Lavey is a graduate of Providence College and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

City awards loans to dozens of small businesses
In a press release from the Mayor’s Office, it was announced that East Providence seeks to expand its current micro and commercial small business loan program by allocating to the program a portion of funds from the sale of the Platt Watters school property.  

In the last three years, the City of East Providence through the Economic Development Commission has issued loans to 19 small businesses totaling $591,000.  “Under my Administration, the City has worked hard to support our local businesses especially during the Pandemic,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.  “Adding a portion of the proceeds (approximately $853,000) from the Platt Watters property sales to this loan program, enables us to expand our support of existing East Providence businesses seeking to grow and new businesses wishing to call East Providence home.”

The Administration is asking the City Council to approve the sale of eight city-owned parcels located on Burnside and Hoppin Avenues that recently went out for bid through a request for proposal process. The parcels will be awarded to the highest bidders, with a requirement that they develop the lots within two years of closing.

An additional three parcels will be restricted to affordable housing duplexes, adding six new units to our affordable housing stock.  

“Our goal, since the start of this administration, has been to support our residents and our local businesses,” DaSilva added. “We have a great team of people in our Planning and Economic Development Dept. who are willing and ready to assist our local businesses.”  

For information on these loans and small business grants, please contact Economic Development Specialist & ARPA Coordinator/Planner II Dominic Leonardo and Business Development & Economic Opportunity Coordinator/Planner I Victor Regino.  DLeonardo@eastprovidenceri.gov or VRegino@eastprovidenceri.gov

Name of Company - Loan Date - Loan Amount

Colonial Mills - 4/1/2019 - $99,999.00

Oliver Daycare - 10/1/2019 - $40,000.00

Metro Salon - 4/21/2020 - $2,000.00

Renaissance Gym - 4/21/2020 -  $5,000.00

JDP Theatre Co.  -  4/21/2020 -  $2,500.00

JRC Landscaping - 5/4/2020 -  $3,000.00

Precision Garage Door - 5/4/2020 - $5,000.00

John B. Rogers & Co. -  5/4/2020 -  $5,000.00

Pooch Pawsitive, LLC - 5/4/2020 - $5,000.00

Kjane & Co. LLC  -  5/4/2020 - $5,000.00

American Trophy -  5/4/2020  - $5,000.00

Fella's Fitness -  5/18/2020 -  $3,000.00

Z&S Express LLC -  5/18/2020  -   $5,000.00

Taylor Health Enterprises - 8/18/2020 - $10,000.00

Chibi's Choice Pet Groom - 11/23/2020 - $10,000.00

Crook Point Brewing Co - 5/21/2021 - $85,000.00

Honeybird Kitchen - 11/1/202 - $99,999.00

EnoTap -  3/1/2022 -  $99,999.00

Union Bar -  4/1/2022 -  $99,999.00

RI School Districts Eligible for Clean School Bus Replacement
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that under the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Rhode Island school districts and other eligible school bus operators and contractors can apply to begin replacing their fleets of school buses with clean, American-made, zero-emission buses through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new Clean School Bus Program.  “Through Aug. 19, 2022, school districts that apply for electric school buses and are selected, will be awarded between $250,000 to $375,000 for each bus and $13,000 to $20,000 for charging infrastructure per bus to replace their older, diesel-emitting school buses with new, clean, low, or no-emission school buses.  School districts can apply for up to 25 buses in this first round of funding. This is a $5 billion investment over the next five years, secured through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” stated a DEM press release in May.

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Clean School Bus Program will help reduce tailpipe pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and maintenance costs of fleets dominated by diesel-powered vehicles. We have a golden opportunity to spur the transformation of our state's fleet of school buses. I encourage school districts to apply for this funding."  Zero-emission buses cost less for school districts to operate than diesel buses, and the electricity stored in zero-emission school buses can transmit energy back to the grid to meet extra energy demand or provide energy to communities during power outages.  This is the first competition that EPA is running through the Clean School Bus Program. The EPA also will launch a grant competition later this year, while further Clean School Bus competitions funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be run every year over the next five years.

