News Briefs

One Neighborhood Plaza groundbreaking ceremony last month

East Providence swears in three new police officers in December. Ian Richardson, Zachary Souza and Jacob Scorpio center photo

L to R Rebecca Chase new Recreation Director, Diane Sullivan, retired Director, Mayor Bob DaSilva

Rebecca Chace, left and Diane Sullivan at her Recreation Department farewell gathering last month

Posted Thursday, January 8, 2026 10:07 am

Mayor DaSilva Lists City Highlights for 2025

These are some of the city’s 2025 highlights as submitted by Mayor Bob DaSilva:

East Providence digs in on $16 million State-of-the-art Community Center

“We are grateful and thankful to our Congressional delegation, Senators Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Gov. Dan McKee, and former Congressman and now Rhode Island

Foundation President David Cicilline for helping to secure the funding, which will make the East Providence Community Center a reality,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Without their support, this new community space would not have been possible.”

This project has received over $16 million in funding through State and Federal dollars:

State Community Learning Center Municipal Grant: $10,493,659
Congressional Directed Spending Community Project Funding Grant: $3,000,000
American Rescue Plan Act Funds: $3,000,000
East Providence builds momentum on new housing to strengthen community

New Chapter Begins: 144 affordable housing units rising in East Providence. Center City Apartments will transform a vacant, three-acre blighted parcel on Taunton Avenue into 144 affordable apartments.

Revitalization in Motion: East Providence and Churchill & Banks turn brownfield into nearly 400 new residences:

The project, which began in 2022, is revitalizing the former home of Washburn Wire and Ocean State Steel Company and developing the former brownfield site into 392 single and multi-family units and apartments adding to the housing stock in East Providence. When complete, the development will include 39 age-restricted affordable housing units.

'SWAP' homes offer path to affordable homeownership

What was once the Platt-Watters school complex in East Providence, now has been turned into eight new homes and three duplexes built by nonprofit Stop Wasting Abandoned Property (SWAP), sold via a lottery for well below market value.

The newly built 2,200-square-foot homes on Hoppin Avenue each included a main three-bedroom unit, along with a one- or two-bedroom apartment that can generate rental income for homeowners. The two-family homes were priced at $239,000 to remain affordable for low- to moderate-income families who may otherwise be priced out of Rhode Island’s housing market.

East Providence puts schools first, advancing education for future generations

East Providence celebrates opening of $128 million Martin Middle School

“Your vote is an investment in our city’s future and a clear affirmation that our community is committed to providing an atmosphere where there is learning across all grade levels.” These investments will not only strengthen our education system but create opportunities for generations of East Providence residents, and is another example of how this city is moving forward as the best place to live, learn, work and play,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

East Providence and EBCAP unite to expand on-site health services for students and staff at East Providence Schools.
Waddington Elementary gets a makeover as East Providence invests in students

Improvements made to Waddington Elementary:

Brand new sprinkler system, New air conditioning throughout the building (6 rooftop units, each with 3 condensers), New ADA compliant rooms for easy access, Doors have been cut and widened, New speaker system with emergency communication in offices and classrooms, Speakers are both inside and outside of building, Brand new fire alarm system, All new electrical systems, New offices, New drainage system and catch basins, New bathrooms, All new duct work, New VAV system (pumps fresh air into classrooms), New sinks and carriers, New curtain walls, Crews are replaced steel throughout the building with brand new inserts, New security card readers, New transformer, Implementing bullet proof glass, New side windows around the building and New paint throughout building.

East Providence reinvests in public spaces, putting community first

The best park in Rhode Island? East Providence's Kent Heights Park. Some of the renovations and improvements to the park include the installation of:

New pickleball courts
Futsal court
New dog parks
Two new composting toilets
New solar powered parking lot lighting
New walkways
Field and drainage improvements
New American with Disabilities Act (ADA) playground equipment
Two ADA tables
New playground surface
New benches
Bike racks
Resurfaced basketball and tennis courts
East Providence invests $2.3 million to repair and repave city roads in 2025

“Our administration is committed to improving our infrastructure, including our city roads and I am grateful that the City Council approved my request for this funding in our prior budget.”

East Providence invests $26 million in cleaning and lining city's water distribution system.

The City of East Providence has invested 26 Million in cleaning and lining our water distribution system. Sediment deposits are removed and the pipe is then lined with concrete.

