News Briefs

City Council wants “Show Cause Hearing” to Revoke Motel’s License
The City Council received a sobering report from the East Providence Police Department regarding recent problems surrounding the long problematic existence of the Rumford Motor Inn last month.   An analysis of recent calls for service by police was given to the Council at its November 21^st meeting by Police Chief Chris Francesconi and Captain Michael Rapoza.  Mayor Bob DaSilva and City Council members have expressed an opinion that the troubled motor inn on Newport Avenue should not continue in its current operation.  Police Captain Rapoza told the Council that between the years 2013-2023, “there have been over 2,000 calls for service at the Inn and some 300 arrests.”

Police started receiving calls on November 12^th that residents in Rumford were reporting thefts and car break-ins.  A police investigation led them to Nelson Wilson who was staying at the motel.  Various missing items like jewelry, computers, clothing, purses, credit cards, etc., were found in his room.  The police believe Wilson broke into area garages and numerous cars, some of which were unlocked.  Wilson was arrested on several charges, including tampering with at least one car, larceny and a felony weapons charge, cocaine possession and was sent to the ACI as a parole violator.

“I want to commend the East Providence Police on a job well done with this case. This is another incidence of multiple crimes connected directly to the Rumford Motor Inn property. Numerous Rumford residents were victimized and had their sense of safety and security compromised by this suspect’s actions, who by the way is only connected to Rumford because he was staying at the Rumford Motor Inn,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva.

“The Rumford Motor Inn has been the source of repeated issues requiring extra police, fire and emergency medical services resources. Steps have been taken in the past to try to control some of the crime and other issues surrounding that property. Those steps have not achieved the desired results.  It’s time we say goodbye to the Rumford Motor Inn as a motel use. I want to assure the community that we are working with the owners of the Rumford Motor Inn and they are cooperating to come up with a plan to transition the Rumford Motor Inn to some other use,” added DaSilva.

The City Council addressed the issue at its November 21^st meeting.  “I’ve placed this item on the agenda with Councilman (Frank) Rego and it is our intention to schedule a show-cause hearing for possible license revocation,” said Council President Bob Rodericks.  “This problem lies in Rumford but is a concern to the entire council and city.”

Captain Michael Rapoza gave a report to the council in which he gave several ominous facts that were troubling.  In his report, Rapoza stated that some of the incidents that the police “calls for service’ at the motel include but are not limited to: Assault, Assist Fire/Rescue, Check the Wellbeing, Disturbance (domestic, verbal, physical, etc.), Follow Up Investigations, Intoxicated Persons, Loud Noise Complaints, Motor Vehicle Stop, Psychological Problem/Suicidal, Sex Offenses, Suspicious Person/Vehicle and Warrant Services.

2023 recent Arrests and Investigations Associated with the motel:

• After a verbal disturbance in a neighboring community, a suspect drove to the RMI and fired several rounds into the building.
• Several suspects wanted in large precious metal theft rings in the city and surrounding communities were staying at the RMI.
• 48 separate investigations by the Special Investigations Unit (Narcotics Division) at this address.
• Numerous documented violent gang members frequent the location. An overwhelming majority of these gang members have previous narcotics trafficking and firearms related arrests.
• Countless RMI individuals walking into surrounding residential neighborhood and local business parking lots to meet with narcotics dealers.
• Narcotics dealers have traveled from Providence, Fall River, Boston, and New York to deliver narcotics.
• Alarming increase in crystal methamphetamine users and sales.
• Well known location for prostitution and human trafficking through online websites.

Recent increases of motor vehicle thefts in the Rumford section of the city had ties to individuals renting rooms at RMI.

• Two strong armed robbery suspects staying at the Rumford Motor Inn (RMI) violently robbed a local business owner making a cash deposit at a Newport Avenue bank.
• Police Chief Francesconi and Captain Rapoza told the council that the Rumford motel area has become “known to the illegal drug community” where one can stay cheaply and have access to narcotics.”

