compiled with contributions from Bob Rodericks
Next Mayor, City Council may Receive Pay Raise
The City Council voted unanimously at its August 19th meeting to raise the salaries of the mayor and council members, effective with the next election cycle in January of 2027. The current salary of the mayor is set at $90,000 and hasn’t changed in seven years since the inception of the position. Council members will have adjusted salaries from the current $3500 per year to $9000. The council president will receive an extra $1,000.
Ward Three Councilman Frank Fogarty introduced the ordinance for first passage. Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson seconded the motion. “I think the (current) amount is too low,” said Fogarty. “There are constant calls and meetings. We meet with a lot of constituents. With everything factored in, the rate may be $3 per hour,” Fogarty added. “This adjustment better shows the responsibility.”
The council deleted part of Fogarty’s motion which would have given the mayor an automatic annual raise based on consumer price index. “We can’t have a built-in mayoral salary raise while telling some city employees that they may not see any raise,” added Lawson. The council unanimously agreed. Voting for the mayoral and city council salaries were the four members in attendance: Rodericks, Rego, Fogarty and Lawson. The final action in this matter will be decided with second passage at the next council meeting. This will not be applied to current office holders, if approved.
East Providence Community Center Groundbreaking
The City of East Providence, along with RI Congressional delegation, Gov. Dan McKee, Senate President Val Lawson, House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian, members of the city’s local delegation, and members of the East Providence City Council broke ground on the city’s new state-of-the-art $16 million community center in early August.
The proposed 19,446-square-foot site, located at 610 Waterman Ave. (behind the Robert E. Rock Senior Center), is the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between the city, community members, City Council, as well as Peregrine Group, Bentley Builders LLC, William Starck Architects and Sage Environmental.
“Once complete, the new East Providence Community Center will offer our youth, our families, older adults and civic organizations a place where they can thrive and continue to highlight the city’s mission of creating opportunities where residents can live, learn, work and play,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This Community Center is just another example of how East Providence is moving forward and continues to be a welcoming and inclusive community for all.”
The new center will offer recreation programming, job training, health monitoring services , community meetings, and more. Some of the many uses for the state-of-the-art-facility will include out-of-school learning for our students, digital literacy training, the continuance of higher education, and expanding on current programming going on throughout the city.
The East Providence Community Center will be completely funded through state and federal dollars. The City of East Providence is utilizing $10.43 million in funding from the State’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Community Learning Center (CLC) Municipal Grant program. The city received an additional $3 million in Congressional Directed Spending for the project from Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse as well as former Congressman David Cicilline. Furthermore, the East Providence City Council approved an additional $3 million in ARPA funds toward the project.
“I was proud to support federal funding to help East Providence kick off construction of a welcoming new community center where residents of all ages can exercise, relax, meet new friends, gain new skills, and explore new passions,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who worked with his delegation colleagues to secure a $3 million federal earmark and make available American Rescue Plan Act funding for Rhode Island during the Biden Administration which is helping to advance the project.
“I’m very pleased to help deliver federal funding to finally bring a community center to East Providence. This new center will create opportunities for residents across the city for years to come,” U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said. “Congratulations to Mayor DaSilva and the entire East Providence team on making this project a reality.”
"When Rhode Islanders have access to spaces to gather, learn, and engage with one another, the connections that help our communities thrive are built," David N. Cicilline said. "At the Rhode Island Foundation we're excited to see this project move forward, because investing in community spaces is investing in our shared future."
“When completed, this community learning center will create a space for local government, non-profits, and organizations to serve the people of East Providence, by offering education, job development, and health monitoring,” Governor Dan McKee said. “As a former mayor, I know that municipal leaders understand the unique needs of their residents. That is why each of the community learning centers across the state will have a different look, feel and menu of options,” McKee added.
In 2004 and in a subsequent second vote, East Providence residents overwhelmingly approved bond issues to build a Recreation Center. The original site was at Pierce Stadium in the area of the police union-owned bar, which is still present, although having different owners and business names over the years. "The project is on life-support," said a frustrated Joe Crook, former Recreation Director at that time. Conference rooms and educational places were eliminated because the cost of the building kept going up with the years of former delays. Only then councilman Peter Midgley supported the center in the end. Former councilman and ceremonial Mayor Joe Larisa said "the people of the city didn't know what they were voting for." Accordingly, that former council leadership killed the twice approved bond issue. “I don’t understand how a legally approved bonding issue by the EP voters was ignored by that former City Council,” said current Council President Bob Rodericks. “Imagine if our council today had ignored the overwhelming wishes of the voters and refused to build our new high school? Unimaginable.”
