East Providence News Briefs

Portions of this News Brief were compiled with contributions from Bob Rodericks

City seeks proposals for single-family homes at Platt-Watters site
The long vacant plan for the now-razed Platt-Watters school site in Riverside is moving ahead with public RFP’s (request for proposal).  East Providence is seeking fee proposals from interested individuals or entities to purchase (8) 8,000-square-foot parcels that have been restricted to the development of single-family dwellings. Only one parcel per single individual or entity will be conveyed.

“The sale of these eight lots and the construction of these single-family homes and will provide additional opportunities for families who are seeking to live in our great city,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. "The three, 10,000-square-foot lots will go out to RFP at a later time and will be deed-restricted to allow for affordable housing duplexes."  Bids for three remaining lots for duplexes will go out later.

The eight (8) 8,000-square-foot parcels have frontage on Burnside Avenue, Arnold Street, Hoppin Avenue and Smith Street.  Individuals and builders can apply.  Specifications, scope of work, qualifications and deadline are included in Request for Proposal package available at City Hall or at https://eastprovidenceri.gov/rfp.  Any questions regarding this RFP must be in writing and be directed to Patrick Hanner, Principal Planner phanner@eastprovidenceri.gov by Tuesday, December 13, 2021 at 4pm.  The public bid opening is set for Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 11 AM at City Hall.

According to the City planning department, improvements to be made by the City will include:

• Street trees to be installed at intervals of 35 feet on the frontage of the proposed parcels along Arnold Street, Smith Street, Burnside Avenue and Hoppin Avenue.
• Handicap ramps at the intersection of Burnside Avenue and Arnold Street, and the intersection of Smith Street and Hoppin Avenue.
• Concrete sidewalks to be installed along the frontage of proposed parcel 11 on Arnold Street.

Those interested need to provide three proposal copies in one sealed envelope marked BID EP21/22-01.  The bids will be publicly recorded.  Bids received with a time of 11:01 AM or later will be rejected.  A non-mandatory site inspection will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10AM for all interested parties.  Other questions can be addressed to Luis Olmo, Accountant/Budget Analyst, lolmo@eastprovidenceri.gov.

“This is the culmination of a long process in which much neighborhood input was sought and received.  Initial proposals before prior City administrations and councils called for a condo only proposal with up to 33 units.  The neighborhood didn’t like the plan.  I think this single home plan is a great use of this empty parcel and will add to the revitalization of the square (Riverside Square),” said councilman-at-large Bob Rodericks.  “Housing needs are high on everyone’s list in EP and the state.”

The planning department affirms that the lots are open to anyone to bid on them.  The lots are not restricted to builders only.  No one bidder can submit proposals on more than two lots.  “This will prevent a developer from buying all 8 lots, looking to flip them,” added Rodericks.

Overall, there are 11 lots as part of this sub-division.  The first RFP includes 8 single family lots.  A separate RFP for the other 3 lots that will allow “affordable” duplexes, will be sent out soon.  The City is working with RI Housing on making sure that we have everything in place to have these lots deemed as affordable.  The City isn’t listing a price on the lots for sale.  City planners state that this is an RFP where people will be submitting bids for the lots.  Putting a price out there publicly wouldn’t work for a sealed RFP.  There is, however, a requirement that the minimum bid for a single lot is $50,000.  The sale of the lots will be to the highest bidder which is the case for all other city RFPs.  The City Council will make the award of the lots after receiving recommendations.

Proposals will be assessed generally on the proposed fee, timeline and evidence of bidder’s financial capability to purchase the property, complete construction and obtain a certificate of occupancy within 2 years from the conveyance of the property.

Second Annual Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Christmas tree lighting at City Hall was lit in memory of East Providence residents who were lost due to COVID-19.  The November 29^th ceremony was combined with a festive holiday atmosphere.  The event featured food trucks, over 50 craft vendors, free pop corn and hot chocolate, raffles, live music and performances and of course, Santa’s arrival with treats for families.  Residents losing a loved one due to COVID-19 were invited to place a memorial ornament on the City tree.  The tree was purchased last year by the Mayor and city council members.  Entertainment was provided by the JDP Overtones Carolers & Berklee Student Musicians, free of charge.

“I am grateful for everyone who contributed to our Memorial Christmas Tree lighting and outdoor crafts and food fair,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva.  “Our City staff volunteered many hours of preparation and it was great to see many craft and food vendors there for the large crowd braving the cold holiday weather.  I was especially moved by those families placing ornaments on the Memorial Tree,” added the Mayor.

Several elected officials attended the ceremony throughout the day. “It’s so nice to see our city together in the true spirit of Christmas. This is the sense of community that we need to cultivate,” said School Committee chairman Joel Monteiro.  Monteiro’s sentiment was echoed by many attendees.

City Plans for Third Splash Pad
The City Council approved a Rhode Island Recreation Development Grant to construct a third splash pad at the Providence Avenue playground. The first splash pad was installed at Onna Moniz Park at Central Avenue Playground and the second last summer at the Pierce Stadium complex, serving the City’s summer camp program.  Both splash pads have been very popular and open to any City resident. “This third pad provides a balance throughout the community and helps to revitalize the Providence Avenue park in Riverside,” said resolution co-sponsors Council members Nate Cahoon and Bob Rodericks.  During the meeting several residents spoke in favor of the added splash pad.

“The funds are available from the Rhode Island Recreation Development Grant Program and will be administered by the Department of Environmental Management,” added Cahoon.  The City would provide a minimum of a 20% match of funds if approved. The resolution commits East Providence to provide $44,000 in matching funds. The proposal received unanimous council support.  

Kent Field Improvements
In another resolution that passed unanimously, the council voted to seek a Rhode Island Recreation Development Grant to improve the Kent Heights recreation area. “This is an area that is used a lot by the community and a much needed investment,” said sponsor Councilman Nate Cahoon.  “There is plenty of parking and ADA van parking also.  “The park needs this work,” added Cahoon.  Cahoon went on to say that “Kent Field Park is easily accessible to residents from Rumford, Riverside and of course, Kent Heights.”

“I am in strong support of this.  Before Forbes Street, the City landfill was here at Kent Field,” said co-sponsor Bob Rodericks.  “The landfill was way in the back and the fields were up front adjacent to Clyde Avenue.  It has been re-designed and looks nice but needs lots of attention.  Our parks are coming a long way during the past few years and this continuation of parks and recreation improvements is a win-win,” said Rodericks.

Ward two councilwoman Anna Sousa said that more should be “done to provide for handicapped children.  Not much has been done in these playground redo’s,” Sousa said.  I am excited that this plan can provide for this,” added Sousa.

“That’s why these grants are valuable.  ADA improvements are expensive and prior volunteer efforts, while great, were not able to afford the ADA equipment.  This will allow us to do so,” added Cahoon.

Carousel Stabilization Project Approved
In an unanimous vote the council approved the bid submitted by New England Foundation & Stabilization Company in the amount of $83,575.00, which includes the plans and specifications for the project to provide an important first phase of a stabilization repair to the Crescent Park carousel.  Carousel manager Tracy Johnson told the council that without this phase, the carousel cannot open as required by the state of Rhode Island.