East Providence News Briefs

City Grinds to a Halt with 195W Bridge Closure – Ends 2023 with a bang!
The City of East Providence was hit with a triple whammy as the year came to a close. Call it a gift from the Grinch himself.  By the end of November, the RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) began to open a significant part of the new Henderson Bridge which connects East Providence with Providence over the Providence River portion of Narragansett Bay.  The entire project isn’t finished but motorists could begin to use most of it.  Part of this long-awaited project is a learning curve for many drivers who will be directed to use a brand-new roundabout roadway in order to get on the Henderson or the city Waterfront Drive.  The roundabout, while essentially complete, is also still months away from being totally done.  According to RIDOT officials, “a roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection built with no traffic signal equipment. Traffic flows around a center island, with those entering the circle yielding to traffic already in the roundabout…”  These types of intersections are generally less expensive to operate in the long term as compared with conventional intersections, since they don't require traffic signals (RIDOT). This means no maintenance or electricity costs; an average savings of about $5,000 per year, per intersection.

“Roundabouts are also good for pedestrians and the environment. The lower speeds and center islands make it easier to cross the street. And with no cars idling at red lights, the continuous flow of traffic means less gas wasted and less pollution,” said RIDOT.  “Simply put, they are the most efficient and safest type of intersection we can build.”

The first few days of the new roundabout were not smooth for locals.  Much confusion and backups were evident as many drivers had difficulty maneuvering around and through the area.  Police had to help direct traffic and the RIDOT admitted that additional signage was needed to assist motorists.  The East Providence Police, however, reported that no accidents had occurred, and that people were getting used to the new “Henderson Bridge area.”  Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and EP Mayor Bob DaSilva both lauded the efforts of the congressional delegation for their funding help.  “The new Red Bridge (Henderson) will also facilitate our growing waterfront district,” said DaSilva.

Emergency Red Alert Went Out:
Just as drivers were starting to get used to the new Henderson Bridge, a back-breaking emergency alert went out to Rhode Islanders and specifically in East Providence on Monday, December 11th:  RIDOT ALERT: “Travel Advisory: RIDOT Closes Washington Bridge Westbound.  The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has closed the west bound side of the Washington Bridge due to the finding of a critical failure of some bridge components. These components are part of the original Washington Bridge which was built in 1968. They were uncovered during the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge.”

“Initially, all the westbound lanes will be closed, and traffic diverted to alternate routes. In the next two to three weeks RIDOT will move traffic to two lanes on the eastbound side at which time permanent repairs will begin on the westbound side. This will require a closure of two lanes on I-195 East in the area of Exit 1A (India Street) starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, December 12.”

“Depending on the severity of what RIDOT finds in its initial work, the repair could take three months or more. RIDOT has alerted emergency vehicle operators and officials in the adjoining cities and towns. Director Peter Alviti said, "In the process of reconstructing the Washington Bridge, our consultants found urgent safety issues that could cause a critical deficiency on this side of the bridge. We are closing the westbound side until we can make it completely safe."  The Washington Bridge carries 96,000 vehicles daily.

Commuters were receiving the alert while they were on their way home, to and from Rt. 195 West and East bound.  Route 195 and most of the George Washington bridge, is the only way in and out of East Providence, except for the Henderson Bridge.  Other escape routes involve motorists driving around the closed bridge by going through Pawtucket or even via the Newport and Jamestown Bridges.  At one point, even those bridges faced backups.

CITY in GRIDLOCK
The early days of the bridge closure saw most of East Providence in a major gridlock.  Many streets in the center, and several in Rumford, including the major thoroughfares like Pawtucket, Broadway, Warren, Taunton, Waterman Avenues, etc. were bumper to bumper.  Riverside, although impacted, did not have as much congestion for those who stayed local.  The problem stemmed from the fact that most Rt. 195W traffic detoured through East Providence streets as they try to get to Rt. 95 north or south.  Route 195W during peak rush hours and much of the day in general, was a parking lot as far as the eye could see.

