March 28, 2024

East Providence News Briefs

Posted

2023 Tax Rate Set
The East Providence City Council received a report from Mayor Bob DaSilva at its May 16, 2023 council meeting which set the new tax rate at a decrease of 32%. The council received the news in a meeting in which the city auditor was also present to update the council on city finances.  Although the rate was decreased, homeowners will actually see an overall increase due to the latest property revaluations.

“I am writing to inform you that the property tax rate for the upcoming year has been finalized after a thorough statistical revaluation. This state mandated revaluation is designed to ensure fairness and accuracy in tax assessments, and we are confident that the new assessments that we are implementing are fair and equitable to all taxpayers city wide,” Mayor Bob DaSilva wrote in a letter to the City Council.

“The new residential property tax rate will be $14.76 per $1,000 for the 2023 tax roll. With these rates, the average residential taxpayer will see a slight annual increase of approximately $130 in their property tax bill,” said DaSilva.

The $14.76 tax rate is a decrease of 32%, down from $21.86. Due to mandatory property revaluations, the combination of a new rate equates to the overall increase of about $130 per year for the average homeowner. The commercial tax rate also decreased from $26.89 to $23.03 for a decrease of 14%. The city Tangible rate showed a 1% increase from $56.33 to $56.81.

Mayor DaSilva and City Council members mentioned collaboration with the city legislative delegation in passing House and Senate bills intended to help with the process of setting a tax rate. “My administration, together with the city council worked, with State Representatives Katherine Kazarian, Matt Dawson, Brianna Henries, and Jennifer Boylan as well as State Senators Valerie Lawson, Robert Britto and Pam Lauria to introduce and seek passage of legislation that would enable the City of East Providence to adjust and equalize our residential and commercial tax rates after a revaluation to ensure fairness and equity for our East Providence taxpayers,” wrote DaSilva to the council at its May 16th meeting.

Ward One Councilman Frank Rego attributed the tax rate news, in part, to the form of government. “I thank our state delegation, city administration and the five of us (city council) here for why this really happened. We corrected a prior wrong by people who had no concern for residents,” said Rego. “This is another example of repairing bad policy. Without this, the taxpayers would be on the hook for a lot more money,” Rego added.

Tax bills were slated to be mailed at the end of May and are scheduled to reach property owners' mailboxes during the first week of June.

40% Failure Rate Found in Retail Tobacco Compliance Checks
Police and Prevention Coalition recognize compliant retailers
A joint press release was issued in late May by the East Providence Police Department and the East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC).  Together, they have conducted a series of tobacco compliance checks to ensure that retailers are following state and federal laws regarding the sale of tobacco products, particularly Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDs)/ vaping products, to minors. A total of 18 unannounced compliance inspections were conducted with 10 establishments being found to be in compliance with the state regulations of not selling to underage patrons, demonstrating their commitment to preventing underage tobacco use. 

During the compliance checks, law enforcement officers visited more than a dozen retail establishments in East Providence and observed whether they were following the law by checking for identification and refusing to sell tobacco/vaping products to anyone under the age of 21. The 10 establishments that passed both of the compliance checks were found to be in full compliance with local, state and federal laws, and their responsible actions deserve recognition.

Establishments that passed these recent compliance checks are:

  • Willet Farms – 185 Willet Ave. Riverside
  • Riverside Food Mart – 548 Willet Ave. Riverside
  • Royal Food Mart – 732 Willet Ave. Riverside
  • Mobil Mart – 973 Willet Ave. Riverside
  • Gulf – 970 Willet Ave. Riverside
  • Riverside Market – 267 Willet Ave. Riverside
  • Seasons Corner Market – 2200 Pawtucket Ave. East Providence
  • Rumford Food Mart – 1246 Pawtucket Ave. Rumford
  • Freeway Gas – 250 Newport Ave. Rumford
  • Vaporetti Vapor – 50 Newport Ave. Rumford

The East Providence Prevention Coalition encourages residents to support these responsible businesses. By doing so, residents can help ensure that retailers prioritize responsible practices and protect the health and well-being of our community’s youth.

“Unfortunately, the establishments that did not pass the compliance checks were found to be in violation of local, state, and federal laws, regarding the sale of tobacco products to minors. The EPPC and local law enforcement agencies take these violations seriously and will be taking appropriate enforcement action against these businesses.

