October 2, 2026
City Gets New Schools Superintendent
(City Hall loses an administrator - School Dept. gains one)
After former school superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand moved on from East Providence to take on management of a three-charter school group in Providence, the School Committee moved quickly to hire her replacement. After a short search period which whittled down the process to two finalists, the school committee hired the city’s Director of Human Resources, Dr. Robert Perry. Perry was hired last month and officially begins the job on July 1st. Perry’s salary will be $170,000 and will rise to $180,000 in the third year of the contract.
Perry is a graduate of East Providence High School and previously taught at Martin, Riverside Middle Schools and East Providence High. He was a principal at Riverside Middle and was then hired by Mayor Bob DaSilva to be the city Director of Human Resources. Perry has degrees from the University of New Hampshire, Providence College and a Doctor of Education from Northeastern University. “I’m ready to continue moving East Providence schools forward as Dr. Forand had done,” said Perry after his appointment.
Mayor Hires Diego Jones as New HR Director
Mayor Bob DaSilva moved fast to replace outgoing HR Director Dr. Robert Perry as he announced the selection of Diego Jones to lead the City of East Providence Human Resource Department in a statement late last month. Jones will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations for the city’s human resource department. Before joining the City of East Providence, Jones served as the Office of Human Resource Administration Classification & Compensation Analyst at the University of Rhode Island, where he was responsible for both the RI State Civil Service and the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner’s classification systems. In addition, he interpreted the classification and compensation provisions of the Merit System Laws, State Personnel Rules and the ten applicable university collective bargaining unit contracts for employees and supervisors. Jones also worked in the Office of Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, working with internal payroll.
Prior to Jones’ time at URI, he worked at Sovereign Bank where he was a human resource retail recruiter, training facilitator and staff manager. Additionally, Jones received human resource and management experience at Kelly Services and NYNEX.
“During Diego’s short time with the city, he has demonstrated that he has the skill set necessary to take on a management role in the Human Resource Department,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.
“His extensive experience, spanning four decades from 1986, not only demonstrates his ability to manage but also his vast knowledge of the day-to-day processes that go into human resources, will make this transition as seamless as possible.”
“We are fortunate to have a seasoned human resource professional stepping into the role,” former Director of Human Resources Robert Perry said. “Diego brings a valuable perspective, having worked in HR at institutions like the University of Rhode Island. As an East Providence resident, he really understands the values of our community. He also has a fantastic professional demeanor that will help him make the relationships with other municipal leaders needed to be successful.”
Candidates line up for the 2026 City and State Elections
With the election season about to get into full swing, several local seats have contested races. On the municipal side of city government all City Council seats will be contested.
City Council:
Ward 1: Frank Rego (incumbent), Jonathan Jacobs, Richard Stanley, Bethany White
Ward 2: Anna Sousa (Incumbent), Matthew Gunnip, Kevin Pereira
Ward 3: Frank Fogarty (Incumbent), Christopher Teixeira
Ward 4: Jason Botelho, Michael Spremulli
At-Large Citywide: Bob Rodericks (Incumbent), Jason Medeiros
Mayor: The city’s first ever elected mayor Roberto (Bob) DaSilva will have an opponent. DaSilva will be opposed by Patricio Pinto.
School Committee:
The East Providence School Committee will see Ward 1 incumbent Ryan Queenan unopposed. In a surprise announcement, retiring school superintendent Sandra Forand will enter the political fray as a candidate for the Ward 3 seat being vacated by current school board chairman David Luiz. Luiz has his own surprise announcement after his previous declaration to run for a Ward 3 City Council seat. Luiz changed his mind and has now declared for the at-large school committee seat held by Anthony Ferreira. Previously announced candidate for Ward 3, David O’Connell did not file.
Ward 1: Ryan Queenan (incumbent)
Ward 2: Antonio DeSimas (Incumbent), John Medeiros
Ward 3: Sandra Forand, Renee Ignacio, Elizabeth Merrill
Ward 4: Jessica Beauchaine (Incumbent), Chrissy Rossi
At Large Citywide: Anthony Ferreira (Incumbent), David Luiz
Local State Representatives and Senators:
House of Representatives:
District 63: Katherine Kazarian (D - incumbent)
District 64: Jenni Furtado (D - incumbent)
District 65 : Matthew Dawson (D - incumbent), Cameron St. Germain (D), Grant Webber Wosencroft (D)
District 66: Jennifer Boylan (D - incumbent)
State Senate:
District 14: Valarie Lawson (D - incumbent), Brian Coogan (I)
District 18: Robert Britto (D - incumbent)
District 32: Pam Lauria (D - incumbent)
City Receives $625K Cybersecurity Grant
The City of East Providence announced last month that the city has received a $625,000 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant to further support ongoing cybersecurity infrastructure from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.
“The City of East Providence is continuing to put the needs and safety of our community first and foremost,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva. “I am grateful to RIEMA for their continued support in delivering investments that strengthen our community and better prepare us to deliver the best possible services for the residents of our city.”
