City Sets 2025 Tax Rate
Rate is down from 2024
City Finance Director Glenda Delgado has announced the 2025 property tax rate for residential and commercial properties. The 2025 rate for residential is set at $13.07, which is down from the 2024 rate of $15.33. The City Council was initially told on May 20, 2025, that the rate was lowered to $12.95 but after correcting the rate to reflect the official tax levy rather than budgeted amounts, the final rate of $13.07 is a decrease of $2.26 or a 14.75% decrease from last year. The commercial tax rate is set at $20.63, a decrease from $23.92 last year. The rates are per $1,000 of assessed value. Property taxes will rise slightly due to mandated revaluation totals, but the rate has decreased to lessen the blow a bit.
Comparable Residential Tax Rates in Rhode Island:
Senior Center named RI’s first municipal LGBTQ+ Safe Zone
The City of East Providence, Robert Rock Senior Center, was named an LGBTQ+ Safe Zone by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. “Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is proud to certify the Robert E. Rock Senior Center as the first Senior Center in Rhode to be designated as a Safe Zone, recognizing its commitment to creating a welcoming, affirming, and safe environment for older LGBTQ+ individuals to receive the care they deserve,” a spokesperson for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island said.
The designation certifies providers and community-based organizations identifying themselves as supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. “In East Providence, we value you for who you are, and it doesn’t matter what your ethnicity, sexuality, or religious beliefs are,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “East Providence is a very diverse community of people from all backgrounds and walks of life and we want every member of our city to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.” To receive recognition from the Safe Zone Certification Program, organizations must reflect policies, procedures, and physical space related to equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ patients.
“We are proud to get the BCBSRI Safe Zone designation,” Laura Jones, Senior Services Director said. “We want our LGBTQ+ Older Adults in East Providence to know the Robert E. Rock
Senior Center is a safe place for them to come and participate in all the great activities, programs and resources we have to offer.”
Met Golf Ball Woes
The East Providence City Council heard a complaint at its May 7th meeting from a resident who lives on Fort Street adjacent to the former Metacomet Country Club. The complaint from Deborah Perez was that scores of golf balls are peppering her house and car with errant golf balls from the 9-hole newly built course called, The Met. “As I sit in my house we are just getting banged with golf balls,” she told an attentive City Council. “I’ve had property damage, I can’t be in my front yard because golf balls come flying in,” she added. Perez then produced bags and boxes full of golf balls she has retrieved from her yard that have come from the Metacomet now owned by Marshall Properties. The homeowner said that over 60 golf balls have hit her home since August.
Perez has participated in many meetings with Marshall officials and golf course supervisors but has received empty promises. “They’ve given me assurances of putting up a net and correcting the problem, but nothing has happened yet,” she said. A large number of diseased trees that used to “soften the blow,” have been removed and no longer block some of these balls.”
Council members expressed a concern for Marshall to rectify the situation. “Marshall may be aware of this meeting tonight,” said Council President Bob Rodericks. “I’m asking them to install a high net or do something to alleviate the problem. We’ll reach out to them,” he said.
"There are solutions. It's 2025," agreed Council Vice President Frank Rego. "The nets are an effective solution."
“The city has been in touch (with MetLinks). We’ve also talked with our police department,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva’s Chief of Staff, Patricia Resende.
City Council Reviewing Comprehensive Plan and New Zoning Regulations
The purpose of the council reviews is to consider adoption of the new 2025 East Providence Comprehensive Plan along with some new zoning regulations mandated by state law. “The preparation, revision, and adoption of this 2025 Comprehensive Plan are considered in accordance with the provisions of RIGL Chapter 22.2, the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning & Land Use Regulation Act.,” said council President Bob Rodericks.
The proposed plan under consideration will update in its entirety the prior 2010 Comprehensive Plan, including the following chapters: Housing, Economic Development, City Services and Facilities, Transportation and Connectivity, Recreation, Natural Resources, Natural Hazards and Climate Change, History, Culture and the Arts, Sustainability, Waterfront District, Land Use, and Implementation.
The proposed plan is available for public review at the following locations:
In a public zoning workshop on Wednesday, May 28th, the city council received recommendations from a grant funded consultant team on necessary mandated changes to zoning regulations which every city and town must adhere to. Members also discussed some optional recommendations.
Mayor DaSilva issued a press release in which he supports a zoning requirement that “any future development of 10 housing units or more includes 20 percent deed-restricted, affordable and fully accessible housing.” While the city’s Waterfront District has had an inclusionary zoning ordinance that requires 10 percent of affordable housing, the administration is seeking to expand it to 20 percent citywide. “We have had very successful market rate development in our city and our administration is very proud of that,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Going forward, market rate developments will also need to include affordable and fully accessible housing, and we are working with the East Providence City Council to address the affordable housing crisis not only occurring in our city, but throughout the state.”