RIDOT Issues Some Good News:
As residents were dreading three months or more of no access on Rt 195 W, the RIDOT announced an emergency temporary fix was being fast-forwarded. The RIDOT planned to divert a bypass across the east bound portion of the 195 East bound (separate) bridge which is not damaged.  The plan was to take three or four weeks to complete.  However, the bypass was surprisingly done within a couple of days.  Mayor Bob DaSilva was pleased to pass along the good information to residents; “the two bypass lanes on I-195 going west are open. This will help immensely but you should still expect traffic delays during your travels and plan to add time to your commute.  Three on-ramps in the city will remain CLOSED and add to travel delays and some traffic congestion in the city.  On ramps OPEN to the I-195 west highway includes the Broadway, Pawtucket Ave and East Shore Expressway ramps.  On ramps CLOSED to I-195 west: Taunton Ave on ramp closed, Warren Ave on ramp closed and Veterans Memorial Parkway on ramp closed,” said DaSilva.

The East Providence City Council scheduled an emergency meeting for December 12th to discuss the situation.  “I’ve scheduled an emergency meeting of the council, not to micromanage the professionals in charge, but to help inform the community. We want the public to know, we’re closely monitoring all aspects of this crisis,” said city council president, Bob Rodericks.  Shortly after City officials received a call from the state on Monday December 11^th that the bridge would be closed, Mayor DaSilva met with police and fire command staffs along with DPW Director Dan Borges, police traffic control and State Police and the City Council president.

City Council members continued to comment on the bridge closure at its December 19^th meeting.  “I will say that it was disingenuous for the state to say that this was something that they didn’t know about, I am disappointed in their (state) lack of urgency (in dealing with the problem), we appreciate how the city had no direct knowledge of why or what occurred,” said Ward two Councilwoman Anna Sousa.  “Did the state wait until Monday to report this because there were important events going on (in Providence)?  I will say that our city administration and workers did work tirelessly to come up with plans (to deal with the issue)” added Sousa.

“I will comment that the state of Rhode Island failed us. It was their job to maintain and inspect that bridge and they did not to their job,” said Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson.  “Local businesses through no fault of their own were impacted.  They lost revenue at a very busy (holiday) time.  The state needs to help them and not in the form of a loan,” added Lawson who wants to see direct grants handed out to businesses.  “I believe a thousand percent that the state owes those businesses some form of compensation,” he said.  “I want to commend the Mayor (DaSilva) and every city employee, they were out there doing the best they could with the knowledge known at the time,” said Lawson.  “Despite all the Monday morning quarterbacks, they (city officials) did a good job.”

Ward One Councilman Frank Rego used the opportunity to continue his push for additional rescue service at the Rumford fire station.  “Also if this (bridge closure) ever comes to happen again, we (state) knows what works and what didn’t work.”  At Mayor DaSilva’s urging, the state opened up an “emergency only” lane across the troubled bridge to allow for rescue transport to hospitals.  The emergency lane was cleared for one vehicle at a time to cross over.

For his part, Council President Bob Rodericks also said questioned how the state handled the preventative nature of the crisis.  “The time will certainly come when these matters are looked into fully.  For now, I commend the city for its response.  Within three hours of being told the bridge was being shut down, the Mayor and all emergency response staff were meeting to plan what to do.  Council members stayed in close communication also.”  Rodericks went on to compare the bridge crisis to the “Blizzard of 78,” which crippled traffic throughout much of Rhode Island.   

As the temporary state bypass was put in place, traffic began to flow better, and local East Providence streets began to open.  Schools went to distance-learning for just one day and resumed normal attendance, though absenteeism was higher than usual.  Although peak commuter hours have remained busy, traffic has been flowing along and not at a standstill anymore.  City and state officials are hoping to fix the entire problem within three or four months.  In the meantime, traffic remains very slow on 195W, even with the bypass lanes.