The current version of a Rec Center has morphed into a comprehensive recreation and full community center with several educational components added. Mayor DaSilva points out that unlike the first approved but doomed center, the 2025 project is being built totally with federal and state funding. There will be no direct impact on the local budget. Mostly current staffers will supervise and maintain the complex.
The groundbreaking in East Providence is the latest milestone in Governor McKee’s Community Learning Center project, which is part of his Learn365RI initiative to expand out of school learning, leading to over 20 centers that will offer education, job development and health monitoring programs throughout the state.
“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, along with the City Council, 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.”
School Board Moves to Install School Bus Stop-Arm Cameras
(No cost to city)
The school committee voted to award a Request for Quote (RFQ) to Gatekeeper Inc. for supplying all school buses with a stop-arm-camera system last month. The cameras will be ready for the first day of school and will come at no cost to the school department. The proposal was made after two companies competed for the service. The award for Gatekeeper, Inc. had the support of the Police Chief, School Superintendent and other city administrators. The vote to approve came on a 4-1 vote with only committeeman Tony Ferreira voting against it.
After the meeting, Chairman Dave Luiz issued a further statement saying; “the East Providence School Committee voted 4-1 to award an RFQ to Gatekeeper, a company that will help enhance the safety of our students through the installation of state-of-the-art bus camera systems. This upgrade comes at no upfront cost to the city and thanks to improved terms, East Providence will now receive 30% of the revenue generated from violations, up from just 12.5% under the previous agreement. That’s more funding going back into our city and our community. This is a win-win for East Providence: better safety for our children and a smarter financial deal for our taxpayers,” said Luiz
“It was clear that they (Gatekeeper) have a product that meets the needs of school committee, the police department, and Rhode Island General Laws,” Acting Chief Rapoza told the school board. In addition to outfitting every school bus in the district with the stop-arm-camera, additional cameras will be installed inside school buses, adding to those already there or about to be installed.
“For instance, if a school bus is late, we can tell parents about the delay in real time,” said Superintendent Forand. “We will have real time capabilities to view an incident that may happen on a bus.” Officials said that there would be strict camera access by certain officials if needed. Cameras already exist on buses, this will provide for additional cameras.
The school board’s action follows a new state law which changed the distribution of stop-arm fines for violations. Under the new Rhode Island law, the company will receive 30% of ticket violation revenue as will the city (not the school department directly). The state will garner 40% of violation revenue. Earlier the split was 12.5% for the state and city with the company getting 75%.
Tough Budget Year Ahead
The East Providence School Department plans to request the maximum funding allowed by state law, seeking a 4% increase for a total budget of approximately $103.5M, about $4M higher than last year’s $99.4M. Superintendent Sandra Forand explained most of the increase is required for fixed expenses such as salaries, transportation, and benefits. Although teacher salaries are average compared to other districts, some frozen federal funds have been released, allowing the district to restore key positions like reading specialists. “Our teacher and administrative salaries are about middle of the pack,” added Forand.
The school department will hold additional public budget workshops before submitting its plan to the City Council, which can approve or adjust the funding request. The council generally supports school funding but faces a challenging budget year. “No one supports our school department more than me,” said Council President Bob Rodericks. “This will be a difficult budget year across the board, as I have stated many times.”
EP School Superintendent addresses bullying in schools & community
At an August School Committee meeting, Superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand commented about school bullying complaints the committee receives. Forand said that she urges the community to help and set good examples as adults as well as what the schools can do to curb acts of bullying. School Committee chairman Dave Luiz added, “last night at our school committee meeting, Superintendent Dr. Forand spoke about the importance of addressing bullying not just in our schools, but in our communities. I fully support her message: we can’t expect our students to treat each other with kindness and respect if the adults in the room fail to model that behavior. Sadly, we’ve all seen bullying and nastiness from some adults on social media. That kind of behavior is shameful, and it sends the wrong message to our kids.” Luiz, who applauded Forand’s comments loudly, went on to say, “we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, speaking with empathy, showing respect, and leading with integrity. Leadership isn’t about tearing people down; it’s about building each other up. Our children are watching. Let’s give them something worth emulating.”
EPHS ranked 10th out of 30 RI High Schools by Money, Inc
An article by Dana Hanson of Money, Inc. ranked the 30 best high schools in Rhode Island. Hanson and other writers at Money, Inc provide research and rankings in many areas within cities and states. Of the top high schools in Rhode Island, East Providence High School came in at number 10. An impressive showing for one of the state’s largest high schools, considered to be part of the “urban ring.”
According to Hanson, “Rhode Island’s educational landscape features numerous high schools, each with unique strengths and approaches to preparing students for their futures. These institutions vary in size, curriculum offerings, and extracurricular opportunities, giving families important choices when considering academic environments.”
Money, Inc. examined factors including academic performance, college preparation, graduation rates, and overall educational quality to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state’s leading secondary education options.