While we are pleased to report that many establishments passed the compliance checks and commend them for their commitment to preventing underage tobacco use, we are also very concerned about the 40 percent failure rate found in both rounds of inspections,” Director of the EPPC Madeline Marlow said.

Additionally, during the compliance checks, law enforcement officers confiscated $13,000 worth of prohibited flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDs)/vaping devices from several local businesses.

 “Working together with the East Providence Prevention Coalition, we have made great strides in our efforts to prevent underage tobacco use,” East Providence Police Sergeant Stephen Rodrigues said. We take violations of these laws seriously and will be taking appropriate enforcement action against the businesses that failed to comply.”

“The East Providence Prevention Coalition will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies to conduct tobacco compliance checks in an effort to reduce underage tobacco use. We hope that the recognition given to the 10 establishments that passed these checks will inspire other retailers to prioritize responsible practices and protect the health of our community’s youth. We also urge all retailers to comply with state and federal laws regarding the sale of tobacco products to minors and to take their responsibility to prevent underage tobacco use seriously.”

Residents can contact the East Providence Prevention Coalition at eppc@eastprovidenceri.gov or 401-435-7500 x 11290 for more information on compliance checks, education and training for retailers, reporting violations, or information about the Coalition.

Charter Commission Chair, City Council Spar on Details
Charter Commission Chairman Marc Furtado appeared before the City Council last month and his presentation was met with pointed questions from some of the council.  “I’ve reached out to all of you (council members) asking for guidance, what made this commission different from others, it was founded on issues and differences between the executive and legislative branches.”  Furtado was referring to the Mayor’s administration and the city council dealing with changes brought on by the new city form of government.  “I am waiting for input from executive and legislative.  We sent out letters and received some responses. At our last meeting we said when we get a suggestion, we will forward it to you (Council).  We’re asking for an up or down vote from the council.  If you don’t like our suggestion, send it back to us and we’ll take it up again and ask you to reconsider or amend, etc.,” Furtado added.  “What we don’t want is to see the Charter Commission time and effort on proposed changes amended at the last second for a ballot.”

“Why is that,” asked Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson.  “Because we’re the final arbiter of what is put on the ballot,” added Lawson.

“Yes, you are,” answered Furtado.  “This charter commission gets its power from the City Council, however I would argue that our charter commission derives authority from the people just like the city council does.  The majority of members were elected.  We have more of a mandate,” said Furtado.

That comment didn’t sit well with some on the Council.  “How many votes did each member receive,” asked Lawson.

“Not to brag, but I did get the highest percentage,” replied Furtado.  “How many votes, I don’t know off the top of my head.”

“Are you implying that you have more power than the City Council,” continued Lawson.

“No, I’m asking that the Council sit down and simply take a yes or no vote on our recommendations,” shot back Furtado.

Lawson replied that the last Charter Commission submitted all of their charter recommendations at once and the Council then voted up or down on what to put on the ballot.

Ward One Councilman Frank Rego engaged in a testy back and forth with Furtado.  “So when you first came before us I gave my two cents.  I guess you really didn’t pay attention to my two cents,” said Rego.  “I’m going to repeat it now.  You are similar to the 2nd Continental Congress.  We are the body.  This isn’t meant as a power play, but we (council) are ultimately the ones to decide.  I’m not going to play volleyball with the Charter Commission,” Rego insisted.  “We are not doing that.”

The back and forth continued with Furtado saying, “Can I ask exactly why we have a Charter Commission?  We have 5 elected members, you (council) have two representatives (on the commission).  Yes you have final say but I find it confusing as to why you see us similar to a historic tree commission,” Furtado said.  “I’m asking to be treated with respect.”

As both sides demanded to “have the floor” and continued to speak over each other, Council President Bob Rodericks stopped the discourse.  “Well, actually, I have the floor.  Mr. Chairman, (Furtado) this council will listen to everything you and the commission want to say.  Just send us your recommendations together and we will address them.  But not piecemeal.  I will call for a workshop in which to discuss any possible charter amendments.  We are not looking to reinvent the wheel.”  “We do need to give guidance to them,” said Lawson.