Mayor DaSilva creates new LGBTQI + Council
Mayor Bob DaSilva has created a newly formed advisory council dedicated to advising and consulting the mayor on how to best maximize the city’s outreach to all members and non-members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex + (LGBTQI+) community.  “Mayor DaSilva signed Executive Order 2022-004 establishing the Mayor’s Council on LGBTQI+ Affairs on March 3, 2022.  Now, we are asking any East Providence resident interested in joining the Council, to apply,” said a press release from the office of Mayor.

“My administration saw a great need in bringing members of the LGBTQI+ community together to work in collaboration with the City and help identify and tear down any barriers and build acceptance and inclusion in our city,” Mayor DaSilva said.  “I look forward to working with our Council on LGBTQI + Affairs to reinforce East Providence’s commitment to identify, explore, address and provide educational resources regarding emerging topics and concerns relevant to diverse sexualities, gender identities and gender expressions affecting people in the LGBTQI+ community, so that the city may continue to be open and accepting.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the LGBTQI + Advisory Council, please apply here: https://onboard.eastprovidence.com.

City Council Approves Pokanoket Tribe land acknowledgement
The City Council passed a land acknowledgement resolution in April that recognizes East Providence as part of Sowams, the ancestral home of the Pokanoket Tribe. This is the third such acknowledgement passed by towns in East Bay Rhode Island in the past ten months.  Speaking for the Tribe, Pokanoket Sachem Dancing Star stated “Sowams, which East Providence is a part of, is such an amazing and important part of the history of this country. The people who live in East Providence need to know that and be educated on that . . . In doing that, it builds pride, it builds community . . .”

The resolution was initiated by Ward Three councilman, Nate Cahoon and stated, in part: “East Providence is one of several Rhode Island cities and towns within the Sowams Heritage Area; and Sowams is the ancestral home of the Pokanoket tribe, where they lived and thrived for the nearly 12,000 years between the last glacial retreat and the establishment of European colonies in New England; and Sowams is historically significant as a cultural nexus between Indigenous and European peoples; and WHEREAS, the City East Providence City Council pays honor to, and has deep respect for, the ancestries and cultural contributions of all of its people…”

Following the Sachem’s remarks, Harry “Hawk” Edmonds, who grew up in East Providence and became a star basketball player in the 1950s and an EPHS Hall of Fame inductee, offered a sacred tobacco prayer. After he spoke, Sagamore Dr. William “Winds of Thunder” Guy described some of the history of the Tribe and thanked the Council for having members of the Tribe address them.

“We pay tribute to the tribal elders and people of this community who served and continue to serve as stewards of the lands and waterways of Rhode Island and Massachusetts,” wrote Cahoon’s resolution.  The declaration was co-sponsored by At Large Councilman Bob Rodericks and unanimously approved by the city council.

Cape Verdean Museum gets New Home
On Sunday, May 22^nd the Cape Verdean Museum housed currently on Waterman Avenue in East Providence was visited by a Cape Verdean delegation including Ambassador Jose Luis LivramentoI, Consul General of Cape Verde in the United States of America Herminio Moniz and Minister of Communities of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Mr. Jorge Santos and others. The group was visiting to help promote and support the new Cape Verdean Cultural Museum which has a planned September opening.  Later that afternoon the group hosted a “Tardi Kultural” with great top artists including Romeu Di Lurdis, Benvindo Cruz and Alipio Fernandes.  “I want to thank these three artist that gave their time to help, Yuka Barros, Maria Cushing, Rosa Mestre, Carmen (10 Rocks), Maria Monteiro (10 Rocks)and everyone else who came to support us,” said Cape Verdean museum Chairman and leader Joe DaMoura.  The group is celebrating their move in September to a new building which they will own.  The new location will be on the Rumford Pawtucket line on Prospect Street and will be large enough to house the thousands of Cape Verdean artifacts and museum pieces they are unable to display now due to space limitations.  More information will be forthcoming.

EP Recreation announces 2022 Summer Concert Series
The East Providence Recreation Department announced the 2022 Summer Concert line-up.  Shows are weather permitting and take place at Rose Larisa Memorial Park (Crescent Park) located at Bullocks Point Avenue in Riverside.  Concerts are held on Thursday evenings from June 2 – July 28 and start at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted.