According to the study, rankings for Rhode Island high schools typically rely on data from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and national ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report and Niche. These systems analyze performance metrics over multiple academic years to ensure reliability. Most methodologies employ a weighted scoring system that prioritizes different aspects of education. Academic performance generally accounts for 40-50% of a school’s overall score, while college readiness indicators contribute approximately 30%. Schools receive numerical scores that are then converted to rankings. The methodology often adjusts for demographic factors to ensure fair comparisons between schools serving different populations.
Rhode Island’s top high schools distinguish themselves through comprehensive academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities that prepare students for college and future careers. These schools combine rigorous coursework with opportunities for students to explore their interests outside the classroom.
These schools offer extensive Advanced Placement (AP) programs, with top institutions like Classical High School and Barrington High School providing 15-20 AP courses each. These rigorous classes allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. Athletic programs thrive at Rhode Island’s top high schools, with most offering 15-20 varsity sports for both boys and girls.
Regarding EPHS, the report stated: “East Providence High School has established itself as a reputable educational institution in Rhode Island. The school serves a diverse student population and offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic rigor with extracurricular opportunities.
Students at East Providence High School benefit from a variety of Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its consistent graduation rates and college acceptance statistics.
The athletic programs at East Providence High School contribute significantly to school spirit and student development. Their Townies teams compete across multiple sports in Rhode Island’s interscholastic leagues.
Beyond academics and athletics, East Providence High School provides numerous clubs and activities that foster student creativity and leadership. The school’s music and arts programs have earned recognition for their quality and student participation. The faculty at East Providence High School demonstrates dedication to student success through personalized attention and support services.”
Here are the 30 top ranked high schools on the Money, Inc. list:
- Barrington 12. South Kingstown 23. Newport
- Tiverton 13. Lincoln 24. Tollgate
- North Kingstown 14. Middletown 25. Davies
- Moses Brown 15. North Scituate 26. Glocester
- Wheeler 16. West Warwick 27. Ponagansett
- Classical 17. Johnston 28. Chariho
- East Greenwich 18. Cranston West 29. Rocky Hill
- URI Early College HS 19. Lasalle 30. Saint Raphael
- Scituate 20. Central Falls
- East Providence 21. Coventry
- Mt, Hope 22. Hope High
City Seeks Vendor Interest for Oldham School Property
The City of East Providence has announced a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) from vendors to lead the development of the former Oldham School in Riverside into a small business incubator.
The RFEOI comes after the city recently completed a feasibility study. The study was commissioned to explore developing the site as a multi-use campus focused on a satellite community center and small business incubator/accelerator and was supported through a U.S. Economic Development Administration (USEDA) Adjustment Assistant Program planning grant.
The incubator will be centered on the creation of jobs through business startups and will provide a network of business resources to small businesses that will ensure a greater level of long-term success. The city is seeking expertise in developing mixed-use housing and multi-purpose community facilities, among other areas.
“Our administration has been working with the city’s Planning and Economic Development Department and our consultant, New Ventures Advisors (NVA), to determine innovative ways to utilize the prominent historic structure,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “The RFEOI is the next step in the city’s process to create a place for small business growth and development, mixed-use housing and a satellite recreation center.”
CITY COUNCIL CAUTIOUSLY SUPPORTIVE:
The entire plan has limited support from much of the City Council. Most members are okay with some kind of business incubator use along with satellite recreational use of the current gymnasium, but there isn’t strong support to include any housing on the site. “Residents abutting the area are in strong, united opposition to any housing units within the Oldham property,” said Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson.
All questions, resource requests, and follow-up call requests must be received by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, August 15, 2025.
- Late August 2025, the Project Consultant, working with the City, will host an in-person site visit and interview at the Oldham School for all interested parties with City officials to answer questions and discuss the project.
- August 28, 2025, EOIs are due to the Project Consultant as outlined in the Submission Contact section.
- September 2025, the Project Consultant will provide updated status and response to the submitted Expressions of Interest informed by the City’s review and feedback.
- Q4 2025 – Q1 2026: The City of East Providence plans to release a formal RFP. This RFP will be administered via the City’s website and will follow traditional City RFP and procurement processes. Prequalified candidates will be invited to participate in this process.
For more information, please visit: https://eastprovidenceri.gov/rfp/2025/oldhamschool-small-business-incubator-project-building-site-development .
City launches Kent Heights Park with Community Celebration – Get Award
The City of East Providence welcomed the community to the grand opening of Kent Heights Park on Saturday August 9th to celebrate the city’s extraordinary renovations to its newest community space. “Our city’s investment in public spaces is something my administration is incredibly proud of,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. Kent Heights Park will be at the center of recreation for the residents of East Providence for decades to come and offers diverse amenities for all ages. Every opportunity that I have had to visit the park, has brought me an immense amount of joy, this park is just another example of how East Providence is moving forward and continues to be a welcoming and inclusive community for all,” DaSilva added. 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.
