School Bus Stop Arm System Finally Working
The City Council will discuss the progress of the long-delayed implementation of the school bus stop arm system, which is intended to enforce violations of motorists driving through stopped school buses. As of April 26th, the system was not yet working although approved some eight months ago. City council president Bob Rodericks had placed the item on the May 5th council agenda. “I want to ascertain when the system will be operational and if not, to discuss voiding the contract,” Rodericks said. “It appears that the equipment has been installed physically but the system cannot work yet as proposed. Motorists continue to pass through the bus stop arms without penalty,” Rodericks wrote. “Our police department informs me that they are ready and able to do their part but the company has not yet made the enforcement portion of the system operational.”
Rodericks and School Committee chairman David Luiz were in agreement that action could be taken to negate the vendor contract for non-compliance if the system remained inoperable. “I take this responsibility seriously as I have heard from bus drivers and monitors that motorists frequently drive past stopped school buses with stop sign arms clearly extended. This is a huge safety factor which must be addressed immediately. When a school bus stops for pickup or drop off of children, there is a high risk of children darting across a busy street,” he said. Rodericks and Luiz said they are prepared to continue with the present vendor if the system is operable by the May 5th council meeting. “We just want the system to work.”
They may get their wish, as in a late development on April 30, 2026 the police department responded that, “the school bus stop arm cameras began to deliver functioning citations on Monday, April 27.” Rodericks and Luiz will discuss the matter at the council meeting of May 5th.
The police department statement reads, in part: “The East Providence Police Department has officially implemented the Gatekeeper School Bus Stop Arm Violation Enforcement Program and it marks an important step forward in protecting students across our community (as of April 27, 2026). Every day, children rely on drivers to do the right thing during school pickup and drop off. Unfortunately, stop arm violations still happen far too often, putting young lives at risk in a matter of seconds. This program is designed to hold drivers accountable and reinforce a simple but critical rule of the road.
Drivers who fail to stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended will face fines ranging from $250 to $500 per violation. This initiative is not about punishment, it’s about prevention. It’s about creating safer streets, raising awareness, and ensuring that every child has a safe path to and from school. If the stop arm is out, you stop. It’s pretty simple.”
DaSilva Announces Bid for Third Mayoral Term
On a windy April 23rd at Riverview at East Point off Bourne Avenue, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva made it official – he is seeking a third term as Mayor. DaSilva was elected as East Providence’s first mayor in 2018. The post is not term limited. Each term is for four years. Richard Baccari, President and CEO of Churchill & Banks and a developer of the former brownfield abandoned property, introduced DaSilva. “This (project) is all due to leadership that Mayor Bob (DaSilva) has given to East Providence,” said Baccari. “With everything they do to make the redevelopment of sites like this possible, it’s unlike any other town in the State of Rhode Island.”
DaSilva addresses the crowd: “Eight years ago, we started this journey together, establishing a mayoral form of government with just one simple promise… to move East Providence forward, and hold all our local elected officials accountable. And as I stand here today, I can proudly say... that is exactly what we have done!
But our mission is not complete — and as I stand here before you filled with gratitude, humility and a greater sense of purpose, I am proud to officially announce that I am running for reelection as the Mayor of East Providence. East Providence is a special place where so many of us have put down our familial roots. It is where generations of hardworking people have sacrificed to create opportunities towards the American Dream. It is a city built on resilience, pride and a whole lot of heart.”
DaSilva continued, “Over the past eight years, we have been tested. We faced an unprecedented pandemic that changed all aspects of life. We persevered through the unforeseen closure of the Washington Bridge, a crisis that disrupted the daily lives of thousands and we dug down deep, and endured a once in a lifetime blizzard. Yet through every challenge and tribulation, this City never faltered. And today, I promise to never stop working towards a brighter future— The work of improving our city must continue.”
To date there are no other declared opponents.
School Committee “Rents” Space at MMS to BridgePoint Christian Church
The School Committee recently approved a contract with the BridgePoint Christian Church to rent space in the newly constructed Martin Middle School. The rental will only be for each Sunday for the next two years. The church located on Waterman Avenue states that they are growing out of their current space needs for service. The contract with the school department is to be temporary while the growing church finds a bigger location for permanent services. Church officials say they need about 40,000 square feet with lots of parking.
