News Briefs

Fraudulent Matos Nomination Signatures Turn up in EP
All five members of the East Providence City Council reported that their signatures were forged on nomination papers for Congressional candidate and current Lt. Governor Sabina Matos.  Matos needed 500 authorized signatures to be placed on the special election ballot in September, to replace David Cicillini who is resigning his seat.  Questions on the Matos campaign were first raised in Jamestown and Newport when questionable signatures were discovered.  East Providence canvassing officials became suspicious when they noticed names and addresses of City Council members didn’t match their legal voter registrations.  City council president Bob Rodericks’ name was spelled wrong and a wrong address was given.  “I go by Bob, but I sign all official documents as Robert.  They got my address wrong too.  I did not sign the form which is in the news,” said Rodericks.  Councilman Frank Rego also said that he didn’t sign the form in that way either.  All five council members and school committee member Ryan Queenan said that the Matos nomination paper in question was not signed by them.

The Matos campaign was brought before the Rhode Island Board of Elections late last month as Matos opponents demanded that she be removed from the September 2023 ballot for Cicillini’s seat.  The Board referred the matter for investigation by the Rhode Island Attorney General.  However, Attorney General Peter Neronha objected and doesn’t feel it should be at his office.  The Attorney General feels that this is an issue for local canvassing boards and the Board of Elections.  As of this writing no decision has been made on the Matos congressional campaign.     

Crescent Park is Crescent Park Again – Council Adjusts Full Name
At its July meeting, the City Council voted 5-0 to support Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson’s motion to refer to the entire former amusement park parcel in Riverside, as Crescent Park.  Most experts on Crescent Park history recall that the large waterfront amusement park, built in 1886, was always referred to by its name, Crescent Park.  George Boyden opened Crescent Park in 1886 and increasingly added new rides and attractions until it became Rhode Island's 2nd most popular amusement park in 1893. Rocky Point was opened in the late 1840's in Warwick, RI just across the bay from Crescent Park. Boyden named the park for its' crescent shaped beach. Rocky Point closed in 1995. Boyden contracted Charles I.D. Looff to construct a carousel in 1892 and another in 1895. Crescent Park became the site for which Looff built and shipped his carousels across the country (Lewis and Young, Rhode Island Amusement Parks; Stephen Kent Goodman’s Article; Rhode Island Amusement Parks by Rob Lewis and Ryan Young).

Crescent Park became famous for its shore dinner hall, bandstands, roller skating, boat rides, large midway, roller coaster, haunted houses and many other rides, but due to lack of attendance and support, Crescent Park eventually closed in 1977.  A lawsuit ensued which was a grass-roots effort by 5 Riverside residents to "save Crescent Park".  A large auction was held in March of 1979.  The Carousel was doomed to be torn down with the rest of the park. But local residents, Gail Durfee, Jobel (Tracy) Aguiar, Richard Lund, Linda McEntee, & Robin Peacock fought back. While most of Crescent Park was auctioned off in 1979, a fire destroyed much of the midway in 1980. And in 1984 the vacant shore dinner hall burned down.   

After a lengthy court battle, a settlement was reached and the carousel was saved and the city was given about 7 acres of bay front land for open space and almost 4 acres around the carousel itself.  In turn, developer Kelly & Picerne got to build Section 8 housing for the elderly and handicapped near the carousel in a complex now called Crescent Park Manor. Individual homes and more upscale condos were built on the Bullocks Point avenue side of the road.

In 2002, former City Councilman Joe Larisa asked that the park, specifically the waterfront side, be named for his mother Rose Larisa.  Larisa was a former RI State Representative and worked closely with Gail Durfee on issues relating to saving the park and carousel.  With no groundswell of support for changing Crescent Park’s name, the Larisa motion carried.  Some years later, a subsequent City Council considered a motion to revert Rose Larisa Park to Crescent Park.  While most speakers at a public meeting supported the return to Crescent Park, the motion failed on a 3-2 vote.