The 2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is a $374.9 million federal initiative jointly administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This grant which was applied for by the Fire Department will be utilized to upgrade and strengthen current infrastructure throughout the city and was secured through the dedicated work of East Providence Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief, Michael Carey.
“As Emergency Management Director, I recognize that resilient technology infrastructure is as important to continuity of operations as any other critical resource,” Michael Carey said. “This funding provides an opportunity to further enhance the systems that support public safety communications, emergency coordination, and the delivery of essential municipal services.”
Weaver Library Copper Beech Tree Sculpture Plan Chosen
City leaders have issued a statement regarding the long-planned for decision on what to do with the diseased Copper Beech Tree on the grounds of the Weaver Library. “The East Providence Public Library, Mayor Bob DaSilva, and the Department of Planning and Economic Development are pleased to announce that artist Anthony Heinz May has been selected to create and install a public sculpture from the historic Copper Beech tree that has stood on the lawn of Weaver Library for generations.”
May, a nationally recognized sculptor based in Portland, Oregon, was chosen through a competitive public art selection process to reimagine the beloved tree as a lasting work of art following its decline due to Beech Leaf Disease. The sculpture will preserve the physical presence and legacy of the approximately 125- to 150-year-old tree, which has served as a landmark at Weaver Library.
“Anthony Heinz May is a public artist whose sculptures have been installed in parks, arboreta, educational institutions, and public spaces throughout the United States. His work explores the intersection of natural systems and human-made environments, transforming trees and other organic materials into large-scale sculptural installations that promote environmental awareness and community engagement. Library Trustee and artist selection panel member, Betsy Ingraham, said, I really believe Anthony’s special creation will make imaginations soar!”
Working directly with the tree itself, May creates site-specific sculptures that explore the relationship between nature, community, and the built environment. His innovative process involves transforming the original material into a dynamic sculptural composition while retaining the tree’s identity and history.
“I liked Anthony's design because it encourages the viewer to think about the way nature changes over time. Humans have a profound impact on the natural world (including the spread of diseases like Beech Leaf Disease), and this design calls attention to our relationship with the urban forest,” Molly Ahern, Senior Planner and member of the artist selection panel said.
May’s artistic practice focuses on repurposing fallen and dying trees into public art installations that encourage reflection on environmental stewardship, change, and resilience. By preserving much of the tree in place, the project will allow the Copper Beech to continue serving as both a visual landmark and a reminder of the tree’s important role in the local ecosystem.
“I am looking forward to watching the community observe the tree's transition into an art piece that ignites curiosity and conversation,” said Meredith Bonds-Harmon, Library Director.
The selected design celebrates the Copper Beech’s long history as a witness to generations of East Providence residents while creating a new gathering place for visitors to the library. The sculpture will incorporate portions of the original trunk and branches, transforming them into an expressive work that blurs the boundaries between nature, sculpture, and architecture.
The project is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in support of the City’s public art initiative.
Additional information about the project, installation timeline, and opportunities for public engagement will be announced as work progresses.
City Plans Gala 250th July Celebration
East Providence officials plan for an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, food, family fun, and a spectacular fireworks display as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Independence Day. After the storm of July 4th shortened the 2025 festivities at Pierce Stadium, city officials have been planning for the Nation’s 250th anniversary held this year.
Festivities officially begin on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Pierce Memorial Stadium. The gates open at 6:00 PM and admission is free to everyone. A rain date of July 6th is announced. Live musical performances will be provided by:
Food and beverage concessions will be available throughout the evening. “Bring your family, friends, and community spirit as we come together to honor our nation’s history and enjoy one of East Providence’s signature summer celebrations. The night will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the sky over Pierce Field,” promise event organizers. Please note: No coolers, backpacks, or pets are permitted.
Long Awaited Crescent Park “Clam Shack” Opens
The long-awaited return of a “Clam Shack” opened to good reviews last month at Crescent Park. The City Council awarded a contract to Joe’s Clam Shack to operate a concession stand at the popular summertime venue surrounding the Looff Carousel at Crescent Park in Riverside. The stand had its grand opening and a formal ribbon cutting to a large crowd on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Joseph Dourado, the owner and operator of Joe’s Snack Shack, said that the June 13th “ultimate Family Fun Day” was a celebration of community at the timeless charm known as Crescent Park. Townies were be invited to gather along the beautiful waterfront, ride the historic Looff Carousel, which will be running from noon to 6PM, creating lasting memories while enjoying Rhode Island favorites such as clam chowder and clam cakes, alongside a variety of family-friendly menu options.
“I’ve been part of the East Providence community my whole life, and like many local families, I’ve grown up with Crescent Park as a special part of our community,” Joseph Dourado said.
“My business was built on family values, hard work, and a love for traditional Rhode Island food. I’m proud to bring my townie roots to the Carousel and be part of the next chapter of this cherished local landmark,” Dourado added.
The East Providence Clam Shack will be serving clam cakes, chowder, calamari, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, along with a variety of other options at the Crescent Park concession stand.
