News Briefs

Metacomet Re-Zoning Piques Interest of Residents
With a petition in hand reaching 3,000 signatures and growing by mid-July, many city residents are objecting to a proposal from Marshall Properties to develop the iconic golf course into a new parcel of residential, commercial and some open space.  The property sits on Veteran’s Memorial Parkway and extends back into city neighborhoods around Pierce Stadium and other streets off S. Broadway.  East Providence/Pawtucket State Senator and former City Councilman, William Conley is representing Marshall Properties in their quest to seek zoning relief from the East Providence City Council.  Also assisting Marshall is Joseph Shekarchi, Rhode Island State House Majority Leader from Warwick.

Marshall has a purchase and sales agreement with Metacomet ownership led by golfer Brad Faxon, to purchase the 105 acres of rolling terrain in East Providence.  Metacomet Country Club, an iconic Donald Ross design, is noted for tremendous course conditions and great putting surfaces.  Club membership was informed by a management letter that golf course ownership was in serious conversation with a potential developer. More than a year ago, the property was listed for sale at about $3.5 million and sold to the Faxon group for $2.2 million.  Brad Faxon is a former PGA Tour player. Other Faxon partners are Steve Napoli, Brendan VanDeventer, Karl Augenstein and Tim Fay. The pristine parcel overlooks Narragansett Bay and is considered one of New England’s finest country club/golf courses. The letter to members was dated February 21, 2020, stated in part:

“…unspecified losses last year were greater than originally projected and that the owners are in discussions with a company to purchase the property. Plans are for the course to remain open as a public golf course until early summer.

“We would like to inform the Membership that we have entered discussions toward the possible sale of the Club property. It is probably not a surprise to our members that our first calendar year was financially difficult, with our losses higher than in the Club’s two prior years. Our high hopes and primary intent were to grow the Club’s Membership to levels necessary to support the club with minimal “Outside” play and to maintain the Club as a private club. Based on the golf dynamics of the club and the state, and the downward trends of the golf industry, in general we do not see a path toward our ability to do that as a private or even semi-private club.

As for the name, Metacomet, it was the fashion at the turn of the 20th century for golf clubs organizing in New England to select Native American names. Metacomet was a great Indian Chief of the Wampanoag Tribe, a friend of the Pilgrim settlers of the 17th century who was later named King Philip by the English after he succeeded his father as leader of the Wampanoag tribe.

The course was originally designed by Leonard Byles, but, in 1924, Donald Ross was hired to consult and re-design the golf course which currently stands. The new layout was opened on August 7, 1926. Known as a challenging course with lots of character, it is widely considered to have among the best putting greens in New England.

A leader in the move against the Marshal development as initially listed is Candy Seel of East Providence.  A group has formed a facebook site called “Keep Metacomet Green.”  “I’ve been reading lots of comments about throwing out all the current elected officials, including members of the City Council.  Let’s keep in mind that the only elected officials who have thrown in their lot with the Marshall plan are Mayor Bob DaSilva and Senator Bill Conley.  The members of the Planning Board are appointed and not elected. This matter has not come before the City Council as a whole, except for planning public hearings to give the people a chance to speak. A couple of Council people have stated that they are not in favor of rezoning and throwing this to the Waterfront Commission until they revisit the Five-Year Comprehensive Plan of 2010-2015 and/or we find out a great deal more about the current development plan.  Let’s keep putting the pressure on all of them to do the right thing. If they don’t, then come 2022 we can throw out any of them who deserves defeat. Until then I don’t see a need to disparage them all for a vote they haven’t even taken,” said Ms. Seel.

Also very active in the move to save Metacomet is Jane Brindisi Crevier.  Crevier has taken a measured approach to the issue.  “We are not against economic development! We are however against this specific proposal which is so enormous it will destroy the aesthetics & functionality of this city. Traffic & over burdening of our Police /Fire / Water / Sewers are also concerns,” writes Brindisi-Crevier.  It’s not a done deal.  The city council still needs to vote on rezoning and passing this to the Waterfront Commission neither of which we want . You still have a chance to be heard at one of two public meetings August 6 & 11.  If you feel our representatives have already made up their minds then that in itself is a sad state of affairs,” adds Brindisi-Crevier.