The organization will pay the school department $2,500 per week which would bring in $250,000 for the two-year period. After paying for custodial clean up services, the school department will net about $2,000 per week. The contract was amended at member Anthony Ferreira’s suggestion that all profit from this rental be placed in the revolving capital fund for school maintenance as set up by the high school bond issue surplus.
Ward One member Ryan Queenan was the only committee member to vote against the agreement. He said he was uneasy about committing a large portion of a brand-new school before it has been in operation for long. Under the contract, the church would use the auditorium, cafeteria, and four first-floor classrooms, including restrooms. “I hesitate to commit so much in a brand-new school right away,” Queenan said.
Water Cleaning and Lining Project Continues
The city continues its water service improvements with its $26 Million investment in drinking water safety. “Our contractor Walsh continued with bypass installation on Juniper Street and has completed a home service line on Pawtucket Ave. The crew then moved to Warren Ave to begin excavating valve replacement pits as work continues,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva in his public notice update. Customers can expect to start seeing the road plates pictured covering the excavations in these areas. They are temporary to allow easy access to the underground pipes and valves. Our contractor is working on a $26 Million water distribution improvement project where they are replacing brass, lead, and galvanized steel service lines and also cleaning and lining water mains.
Everyone along the Warren Ave project area has now been connected to bypass and the main was isolated so work can begin on cleaning and lining. After work is completed, they will be removed, the excavation backfilled and the roadway temporarily paved. Affected customers are being notified during the project.
Joe’s Clam Shack in at Crescent Park
Since Dune Brothers is not returning to Crescent Park this summer, the City went out to bid for another vendor and has chosen Joe’s Snack Shack to operate a concession stand this season. The owner is Joseph Dourado who is from East Providence. Dunes Brothers and the City will not continue for this season, even though a statewide media outlet had quoted Dunes Brothers as intending to return. The City is waiting for Dune Brothers to remove their equipment so that Dourado can get started. Dourado promised the council that his intention is to keep things “simple and basic. Park manager Tracy Johnson told the council that she hoped for a June opening with the latest vendor. “Clamcakes, chowder, the basics,” said Dourado.
Industrial Explosion with many Injuries in April
Mayor Roberto DaSilva, Police Chief Michael J. Rapoza and Fire Chief Michael Carey report that East Providence police, fire and emergency medical services units, with the assistance of surrounding communities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, responded at the scene of an apparent explosion at an industrial plant in the city.
“A mass casualty incident has been declared, which activates mutual aid services from throughout the region and puts hospitals on notice in the region. East Providence and mutual aid ambulances have transported 13 people to a nearby hospital. At the time, there were no reports of major injuries.”
East Providence Police and Fire responded to the Aspen Aerogels facility located at 3 Dexter Road for a report of an explosion and fire inside the facility. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was notified and responded. All traffic was diverted away from Dexter Road as motorists were urged to avoid the area.
Mutual aid was provided by several agencies including the Central Falls, Cranston, Lincoln, Pawtucket, Providence Seekonk, Mass. and Smithfield Fire Departments.
Stroke Detection System Study in City
The East Providence City Council in conjunction with city administration and the fire department gave approval to a clinical study for better treatment of stroke victims. The council heard a presentation at the April 21st meeting from vascular neurologist, Dr. Ana-Lucia Garcia Guarniz of Rhode Island Hospital. The trial study would allow residents to approve of wearing a hat like object which measures electroencephalography readings, better known as EEG’s. This could allow EMS staff to better treat stroke patients on their way to a hospital and to provide hospital medical staff with critical information leading to better treatment of stroke victims. “It’s a way to determine if a patient has a brain clot before they get to the hospital,” said Dr. Garcia Guarniz. “We are trying to get a faster diagnosis.”
Fire Chief Michael Carey spoke and was in full agreement with this study. “It doesn’t interfere at all with our procedures. Our EMS responders will still follow all stroke protocols and do everything as we currently do,” added Chief Carey. There is no cost to the community for the program.
