10/21/25 East Providence City Council Meeting

Order the East Providence City Council.

Madame Clerk, please call the role of the council.

Councilman Fogerty here.

Councilman Lawson here.

Council Vice President Rio here.

Councilwoman Souza here.

Council President Rodri here. The record show all five members are present. And please rise for the pledge of allegiance.

United States of America to the rep for it stands nationy.

Thank you.

Madame clerk, if you could start with the reading of the agenda.

Executive session. The city council of East Province may meet in executive session pursuant to Rhode Island general laws 42-46-5A2.

I don't see any need to move to um private executive session. Uh we can any questions anyone has you can ask uh the solicitor at this time. It seems pretty standard. U Mr. Solicitor would you go through through the items?

There are new claims. Um all of these have been um approved or recommended for payment by the public works director.

The first claim is Paula Dlo for a sewer um backup caused by roots from a city tree in the amount of $1,17724.

The second claim was a claim for reimbursement incurred as a result of another sewer backup caused by a broken lateral line uh 400 for Anthony Estrella in the amount of $395.

Again, the director of public works recommends passage approval. Uh, next to a sewer charger payments in the amount of $36 uh for Kevin Miller. Um, and the second one is for 50 Emerald LLC in the amount of $7,000 uh $236.33.

And I'm sorry I didn't I think there was a outside caused by an outside irrigation irrigation leak.

And that's for the second one.

So all of these items are recommended by the city public works. Mostly uh the the fault of uh not not the fault of the persons putting the claims in. Are there any specific questions?

Is there a motion?

Make a motion to approve.

Motion by councilwoman Souza to approve the claims as read.

Waiting for a second.

Second.

Oh, sorry. Second.

Second by Vice President Rigo, Councilman Lawson. All in favor? I I. Any opposed? The eyes have it.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Solicitor. Next item.

Present calendar. Council journals regular meeting minutes. October 7th, 2025.

Make a motion to approve.

Motion by Councilwoman Souza to approve.

Seconded by Councilman Lawson. All in favor?

I. Any opposed?

The eyes have.

Next item.

Licenses for discussion and possible vote.

A motion to bundle non-public hearing licenses.

Is there a motion?

Motion to bundle one and two.

Second. Motion by Councilman Lawson to bundle items one and two, seconded by Councilwoman Souo. All in favor of the bundling?

I I. Any opposed?

Is there a motion?

Motion to approve one and two.

Second.

Motion by Councilman Lawson, seconded by Councilwoman Souza to approve items one and two. All in favor?

I.

I. Any opposed?

You guys have it.

Public hearing. Type of license. Liquor license. Applicant attorney Timothy Chapman attorney for Carol Polalmo.

Business name United States of America Inc. DBA United States of America.

Address 75 New Road East Providence.

Mr. President, Council Vice President in compliance with Rhode Island General Laws 36-14-6-1.

I hereby recuse from participation in his discussion or take an official action relating to the said matter. This does not prohibit participation as a member of the public in an open meeting pursuant to commission regulations 703.

So noted your recusal. Don't go too far on your coffee break. Stay stay nearby.

This is a public hearing. I believe the applicant is here. I see attorney Chapman is here. If you want to come forward and identify yourself and maybe give a brief summary, too. Why don't you come on up as well?

Uh, good evening. My name is Tim Chapman. I'm an attorney located at 349 Warren Avenue in beautiful East Providence. and I'm here on behalf of United Skates, which is a uh I don't know if any of you have been out there lately, but it's a family fun skating rink, roller rollerblading. Used to be Dudley Richards, uh which maybe some of the uh maybe just Bob and Frank, but uh anyway, uh great place uh for

family and fun. Uh and you say, why are we introducing alcohol? Because of a few reasons. one is that uh many of the customers are are requesting it. Uh it's uh in competitive nature with the other establishments that are in East Providence and in Rhode Island. Uh it's uh something that I think um uh some people might not uh look at it as a positive thing but I think uh based on

what the customers have requested this is something that after many years uh that uh we've decided to add to the uh fun and the events uh birthday parties etc uh that frankly the patrons are looking for. So, uh, having said that, I have, uh, Sue Chase here, who's the manager, and Sue has been how many years Sue?

in that facility.