Rumford Ward One councilman Frank Rego and his council colleagues all indicated that enough was enough and the motel cannot continue in its current operation.  Council President Rodericks asked City Solicitor Michael Marcello to expedite a show cause license hearing ‘as soon as possible.’  “Let’s do this correctly with due process and seek a permanent solution.  Too many hasty decisions, like some in the past, have prevented solutions to similar problems.  We will get this done, but it must be done the right way,” he added.

Marcello agreed and told the council that the owner must be given proper notice and an opportunity to defend the business at a public hearing.

Mayor DaSilva met with the motel owner and gave him an ultimatum to bring back a plan to change the use of the property to an acceptable one to the city and neighborhood.  The owner was given three weeks to come up with a plan.  In the meantime, the City Council is moving ahead with a public show-cause hearing for possible license revocation.

Local man arrested after neighborhood scare:
Adding to the Rumford neighborhood uneasiness was a recent scare when homes behind the MJ Francis elementary school reported someone had broken into a garage and was a man was scared off after allegedly attempting to break into some houses late at night.  The perpetrator allegedly hid in a local cellar and was roaming among the neighborhood.  The police made a quick arrest of a local man, who lived in the neighborhood, alleviating fears that the man was from the embattled motel or out-of-the-city.    

East Providence police arrest man on firearms and domestic charges
The East Providence Police Department reports the arrest of 37-year-old Kevin Rodrigues of East Providence following an initial call for shots fired on City View Avenue during the early morning hours of October 28, 2023. Officers responded to the area and located a spent shell casing in the roadway. After a brief investigation, it was learned that six shots were fired from a black vehicle before it sped from the scene.

Detectives investigated the incident and learned that Rodrigues had threatened to shoot various people and engage the police in a shootout. Investigators learned that Rodrigues operated a similar vehicle involved in the shooting and recently was in possession of several firearms. A subsequent investigation revealed Rodrigues was involved in an attempted break and entering to an estranged family member’s home at a different location in the city in the early morning hours of October 29, 2023.

Members of the patrol and detective divisions were able to arrest Rodrigues outside of his residence on Fort Street without incident at approximately 5 p.m. on October 29, 2023. A subsequent court-ordered search warrant was executed at his residence. The following items were seized from Rodrigues’s residence:

Approximately 700 rounds of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition

• Two semi-automatic pistols
• One AR-15 rifle
• One shotgun
• Several large-capacity magazine/feeding devices
• Two vials of Testosterone
• A search warrant was also issued and executed on Rodrigues’ vehicle. Detectives located the same type of ammunition in the vehicle that was located at the scene of the shooting.

Rodrigues was arraigned last month the following charges:

• Discharge Firearm From a Vehicle
• Attempted Breaking and Entering (Domestic)
• Disorderly Conduct (Domestic)
• Vandalism (Domestic)
• Large Capacity Feeding Devices Prohibited (2 counts)
• Obstructing Officer in Execution of Duty
• He was released on $10,000 surety bail.

Christine Apartments Variance Denied
The City Council unanimously denied a request by the owner of the large development on Wampanoag Trail in Riverside called the Christine Apartments.  The apartment owners wanted to change the zoning from residential to a mixed commercial use.  Owner John Flatley said the purpose was to make some additional improvements to the development.  Currently there will be a little more than 400 two-bedroom, one-bedroom and studio apartments.  There was also a request to construct six single family houses on lots not previously approved.  Still, another request was to add a two-story self-storage facility and a single level building for retail shops.  Area residents spoke against the proposal although saying that they were happy with the original plan which includes walking trails, open space and supplied a water line for some residents of Hospital Road which needed it.  Homeowners said that they aren’t allowed to build on larger lots that they own.

Riverside Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson said he opposed the plan after hearing from abutting neighbors and mentioned several vacant commercial spaces already in Riverside.  Lawson also said that residents didn’t want the self-storage building there.  He also questioned the lack of an updated city comprehensive plan.

Ward Two Councilwoman Anna Sousa stated her objection to the outdated comprehensive plan, saying that the city zoning needed a bigger picture, and the plan isn’t beneficial to all areas of the city.