Proposal to add housing to Taunton Avenue blighted parcel
In a press release last month, leaders representing four housing agencies disclosed plans for developing the closed former Bowling Academy and former Johnson & Wales 4 story, now vacant dormitory building.  The area on Taunton area is just shy of three acres.  The chief executives of the four nonprofit organizations that make up the Taunton Avenue Collaborative hosted a site visit and tour for media of the transformative housing development today. Prior to the tour, the leaders from ONE Neighborhood Builders, Crossroads RI, Foster Forward, and Family Service Rhode Island asked members of the General Assembly to make a direct investment in the development which would accelerate construction and provide immediate relief to the state’s surging housing crisis.

“The development at Taunton Avenue will create 160 rental apartments for individuals and families, and is a prime example of how we can build housing at meaningful scale while  redeveloping vacant and blighted properties,” said the principals of the Taunton Avenue Collaborative: Jennifer Hawkins, President and Executive Director of ONE|NB, Karen Santilli, CEO of Crossroads RI, Lisa Guillette, Executive Director of Foster Forward, and Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island. “For too long RI has been dead last in the nation for new home starts. With homelessness rising and families squeezed out of the housing market, it is now more important than ever that we work together: corralling our shared commitment to housing justice and lending our unique skills to this transformative housing development.

During the tour, the four nonprofit leaders asked members of the General Assembly to include $28 million in the state budget to support the Taunton Avenue development. They argued that the funding would provide a return on investment for taxpayers, and they stressed their organizations’ deep ties in the community and their combined track record of success. With state support, the Collaborative’s leaders can accelerate development and be in a position to welcome residents to their new homes starting Summer 2025.

The Collaborative is a partnership of four established organizations:
ONE Neighborhood Builders, one of the state’s leading non-profit housing developers and community development corporations; Crossroads Rhode Island, the state’s largest provider of housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness; Foster Forward, Rhode Island’s leading organization that empowers lives impacted by foster care; Family Service of Rhode Island, a comprehensive statewide human service organization that advances equity, opportunity, and hope.

“This initiative will redevelop the blighted and vacant three-acre property and create a dynamic, mixed-use campus that includes 160 residential units, 6,000 square feet of commercial space earmarked for a new early learning center, 1,500 square feet of community amenity space, and plentiful playground areas. The project includes the rehabilitation of an existing 4-story building that will include 54 residential units and the construction of two new buildings that will create 106 additional residential units,” said project executives.

The apartments constructed will be affordable for extremely low- to moderate-income households. Approximately 40 percent of the units will be designed as permanent supportive housing (PSH) which pairs housing with case management and supportive services. “PSH is a proven solution to homelessness,” maintain project developers.

25 apartments will be supported by Crossroads which will provide ongoing support to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness.

Foster Forward will support 20 apartments and provide housing and services for foster youth who have aged out of foster care programs.

Family Service of Rhode Island will support 20 units and provide supportive services to families who have been involved with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (or at risk of being involved).

The remaining 60 percent of the apartments will be designated as affordable for households earning a low- to moderate-income (60 to 120 percent of AM or approximately $45,000 to $90,000 for a family of two).

In a May 15th joint press release, Sen. Valarie Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) and Majority Whip Rep. Katherine Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket) announced sponsorship of a joint resolution to provide state funding for the East Providence project.

“Housing is one of the most urgent issues facing our community and our state,” said Senator Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence). “This exciting project will create 160 new housing units and provide necessary relief for families in East Providence and across Rhode Island. It will make an immediate and meaningful impact on the housing crisis we are experiencing and will provide the entire region with a replicable model to produce more housing.”  The bill would appropriate $28 million to the project.

To date, the Collaborative has secured more than $7 million for the project, including:

  • $2 million Congressional earmark for development
  • $1 million from Rhode Island Housing for land acquisition
  • $154,000 from the City of East Providence for land acquisition
  • $135,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation for acquisition deposits and predevelopment

On May 16, 2023, the Mayor’s office held a public informational meeting at City Hall to receive public input and to disseminate project information.  About 25-30 residents attended and asked questions. More informational meetings will be held according to Mayor Bob DaSilva..