And uh she can attest to uh trying to take care of security, uh trying to take care of the neighbors, uh making sure that it stays a a sound investment and a sound community leader uh in that area.

Thank you. I I never had any complaints in the area and I think that um East Providence needs entertainment facilities like that. We've lost a few through the years and it gives people a place to go. And I I will tell you though that when I went to Dud Dudley Richard's rink many moons ago, there wasn't a license, but there was alcohol the hockey games, but I won't get into specifics. in your in your jacket pocket.

Yes. So, this is a public hearing. Uh we'll come back to council questions.

I'll open it up to the public. If anyone would like to question the applicant or their attorney, please come forward and just identify yourself for the record.

Just name and address for the record.

Sure. My name is Sharon Mc Williams. I grew up in East Providence. I live now at 616 Roger Williams Avenue, Rumford, Rhode Island, which is the house directly behind the parking lot.

Welcome.

So, my issue with this and I spoke with um Sue and her lawyer. They're they're lovely, but I've already had to call the police two months ago because of a big riot fight behind there. Um they are in the parking lot doing NIPS. I'm a nurse going on 38 years. My mom also is here.

She's 80. We both live there ourselves.

Um, and it's security reasons and also I feel as a nurse too, drinking and skating and driving kids home is not a good thing during the day. I thought originally it was going to be maybe for one adult night which already sometimes on those adult nights and there is something recorded I think it was two months ago there was a huge riot in the parking lot itself and I know that Sue

does a lot but we had to call the police and the fire trucks came. It was there was a bunch of people in a circle. Um, so I'm just very concerned about safety.

Driving their kids out of there, security for me and my home and the loud quietness of it. There's already rowdiness is plenty. Of course, pot is legal. They're all smoking in the parking lot hanging out. Um, and then they have their little nips. I see that in the car. And then to add alcohol to it, I just think is another, of course, for injuries, too. You know, injuries while they're skating. We see enough of

that. I worked in the ER for many years.

Um, so basically that's my point. I really don't want alcohol. uh at United States Skates and again I went to Dougl Riches. I did ice skating there. I went to USA Skating Rink and I was just at the USA last summer skating. But um that's about it. Did you have anything else to say? My mom would like to speak if that's okay.

Welcome.

52 years. The last time I was here was 45 years ago at the zoning board. they were going to um apartment buildings where they have the park.

It's been a long time. Uh my my point is number one, if you introduce alcohol, people are going to bring alcohol and stick it in their pockets. Like you said, hockey game, but this really isn't a hockey game. It's a kids entertainment center, adult entertainment center, bowl skate. It's a little different. I think if you allow them to have alcohol, you're going to see a lot more of it.

Safety is a big thing. Kids, teenagers, we all know what teenagers are like.

Excuse me, Sharon. We all teenagers once ourselves. Um, I think it's a very bad idea. I would not want to see it. I think there's enough problems there now with uh fighting. I see parents come, one's dropping one off, one's picking it up. They're having their issues. You add alcohol and she'll say to me, "Oh, it's only this much." It doesn't matter the size. Alcohol is alcohol. Whether it's

wine, beer, it's not whiskey, it's not brandy, it's still alcohol. So my my opinion, I wouldn't want to see it at all. I don't think it's good for the kids. Oh, so dad says, "Okay, let me let me take them. They got the we can watch the football game, whatever. I'll take the kids to the roller skate." So they're sitting there drinking their beer or their wine, and the kids are

there. I mean, maybe the kids can have dad sit there for a couple hours and not have permission to sit there and I just don't think it's a good at all. And from what I heard, there's really no schedule of when this is going to occur. It's going to be anytime they want.