Winter Storm adds to Area Woes
As if the new Henderson bridge confusion and the closed Washington Bridge wasn’t enough excitement for locals, a December 17^th into 18^th winter storm hit hard.  Close to four inches of rain and 60 mile per hour wind caused power outages and street flooding.  The weather onslaught had the police, already stressed out from bridge chaos, trying to deal with a new set of emergencies. “Several major intersections are without traffic signals, including Taunton at Pawtucket, Pawtucket at Pleasant and North Broadway at Greenwood. Our officers are doing their best to control traffic. Visibility is very low, please slow down,” police spokespersons urged motorists.  “The intersection at Pawtucket Ave and Veterans Memorial Parkway is closed. Traffic signal came off cable and is hanging by safety chain,” said one of Mayor DaSilva’s posts.  The RIDOT warned of “strong to damaging southeast wind gusts peaking during the mid- morning to early afternoon hours. Expect gusty winds.”  Many lost power including some schools and once again, businesses were suffering lost income as people couldn’t get to their shops and restaurants.  Rhode Island Energy gave updates around the clock and worked to get many back with power once the high winds subsided. “Additional crews are mobilized for this storm and will be pre-staged across the state. They will work as safely and quickly as possible to restore power to impacted customers,” said RI Energy officials.

EP Schools deal with bridge closure
 The local school system was as impacted as anyone during the December closing of the Washington Bridge partial closure.  Parents were late to work after dropping off kids at schools with East Providence High and Martin Middle schools mostly affected.  However, even schools in Riverside met with traffic challenges, especially those depending on Wampanoag Trail access to Route 195W.  Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand was pressed to make immediate changes to bus transportation and school start and dismissal times.  “My phone and emails have been inundated with messages from concerned parents and teachers,” said Forand.

On December 12^th, Forand issued this statement to parents: “We have been carefully monitoring the traffic situation throughout the city. We recognize that many parents had trouble getting their children to school today and there were significant bus delays at all schools.  In order to get elementary students home as close to on time as possible, we will begin dismissal of East Providence High School at 12:45 pm today.  Middle school dismissal is projected for 2:00 pm. We are preparing to dismiss Elementary students on time, at approximately 3:00 pm. If your child is an elementary bus student and you plan to pick up, please notify the school.  There may still be additional delays in some areas.  Afternoon Pre K classes have been canceled due to the excessive travel time.  We will be monitoring the situation throughout the day and working with the city and EPPD to craft a plan for the coming days.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented situation.

Later on December 12^th, Forand made the decision to go to distance learning:  “In consultation with the Mayor and the East Providence Police Department the decision has been made to move to distance learning tomorrow, Wednesday December 13th, due to the excessive travel times and congestion across the city.”

Schools Reopen and Continue Time Changes
Forand decides to keep schools in session as much as possible.  “After discussion with the East Providence Police and Mayor DaSilva regarding this morning’s (12/13) traffic situation, we have decided to reopen schools tomorrow, Thursday, December 14th. We will follow an early dismissal schedule in order to ensure elementary students get home before the rush hour traffic increases. High school will dismiss at 12:45 pm, middle school at 1:45pm and elementary at 2:45 pm. We encourage families to walk to school or carpool whenever possible in heavily congested areas.  In an effort to support parents/ guardians who have to travel to work after student drop off, schools will open 15 minutes early on Thursday and Friday. School start times will remain the same.  Our goal is to keep schools open but this is a continuously evolving situation that will be monitored closely. Decisions will be made with the safety of students and staff as the priority. We appreciate your continued flexibility and understanding as we navigate this difficult situation,” Forand writes to parents and guardians. In some instances school buses were given police escorts to navigate through gridlocked traffic.

U.S. SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in East Providence
Governor Dan McKee, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation and municipal leaders gathered at a press conference on December 19^th to announce the opening of the SBA's Business Recovery Center at the Weaver Memorial Library in East Providence as part of the state's ongoing Washington Bridge response.

"Getting our small businesses back on track and delivering the help they need is vital," said Governor Dan McKee. "I'm thankful to the SBA, District Director Mark Hayward, our congressional delegation and our mayors for their partnership and commitment to supporting Rhode Island's small businesses. It's important that we all do our part to shop local and dine local this holiday season."  (Later that evening, Hayward attended the City Council meeting).