New EP City Clerk Hired
Jill Kirby Seppa unanimous choice of City Council
The City Council appointed Jill Kirby Seppa as the new City Clerk.  Seppa was hired after making it through a list of 75 applicants for the job. The City Council had approved a process to advertise, interview and hire a City Clerk to fill the position which was vacant.  In the interim the Clerk duties were filled by the Deputy Clerk.  For the first time since the initial appointments of Town and then City Clerks, a professional job description had been developed, a job notice was posted on the ADP Workforce website which is used to post municipal positions.  At the Council’s meetings in March, a hiring procedure was adopted.  Council President Bob Rodericks appointed a three-member subcommittee to review all paper applications and then recommend six finalists to the full City Council for consideration.  All finalists had resumes and references verified and RI Attorney General bureau of criminal identification (BCI) checks were completed.    

Rodericks appointed Ward 2 Councilwoman Anna Sousa to Chair the screening group which included Ward 4 Councilman Rick Lawson and longtime former City Clerk and Councilwoman Valerie Perry. The application period ended on March 23rd.  The full council interviewed finalists in person and narrowed the group to two.  Seppa was the eventual unanimous choice at the May 16th council meeting.  Seppa has City Clerk’s office experience from another community and resides in South Kingstown, RI.  Seppa has informed the council that she is willing to move to East Providence although a preference, that was not a condition of employment.  “I am pleased with the open and fair hiring process and feel confident that the council made the best choice to lead our City Clerk’s office,” said Rodericks.   

Kazarian Bill on Equality in Abortion Coverage Passes House
The House of Representatives passed Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian’s Equality in Abortion Coverage Act in May.  The legislation (2023-H 5006) will ensure that individuals on Medicaid and state health insurance plans have coverage for abortion procedures.

“While I am grateful that Rhode Island has codified Roe V. Wade into state law, access to reproductive health is still not equal in our state.  Unless an individual is able to pay the costs out of pocket or is on private insurance, these essential health care services are still out of reach for too many Rhode Islanders.  With reproductive rights remaining under attack in our nation’s capital, the passage of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act will provide total equality for everyone in Rhode Island who needs reproductive health services access,” said Whip Kazarian in an April 27th statement.

The legislation would eliminate sections of law that expressly prohibit state employees’ and Medicaid recipients’ insurance from covering for abortion, except in cases of rape or incest or where the life of the mother would be endangered, as required by federal law. In compliance with the federal Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding of abortion services, it adds language that specifies that no federal funds shall be used to pay for them, except as authorized under federal law.

NEARI names Valerie Lawson President
In a May 16th written statemen, the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) elected 15 officers at its Annual Meeting, making official the recent transition in leadership at Rhode Island’s largest labor union.  Its top positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary) are all filled by women with current experience both inside and outside of the classroom.

Lawson addressed the delegates representing 74 local unions.  “I am a true believer. I believe in public education. I believe in the power of advocacy. I believe in the good in government. These institutions are the foundation of our society and together their success positively impacts our quality of life,” she told the assembled delegates. Lawson thanked her predecessor in the role, Larry Purtill, and promised delegates that the union would continue to improve efforts to engage and support its membership, noting that the organization’s influence “rests in your engagement and activism.”

“Whether you’re a classroom teacher, an Educational Support Professional, a higher education member, a state or a municipal worker: our work begins today to provide the very best outcomes for the students and the Rhode Islanders we serve every day.”

Officers of NEARI with East Providence ties for the 2023-2024 year are:
President: Valarie Lawson
Treasurer: Kristin Chase, East Providence Secretaries
Area Vice Presidents:
Nick Shattuck, East Providence Education Association
Sue Allienello, East Providence Secretaries
Raymond Pouliot, Retired teachers

With 12,000 members around Rhode Island, NEARI is the state’s largest union. Its membership includes public school teachers; clerical and custodial staff at K-12 public schools (often referred to within the union as “education support professionals” or ESPs); full and part-time faculty at CCRI, Roger Williams University, and RISD; professional and support staff at Rhode Island’s public colleges and universities along with Roger Williams and RISD; and local municipal employees and workers at the RI Department of Health. Additionally, many retired workers choose to maintain membership with the union. Around one in every 100 Rhode Islanders is a NEARI member.

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