Council President Rodericks cited the slow growth many developers are experiencing in other city projects.  “Let’s finish some current projects before increasing others,” he said.

New Henderson (Red Bridge) Partial Opening is Tricky
“Just a reminder that roundabouts are easy to navigate and safe for both motorists and pedestrians,” or so says the RI Department of Transportation. At a recent ribbon cutting, Senator Jack Reed and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Representative Seth Magaziner and Congressman Gabe Amo joined RIDOT Director Alviti and Mayor Bob DaSilva to formally open the new Henderson Bridge, which is 75 percent smaller than the original bridge. The old bridge had been structurally deficient since 1996.  The initial opening of the bridge has caused a social media stir with drivers complaining of major confusion as they negotiate the new area roundabout.

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti issued this statement in an update on the project: “We recently reopened the new Henderson Bridge with all traffic currently passing through a new roundabout on Massasoit Avenue. In order to guide drivers through the new traffic pattern, we plan to add new striping and additional signage. We also plan to close Massasoit Avenue overnight, from Wilmarth Avenue to Dexter Street, to safely demolish the existing portion of the bridge that crosses over it, plus the existing on/off ramps from the Henderson Expressway and a portion of the existing Henderson Expressway. Follow the signed detours during the closures, Sunday night from midnight to 5 a.m. and Monday-Thursday.

EP Mayor Bob DaSilva commented on resident frustrations with the state project to replace the old bridge: “The rotary is still in the process of construction. Traffic that should be going around the rotary and continuing onto the expressway to Broadway - is being diverted onto Massasoit to Broadway, where there is a traffic control signal at that intersection. This causes all the traffic that was coming out at Broadway near Orlo to bottle neck at Massasoit Ave and Broadway at the traffic light.

“Additionally, traffic that should be coming from Broadway onto the roundabout and continuing onto the bridge is being diverted to an off ramp with a traffic control signal at Massasoit Ave and Dexter Rd near the Honey Bird Restaurant, this is causing delays and stoppage in traffic due to the traffic control signal.”

“So, yes, as of right now it is a bit of a mess, but it is still in the construction phase. It’s not complete. You should expect delays while construction is ongoing.  The state couldn’t wait for the project to be completed before opening it because you need to divert traffic to complete the project. It’s a temporary inconvenience.”

Champlin Foundation Announces 2023 Grant Recipients
$810,450 Two-Year Total to EP

The Champlin Foundation announced in a November 27^th press release, the award of $10 million in capital funding to 93 Rhode Island based nonprofit organizations, for a 2023 funding total of nearly $18 million. From Woonsocket to Peace Dale to Newport, 24 communities statewide will be served with these grants, which will be used to restore historic properties, expand facilities, improve safety, and enhance outreach capabilities.

While longtime grantees like Girl Scouts and YMCAs statewide continue to put Champlin funding to good use, the Foundation also provides support to a robust group of small nonprofits that make an outsized difference in the communities they serve (Champlin Annual Report).

“Rhode Island nonprofits are incredibly creative when it comes to doing more with less and providing excellent service and support despite having very limited staff or, in some cases, an entirely volunteer-led operation,” said Nina Stack, executive director of The Champlin Foundation. “It is always impressive to see how many of these small teams are doing essential work, serving the urgent needs and addressing the wellbeing of Rhode Islanders in innovative and impactful ways.”

Champlin’s nine areas of focus are arts and culture, conservation and parks, education, healthcare, historic preservation and heritage, libraries, social services, welfare of animals, and youth services. Examples of nonprofits that are small but strong can be found in nearly every category, including Rhode Island Black Storytellers in arts and culture, Rhode Island Women in the Trades in education, and the MS Dream Center in social services.