Most of the community continued to refer to the entire parcel as Crescent Park and last July this council took up Lawson’s motion.  Members representing each of the original “Carousel Five” spoke in favor of renaming the park as Crescent Park.  This included an original park litigant, Linda McEntee.  McEntee said all five members of the original five (which did not include Rose Larisa) supported the name Crescent Park.  “We know Rose Larisa was one of many who worked hard but she wasn’t the only one,” said McEntee.  Other speakers were adamant in naming the entire parcel Crescent Park.

There was more than one person who fought to save Crescent Park," Lawson said.  "It should be Crescent Park, it’s our history.  In my opinion, we are righting a wrong by bringing back the name as Crescent Park."  No one spoke in opposition of Lawson’s proposal and it passed unanimously.

Days after the meeting former Councilman Joe Larisa wrote to Councilman Lawson saying that he will attend the council’s August meeting to object.  Larisa intends to state that the waterfront parcel was known as Bayside Park and not Crescent Park.  Lawson indicated that he stands by his motion to keep Crescent Park as Crescent Park.

Council Addresses Street Drainage Issues
Also at its July meeting, the council gave an update on street drainage issues. Council President Rodericks indicated that he has held a few neighborhood meetings in the Dewey and Sutton Avenue area to discuss the problem.  “A year or so ago we met with residents and Mayor DaSilva along with city engineers to discuss plans for solving the problem of street flooding,” said Rodericks.  “We have hired a company to use cameras to look at underground pipes, etc. and are getting a better feel for the problem,” he added.

DPW director Dan Borges told the council that engineers have “ruled out most blockage problems and the issue may be one of system capacity.”  The city has installed more drainage catch basins on Dewey Avenue with hopes of increasing street drainage during heavy rains.  Councilman Frank Rego also mentioned the major flooding that was occurring on Ferris Avenue in Rumford.  “It is a major problem in that area and surrounding streets,” said Rego.  Rodericks and Borges added how the rainfall amount was more in one day than the total rainfall seen in a month.  “The problem is happening everywhere.”

Council Members support ARPA Funding in Several Areas
Several members of the city council discussed their plans for spending ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding:

• $250,000 to update, road (ground surface) landscape and public access to the boat ramps, lighting, and parking for trailers at Bold Point Park and John Lewis Waterfront Park.  Councilwoman Anna Sousa
• Utility Box Art Project- Citywide $50,000.  Anna Sousa.
• Pierce Field Football stadium $50,000 - replaces walking track ADA compliance.  Anna Sousa.
• Townie Pride Park (Jones Pond) $250,000 (secure parameter, fixed benches, cobblestone or brick walking path around pond, define parking lot.  Anna Sousa.
• Placemaking throughout the City- $550,000.  Councilman Rick Lawson.
• Funding of Crescent Park Concession/Event Tent Project- $1,000,00.  Rick Lawson.
• Adaptive playground equipment for special needs’ population $500,000.  Rick Lawson.

The council unanimously approved support for these initiatives but actual funding has to be approved at another stage of planning.  “Let’s not put the cart before the horse,” said Rodericks.  “Projects like this require requests for proposals, bidding, etc. before we move forward.”  

The council also discussed funding projects including a splash pad in Riverside and a concession building at Crescent Park and a concrete pad to hold an event tent initiated by Councilman Lawson.  It is also anticipated that the council will spar with the Mayor on the amount of ARPA funding that gets allocated for the Mayor’s proposed community center. 

Speed/Red Light Camera Discussion Tabled until August Meeting
The city council tabled discussion on a report it had requested from city administration and the Sensys Gatso company which operates the traffic camera system throughout East Providence.  Company spokespersons were not available and some of the council wanted more information.  “I need more than what we are getting here,” said Councilman Frank Rego.  “I want more raw data, not just an excel sheet,” Rego said.  The council has requested information on the following:

1. Number of citations were paid from post warning period inception to June 30, 2023
2. Number of events from Sensys Gatso issued from inception to June 30, 2023
3. Number of citations were generated from these events from inception to June 30, 2023
4. Number of citations are unpaid from inception to June 30, 2023?
5. How many were adjudicated/dismissal from inception to June 30,2023?
6. What is the total revenue from inception to June 30, 2023?-
7. A report by zip code of total tickets from inception to June 30, 2023?
8. Contract revisions permissions related to times, locations and hours of operation of School Zone and Red Light Cameras.
9. What are the total hours and number of a police officer spent on the ticket reviewing process?
10. Time frame of issuance for violation for previous school year.