The proposal appears to have major support among council members. Council leadership Bob Rodericks and Frank Rego were in attendance at the workshop. “We are officially addressing the need for fairness in housing,” Council President Bob Rodericks said. “This is making it mandatory that developers need to commit to affordable housing in our city.” The workshop listed guidelines for affordable housing which is always a source of confusion for many. “Creating more affordable housing will allow our senor residents, who are looking to downsize, more options and will enable them to remain in our city,” Council Vice President Frank Rego said.
Additionally, the City’s administration is proud to say that this ordinance would make East Providence the first municipality in the state of Rhode Island to require 20 percent of newly built units be fully, physically accessible for people with mobility issues. “It is imperative that we begin thinking outside of the box when it comes to housing and inclusionary zoning is an example of that,” Ward 3 Councilman Frank Fogarty said. The city of East Providence has one of the highest aging populations who will need more accessible housing. “This ordinance not only creates a pathway to affordable housing, but also more accessible housing,” Fogarty added. Rodericks stressed that no votes were being taken and the process will be ongoing and public.
EPHS Senior Ty Messier 2025 Presidential Scholar
Ty Messier, a graduating senior at East Providence High School has been named one of 621 semifinalists in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The semifinalists were selected from over 6,000 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2025.
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 61st year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas- academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and involvement in school and the community.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. Each year, Scholars are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion.
A distinguished panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected 621 semifinalists. In the coming months, we will complete final selection of the high school seniors who will be named as the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, and the names of those students will be announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
EP High Career & Technical Dental Assisting Program Reaches Full Potential
The East Providence Career and Technical’s Dental Assisting Program began as an innovative idea thrown around as the East Providence High School Building Committee brainstormed ideas for the new High School in about 2018, when the project was still very much in its conceptual phase. At that time, there wasn’t even a standard on the books for a Dental Assisting CTE Program in Rhode Island.
Now, seven years later, the first class of 4-year completers have earned their Radiography Certification at the Community College of Rhode Island and are poised to complete their clinical internships at local dental practices during the Spring Semester of senior year. Upon graduation they will be ready to go straight into a career as a Dental Assistant, or pursue further education to become a Hygienist or even a Dentist.
“It has been a 4-year journey for the Dental Assisting Program, which began in September 2021 with only six students, growing to eighteen in year two, thirty-four last year, to a full-fledged CTE Program with 48 students this school year. In the Spring of 2022, the RI CTE Board of Trustees approved Dental Assisting as a standard, and then in the Fall of 2024, granted full approval to East Providence’s Dental Assisting Program,” said EPCTC Director Robert Hanlon.
“With the support of her students, colleagues, administration, and a strong network of community partners on the advisory board, instructor Mrs. Rebecca Paniccia built a program with a relevant, hands-on curriculum, rich work-based learning experiences, and the opportunity to earn industry credentials such as Basic Lifesaving for Healthcare workers and RIDOH Radiography Certification,” Hanlon added.
Mrs. Paniccia and her students are truly trailblazers in RI Public Education, paving the way for other CTE Programs in the future to prepare their students as Dental Assistants. Paniccia trains students on vital signs, infection control, dental instruments, restorative procedures, suction placement, and lab procedures. The dental assistant’s duties include preparing treatment rooms, setting up instrument trays, preparing patients, reviewing medical histories, assisting with anesthetics, helping with oral hygiene, exposing radiographs, taking impressions, sterilizing instruments, recording patient notes, scheduling appointments, and coordinating treatments.
The East Providence High School Career and Technical Center provides a unique educational opportunity to students from the city of East Providence and surrounding Rhode Island communities. Our expert instructors prepare students to pursue post-secondary training or enter the workforce in one of nine high growth/high wage fields (listed below). Students engage in hands-on authentic coursework in our state-of-the-art facility using the tools of the trade and earning industry credentials as they progress. They also take advantage of work-based learning opportunities and in some cases may earn post-secondary credits through their coursework.
Since the Career and Technical Center is fully integrated within East Providence High School, students who are accepted into one of our programs enjoy the full benefits of being an EPHS student whether they reside in the city, or are from a surrounding community. These benefits include participation in any one of our very successful sports teams, performing arts, clubs, competitions, Advance Placement and Early Enrollment courses, and much more.
Students who graduate from the EPHS CTC are Ready for College, Ready for Career, and Ready For their Future! EPHS CTC Programs: Automotive Technology, Computer Science, Construction, Culinary Arts, Electrical Technology, Fashion Design, Forensic Science, Graphic Design, Health Occupations & Dental Assisting and Pre-Engineering.