The 2022 “Concerts in the Park” series is sponsored by Navigant Credit Union. The schedule is as follows:

June 2,   6:00 PM, Rick Ashman.  Oldies and Pop standards

June 9,   7:00 PM, The Strictly Sentimental Swing Band.  Big band jazz and swing.

June 16, 6:00 PM, David Tessier’s All-Star Stars.  Classic Rock.

June 23, 6:00 PM, Atwater-Donnelly.  American and Celtic Folk.

June 30, 6:00 PM, The Reminders.  Classic Rock and Pop from the 50’s to today.

July 7,    6:00 PM, Mixed Emotions.  Classic Rock.

July 14,  6:00 PM, 19th Nervous Breakdown.  Rolling Stones tribute.

July 21,  6:00 PM, MoJo Rising. Classic Rock.

July 28,  Vini Ames. Oldies Rock n’ Roll Show.

For more information please call the Recreation Department at 401-435-7511.

Looking for Summer Work?
Like most businesses during the pandemic, the State of Rhode Island is short staffed and needs employees.  With only 52 full-time employees managing 25 parks and preserves, eight saltwater beaches, and dozens of other properties, DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation relies hugely on seasonal employees. Currently, DEM has hired about half of the almost 500 total "seasonals" to fill essential summertime positions such as lifeguards, park rangers, beach managers, facilities attendants, groundskeepers, laborers, and nature educators (DEM).  "DEM manages parks, beaches, and other facilities for public access and enjoyment, and hiring a robust seasonal workforce is the main way we fulfill these goals," said DEM Acting Director Terry Gray. "Although there certainly are challenges in the workforce, we're hopeful that the prospect of higher pay than ever for lifeguard positions, working outside at some of the state's premier travel destinations, gaining experience for future degree programs and employment, and having the opportunity to meet and work with people from a host of places and backgrounds will attract applicants to these open positions," Gray added in a DEM press statement.  Full-time lifeguard positions are available at all state swimming areas, including saltwater beaches such as Roger Wheeler and Scarborough, non-surf beaches such as Goddard, and freshwater beaches such as Burlingame Campground and Lincoln Woods State Park. Pay for lifeguards ranges from $14 to $17 an hour, based on location and position level. All lifeguard candidates must receive state certification and must have successfully completed courses and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR including infant, child, and adult.  DEM also is seeking park rangers, clerks, facilities attendants, and ground keepers to work at recreational sites across the state.

Summer Meals to be Free
The East Providence Summer Food Program will feed kids for free.  “With summer right around the corner, it is time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out.  East Providence Recreation provides free meals to children during the summer,” said a statement from the city Recreation Department.  Meals will be served at Pierce Field and George Lima Parks Monday – Friday, June 27 – August 5, (no meals on July 4) at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and Onna Moniz-John Park until August 26, (no meals on August 8).  There are no income requirements or registration. Any child under age 18 may come to eat. For more information, contact East Providence Recreation at 401-433-6360.

“We invite you to join us during our Summer Meals Kick Off Celebration to learn more about summer meals and for a day of fun with your family. The Summer Meals Kick Off Celebration will be on Saturday, June 25 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Pierce Field Playground, 201 Mercer St. in East Providence. There is no cost to attend. More information is available at 401-433-6360   www.eastprovidenceri.gov.  “Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with local organizations like East Providence Recreation to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer. For more information about the national Summer Food Service Program, visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer. For more information on summer feeding sites near you including locations and serving times around the state, contact the United Way by dialing 211,” said city officials in a news release.

Rumford Lions EPHS Christmas Ornament – Available Again
Due to the high demand, the Rumford Lions have decided to reissue the old EPHS Christmas Ornament.  Help preserve the memory and also help your community. By purchasing an ornament you will also be helping the Rumford Lions charities that  includes: local food pantries;  the Scholarship Foundation of East Providence;  provide  eyeglasses  for needy students;   Thanksgiving and Christmas  food baskets for needy families; and other charities.  A limited number of ornaments are available for $18.00 by contacting Jason Fitterling, _fitt@hotmail.com, Craig Trodson, ctrodson@meridianprinting.com, Charlie Tsonos, clcmenswear@aol.com or Peter Barilla, sandypeter@verizon.net or phone number 401-434-8253.