Some other 2025 items of note:

Thomas Dambo's "Mrs.Skipper" sculpture sparks tourism surge
Welcoming many new businesses to the city
Free Business Ads, Big Impact: East Providence backs local small businesses with free ad grants in local newspapers
East Providence distributes over 100 grants to businesses impacted by Washington Bridge closure between late 2024-2025
East Providence leads the nation with PFAS-free turnout gear for firefighters
East Providence again recognized as a Tree City USA from Arbor Day Foundation

East Providence invests in the restoration of historic Newman Cemetery

East Providence Police assist after Brown University Tragedy

On December 13, 2025, East Providence Police responded to mutual aid requests for an active shooter on the Brown University campus. A full complement of patrol officers and the Special Reaction Team were on scene, actively assisting Providence and Brown University Police Departments. People were advised to avoid the East Side of Providence. EP police had just finished handling a “grueling 4 plus hour standoff in frigid temperatures, working tirelessly to ensure a peaceful resolution to a challenging (domestic) situation (in a Rumford neighborhood).” “We would like to take a moment to commend the remarkable professionalism demonstrated by the members of the East Providence Police Department over the past 24 hours,” posted a police department statement.

Just hours after the East Providence situation, officers responded to the active shooter incident at Brown University. “Their rapid response and ability to step up in such critical moments highlight their dedication to our community,” added department statements. Tragically, two Brown University students died from the shooting. Throughout the tense situation, the EP Special Reaction Team, alongside state and federal tactical units, worked systematically to ensure the safe evacuation of students and faculty from locked-down buildings. Meanwhile, the Patrol Division remained vigilant, addressing other service calls on the East Side while Providence Police continued their investigation.

EP police also stepped-up vigilance at city schools, noting: “We want to inform everyone that you may notice an increased East Providence Police presence at schools across the city. This is a proactive measure to enhance safety and support our students, staff, and families. Please rest assured, there is no threat or concern at this time. Our dedicated law enforcement is simply here to help ensure a safe environment for learning.”

“As we navigate the aftermath of this tragic event, let us not forget the victims and their families. Our thoughts are with the Brown University and Providence communities as they begin their journey toward healing,” posted the East Providence police.

City Veteran Recreation Director Sullivan Retires - Rebecca Chace to take over top spot

Long time city Director of Recreation for East Providence, Diane Sullivan has retired after 43 years in that position. Sullivan replaced the city’s first full time director, Joseph Crook and had previously worked in the recreation department since 1982. She started as a part-time recreation leader and quickly became a pivotal part of the recreation team. Sullivan would go on to become the arts and crafts director, before accepting a full-time position in 1987 as the Recreation Center Office Manager and just one year later she would be promoted to Recreation Center Coordinator.

In October of 2014, Sullivan would be promoted to Recreation Director where she would “lead the department with integrity, empathy and humility over the next decade,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva. Sullivan played a pivotal role in annual East Providence traditions, including Winterfest, the Independence Day weekend coordination and firework display and she also helped navigate East Providence through the unprecedented global outbreak of COVID-19 by helping open and operate a regional COVID site.

“I have been fortunate to have known Diane Sullivan as the Recreation Director since the start of my administration,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “She has been the epitome of a can-do attitude and has proven time and again that whenever she is assigned a task, that she will get results, she will be truly missed.”

Mayor Bob DaSilva has announced that the new Recreation Director for the City of East Providence will be Rebecca Chace. Chace, also a veteran recreation employee, first started with East Providenceas a part-time special needs recreation leader in 1986 and would continue that important work for 14 years. In September of 2000, Chace would accept a full-time position as the Recreation Center Supervisor. Chace is a familiar face in the East Providence community, playing a pivotal role in running East Providence’s Summer Recreation Day camp as well as implementing programs at the recreation center. “Chace has also been hands on in day-to-day operations where she has supported Diane Sullivan over the past decade,” said DaSilva in announcing her appointment as Director.

“I am excited to step into the role of Recreation Director, and I look forward to continuing our programs while expanding on recreation opportunities for residents of all ages,” commented Rebecca Chace. Chace will officially begin in her new capacity as Recreation Director effective January 2, 2026.

“The decision to elevate Rebecca Chace from Recreation Center Supervisor to the Recreation Director position was an easy one, her extensive experience and background working with the Recreation department positioned her well for the new role,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Chace has taken a very similar path to Diane, starting with the City of East Providence at a young age and spending the vast majority of their careers within the city, I believe Chace has a considerable understanding of the position and will do a great job for the residents of our city.”