City “Feast Groups” Receive $50,000 Grants for the Season
$6,250 to each group
Gov. Dan McKee and Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner joined Mayor Bob DaSilva at Sacred Heart Church in East Providence on Thursday, May29th to announce the awarding of $50,000 in grants for the 2025 cultural feast season. “We are excited that this summer's feast organizations are the recipients of this RI Rebounds grant and we thank Governor McKee and Secretary Tanner for their continued support,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.
“Each summer, these feasts spotlight East Providence’s diversity, bringing with them thousands from across Rhode Island and Massachusetts to enjoy cultural celebrations and creating an economic boost while continuing to enrich our community’s heritage, history, and culture,” DaSilva added.
The RI Rebounds Placemaking Initiative at Rhode Island Commerce is a statewide effort to support businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries. "Rhode Island's vibrant arts and culture scene deserves to be celebrated, and we're committed to showcasing the very best attractions our state has to offer," Governor Dan McKee said. "Summer is when Rhode Island shines and through our Placemaking Initiative, we’re continuing to support local events and festivals so visitors and residents can see why Rhode Island is truly All That."
The $50,000 grant will be split equally ($6,250) among all eight organizations hosting a cultural feast in the city this summer, assisting with things such as tent rental, food, beverages, entertainment and more.
“Rhode Island Commerce is proud to support the City of East Providence and the eight cultural feast organizations through our Placemaking program,” Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner said. “These events attract visitors, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life of residents by showcasing the city’s unique culture and hospitality.”
The following organizations are receiving grant funding for this summer’s feast season: Sacred Heart Church, Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood of RI, Trinity Brotherhood Club, St.Francis Xavier Church, Theopilo Braga Club, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Mariense and the Cape Verdean Progressive Center.
“Thank you to Gov. Dan McKee, Mayor Bob DaSilva, Secretary Tanner and Rhode Island Commerce,” Glenn Fagundes said. “As the proud president of Trinity Brotherhood, I know how grateful all of the organizations are for this grant. “This initiative has allowed our Portuguese cultural events to remain vibrant and to flourish,” Fagundes added.
EPHS Music Group is 2025 RI Winner
In a May 19, 2025 press release, The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) announced the 2024–2025 Tri-M® Music Honor Society (Tri-M®) Chapters of the Year. The National Chapter of the Year Program is designed to motivate and reward chapters that perform service projects, encourage Chapter Officers to perform their duties properly, and increase awareness and interest in what other Tri-M chapters are doing.
The Rhode Island winner was East Providence High School. Marisa Silva is the advisor. The Tri-M National Chapters of the Year receive engraved permanent service plaques along with their respective Chapter of the Year Scholarship awards. Scholarships must be used to fund a professional development activity for the chapter including, but not limited to, clinicians, master classes, field trips, conference travel, or summer music program scholarships. State Chapter of the Year winners will receive a personalized banner commemorating their Chapter of the Year status in their state. Founded in 1907 and representing more than 57,000 members teaching millions of students, NAfME advances the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music.
“The Tri-M® Music Honor Society is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Since 1985, through more than 9,700 chartered chapters and approximately 80,000 student members annually, Tri-M® has given more than $145,000 in Chapter of the Year Scholarship Awards to chapters across the country making a difference in their communities. Tri-M is a program of the National Association for Music Education,” said national representatives.
“Congratulations to my students. They worked hard to achieve these standards,” said advisor and music director Marissa Silva. “A lot of what they (students) do is on behalf of local community groups and charities.” Student officers include Jason Brown, Melanie Colin, Gavin Enos, Cristian Gonzales-Juarez, and Rosalie Gurna.
Recreation Department Announces 2025 Summer Concert line-up
The East Providence Recreation Department announces the 2025 Summer Concert line-up. Shows are weather permitting and take place at Crescent Park located at 701 Bullocks Point Avenue in Riverside. Concerts are held on Thursday evenings from June 5 – August 28 and start at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted.
The 2025 “Concerts in the Park” series is sponsored by Navigant Credit Union. The schedule is as follows:
For more information, please call the Recreation Department at 401-435-7511.
Arbor Day Foundation Award for City
The Arbor Day Foundation named East Providence a 2024 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, Nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972. The Tree City USA Program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 40 years.
“We all have a role to play in shaping our future and tree champions like East Providence are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnoer, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud East Providence is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating a positive impact through trees.” In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values and lower energy costs for homeowners.
“We're committed to increasing equitable access to trees and nature and the that benefits our residents, their children, and their children's children by creating cooler city streets and improving air quality and promoting food security, public health, and safety. All in the name of planting trees,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “But words are just that. Words are just words. It’s also about the action. And over the past several years, we here in East Providence have planted over 700 trees.” To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
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