City passes “Inclusionary Zoning” measure to help housing needs
On Tuesday, March 17th, the East Providence City Council gave final passage on a new zoning ordinance that will create more affordable housing opportunities throughout the city. This decision came following a 4 to 1 vote approved by Council President Bob Rodericks, Council Vice President Frank Rego, Ward 2 Councilwoman Anna Sousa, and Ward 3 Councilman Frank Fogerty.
The city’s inclusionary zoning regulations will require that future housing developments of more than 10 dwelling units provide a minimum of 15% affordable, deed-restricted units for low- and moderate-income households citywide.
“The City of East Providence continues to lead the way in creating new legislation and zoning laws to bring more affordable housing to our community,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This means that when a developer builds market-rate, high-end or luxury housing, they must also include low- and moderate-income units within the development,” DaSilva added.
“The revised ordinance continues my hope to provide a balanced plan to address the housing needs of our community,” Council President Bob Rodericks said. “It is a sincere intent to mix affordable housing needs with market rate residences, as we keep a quality housing balance in our city,” Rodericks added.
“The ordinance that the East Providence City Council passed on Tuesday night ensures that the residents of the city will have more opportunities for affordable housing, Council Vice President Frank Rego said. “My hope is that it will enhance the efforts of developers to build more homes where our older residents can downsize and still have an affordable place to call home,” Rego added.
“I am grateful to the residents of East Providence for their public input, as well as our planning department staff who helped shape this ordinance, to create more housing opportunities throughout our city,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.
Ward four councilman Rick Lawson was the lone council dissenter for the ordinance. "I feel this piece of legislation will do more harm than good. Adding more red tape to a business is not a good practice. While I understand the sentiment behind the yes votes I disagree with the reasoning behind it. Passing this legislation because the state gave developers the ability to go around local communities is just a bad look all around. I hope the general assembly revisits some of these laws they passed that are stripping local communities of their power to control development and maintain the charm and character of their communities," said Lawson after the meeting.
A critic of this policy is resident Ruarri Miller, who shared a public response he made to Mayor DaSilva, which stated in part: “I understand the intent here, but this approach raises real concerns about unintended consequences. Inclusionary zoning sounds like a straightforward way to create affordability, but in practice it often constrains overall housing production. When you require 15% of units to be deed-restricted, the cost doesn’t disappear, it gets redistributed across the remaining units or forces developers to walk away from projects entirely. In a market like East Providence, where we already struggle to get new housing built, that matters.”
DaSilva posted a reply to Miller and stated: “I definitely disagree with you on your analysis of this ordinance. The Waterfront District has had inclusionary zoning which has led to more deed restricted affordable units in East Providence. The latest win on that front is the East Point development of a former industrial site into housing of all types including 39 new deed restricted affordable units. Additionally, if you read the ordinance there are several incentives associated with the ordinance that would allow a developer parking relief and greater density to help support the affordable units.”
Miller acknowledged the East Point development as a “…genuine win, but the waterfront district is a unique context,” which Miller states is a different matter.
“As with all ordinances, we can monitor this closely and tweak, if necessary. The status quo in affordable housing efforts, certainly isn’t the best policy moving forward,” added council president Rodericks.
Meadowcrest (Oldham) School Community Forum
About 60 residents attended a community forum on March 19th held at Riverside Middle School. The forum was scheduled by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sandra Forand to discuss options with the soon to be vacant Meadowcrest school building on Bart Drive in Riverside. The school in question houses the city pre-K program and will move to a brand new facility at the Martin Middle School campus in 2027. The building was initially a K-6 elementary school but was closed many years ago with declining enrollment. It was renamed “Oldham” when the Bullocks Point Ave. school was closed in 2013 and students and staff were moved to the Bart Drive location. To keep their identity as a school, the building was re-named as Oldham. However, with two Oldham school buildings in Riverside, there was confusion and last month the school committee returned the neighborhood name of Meadowcrest, back to the Bart Drive building.
The school department listed reasons for the March 19th forum as:
- Building will be vacant in 2027 when the new PK is finished at Martin
- Part of developing a comprehensive plan
- Community Involvement
- Financial impact to the district
- Feasibility Study
- Opportunity to present other ideas (for the closed building)
- No decisions would be made (at March 19the meeting)
“We have some suggestions to bring before you as options, but absolutely no decisions have been made yet on what to do with the building,” said Superintendent Forand. “We want to hear from the community.” The school administrations listed an array of current conditions within the school:
BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE
- Single level school building
- 30,000 sf building
- Housing 9 classrooms
- Office space (nurse, principal, clerk, special ed, conference room, and teacher lounge.