“I applaud the appointment of Chace as our next Recreation Director,” added City Council President Bob Rodericks. “I have been impressed with both Director Sullivan and Chace through their many years of service to our community. I wish Sullivan all the best in her retirement and thank her for a tremendous job done for East Providence,” added Rodericks. “I am equally impressed with Rebecca Chace, as we will be in excellent hands. The city will have a seamless transition in recreation department leadership.”

Center City Apartments Groundbreaking

After years of a three-acre vacant eyesore parcel in the center of East Providence, the city held an official groundbreaking ceremony with One Neighborhood Builders and partners for 144 affordable apartments. The land previously housed a closed bowling alley, empty land and a former college dormitory and then nursing home, which never realized full potential and became vacant. “Just in East Providence, we have a waiting list of more than 800 people seeking affordable housing. We need this housing,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva.

The groundbreaking ceremony last month by One Neighborhood Builders (ONB), one of the state’s leading nonprofit affordable housing and community development organizations, celebrated the commencement of construction on phase one of its Center City Apartments (CCA) affordable housing development, the organization’s largest to date. CCA will transform a vacant, three-acre blighted parcel on Taunton Avenue into 144 affordable apartments,” said organizers.

“The groundbreaking is the culmination of years of perseverance and innovative collaboration with our partners to advance critically needed affordable housing in the city of East Providence,” said Peter Chapman, President & CEO of One Neighborhood Builders. “CCA is reflective of our intention to continue advancing developments of scale throughout the state that provide affordable housing to a range of families. Projects like this do not come together easily and we are thankful to all of our partners who helped make today possible. Today, we celebrate, and tomorrow we get back to work to secure funding for phase 2 of CCA and the other critically needed developments in our pipeline,” he said at December’s ceremony.

“Housing is everything, it’s the foundation that shapes our health, our relationships, our work, and our future. Yet each of us experiences a different piece of the housing crisis, which is why real progress demands that we see the whole picture and work together,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “Projects like Center City Apartments demonstrate what’s possible when partners bring their perspectives, expertise, and commitment to the table. By combining our strengths, we create meaningful, lasting change for Rhode Islanders and move our entire housing system forward.”

“This represents an incredible investment in our community, an investment that transforms a once-blighted property into a place of opportunity, stability and renewed community pride,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva. “Center City Apartments will provide access to safe, quality and affordable housing which is essential for families to thrive. It strengthens our workforce, supports local businesses, and ensures that long-term residents can call East Providence home. This project reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive city, one where every resident has the chance to live with dignity and security. I am grateful to our partners One Neighborhood Builders, Crossroads Rhode Island, Family Services of Rhode Island, Foster Forward, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and all of the state and local leaders who helped make this vision a reality.”

CCA is being developed by ONB through an innovative collaboration and social service partnerships. While all of the units will be made available to low- to moderate-income households, 40% are reserved for the most economically vulnerable families making up to 30% of the Area Median Income who will receive wrap-around supportive services from the nonprofit partners. CCA will offer onsite offices for the partnering nonprofit service providers and ONB’s resident service coordinators, as well as property management and leasing offices.

“When complete, the Center City Apartments will be life-changing for the people who call it home, from teens aging out of foster care to unhoused individuals and low- to moderate-income families,” said Michelle Wilcox, Crossroads Rhode Island President & CEO. “Safe, stable, and affordable housing strengthens communities by giving people the foundation they need to rebuild their lives. Developments like this, which expand access to much-needed permanent supportive housing, are essential to ensuring our neighbors can thrive. We are proud to join forces with three outstanding nonprofit partners to help bring this vision to life.”

“Today’s (last month) groundbreaking is especially meaningful to me, not only as the CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island, but also as someone who proudly calls East Providence home” said Marget Holland McDuff, President & CEO of Family Service of RI. “I know firsthand the strength and resilience of this community. By creating affordable housing and connecting residents with supportive services, we are giving families the foundation they deserve to build brighter, more secure futures. This isn’t just about construction; it’s about hope, opportunity, and community.

“This partnership also allows us to give young people leaving foster care the stability they deserve, while also meeting the broader housing needs of our community,” said Lisa Guilette, Executive Director of Foster Forward. “Foster Forward has been rooted in East Providence for the past twenty years, and we know it will be a place where young people can feel supported and truly at home. Center City Apartments is a powerful example of what we can achieve together.”

CCA’s complicated capital stack consists of federal, state, commercial, and philanthropic sources. “RIHousing is happy to provide a number of funding sources to the Center City Apartments, including LIHTC and numerous programs financed through State Fiscal Recovery Funds,” said Carol Ventura, CEO & Executive Director of RIHousing. “This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when developers, municipalities, and community groups team up, not only expanding affordable housing options but offering permanent supportive housing opportunities for our most vulnerable Rhode Islanders.”