“Rhode Island small businesses deserve prompt access to the resources and information they need to deal with the challenge of the Bridge closure,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “This Business Resource Center will support impacted small businesses, helping Rhode Islanders make the best financial decisions for themselves and their businesses.”

“The past week has been incredibly challenging for so many small businesses in Providence and East Providence,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “In Rhode Island, when things get tough, we stick together and help one another. I want to applaud the work of the Small Business Administration and all levels of government who have continued to respond to the Washington Bridge closure and its impacts. I want to encourage all local business owners to stop by the Weaver Library and learn about the resources that SBA is offering to help business leaders to keep their businesses on track.”

“Now more than ever, it is important to shop local and shop small,” said Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “The holiday season is a critical period of time for our small businesses and I am thankful that our local, state and federal partners have stepped up to help us ensure that we are doing everything we can to provide relief for businesses that have been impacted by this closure. I encourage our residents and visitors to come to Providence to support the unique local businesses and world-renowned restaurants that are the backbone of our economy."

“Taking care of our small businesses that were impacted by the closure of the Washington Bridge is a priority of my administration,” said East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva.

“While no amount of business preparedness could have seen something like this coming, we are happy to have been able to get this Economic Injury Disaster declaration so quickly,” said SBA District Director Mark S. Hayward. “I want to thank Governor McKee, Mayors DaSilva and Smiley and our congressional delegation for their hard work and quick response to this situation that allowed us to ensure local small businesses will now be able to access EIDL funds and ensure they continue to thrive during this holiday season,” he continued.

These working capital loans will carry a 4% interest rate (3.25% for non-profits) with a term of up to 30 years to help minimize the impact on the business’ cash flow. Applications for loans of up to $2,000,000 may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or locally at the Business Recovery Center located at Weaver Memorial Library. The center will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

City to Receive 26.1M Loan/Grant to Upgrade Water System
As The Reporter previously noted, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) has closed on a $26,100,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan, with $3.9 million in principal forgiveness (e.g. a grant), to finance water main infrastructure upgrades in the City of East Providence. Funding for this loan was made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by Congress in November 2021.  Mayor DaSilva proposed, and the City Council unanimously approved seeking the loan/grant of $26.1 million during the November 21st council meeting.  “Almost $4million will be a grant and user fees or enterprise fund will cover the rest,” said Council President Bob Rodericks.  “This is a continuation of our water system infrastructure upgrade.”  The RIIB issued a formal press release on December 27, 2023 which explained the grant and process:

“Access to safe drinking water is one of the foundational building blocks of any community, and with this funding from Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, East Providence will be making a generational investment in our City’s drinking water infrastructure,” said East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva. “Using these dollars, we will be cleaning and lining approximately two thirds of water mains across the City, as well as making other investments in our drinking water infrastructure. Infrastructure that our residents and businesses rely on every day. And thanks to Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s below market rates, East Providence will save more than $6.4 million in interest costs over the course of the loan. We want to thank Governor Dan McKee, the Infrastructure Bank team, and our Congressional delegation for obtaining and helping East Providence access these Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars for investments in our City’s drinking water infrastructure.  I thank our City Council for their support,” added DaSilva.

“Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank is pleased to make this $26,000,000 loan to the City of East Providence so they can invest in and upgrade their drinking water infrastructure,” said William Fazioli, Executive Director of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. “Safe drinking water is something people take for granted. But behind the delivery of that water to customers taps is billions of dollars in infrastructure that needs to be maintained. Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our State Drinking Water Revolving Fund will be making loans and grants, like this one, to cities and towns across the state to maintain and upgrade their drinking water infrastructure. That’s a win for our communities, for public health, for residents, businesses, and for Rhode Island’s economy.”

About the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank:
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank is Rhode Island’s central hub for financing infrastructure improvements for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners. “We leverage capital in a revolving fund to offer innovative financing for an array of infrastructure-based projects including water and wastewater, road and bridge, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and brownfield remediation. These quality-of-life projects improve the State’s infrastructure, create jobs, promote economic development, and enhance the environment,” said a RIIB spokesperson.