Activist Lynn Miller of East Providence has organized a petition drive which has garnered nearly 3,000 signatures in opposition to the re-zoning change by mid-July. 

The first official act of the City Council in reference to this development will be to conduct public hearings.  Moving away from zoom meetings, the council has set two actual public hearings to be held on August 6^th and August 11^th.  While the site is not yet determined, the council is hoping to arrange the hearings to be held at the Martin Middle School which will allow for many more people than the city hall chambers.  Council members have all stated that they are interested in getting public input before making any decisions.

New Automated Trash Collection is Here
As one answer to the reported problem of rodents in some parts of East Providence, the city has now banned the placement of individual bags and containers at curbside, other than city provided automated bins.  The Mayor’s office and the City Council agreed on an extension to the current trash contract which will provide the city with new automated trash receptacles.  They will work similar to the recyclable containers.  Each household/apartment will be provided with one 95 gallon bin.  Bags and regular trash bins are no longer allowed.  DPW Director Steve Coutu emphasized that the new bins are equipped to hold more that seven (7) household trash bags.  Residents can buy additional bins at $45. Each, which are said to be cheaper than buying a trash can at a box or hardware store.

Coutu went on to say that this should go a long way to controlling the rodent problem in the City.  “It will also be a more attractive street and home appearance during trash day.”  Residents can bring unwanted trash cans to the City garage for disposal or “use them for yard waste collection with a City provided sticker.”  The $155,000 cost for the new bins will be spread out over five (5) years in a zero-interest loan provided by the trash hauler, Mega.  Regular yard waste and recyclable collections will continue as they currently exist.  The program was slated to begin on August 1, 2020.  Ward Two (2) councilwoman Anna Sousa also offered several amendments to ordinances for first passage which outline rules and fines for those not complying with health and safety trash regulations.

Residents to get Fishing Pier from Kettle Point
In a resolution sponsored by at large councilman Bob Rodericks, the City took deed to a 600 foot fishing pier and near 3 acres of public access waterfront land.  The subject property is located on the shoreline of the Providence River immediately west of the East Bay Bike Path; and “Whereas, for over 75 years, the site has been in private ownership with the public prohibited from entering the site; and whereas, both pedestrian and vehicle access to the parcel is provided; and whereas it is the City’s intent to obtain ownership of the parcel to serve as a City park that would provide opportunities for fishing and scenic views of Upper Narragansett Bay…”   The land and pier were part of the development of Kettle Point and pledged to the City to be used as a public park.  Kettle Point development has also pledged $15,000 which will be put aside for general maintenance of the dock and benches in the area, etc.  “This is waterfront land that was never accessible to the public.  At least now, residents can use the fishing pier and enjoy another public park and open space,” said Councilman Rodericks in sponsoring the measure.

City to join Blackstone Valley Tourism
In a resolution sponsored by Ward 3 councilman Nate Cahoon, the City Council approved authorizing the City of East Providence to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Blaclcstone Valley Tourism Council Inc.   “The intent is to accomplish a vision that will improve the shared interests in our ten (10) communities and allow the Blaclistone Valley Tourism Council access to the previously held funds to promote tourism activities.”  “East Providence will put tax revenue previously generated and held in escrow by the state of Rhode Island hotel tax to work for the direct benefit and support of tourism activities within the City of East Providence,” said Cahoon.  Around $400,000 has been set aside for use specifically in East Providence for promoting tourism.  East Providence has been part of the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor since its inception in 1986; and the Educational Vessel Blackstone Valley Explorer,  operated by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council,  has worked in and out of East Providence since 1994.  The Blaclistone Valley Tourism Council Inc. provided a tourism analysis for East Providence in 2016 and has partnered with the East Providence Chamber of Commerce on several projects over the past decade.

