City Council to Consider Ban of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers, Citywide Replacement of Waste Bins

City Council to Consider Ban of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers, Citywide Replacement of Waste Bins

Providence, RI – Tomorrow at 6PM, Providence City Council will convene for a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Press and the public are invited to attend.

Councilors will consider an ordinance approved last week by the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency which would phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city of Providence beginning in 2028, with a full prohibition taking effect in 2033. The ordinance was introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), who chairs the Special Committee.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, councilors will consider second passage of an ordinance approving the financing of $5.5 million for the purchase and distribution of new solid waste and recycling carts citywide. The ordinance, introduced by Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), was granted unanimous first passage at the September 18 council meeting.

Other notable items on Thursday’s agenda include:

• A resolution authorizing the Providence Public Building Authority to issue revenue bonds for the purchase of 444 Westminster Street, also known as the Doorley Municipal Building, as well as the WaterFire Arts Center.

• Confirmation of Sean Holley to serve as city’s next Director of the Department of Recreation, effective immediately.

• Following the regular, public meeting, council will enter into executive session for a discussion with the receivers of the Providence Place Mall regarding the mall’s sale and future.