The project leveraged funding through a $400,000 Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
Grant, $200,000 from the City Capital Budget and $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
As part of the celebration, city and state leaders came together to cut the ribbon on the brand new state-ofthe-art facility, while also employing several East Providence food trucks and bouncy houses for the community to come together as one and enjoy the new amenities.
The city was also able to make the park a greener space, incorporating 216 plantings of which include 141 trees, including 49 that were paid for by Rhode Island Energy. In addition, 66 woody shrubs were planted and 9 herbaceous colonizing plants, with the possibility of adding an additional 10 trees soon.
Johnson Landscaping, Inc. was hired to do the contractor performing, while landscape architecture was done by Alverson Landscape Architecture.
The park was dedicated with a “Block Party” atmosphere. Food trucks, a music DJ, face painting and other activities took place on a sun splashed August 9th Saturday. The refurbished park has received rave reviews and has remained busy with lots of families visiting the amenities daily.
Kent Heights Park Recognized at National Rec Conference
East Providence DPW Director Dan Borgers will attend the 2025 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) this September in Florida to present the Kent Heights Recreational Project, to a national audience of recreation and park officials. Borges will present the project entitled: “From Waste to Wonder: Transforming a Former Landfill into a Community Park.” According to Borges’ presentation to NRPA officials, the “Kent Heights Recreational Facility in East Providence, Rhode Island, demonstrates the transformation of a former landfill into a thriving community park. This project integrated environmental remediation with innovative recreational design, leveraging state, federal, and local funding to create new athletic courts, multi-use fields, pedestrian pathways, a dog park, and advanced stormwater systems aligned with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management regulations.”
The project narrative added that by safely managing landfill cap material and incorporating green infrastructure, the project mitigated environmental risks while enhancing ecological health. Community engagement ensured the park’s accessibility and appeal for all ages. This presentation explores funding strategies, regulatory compliance, design processes, and operational steps required to convert dormant, environmentally challenging spaces into sustainable public assets.
Some of the reasons given for selecting the Kent Heights Park project are:
- Showcases an innovative reclamation of an underutilized former landfill
- Serves as a case study in environmental remediation and creative funding
- Demonstrates a replicable model for parks and recreation professionals nationwide
- Environmental Remediation: Understanding regulatory compliance and safe material handling to convert challenging sites into safe, usable spaces
- Funding Strategy: Methods to integrate state, federal, and municipal resources for large-scale public park projects
- Sustainable & Inclusive Design: Use of green infrastructure, community engagement, playground elements, and multi‑generational design to create user-friendly recreational areas
Project Highlights:
- Transformed a former landfill into a vibrant recreational park
- Features include athletic courts, multi-use fields, walking paths, a dog park, and stormwater management systems
- All aspects aligned with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management regulations
- Engaged community in design to ensure accessibility, ecological resilience, and inclusive use
Local Impact & Broader Significance:
NRPA officials point out that conference attendees will gain practical insights and strategies to replicate this model of revitalizing underutilized land into vibrant recreational spaces that address environmental, social, and economic needs. East Providence’s submission of the park’s plan development by Borges was accepted and the city was invited to make a formal presentation to the NRPA annual conference from September 16-18.
Borges and Mayor Bob DaSilva emphasized the local impact and broad significance of this award. “This may help to provide national recognition to the city’s innovative planning efforts,” said DaSilva.
“Many days of my youth and teenage years were spent at the old Kent Park,” said Council President Bob Rodericks. “In those days we referred to it (Kent Park) as ‘The Field’ or just Kent Field. Part of it was a city landfill and didn’t consist of much other than a couple of ungroomed little league fields and a basketball & tennis court. Today’s transformation is absolutely awesome. I hope the families of today appreciate its beauty and transformation,” added Rodericks. “I congratulate DPW‘s Dan Borgers, Mayor DaSilva and all involved.
EP Police Dog “K9 Nick”
For the second year in a row, K9 Nick, an East Providence Police dog, took home 1st place in the Fastest Explosives Search category at the Dream Ride Experience competition. His handler, Lt Sandra Bonvehi, gave Nick extra treats for a job well done. Congrats to this hardworking duo!
Police warning residents of phone scam
The East Providence Police Department said it is warning residents of a phone scam. Police said the scammer will pretend to be an East Providence Police officer and ask for payment for fake claims of traffic or court fines.
The department said it will never accept payments of fines over the phone, and that people should use caution in “any instance where your credit card or personal information is requested over the phone.”
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