East Providence 2023 Recipients include:

• Foster Forward East Providence Site Work for 350 Taunton Avenue Community Space $250,000

• Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse East Providence Window Replacement and Shutter Fabrication and Installation $15,000

• Good Neighbors Soup Kitchen East Providence Washers and Dryers $3,200
• Hattie Ide Chaffee Home East Providence South Unit Long Term Care Renovation $75,000
• Haven United Methodist Church East Providence Entrance and Masonry Repairs $50,000
• Linn Health & Rehabilitation East Providence Air Conditioning Upgrades $38,343
• Potter League for Animals East Providence Surgery and Critical Care Veterinary Equipment $6,535.

Total funding distributed by Champlin to East Providence in 2023 is $438, 078.

East Providence 2022 recipients include:

• Cape Verdean Museum Exhibit, $51,000 for Elevator Purchase and Installation
• JDP Theatre Co, $11,000 for Lighting and Sound Equipment
• Aldersbridge Communities, $56,227 for Electric Beds
• Hattie Ide Chaffee Home, $70,192 for Magnetic Door Locks and Fire Alarm Upgrades
• Tockwotton on the Waterfront, $85,000 for Carpet Replacement in Hallways and Common Spaces
• East Providence Public Library, $77,750 for Flooring at the Riverside Branch
• Good Neighbors Soup Kitchen, $3,500 for Computers, Printer, and Accessories
• We Share Hope, $16,300 Cooking Cart, Chef’s Table, Literature Racks, Furniture, and Equipment Related to the Community Hub
• RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, $47,903 Veterinary Equipment
• Boys & Girls Club of East Providence, $15,500 for 2022 Camperships

Total funding distributed by Champlin to East Providence in 2022 was $372,372.

Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $665 million to fund capital projects for Rhode Island nonprofit organizations.

Public Works opens Municipal Compost Site at Forbes Street
The East Providence Public Works Department, Recycling/Refuse Division announces that the Forbes Street compost site will be open to residents on the following Saturdays November 18, 25, and December 2, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The DPW will also open the compost site on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Residents may drop off leaves, grass, branches on larger than two inches in diameter and other vegetative material suitable for composting at the site. Incoming material must be loose; no plastic bags, no contaminates, no trash or fencing material.  Residents must show a valid driver’s license or state issued ID card as proof of residency. No commercial vehicles are permitted.  The last week for curbside Yard Waste collection is December 11, 2023 – December 15, 2023.  Collections will resume in the spring.  For questions or more information, please contact DPW Program Coordinator, Donna McMahon at (401) 435-7701 Fax: (401) 434-1725.

13th Annual East Providence Winterfest Celebration
The City of East Providence and WinterFest Committee presents the 13th annual WinterFest celebration on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the East Providence Senior Center, 610 Waterman Ave. WinterFest is a free event that promises fun for the whole family!

Festivities begin at 3 PM with Dave Marchetti’s “Animal Experiences” petting zoo, free popcorn, hot chocolate and children’s crafts and games! Entertainment by Rick Ashman. Food concessions by Joe’s Snack Shack.

The public is invited to stroll the beautifully decorated WinterFest landscape while waiting for Santa’s arrival by firetruck.  Upon his arrival, Santa will preside over the WinterFest tree lighting. Immediately following the tree lighting, children will be able to visit with Santa, receive a candy treat and enter the WinterFest bicycle raffle!   For more information, contact the East Providence Recreation Department at 401-435-7511 or visit East Providence WinterFest on Facebook.

City receives a Blue-Ribbon Award from the White House
The East Providence Prevention Coalition was invited to Washington, D.C. and recognized for their outstanding work to prevent youth substance use and ensure young people can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.  “Drug-Free Community Coalitions are an essential part of our whole-of-society efforts to address the overdose epidemic and save lives,” said White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Dr. Rahul Gupta. “The Biden-Harris Administration has made supporting the nation’s youth and their well-being a top priority, and made historic investments to strengthen substance use prevention. I am grateful to the Blue Ribbon Coalitions awardees, like East Providence Prevention Coalition, who are leading the way in expanding critical evidence-based prevention efforts and addressing youth substance use so that all young Americans can live healthy and fulfilling lives.”