Phase one of construction includes the renovation of an existing 4-story building on the property and the new construction of an additional 4-story building that will create 95 affordable apartments and the development’s offices and community spaces.

Phase two will create an additional 49 affordable apartments in a new construction building. ONB plans to request funding for phase two of the development from RIHousing as part of its annual consolidated funding application; awards are expected in spring 2026, and if awarded, ONB will commence construction on phase two shortly thereafter.

CCA’s amenities include a resident lounge and library with complimentary Wi-Fi, a wellness room, two community rooms, and ample outdoor greenspace with landscaped private courtyards. The development’s scope also includes extensive improvements to the city’s existing infrastructure that will benefit the community and surrounding neighbors and businesses including a stormwater management plan to mitigate flooding issues, hundreds of feet of replaced water pipe along Taunton Ave, streetscape improvements including new lighting and trees, and improvements to the existing RIPTA bus stop.

The design was completed by Union Studios and Pezzuco Construction is the general contractor. Engineering firms involved in the development include Commonwealth Engineers & Consultants, SW Cole, and SAGE Environmental. Klein Hornig is the development tax attorney, McGunagle & Hentz, PC is the outside general counsel, and Cohn Resnick is the tax accountant.

Three new police officers sworn in last month

The East Providence Police Department welcomed three new officers to its ranks during a swearing-in ceremony Friday afternoon, adding a combination of experience and new talent to the department. Officer Ian Richardson joins the department as a lateral transfer, while Officers Zachary Souza and Jacob Scorpio were sworn in by Bob DaSilva, East Providence Mayor following their graduation from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy.

City Planning Board to Meet January 12

A meeting of the Planning Board will be held in Room 306, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island, on Monday evening, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. The following application for Unified Development Review will be heard in accordance with Article 12 and Rhode Island General Law State Law 45-23-50.1. Zoning:

S&D Realty Company, LLC, seek permission to construct a 17-unit residential building containing one-bedroom apartments and an accessory dwelling unit at 0 SOUTH BROADWAY, further recognized as MAP 207, BLOCK 11, PARCEL 1, via a Minor Land Development Project in accordance with the Unified Development Plan Review procedural process, resulting in the need for a Special Use Permit. Special Use Permit.

Minor Land Development:

Minor Land Development Preliminary Plan to construct a 17-unit residential building containing one-bedroom apartments, an accessory dwelling unit, accompanying parking, and a garage in accordance with Article 8 titled Minor Land Development Projects and Minor Subdivisions of the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.

Plans and other materials may be examined in the Office of the Department of Planning and Economic Development, City Hall, Room 309, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday. The proposed development plan may be revised with the permission of the Planning Board as a result of further study or because of the views expressed at the public hearing. Individuals requesting interpreter services for the hearing impaired or needing other special services must call 435-7500 48 hours in advance of the meeting date.

Global Partners donates 5,000-gallon heating oil to EP residents

Global Partners has donated 5,000 gallons of home heating oil to support East Providence residents this winter to ensure that families stay warm throughout the season. This donation is a part of Global Partners’ annual commitment to distribute and assist residents facing heating and food insecurity through donations of home heating oil in communities that the company calls home.

“Giving back to the communities where we live and work isn’t just something we do. It’s who we are,” Uri Molina, Community Relations Manager at Global Partners said. “With deep roots in the Northeast, keeping our neighbors warm is part of our DNA. This year, we’re proud to support East Providence by providing 5,000 gallons of free home heating oil to families in need.

As winter brings some of the coldest temperatures in recent years, reliable heat isn’t a luxury, it’s essential, and we’re committed to helping our communities grow, move, and thrive.” This oil will be made available until November 1, 2026 on a first-come, first-serve basis. The application process is currently open.

“I am very grateful to Global Partners for reaching out to our administration to make free home heating oil available again this year to those in our community that need it most,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This donation will have a positive impact on a number of families throughout East Providence and give them peace of mind during these trying times.”

To be eligible, households must currently be receiving social service aid of some kind such as Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). To be eligible to apply for free home heating oil you must be a resident of the City of East Providence. To quickly access the application, you can type the following in your search engine, bit.ly/4qqBZBZ.

Chip-A-Tree Christmas tree recycling program

The East Providence Department of Public Works will be collecting and chipping Christmas trees for use as mulch for City projects. Residents have the

option of dropping off trees or curbside collection. Christmas tree drop off dates and locations:

Through January 17, 2026 at the following locations: