with contributions from Bob Rodericks
New Chicken Ordinance Fails Again
A revised attempt to legally allow residents to keep chickens in their yards has failed for the second time. After hearing from residents at its July 15th meeting, the City Council denied the request in a split two to two vote. Ordinance sponsor Ward Two Councilwoman Anna Sousa and Ward Three Councilman Frank Fogarty voted in favor with Ward One Councilman Frank Rego and Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson voting against. The split vote meant that passage failed. Board President and at-large member Bob Rodericks was not present due to the passing of his wife.
The current ordinance states in part; “No owner or occupant of any dwelling shall keep or permit to be kept any sheep, hogs, goats, cattle, horses, fowl, geese or ducks in any dwelling house, cellar or garage, nor shall any person have any such animals kept within the city, except under such special conditions as may be prescribed by the animal control officer.”
The proposed ordinance listed many restrictions in order to receive a permit and permission. Residents would have to agree to no more than 6 hens with no roosters allowed. The coops would have to have adequate space, not encroaching on a neighbor and must have protection from other predators entering the coop. Fines for non-compliance would be significantly raised under the new policy. Many speakers testified that countless numbers of residents have backyard chickens with no current consequences or problems. Many felt a ban is unenforceable.
One resident was concerned with health issues, stating that private backyard coops can’t be regulated. She claimed knowledge of an active salmonella outbreak due to residents’ chickens. She stated that many were sick, hospitalized and one death reported. It is unsure if the issue will be brought up again in the near future.
City Schools to Install Interior & Exterior School Bus Cameras
The City plans to install cameras on all school buses by the start of school in September, 2025. The cameras will record activities inside the bus and also attempt to catch those motorists who ignore the law and drive through the flashing red lights on an extended arm. School bus drivers here and statewide complain of motorists ignoring the stop signs on busses. This is especially dangerous when the bus is stopped and children are crossing a busy street.
In a public statement last month, School Board Chairman Dave Luiz said the following: “I would like to share an important update with East Providence families and residents. As part of the new contract between the East Providence School District and Ocean State Transit, all school buses transporting our students will now be equipped with internal video cameras. Here’s what you should know: All existing buses will have two interior cameras installed, one facing the front and one facing the rear of the bus. Any new buses added to the fleet will include a three-camera system for even broader coverage inside the bus. Why this matters: Enhances the safety of all students and staff on our buses. Helps deter inappropriate behavior and ensures accountability.
Provides school officials with valuable tools to address concerns when they arise. This is another step forward in our efforts to prioritize the well-being and safety of every child who rides an East Providence school bus.”
Governor, locals Condemn Administration’s Move to Gut Department of Education
Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s move to gut the U.S. Department of Education and slash federal funding:
“Rhode Island is committed to building a stronger, more resilient future through education. Our RI 2030 plan outlines a clear vision: to ensure every student in our state receives a high-quality education. But recent cuts to crucial federal education funding and the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Trump Administration to gut the U.S. Department of Education represent a direct threat to that mission, not only here in Rhode Island, but across the country. “Education is not a line item, it is a national imperative.
“These actions will slow progress in our classrooms, put critical programs at risk, and limit support for the very students who need it most, especially for our multilingual and special education students.
“Federal support for 21st Century after-school programming is especially critical to the success of our state’s Learn365RI initiative, which is rooted in the belief that in every home, every day, learning matters. These programs provide extended learning opportunities that reinforce academic growth and keep students engaged beyond the traditional school day.
“If we truly believe in preparing our students for the future, then Congress must act. The federal government has an essential role to play in ensuring states like ours have the tools and resources to deliver on our promise of opportunity for every child.
“Rhode Island will not stop fighting for our students. We will continue to innovate and partner with educators, families, and local leaders. Because when we invest in education, we invest in our people, our communities, and our country’s future.”
For local East Providence officials this could mean a loss of nearly $500,000 in federal funds already approved by Congress. Almost $30 million would be blocked for Rhode Island districts. This impacts programs like Title II, Title III, and Title IV critical needs locally. Such as teacher training and direct curriculum for multi-lingual learners and programs helping students in low socio-economic areas. Many after school programs would be affected.
Local and state officials received this information without any advance notice. “Just an abrupt ending with no hope of future discussion,” remarks one local school administrator. To some, this is a rank political move based on the abrupt and brief email received which said in part: “Given the change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding for the [Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B] grant program(s), and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year. Accordingly, the Department will not be issuing Grant Award Notifications obligating funds for these programs on July 1 prior to completing that review. The Department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.”
School Committee Chairman David Luiz and school administrators are concerned as they have been closely watching an already tight budget situation. “We have no more information than anyone. We must sit back and see what happens to our funding, especially with special programs,” said Chairman Luiz.
EP Firefighter Faces Felony Gun Charges
According to news reports on July 23rd, an East Providence firefighter was arrested in Glocester on up to eight felony weapons charges. The firefighter was identified as Hoan Su. Glocester police were alerted by East Providence police that Su may be a “red flag” situation after allegedly threatening to shoot a colleague. A search of Su’s home turned up several AR-style high-capacity weapons, some loaded. Su is currently on paid suspension pending his pre-arraignment conference in October and further action by East Providence officials.
Rhode Island’s Long-Range Transportation Plan – Want Input?
The Rhode Island State Planning Council’s Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) is accepting written comments on the proposed long-range transportation plan: Moving Forward RI 2050 for the State of Rhode Island. The Division of Statewide Planning has prepared a draft of Moving Forward RI 2050. This long-range transportation plan sets the 25-year vision for surface multimodal transportation projects within the state of Rhode Island. Moving Forward RI 2050’s website can be found here: https://planning.ri.gov/planning-areas/transportation/long-rangetransportation-plan. The public comment period for Moving Forward RI 2050 starts on August 12, 2025. We encourage comments to be submitted online via our SmartComment portal, where the draft documents are available for review here:
https://planning.ri.commentinput.com/?id=bpKNdufAE. The draft documents can also be viewed at the office of the Division of Statewide Planning between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The TAC will also accept public comments on the Draft Moving Forward RI 2050 plan at one public hearing scheduled for:
Tuesday, August 26th 5 – 7PM. City of Providence, Joseph A Doorley Building, First Floor Conference Room, 444 Westminster Street, Providence RI Zoom Registration (listening purposes only): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/umyTX8bYR4CXw5CFERRTpw
All persons may present their views on these items in person or through a representative at the TAC public hearing referenced above. All comments on the long-range transportation plan, (both oral and written) must be received by 4:00 PM on September 12, 2025. We will also hold one public listening session via Zoom for anyone who cannot attend in-person. This session is scheduled for: Wednesday, August 27th 12 – 1PM. Zoom Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CKPtx46WSa2DdOBIoaLLhA .
Keep Metacomet Green (KMG) Stays Vigilant
Residents involved with opposition to the approved use of the former Metacomet Golf Course continue to voice concern and opposition to the project. KMG members were planning to attend a July 24th meeting of the Waterfront Commission although they told their members that “there is nothing on the agenda regarding Metacomet or the Parkway.” KMG leaders wrote on their social media page that “when the Commission (Waterfront) approved the Metacomet project in December 2024, that approval came with a number of conditions. One was that the developer Metacomet Property LLC submit status updates upon request. It is time for the Commission to make that request. There’s been a whole lot of digging on the site since then. The archaeological survey continues, with one phase leading to another as evidence of archaic daily living activities are unearthed.” According to KMG, “soil sampling is underway to investigate IF hazardous materials are present on the site. That IF boat left the dock in January when RIDEM was informed by the developer’s consultant that preliminary sampling had shown that arsenic concentrations within the soil exceeded the applicable RIDEM standards. Transparency. It is the public’s right and public bodies’ responsibility.”
Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Get $5K Grant
In a posting on their social media page, the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse wrote that they recently received a $5,000 grant from the Squantum Association Charitable Foundation to help restore their dock. The presentation was made at the ‘Taste of Summer” event that the Friends held in July at Squantum. “Restoring Pomham Rocks Lighthouse with historical accuracy is our mission,” notes Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Board of Directors Chair Alex Dias. He thanked Squantum Association Charitable Foundation for their continuing support. Previous years’ grants provided funding for the fence and the cistern restoration projects.
“We are pleased to continue our support of the efforts of Friends of Pomham Rock Lighthouse, our longtime Riverside shoreline neighbor, “said Paul R. Williams, Squantum Association Charitable Foundation Board Member. “Funded independently by our membership,” he added, “we initiated the Squantum Association Charitable Foundation to support charitable and community organizations which improve the quality of life in our state.”
This year’s $5,000 grant from Squantum will enable Friends volunteers to replace the 1939 wooden dock. Winter storm surges since 2022 have caused the dock to be submerged four times, resulting in structural damage. Plans are underway to replace it with an historically accurate dock, with a higher elevation to accommodate rising sea levels.
Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. This important New England maritime light station and museum is an integral part of Rhode Island’s heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
State and local officials travel to Cape Verde
East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva joined Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Sen. Robert Britto, Dr. Isadore Ramos, Corsino Delgado of the Cape Verdean Museum, Dr. Silas Pinto and Joe Moniz of the Cape Verdean Progressive Center overseas to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean Independence. Throughout that visit local leaders had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cape Verdean heritage and culture, while witnessing the countries’ historic milestone of 50 years of freedom firsthand.
During the trip, Mayor DaSilva and the delegation also had the opportunity to meet privately with Cape Verde President José Maria Pereira Neves and Prime Minister José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva. Mayor DaSilva as well as each of the state’s delegates had the opportunity to form an open line of communication with Cape Verde’s top leaders, creating international relations and connecting island industry with Rhode Island business.
Mayor DaSilva used this opportunity as a chance to highlight improving inter-island transportation and introducing Cape Verdean leadership to manufacturer Regent Craft and the R.I. Seaglider. Right now, Regent Craft is revolutionizing coastal transportation and Mayor DaSilva believes that the manufacturer could play a role in providing affordable and reliable inter-island transportation.
One of the many conversations had between Rhode Island leadership and Cape Verde’s top-ranking officials, was the importance of the Cape Verdean diaspora and how East Providence can collaborate to improve trade, education and cultural exchanges.
East Providence is home to one of Rhode Island’s largest Cape Verdean populations, and the Cape Verdean Progressive Center has been a staple within the community for over 80 years.
The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island is in East Providence.
A much-needed upgrade for the fish ladder at Turner Reservoir is underway. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) helped the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management replace the wooden boards that control the flow of water through the ladder, enabling River Herring to swim around the dam. “A great partnership, thanks SumCo Eco-Contracting for completing the project so quickly,” said area enthusiasts. “And kudos to Save The Bay, Narragansett Bay, the Ten Mile River Watershed Council and the Friends of the Ten Mile River for this effort championing fish passage and clean water.”
EP Cops and Rodders Car Show
It's that time of year again. Join the East Providence Police for the 3rd Annual Cops and Rodders Car Show on Saturday, August 30th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Last year, we had an incredible turnout and awarded trophies to ten different vehicle classes. Most importantly, we raised money for the fantastic local nonprofit, The Tomorrow Fund! Thanks again to moo.com for hosting the event for the third year in a row. Come enjoy great food, music, prizes, and most of all – cars!
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here