The Rhode Island Education Funding and Accountability Act
Local municipal leaders including East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva testified before the RI House Finance Committee in a public hearing on proposed legislation H 8351. Speakers including DaSilva were in strong support of the bill, the Rhode Island Education Funding and Accountability Act. “For far too long, Rhode Island’s school funding system has been outdated and unfair. It places a heavy and unpredictable burden on local property taxpayers while failing to fully meet the actual costs of educating our children. In East Providence, this has meant that our city has shouldered far more than its fair share of education expenses that benefit students across the entire state.,” DaSilva told the legislative committee. “This legislation, which enacts the recommendations of the Rhode Island Foundation Blue Ribbon Commission, offers a smarter and more equitable approach.”
Under the proposed system, East Providence would see meaningful relief. Local property taxpayer costs would drop from $65 million to $44 million. “In our city we educate approximately 5,225 students, and 54% of them are low-income. That is real savings for our taxpayers and real resources that can stay in our community to support our schools, our students, and our neighborhoods. This bill ensures the state will cover a larger share of core education costs, including expenses: like transportation, facilities, and early childhood screening that currently fall entirely on municipalities. It directs additional funding to students with the greatest needs, including: those who are economically disadvantaged, English language learners, and students with disabilities. It also requires fair local contributions based on each community’s actual fiscal capacity and builds in transparency and accountability so every education dollar can be tracked to student outcomes,” continued DaSilva. “For East Providence families and taxpayers, this reform is long overdue. It will provide greater stability for our school budget, reduce pressure on property taxes, and allow us to focus more on what matters most, - delivering a high-quality education to every child in our city.”
City Housing Forum May 13th City Hall
The city administration has announced that a public forum will be held on May 13th. “As housing affordability continues to drive conversations across Rhode Island, the City of East Providence is announcing a housing forum to bring municipal leaders, state and local housing organizations, and community members together for an open discussion.”
The city is collaborating with Rhode Island Housing, One Neighborhood Builders, the Housing Network of Rhode Island, HousingWorks RI, Blackstone Valley NeighborWorks, and Foster Forward to discuss ongoing efforts across the community and state, as well as address common misconceptions about affordable housing.
The East Providence Housing Forum will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and bring their questions to be addressed by a wide range of housing experts.
The City of East Providence is also inviting residents to submit questions in advance of the forum to help guide discussion and address community concerns. Questions may be submitted to mpaddock@eastprovidenceri.gov with the subject line “East Providence Housing Forum.”
EP Police Department Recruiting
Now is the time to apply to the East Providence Police Department, a progressive law enforcement agency where your work truly matters! – states the local police recruiting effort. “We offer an unbeatable entry-level bonus of $5,000! That’s right, this isn’t just a job, it’s a career where you’re valued as a crucial team member from day one, not just another badge in the lineup. Join a department where camaraderie is real and support is fundamental. But hurry! The application period closes on June 15th. Don’t miss out on your chance to make a difference, earn a sweet bonus, and join a department that treats you like family (the one you actually like!).
Submit your application today and be part of something great, because let’s face it, being a police officer sure beats sitting at a desk all day!” continues the recruitment pitch. https://www.policeapp.com/Entry-Level-East.../1729/ In a related matter, the police recently took delivery of 8 new police cars equipped with the latest technology to keep officers safe and help them enforce the law.
Summer Concert In the Parks
The East Providence Recreation Department announces the 2026 Summer Concerts in the Park series. 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 4 – August 20, 2026 and start at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted. A special concert featuring Brass Attack will be held at Crescent Park on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
The 2026 “Concerts in the Park” series is sponsored by Navigant Credit Union.
The schedule is as follows:
- June 4, David Tessier’s All-Star Stars, Classic and contemporary Rock.
- June 11, Strictly Sentimental Swing Band, Big band swing, jazz and contemporary music.
- June 18, Failte, Traditional and contemporary Irish songs and tunes.
- June 25, New Providence Big Band, Big band jazz, and contemporary music.
- July 2, The Classix, 60,70, & 80 rock.
- July 9, Raquel Hawkins, Country.
- July 16, Mixed Emotions, Classic soft rock.
- July 23, Jesse Liam Band, Pop hits & originals
- July 30, The Driftwoods. Beach Boys tribute.
- August 6, MOJO, Classic rock
- August 13, Stone Cold Gypsies, Eclectic mix of rock, R & B, with a mix of country and reggae.
- August 20, Kelly & the Poor Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute.
- September 12, Brass Attack 4:30 PM
For more information, please call the Recreation Department at 401-435-7511.
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