- Parking lot -60 total spots (including street parking) with 2 handicap spots
- Handicapped accessible
- Bathrooms (4 single use and 2 sets of boys and girls rooms, and lavette in the nurses office)
- Staff bathroom in teachers' lounge (single)
- 2 Fenced in playgrounds
- Located in a neighborhood setting in Riverside
- Heat, fire, boiler and other mechanics - in good working order
CAPITAL REPAIR COSTS-IMMEDIATE & LONG TERM NEED
FOR ALL POTENTIAL OPTIONS EXCEPT CLOSURE
- Roof: $1,500,000.
- Intercom system $150,000
- Secure vestibule/entrance $1,000,000
- Windows and doors $500,000 (approx)
- Envelope repair $150,000
TOTAL IMMEDIATE NEEDS: $3,300,000
POTENTIAL FUTURE USE OPTIONS
- Waddington School Annex
- District alternative learning program
- K-5 school
- Close building
- redistricting
- Other options
The discussion was positive as those speaking were aware of the financial restraints facing the city. Superintendent Forand said that immediate repairs are needed and the city has been successfully patching the roof, but it will need a new complete roof before the Department of Education (RIDE) would approve the building for further use. When school committee chairman David Luiz asked for a show of hands on how many wanted the building to remain as a school (as opposed to leaving it vacant), nearly every hand in the room was raised.
Some in the room suggested that the city lease out the building to a charter school, with a mixed reaction from those present. Many also thought the building could once again house elementary students in a configuration of K-5 or 1-5 classes. Most were against the selling of the property for a housing development. Although one resident said he wouldn’t oppose 5 or 6 small ranch type houses to go along with the current neighborhood style. One person suggested an adult learning center.
In a statement to the Reporter, Luiz said he remained open to resident’s concerns but, “I support keeping Meadowcrest as a school and understand how important it is to our students, families, and community. I’m committed to doing my due diligence - carefully reviewing all the facts and making a thoughtful, informed decision that puts our kids first.” Luiz is also a candidate for the Ward 3 City Council seat.
The school department could redistrict and return some students to Meadowcrest who may be at Waddington or other sites. School administrators reiterated that enrollment is down across the city. The district has a total of 5117 students. Half the size it was decades ago. Redistricting may be the most economical path to take, but it is usually a hard sell with parents who want their children to attend the school physically closest to their home. Administrators cautioned that the enrollment decline is steady, even with projections of ongoing apartment & housing growth in East Providence. Projected enrollment systemwide by 2035-36 is still showing East Providence at under 5,000 students. This includes projections for ongoing development. Administrators noted the long held accuracy of the independent New England School Development Council (NESDEC). “They’ve been right on through the years.” ( www.nesdec.org ).
Forand said that a timetable for a decision is in place and said she wanted to start the discussion now. “This is the first of many public discussions.” A decision on the fate of the small Bart Drive school building must be made by the 2027 school year. The school department has set up an email address for community comments and questions: oldhamforum@epschoolsri.com.
EP Police & Traffic Managing “Bridge” Vehicle Flow in City
Mayor Bob DaSilva issued comments regarding public questions and critiques about the presence of police officers in the Broadway and Route 195 area. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has been paying for these details. “The number of officers assigned there can vary depending on the day, school being in session, and other traffic conditions. East Providence Police officers are not posted there 24 hours a day, but you will typically see them during the morning and evening rush when traffic volume is at its highest. Their presence serves a very specific purpose. Without officers assisting with traffic flow, the result would undoubtedly increase congestion, more crashes, and delays in emergency response times throughout that corridor. In short, the goal is to keep traffic moving and everyone getting where they need to go safely.
We also recognize that social media brings out a wide range of traffic flow experts with very strong opinions. We appreciate the passion.
“Our officers will continue to remain vigilant in assisting motorists through this busy section of the city. We will also continue enforcing Rhode Island laws related to blocking the box, hands-free cellphone use, and disregarding temporary road closure and restriction signs. A simple reminder: follow the posted signs, keep the intersections clear, and put the phone down. If everyone does their part, traffic moves a lot smoother for all of us,” said DaSilva.
EP Police Breast Cancer Awareness Patch fundraiser
The East Providence Police Department released a statement thanking those who helped in raising funds for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. The effort has helped raise money for the support of breast cancer research. “Some of the women that make up the East Providence Police Department were gracious enough to present the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation with a donation derived from our Pink Patch Initiative,” said a police media post. “Fran Newman and Kim Nelson organized the collection and donation to a great, local nonprofit.” A press release continued, “Human connections fueled a recent East Providence Police initiative, raising money to support breast cancer research and awareness. Breast cancer has touched all of us in the Department in some way," said East Providence Police Department (EPPD) Administrative Clerk Kimberly Nelson. "It has touched wives, mothers, sisters and friends. I'm so proud to be part of an agency that knows we all need the community as much as it needs us. The support we receive is immeasurable."
