Councilors returned from summer recess eager to work on policy that honors community leaders, invigorates local industry, advances the Comprehensive Plan, and improves the safety on and around North Main Street. Read about the highlights of September below and make sure you don’t miss anything in October by following us at @pvdcitycouncil on Instagram, X, and Facebook and @providencecitycouncil on YouTube.
Comprehensive Plan 2024
The comprehensive plan sets goals and policies for land use, transportation routes and facilities, public facilities and services, housing programs, historic preservation areas, environmental protection programs, economic and industrial development, downtown and commercial center revitalization, and other policies that will shape Providence over the next ten years. The public is invited to participate in a public hearing in the Council chambers.
Pedro Espinal Named City Council Majority Leader, Sue AnderBois Deputy Whip
Councilman Pedro Espinal has been elected by a majority of his colleagues on City Council to serve as Majority Leader. In this role, Majority Leader Espinal will work closely with Council President Rachel Miller and Councilors to develop and implement strategies to advance the majority’s priorities on housing affordability, education, climate, and more.
Councilman Espinal was first elected to the Providence City Council in 2019 to represent the residents of Ward 10 which includes the Washington Park and Lower South Providence neighborhoods. Espinal serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances and a member of the Committee on City Public Works, Committee on City Property, and the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits. Outside of City Council, Espinal is a real estate investor and has served as Chairman of the Southside Broad Street Steering Committee and as Chairman of the Providence Latino Business Association.
Councilor Sue AnderBois has been elected to serve as Deputy Majority Whip. Councilor AnderBois represents Ward 3 which includes the Mount Hope, Hope Village, Collyer Park, and Blackstone neighborhoods. AnderBois serves as Chair of the North Main Street Task Force, Chair of the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency, Vice-Chair of the Committee on City Property, and as a member of the Committee on Finance and the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
“With many years of experience working to improve quality of life on Providence’s South Side, Councilman Espinal brings the kind of leadership the Council needs in this pivotal moment,” said City Council President Rachel Miller. “Councilor AnderBois is a relentless advocate for our community, bringing a powerful energy and focus to the causes she champions. Providence faces real challenges including the outrageous cost of housing, the struggling school system, and the need to modernize our infrastructure. I’m grateful for Councilman Jim Taylor’s service and looking forward to the addition of Majority Leader Espinal and Deputy Majority Whip AnderBois to the Council leadership team as we meet these challenges and create new opportunities for all Providence residents.”
The Providence City Council Leadership Team also includes President Miller, President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez, and Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves.
Cannabis Zoning Ordinance
After thorough vetting, including several public hearings, Council granted first passage to the Cannabis Zoning Ordinance at the Council meeting held on Thursday, August 19. With zoning priority given to worker-cooperative and social equity licensed cannabis retailers, this ordinance ensures that communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis criminalization are best positioned to benefit.
In compliance with the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, passed in 2022, the ordinance would allow up to four cannabis retailers to open in Providence’s geographic zone which includes Providence, Central Falls, Johnston, North Providence, and Lincoln. This amendment to the municipal zoning code ensures the city’s participation in this emerging industry.
Key Components of the Ordinance:
New classifications and zones: The city’s ordinance introduces two new classifications – Social Equity/Worker’s Cooperative Cannabis Retailer and Cannabis Retailer – designed to mirror the state’s license types. By aligning municipal zoning with state licensing categories, the ordinance ensures that communities disproportionately harmed by past marijuana laws, as well as cooperative business models, can meaningfully benefit from the cannabis industry.
Signage requirements: All licensed cannabis retailers will be required to post clear signage outlining Rhode Island cannabis laws, including the prohibition of public cannabis use. Failure to post signage will result in a fine of $100 for a first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense.
Distance from schools: Cannabis retailers may not open within 500 feet of schools, including both private and public.