The East Providence Prevention Coalition was one of 15 Drug-Free Community Coalitions from across the country receiving a Blue Ribbon Award.  The Blue Ribbon Coalition Award recognizes high-performing coalitions that do an exceptional job creating a foundation for their work by updating and utilizing their coalition products. It is a two-year recognition that opens new doors for coalitions to share their work and become role models in the prevention field.

The Biden-Harris Administration has made supporting our nation’s young people a top priority, and has made historic investments over the past two years to strengthen local youth prevention and awareness campaigns across the country.

Last month, in recognition of National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, the White House hosted a bipartisan summit to bring together youth leaders, community-based coalitions, and federal partners to discuss efforts to expand evidence-based prevention and ensure local communities have the tools and resources they need to prevent youth substance use and save lives. President Biden declared October as National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month torecommit to providing families, educators, and communities with access to lifesaving resources so that we can ensure that young people have the tools they need to thrive.

Pokanoket Indigenous Tribe Mural Unveiled

The East Providence Arts Council sponsored an outdoor mural painting, honoring the Pokanoket indigenous people. The Pokanoket tribe of American Indians has lived in the East Providence and larger East Bay area for many centuries, from long before the pre-colonial era up to the present day. The Pokanoket tribe, sometimes historically called the Wampanoag, has inhabited the area all along the Rhode Island east bay vicinity and out into areas of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod.  The heritage of this tribe is rich with their customs, arts, history, beliefs, language, and unique way of life.  To help preserve the recognition and remembrance of their extensive culture, a permanent portrayal of the person representative of their nation is being installed in a prominent place in the East Providence area.  The ongoing creation of the large outdoor mural depicting the Massasoit Metacomet can be viewed at Watchemoket Square, at 9 Warren Avenue.

“Today (October 28th) we joined the Pokanoket Tribe, East Providence Arts Council, members of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Affairs, the artists Bonnie Turner and Charles Clear III and many others from the community as we unveiled the mural titled "Pokanoket".

The 24' x 28' mural was painted on a red brick building at 9 Warren Avenue in East Providence. Thanks to Sharon and Jay owners of the The 133 Club who offered their wall to be the host for the mural,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva.

“The mural depicts the Pokanokets last King, named Metacomet, standing on the shore of Mount Hope Bay in Bristol. It's a site that's sacred to the Pokanokets. Behind him is a rock formation known as The Three Sisters, which stands for corn, beans, and squash. Overhead is a canopy of oak leaves, which symbolize strength and resilience. Across the Bay is Fall River. We painted him in a circle shape to symbolize the circle of life.  Our model for Metacomet is Bill Guy, the present day Sagamore of the Pokanoket Tribe. The Sagamore is the 10th great-grandson of Massasoit,” explains artist and muralist Bonnie Turner.

“The Arts Council initiated the concept of this mural and has supervised the production process, gratefully accepting financial support from the Rhode Island Foundation, as well as from the City of East Providence.  Our design review panel for selecting the best artist from among all entries included Tracy “Dancing Star” Brown, the Sachem of the Pokanoket nation, along with Arts Council members,” said arts council chairman David O’Connell.  The Sagamore William “Winds of Thunder” Guy and other members of the tribe were involved in choosing the final design.  “Professional muralists Charles Clear III and Bonnie Lee Turner have created a powerful, iconic design that will be unforgettable for local residents and visitors alike.”

A public ceremony unveiling the work of art was held on Saturday, October 28th in the open area behind the 133 Club tavern.

Riverside’s Willet Pond to Welcome Santa & Holiday Spirit
Residents of Riverside's Ward Four have planned to "light up Willett Pond" with tree lighting, holiday music and a special visit from Santa Claus! Santa will stay and greet children of all ages with picture taking of course.

The holiday extravaganza will take place at Willett Avenue Pond from 3pm to 6pm on Sunday, December 10th. Santa will arrive at about 3pm.  Light refreshments will be served, and the Tree will be lit at about 4:30pm.

Optional donations of non-perishable food items or new socks will be accepted to benefit “Good Neighbors” food pantry in Riverside.  All in East Providence are welcome.  The Pond fountain lights should be on.