Nelson worked with East Providence Police and Fire Dispatcher Fran Newman to spearhead the Department’s Breast Cancer Awareness Patch fundraiser. “The men and women of the EPPD are so much more than coworkers, I consider them family,” Newman said. “Everyone participated wholeheartedly in the Pink Patch fundraiser. We support each other and our community when the chips are down, unconditionally and we laugh together when times are good! Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Our bonds don’t either. EP STRONG!”
Several years ago, a team of East Providence Police personnel designed a commemorative EPPD pink patch, and the Department determined that all patch sale proceeds would be donated to a breast cancer charity. The patches were sold starting in October, which is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Once we sold out of the latest run, I connected with all the women in the Department to find out which charity meant the most to them, so we could send the money where we thought it would do the most good,” Nelson said. “Fran Newman spoke up, knowing that one of the officers had a special connection to the Gloria Gemma Foundation.” Newman’s friend, East Providence Police Detective Jason Nogler’s wife, Samantha, is Gloria Gemma’s great granddaughter.
“Through Jason and Sam, I've learned more and more about the Gloria Gemma Foundation,” Newman said.
On Wednesday morning, March 25, Maria Gemma Corcelli, Samantha's grandmother and Gloria’s eldest daughter, met with members of the command staff and the women of the East Providence Police Department to accept their donation to the Foundation. The presentation was scheduled for March as part of the Department's celebration of Women's History Month.
“Kim and Fran did an amazing job and really brought this initiative to life,” said East Providence Police Chief Michael Rapoza. “This was our second run of the patch though due to its popularity. So many of our citizens, and so many of our loved ones, are affected by cancer. This is a reminder that they’re always in our hearts. I hope this fundraiser helps the Foundation make someone’s life a little easier.” To learn more about the Gloria Gemma Foundation: https://www.gloriagemma.org/?utm_source=hs_email .
EP Police take Plunge for Special Olympics Rhode Island
Members and friends of the East Providence Police Department team took the plunge last month in Narragansett for the Special Olympics Rhode Island Torch Run. “Braving the balmy 38 degree water for a great cause is no small task, and this crew delivered in a big way. Thanks to Officers Snow, Officer Holmes, Officer Ortiz, and Retired Sergeant Mark Bourget for taking the plunge! We’re proud to share that our team raised $3,000, contributing to an incredible $46,000 raised by all participants. Outstanding work supporting inclusion, community, and the true spirit of the Torch Run! Thanks to Retired Corporal Tammy David for keeping the EPPD spirit alive along with her son, Special Olympian Cote,” writes a police department post.
Special Olympics Rhode Island provides year-round sports training, competition, and life-changing opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, helping them build confidence, skills, and lasting friendships. #eastprovidencepolice #eastprovidence #specialolympics #torchrun.
Empty Bowls Fundraiser
A Student-Led Service Learning Initiative, benefiting Good Neighbors Community Kitchen/Food Pantry, will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. The event will be at the East Providence High School student commons (cafeteria). This is a fundraising event and all proceeds go towards supporting Good Neighbors food program.
Doors open at 4:45pm, dinner will be served at 5pm. Please enter through the EPHS main entrance - event held in the student commons. One bowl and dinner portion per ticketed person ~ Pasta, meatballs, salad, beverage, dessert. Tickets are non-refundable and no tickets will be sold at the door. There will also be a raffle and ceramics and plants sale. Tickets can be purchased at: https://gofan.co/event/6345019.
City Free Mattress/Boxspring Dropoff Dates
Free mattress and/or box spring, two pieces or one set, per household, are collected on scheduled Saturdays by appointment only. Fee for curbside collection is $25 each piece. Residents can schedule a pick-up by submitting a service request or calling the Recycling Office at 401-435-7701. Mattress collections can be scheduled during March through December. No collections in January and February. Free mattress and box spring drop-offs at the Public Works Complex at 60 Commercial Way, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. only on scheduled dates, will be available for March through December. Please call the Department of Public Works office to schedule or check the website for updates. Remaining 2026 dates available for free mattress drop-off: April 4, 18; May 2, 16; June 6, 27; July 18; August 1, 22; September 5, 19; October 3, 24; November 7, 21; December 5
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