Emergency Generator Approved for Water Pumping Station
The City had recently issued a Request for Proposals for the replacement of the Kent Heights Emergency Generator and received one proposal from Calson Constructlon Corporation in the amount of $157,465.00.  Funding for this project is available through the Water Enterprise Fund Capital Account.  “While there was only one bidder for this project, Calson recently successfully and professionally installed generators at City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Department of Public Works garage, according to City officials.  “The generator will replace an aging and unreliable generator which can no longer carry the full electrical load under emergency power at the Kent Heights Water Pumping Station and storage facilities,” noted Cahoon.  The measure was approved unanimously. 

Residential Outdoor Recreational Wood-burning Fires now Okay
After much debate, the council approved the use of outdoor woof burning fire pits in the City with several restrictions.  The fire pits can only be used in single residential homes or duplexes.  They cannot be used in any multi-unit residences.  Some listed restrictions are:  All residential outdoor recreational clean wood-burning fires shall be kindled and maintained within a designated fire place/pit, purchased or constructed, that is wholly constituted of non-flammable material!, and does not exceed three (3) feet in diameter, as determined by the East Providence Fire Chief or designee. Commercially purchased fire places/pits shall be operated according to manufacturers’ instructions in a safe manner.

All residential outdoor recreational clean wood-burning fires shall burn exclusively "clean wood." No other wood or material may be burned. "Clean wood" means natural wood or pellets, made therefrom that has not been painted, stained, coated, preserved, or treated with a synthetic substance, including, but not limited to, copper chromium arsenate, creosote, or pentachlorophenol. "Clean wood" does not include driftwood, and does not include construction or demolition debris, nor wood that contains any glue or resin, as in plywood or other composite wood products.

All residential outdoor recreational clean wood-burning fires must be located at least thirty (30) feet away from any abutting property owner's dwelling or structure, as determined by the East Providence Fire Chief or designee. Such fires must not cause noxious emissions on the property of others, or other nuisance or hazard to surrounding persons or property, as determined by the East Providence Fire Chief, or designee, or other duly constituted authority.  The use of accelerants to kindle or maintain residential outdoor recreational clean wood- burning fires is prohibited. Accelerants include, but are not limited to, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, turpentine, butane, lighter fluid and other flammable solvents. Further, all residential outdoor recreational clean wood-burning fires must be kindled and maintained at a minimum distance of fifty (50) feet from any storage receptacle containing an accelerant.  A competent person of at least eighteen (18) years of age, possessing access to a source of water (e.g. a garden hose connected to a water supply) sufficient to extinguish such fire shall constantly attend such fire until the fire is extinguished.  All residential outdoor recreational clean wood-burning fires shall be immediately and entirely extinguished upon the direction of a member of the East Providence Fire Department, the East Providence Police Department, or other duly constituted authority.

One city resident voiced opposition during the first passage hearing due to smoke and odors his home receives from neighbors burning wood in their nearby yards.  “How are you going to measure and regulate the provisions of this?” he asked.  Councilman Cahoon, the resolution’s sponsor said that complaints should be called in to the fire department who will have to check it for a legal fire.  The measure is still scheduled for second passage in August.

Rep. Amore seeks Small Business Relief
Rep. Gregg Amore, Chairman of the House Small Business Committee, is calling on the RI Commerce Corporation to work with Rhode Island’s small businesses impacted by COVID-19 to expedite access to much needed capital through the Small Business Development Fund, which the General Assembly included in the FY2020 state budget.

“COVID-19 has decimated our small businesses and those that are still in operation are struggling to remain open. The backbone of our state’s economy needs help and it is imperative that RI Commerce tap into the Small Business Development Fund so that more of our small businesses are not forced to close their doors for good. Speaker Mattiello and the House Small Business Committee look forward to working with Governor Raimondo to help assist our small businesses by getting them additional stabilization resources during this unprecedented time.” said Representative Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).