Property Tax Relief Amnesty
The City of East Providence City Council voted to approve a taxation ordinance that will offer property owners some much needed relief.  The Administration, together with the East Providence City Council, worked to offer an opportunity for property owners to be up-to-date on their taxes by creating a tax amnesty program.

Legislation (House Bill H-6165 and Senate Bill S-885) enabling the program, which is limited in scope to those property owners who are already behind and have accumulated substantial penalties, offers property owners some relief by eliminating up to $10,000 in accrued penalties.

“Residential and commercial property owners have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic causing many to fall behind on their real estate tax payments,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “My Administration believes by implementing this tax amnesty program, property owners will have the opportunity to become current on their taxes without the added burden of going to tax sale.”

“Good leadership is demonstrated when city and state leaders work together to assist taxpayers during difficult times,” Council President Bob Rodericks said. “By temporarily eliminating penalties for homeowners who fell behind on taxes owed, we are giving people a chance to keep their homes. People in this category must still pay all base taxes owed and hopefully get a fresh start.”

House Bill 6165 and Senate Bill 885 entitled “An Act Relating to Taxation – Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes” were passed in the Rhode Island House by Representatives Katherine Kazarian, Jennifer Boylan, Matt Dawson and Briana Henries and in the Senate by Senators Valerie Lawson, Robert Britto and Pam Lauria.

The Taxation Ordinances were approved by the East Providence City Council.

Council votes to allocate $500K to support new business in East Providence
The City Council has voted to increase the City of East Providence’s Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Revolving Loan Fund to support new businesses moving into East Providence.

The Council on Tuesday voted in favor of a resolution introduced by Council President Bob Rodericks and Councilman Rick Lawson to increase the funding of the small business revolving fund by $500,000.

“Our Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Revolving Loan Fund is an example that this City is making small business support a priority,” Council President Bob Rodericks said. This one-time revenue from the sale of this long vacant property is put to immediate use by small business, without adversely affecting our budget. This is property that never generated any revenue but actually cost the City money.”

The increase comes from the revenues from the sale of the Platt-Watters School and will be overseen by the East Providence Economic Development Commission.

Mayor Bob DaSilva requested that the Council allocate the funds from the sale of eight, city-owned parcels located on Burnside and Hoppin Avenues to the UDAG fund to support existing businesses seeking to grow and new businesses interested in calling East Providence home.

“Directing resources to this fund will provide an infusion of capital for small businesses to grow in East Providence,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “From the start, my administration has been dedicated to boosting economic development in our city – we want East Providence to be the place to live, learn, work and play and start a business.”

Beginning in the late 1980’s and supported with initial funding of $800,000 from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) UDAG program, the city has leveraged this grant to assist small businesses expand and grow with a revolving fund.

The City of East Providence, over the last four years and through the Economic Development Commission, has issued loans from the fund to a total of 23 small businesses totaling $783,000.

This revolving loan fund helps local business owners by providing businesses with the necessary startup capital to funds to expand in East Providence.

The Urban Development Action Grant Program (UDAG) provides development funds to states to assist physically and economically distressed cities and urban counties. A review was made of the administration of this program by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, addressing the amount of private investment stimulated, the number of permanent jobs created or retained, and the degree to which the grantees' tax bases were expanded. "Leverage" occurs when the UDAG investment generates a greater amount of private investment, and, therefore, economic growth. Analysis of the levered private investment should take into account all public funds that are in evidence and applicable to the project.

City selects Peregrine Group to manage development of community center
Press Release:  The City of East Providence has selected East Providence- based Peregrine Group LLC to provide the Owner’s Project Manager Services for the development of a new community center in East Providence, slated to be located behind the Robert Rock Senior Center.