“I am very excited for the residents and visitors to the City of East Providence who will not only get to create lifelong memories while enjoying the beautiful waterfront of Crescent Park and the historic Looff Carousel, but now will be able to enjoy some of Rhode Island’s seafood staples all in one centralized location,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.
“I am glad to see Joe’s Clam Shack offering a very reasonably priced menu for the community. I have always supported a more basic menu of clam cakes, chowder, hot dogs, fries, etc.,” said City Council President Bob Rodericks. “I think previous venues at the Park were too highly priced. Families and individuals want a simple day near the water and carousel and don’t look for expensive seafood or other items. People want to bring a lawn chair, blanket or sit at a picnic table while enjoying the basics and enjoy the summer concerts,” added Rodericks.
So far, the community at large seem to agree with this philosophy as Joe’s Clam Shack has enjoyed an early season success at the city’s historic former Amusement Park.
Crescent Park to get Facelift on Carousel Side
$1.6 million in improvements planned
The often-discussed plan to add amenities to Crescent Park has reached a final path as work has begun on a newer concession stand, public restrooms and Carousel office and storage place. Most amenities will be placed in a new 1600 square foot building on the carousel side of Bullocks Point Avenue. Mayor DaSilva changed an earlier plan to construct the facility on the water side where many concerts are held. Residents objected to any major changes to the water side of the site.
The carousel side is also getting a large concrete pad to house an event tent for weddings and other activities including much needed fundraising to sustain the Looff Carousel ongoing maintenance. There will also be new landscaping and walking paths. The project is funded from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and existing unexpended capital funds.
A Rumford-based company, New England Construction Co., plans to complete the project by this October. In the meantime, the Clam Shack is up and running and concerts have been scheduled for the park throughout the summer.
“Home Pizza Restaurant” Shut Down – City Explanation
After a flurry of social media comments asking why a “pizza place” being run out of a Riverside home was evidently shut down by the City, Mayor Bob DaSilva responded with his own post. “Today (June 17th) I was tagged on a Facebook post about a pizza place in Riverside that had been operating out of a home without the proper licensing or health department inspection and in violation of zoning code. If you read the comments section, you would think the city was wrong to enforce its zoning and business license regulation and the post inaccurately reported that the residents had Department of Health approvals. Food safety and proper health department inspections are very important.
“Often times Facebook narratives are filled with inaccuracies and straight up falsehoods.
What actually happened is a resident living in a residential neighborhood began a food business, where they made pizza in their backyard pizza oven and sold them to the public. I heard the pizzas were really good. The residents publicized this new business on social media. The city became aware of this new business and did not find a record of the proper licenses or permits to conduct business,” added DaSilva.
The Rhode Island Department of Health has no record of the business and had not inspected this food business and had not issued a license to serve food. The city zoning office followed up with a violation notice for operating a commercial food business in a residential zone. The owner of the property responded and communicated that he was unaware that his property was being used for food sales, but he would tell the tenants that it was wrong and needed to stop. “The city zoning office actually met with the tenants in his office, who likewise apologized and stated that they would stop all operations. I asked our planning department to reach out to the tenants and see if we could help them start a legitimate business that is properly licensed, registered and inspected and approved for food safety,” said the Mayor.
As the social media train continued, one comment may have summed up the situation: “Nothing wrong with how it was handled. All parties met, agreed, and were offered assistance to create a proper business. Well done.”
Planning Board to hear Riverside Legion Subdivision Plan
A meeting of the Planning Board will be held in Room 306, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island, on Monday evening, July 13, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. An application for “Unified Development Review” will be heard in accordance with Rhode Island General Law.
Riverside Post Holding Company (American Legion Hall) seeks permission to subdivide their property to retain the existing American Legion building and create four new 5,000 square foot parcels for the purpose of constructing single-family dwellings at 830 Willett Avenue, Riverside. The four new parcels are proposed to have frontage on Becker Avenue and the corner of Legion Way. The proposed parcels necessitate dimensional relief from lot area, lot width, front and side-yard setbacks, and impervious lot coverage required in a R-3 Zone.
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.
Clambake Fundraiser for Looff Carousel at Squantum Association
Two of Riverside's historic treasures are coming together for a great cause. Join the Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association on August 19, 2026 for a traditional New England Clambake at the Squantum Association, located at 947 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Riverside, RI 02915. This special fundraiser will benefit the continued restoration and preservation of the Historic Charles I.D. Looff Carousel at Crescent Park. Tickets must be purchased in advance. All proceeds directly support the ongoing restoration of this beloved historic landmark. “Come enjoy a delicious clambake while helping preserve a piece of Rhode Island History!” The event begins at 6 pm, dinner at 7 pm, entertainment by Pat Lowell. Check-in begins at 5 pm. Once you check in, you are welcome to stroll through the private grounds and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the historic Squantum Association, est. 1872. Website www.crescentparkcarousel.org/clambake Tickets https://www.crescentparkcarousel.org/events-1/clambake-2026.
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