School Board Chair has Opponent
 East Providence School Committee chairman, Charles Tsonos will face political newcomer, Michael Budziszek this November in a challenge to retain his seat. Budziszek is an associate professor and Biology program lead at Johnson & Wales University in the Science Department. Budziszek’s campaign issued a statement with his formal declaration for the Ward One school board seat held by Charlie Tsonos, Ward One.

“In his role at Johnson & Wales, Michael has been an integral part of both program and building designs, charged with ensuring proper development of and measurement of student outcomes in his role as Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Outcomes Assessment and member of the University Outcomes Assessment committees. As a science professor, one of his main motivations for running for School Committee is to safely help the academic body navigate the future challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.

“Budziszek has lived in East Providence for 11 years, is married, and has twin girls enrolled at Myron J. Francis Elementary School. He has lived in Rhode Island since 1994, coming here as the son in a Navy family when his father accepted a position in the Department of Defense in Middletown. He completed his Masters and Doctoral degrees at the University of Rhode Island, focusing on molecular biology, biochemistry, plant sciences, environmental sciences, and education.

“As the Ward 1 School Committee representative, Michael will bring a wealth of knowledge from the worlds of both science and education. As a father of two young girls in the school system, he is invested in being the kind of leader dedicated to the best outcomes for the students, teachers, and community.”

“I decided to run for school committee as I have always believed that our future, the future of a successful and prosperous economy and society, starts with proper investment in our public education system and it’s infrastructures, our children, and teachers. I want to help champion the needs of both students and teachers in East Providence. I also want to make sure that as we send our children back to school in the Fall, that we have established safe protocols to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and any future infectious agents.

I also believe that no child shall go without any of the basic needs to be a successful and prepared student. I have worked with schools in the past, and also presently, to build food gardens to nourish body and mind. I believe that we need to reconnect with how our food is produced and also develop a stronger connection to the environment. This, I feel is how we strengthen our community. In addition, one of my goals is to assist in the possible need to pivot to remote learning in the upcoming academic year as we monitor the spread of the coronavirus. As an educator and scientist, I believe I am well suited for this endeavor.” - Michael Budziszek Statement

School Department Planning for School Opening
The school committee accepted a report from the school administration on their plan as submitted to the state department of education at its July meeting.  Dr. Sandra Forand, an Assistant Superintendent was the lead administrator in preparing the report.  Several sub committees and dozens of people served on Superintendent Crowley’s task force on how to safely reopen schools.  The local plan will be reviewed by the Commissioner of Education and health officials for acceptance or modification.  In a July 14^th letter to all RI teachers, Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green wrote:  “All across our state, leaders of our districts, charters, and state-run schools are hard at work with their teams putting together their reopening plans. I know how challenging this process feels, and I know it can sometimes feel like a thankless task. The uncertainties of the public health situation, the concerns of parents and families, the challenges surrounding budget planning - it all adds up,” said Infante-Green.  “We are collectively tackling an unprecedented situation, knowing full well that there will be gaps in even the best of plans. We are also getting national attention for the right reasons, including a new report from Johns Hopkins University that found we are just one of 13 states that addressed all 12 factors in our reopening guidance. We are on the right track.

I am convinced that we are doing more than just preparing for a back-to-school effort for this fall. We are changing the fundamental dynamics of PK-12 education in our state. All across Rhode Island, neighbors are collaborating with neighbors to make sure their plans are as solid as possible. Teams of principals and teachers are developing new ways of thinking about the fundamentals of their classrooms,” she added.

Crowley and Forand stressed that the district plan is fluid and can change as circumstances arise.  School Board Chair, Charles Tsonos issued a related statement via social media.  “I understand the struggle that parents face as to sending their child back to school.  The best option in East Providence for education is the School Department.  As one member of the School Committee, I feel that parents should have the option to opt for distance learning.  If a parent chooses to send their child to school, they also have a choice.  In either case, school personnel, students, parents, all should be kept safe.  Personal hygiene and cleanliness are more important now than ever.  If a child wants to go to school, it falls upon us to keep them safe.  If a child or parent wishes to have distance learning, we should also respect their wishes. The School Department is the best option for our children, one way or the other,” wrote Tsonos.