“Having worked with Peregrine on the East Providence High School and Martin Middle School, we are confident that Peregrine is best suited to move this project forward and we are confident in their ability to guide the city through the construction and opening of the new community center,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

Peregrine responded to a request for qualifications in April and was selected in July after a bidding process with four other firms to provide the PM services, which will include the construction of a steel and masonry building consisting of an open lobby area, gymnasium, pool, programming and office space on two floors.

“We look forward to a continued partnership with the City of East Providence,” Peregrine Partner Samuel Bradner said.

Once it is complete, the center will operate as a community and public safety wellness center for use by youth, families, the city’s senior population and civic organizations. It will be a place where East Providence residents and members of the East Providence Police and Fire Departments are able to join together and collaborate on programs and events.

The center will also be a host to out-of-school time learning activities and programs to improve educational outcomes citywide for our K-12 students under Gov. Dan McKee’s Learn365 initiative.

The new center would allow East Providence to offer recreation programming, job training, health monitoring services, public safety training, community meetings, and more. The center would also be utilized by the East Providence Police Department to conduct training and community police outreach programming.

City residents have expressed their support for additional recreational space via the approval of two voter referendums (2002 and 2004) to issue bonds for construction of a new recreation center. The City lacks community space, and the addition of this Center would be a tremendous resource where residents could easily access key programming and services.

This center will be a place where the City’s Recreation Department can host a number of youth programs and it will also serve as a location for intergenerational activities. In addition, the center can host swim meets.

The community center will be partly funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Using ARPA funds for this center ensures that we have a facility that can address community needs in an emergency situation such as future pandemics or other manmade, hybrid or natural disaster emergencies.

While the above-mentioned items from the Mayor’s press release cites specifics, some members of the City Council have indicated a need to discuss alternatives and a limit on ARPA funding.  At the July council meeting, the council voted to support several projects in addition to a proposed community center but finalized funding has not been decided on.

Out of School Learning Opportunities
In a late July press release, Governor Dan McKee announced that 31 Rhode Island communities, including East Providence, have signed onto the Administration’s Learn365RI Municipal Compact and committed to increase out-of-school learning opportunities for young people in their communities.

“If we're going to catch up with our neighboring states and recover from the impact of the pandemic, we know there must be additional learning time outside of the traditional school day,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m grateful to the 31 municipal leaders who are stepping up and partnering with our Administration on Learn365RI to expand out-of-school learning opportunities for all students while also helping us close learning gaps and improve student outcomes.”

“Expanding access to extended learning opportunities, both in and out of school, is a key element in our work to accelerate learning and improve student outcomes state-wide,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “I’m deeply appreciative of all the communities who have made a commitment to supporting year-round learning and commend Governor McKee for his leadership in moving our state education system forward. We will continue to work with our state partners, city and town officials, and community members to ensure all students receive a world-class education.”

Last month, Governor McKee announced an RFP for nearly $4 million in grants to help communities foster new or expanded initiatives to promote learning beyond the school day and beyond the traditional 180-day school year. The RFP awards are expected to be announced by the end of July, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $400,000. The funding will run from September 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024.

Suspect Arrested Following Attack with Hammer
On July 5, 2023, East Providence Police were dispatched to the parking lot of Shaw’s Supermarket on Willett Avenue following a report of a disturbance involving a man with a hammer. Once on scene, officers observed a 74-year-old East Providence man suffering from serious injuries to his head. Witnesses told officers that a male suspect attacked the victim with a hammer. Bystanders were able to wrestle the hammer away from the suspect to prevent further injury to the victim.

The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Kenneth Jackson, was located a short distance away and taken into custody without incident. Jackson, also of East Providence, was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

The victim was transported to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated for head injuries sustained in the attack. East Providence Police Detectives continue to investigate the reasons and events leading up to the assault. The suspect is unknown to the victim.

Jackson was arraigned this morning on the following charges:

• Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Assault with Intent to Commit Specified Felonies (Attempted Murder)
• Disorderly Conduct

Jackson was ordered held pending a mental health evaluation and competency hearing later this month. At last check, the victim was still being treated at Rhode Island Hospital.