“After extensive community engagement and input, this ordinance provides a foundation for a cannabis industry that’s both fair and forward-thinking,” said Committee Chair Pedro Espinal. “By expanding opportunity for minority-owned and worker-owned retailers, we’re ensuring the benefits of this industry reach those who have historically been excluded. This ordinance creates space for economic development, while keeping our neighborhoods safe through intentional zoning and safety guidelines. This is the right step for Providence – a measured approach that puts community first.”
Prior to passing out of committee, members approved a substitution that would require prospective retailers to alert neighbors within 200 feet of a potential establishment, as well as notify the relevant City Councilor via the City Clerk. The ordinance will receive a final vote at the next Council meeting on Thursday, October 3rd.
Council Honors Providence Leader Cedric Huntley with a Street Renaming
Council introduced a resolution to rename Richardson Street to Cedric Huntley Way and Richardson Park to Cedric Huntley Park in honor of Cedric “Mr. Ced” Huntley, an esteemed community champion and former Nonviolence Institute Director. Over the course of his life, Huntley demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community development, promoting peace, and violence intervention. Through youth mentorship, non-profit leadership, and public service, Huntley touched the lives of countless Providence residents. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning.
Resolution Requesting “One-Way” Designations for Several Streets in Ward 3
Driven by the North Main Street Task Force, chaired by Councilor Sue AnderBois, Council passed a resolution that will issue one-way designations to the streets between Benefit Street to the east and North Main Street to the west. Ensuring that these narrow streets only allow one-way traffic will help address the ongoing safety concerns on and around North Main Street. The need for meaningful, urgent change was felt at the August 15th vigil, organized by the Providence Streets Coalition and attended by Councilor AnderBois, to honor the four people who have lost their lives transversing the street in the last 18 months. This policy solution is a step towards ensuring the City is in alignment with its Vision Zero goals to end all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This resolution passed on the floor and signage will be implemented by the Department of Public Works.
“The accidents that have struck and killed pedestrians on North Main Street were all preventable tragedies,” said North Main Street Task Force Chair Sue AnderBois. “This resolution is one of many critical and sensible measures that we in the City Council can implement to keep everyone – motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists – safer on one of Providence’s most dangerous stretches of road.”
Councilors in the Community
Councilwoman Helen Anthony (right)joined elected officials and partners this morning to celebrate $11.5 million awarded for environmental protection in the RI region. This money from the EPA will support local organizations with crucial projects including the restoration of York Pond.
Neighbors joined Councilman Vargas (center) and Providence Planning Director Mulligan (center left) at 22 Rye Street for an important conversation about the property’s future.
Councilors Miguel Sanchez (left), Althea Graves (center), and Juan Pichardo (right) joined Mayor Smiley and other local leaders to usher in the return of PVD Fest, a celebration of Providence’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Councilors came out in full force for the 10th PVDFest! Joined by Mayor Smiley and the Providence Art Culture & Tourism team, this event was a beautiful celebration of the arts, culture, and community that makes Providence unique.
Councilwoman Helen Anthony (right)organized a Ward 2 community meeting with engaged residents who learned about the Comprehensive Plan.
Providence City Councilors stood with the Providence Fire Department at a memorial ceremony honoring those lost on September 11, 2001.
Councilman Miguel Sanchez (left) and Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (right), along with other elected officials, joined a celebration of Mexican Independence.
Councilman Juan Pichardo (right) was joined by Tim Shea (left) from the planning department at a Ward 9 community meeting about the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (second from right) toured a new affordable housing development in Ward 11 with elected officials and housing developers.
It was fun for the whole family at Councilwoman Ana Vargas’ (third from right) annual Pocasset Avenue block party! She was joined by Councilors Juan Pichardo (left), Justin Roias (second from left), Oscar Vargas (third from left), Shelley Peterson (second from right), and Pedro Espinal (right).
Councilors Pedro Espinal (left) and Shelley Peterson (right) celebrated the opening of Brasa and Chifa, a Peruvian fusion restaurant in Ward 14.
Council in the News
This segment of our monthly newsletter will update you on Council initiatives and representatives in the news.
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