EP Police Investigate Shooting
The East Providence Police are investigating a shooting that occurred at the Hull Street playground. Officers responded to the playground just after 1:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon, December 26^th, following a report of shots fired. “Officers arrived on scene and located a bullet casing in the parking lot. A short time later, investigators were advised that Providence Police were on Benefit Street in their city with a male suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg,” said a police department press statement. That male was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment and is listed in stable condition. Officers believe that the injured party is the same individual involved in the East Providence incident. “At this time, there is no threat to the public. Detectives are investigating the shooting,” advised East Providence police.  The victim’s identity had not yet been released.  

Police Identify Victim in Fatal Crash
On December 10, 2023, East Providence Police responded to the area of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Crowne Avenue just after 1:00 am for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Once on scene, officers observed a white Kia sedan with heavy front-end damage. The operator was identified as 20-year-old Chaz Gagnon of Pawtucket, RI. Gagnon sustained serious injuries to his lower body. A female passenger in the front seat was unconscious and sustained serious injuries. The passenger was identified as 20-year-old Ariana Roody of Woonsocket, RI. Both Gagnon and Roody were transported to Rhode Island Hospital by rescue. Roody later died at the hospital due to the injuries sustained during the crash.

Several minutes prior to the crash, patrol officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Bullocks Point Village apartment complex. During the investigation, Gagnon provided a false name to police officers and fled the parking lot, driving over an island divider and curbing before fleeing the scene. A description of the vehicle was broadcast to other units. The officers did not pursue the vehicle due to heavy fog and the unknown nature of the offenses or if warrants existed.

Gagnon is currently facing the following charges:

• Driving to Endanger, Death Resulting
• Reckless Driving/Eluding Police
• Obstructing an Officer in Execution of Duty
• Fugitive From Justice (3 counts)

The department’s Traffic Unit and Crash Reconstructionists continue to investigate the crash. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, said a police spokesperson.

Police Investigate 2^nd Fatal Crash
On December 23, 2023, East Providence Police responded to the area of the Riverside Branch Public Library on Bullocks Point Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash at approximately 1:50 pm. Once on scene, officers observed a Toyota Rav-4 with front-end damage. The operator, a 78-year-old East Providence resident, appeared to have suffered a medical episode prior to the crash. A female passenger in the front seat sustained minor injuries. Both were transported to Rhode Island Hospital by rescue. The male operator was pronounced dead at the hospital.  The department’s Traffic Division and Accident Reconstruction Unit is investigating the crash. The operator’s name is being withheld until proper notifications are made.

Mayor’s Director of Administration Departs
Napoleon Gonsalves, Mayor Bob DaSilva’s Chief of Staff, resigned in December.  Gonsalves, also known as Director of Administration, left his job citing personal reasons.  Gonsalves, at times, seemed to clash with members of the City Council.  No official announcement has been made by City Hall on the change.  The council was informed by mayoral letter that Gonsalves’ “retirement” was effective on December 11, 2023.  Gonsalves, who previously worked with DaSilva in the Pawtucket Police Department, worked in East Providence since January 2020.  A successor has not been announced but current Director of Communications & Project Management, Patricia Resende, has been covering similar duties in Gonsalves absence.

Christmas Tree Disposal
The East Providence Department of Public Works will be collecting and chipping Christmas trees for use as mulch for City projects. Residents have the option of dropping off trees or curbside collection.  Christmas tree drop off dates and locations through January 22, 2024 at the following locations:

Drop off trees:

• Agawam Field
• Hull St. Playground
• Pierce Field
• Central Ave Playground
• Silver Spring Playground
• Kent Field
• Riverside Rec Field
• Grassy Plain Park
• Sabin Point Park
• Carousel Parking Lot

Curbside collection:
Jan. 8, 2024 – Jan. 22, 2024
Place trees at the curb for collection.  Please remove all ornaments, lights and stands. TREES ONLY, no wreaths, garland, roping or artificial trees. Trees will be collected by city work crews and chipped. They are NOT collected with weekly trash pickup.