Okay. Thank you. Anyone else um like to speak or ask a question or make a comment?

Would the applicants want to answer any of those concerns?

You if you don't mind. Uh I can very much appreciate the MC Williams uh uh concerns and uh that's why we went out and talked to them. We didn't know uh they were objecting, but uh when we found out, I brought them outside and and talked with them with Sue. Uh Sue gave uh Sharon her uh personal phone number. Uh we have I believe sufficient lighting uh especially in the parking

lot. There's cameras and uh all of the the servers will be tip certified.

They'll be required uh under uh state law to be certified. Uh they're um they've been instructed or they will continue to be instructed if there's any incidents call the police. Uh there I think all of them that will be serving are over 21. There are adults uh meaning a little bit older 40 or so older uh adults that are working there. Uh there's like I said cameras in that area. So I think they've taken all the

precautions. Uh you know I I can't address the incident two months ago but uh I think at any establishment you're going to have issues. It's how you rectify them, how quickly you rectify them, how you take care of your neighbors. And I think that overall uh United States has been a very good uh corporate partner and community partner with their neighbors. Uh so having said that uh I don't know if you have any

other questions but Sue is here to answer them.

M Mr. Chapman, what what are the hours of is there a request with this application with hours of is it whenever the business is open or That's what we had planned on, but I mean if it you see fit to address that uh we would stop at 11:00 at night uh and not have anything further and see how that goes. If you uh don't feel comfortable with that, then you

know we can change that and come back and change that if you'd like.

What are Excuse me.

Yes, please.

What are the business hours?

I was just going to explain our business hours during the week. We open up usually from 6:00 to 8:30. And those are for school fundraisers for parents and their children.

Yeah. Ben. Yeah.

PM. I'm sorry. Yep. And then uh same thing on usually on Tuesday nights, same thing on Wednesday nights. On Thursday nights, it's usually 6 to 8 or 5:30 to 8 for a school fundraiser. And then we do have an adult skate directly after that.

Those adult skaters are there just to skate. Um, believe me when I tell you that because I was just there Thursday night and I said, I'm losing money by having these. They don't go to the snack bar. They don't do anything. So, I'm raising the price because I can't get them to even buy a soda or anything. Um, so that would be the adult night is that one Thursday night and then Friday we are

open from till 10:00. We're open 5:30 to 10. Um, and then Saturday we're open 10 until 9:30, but unless we have an occasional adult skate, which again, those are adult skaters who just want to be in there to skate. And then Sundays, we're open from 11:00 until 7:30. Um, I also wanted to just address the fact that we are a 14 and under only facility. Uh, we have a lot of complaints about that because we

have a lot of people who want to bring their teenagers in. The only way anybody under the age of 18 between, you know, 16 and 18 come in, they have to be accompanied by an adult or they are not allowed in our building. Um, just so to make you aware of how strict uh things are.

I didn't realize that. So, basically, high school kids can't go there unless they're 14, they're working here.

Um, but yes, high school kids are not allowed unless they're with their with a parent or guardian.

They're allowed in, but they have to be accomp.

So, I think I heard you say the latest you're open is 1000 p.m. on any night.

10 p.m. on Friday night, unless we have a scheduled adult night, which we occasionally do probably, I think two or three times a month, we will schedule an adult night.

Okay. Which is till what time? 11.

Usually they go to uh 9:30 to 12 12 12 a.m.

So some restrictions maybe, but not. But my other question was on the security beside your cameras and phone, do you have adult supervision outside the lot like patrolling at times?

We have one of our employees inside the lobby who inspects the bags before everybody walks in the building. So we we have our our own employees out there checking bags and to address the concerns of the neighbors. What about outside? Anything?

Outside we do not have security. I have tons of phone. Uh and the cameras are this big inside our office which we've had the police department come in and say we've got the best in the city. Just so you know.

Those are just concerns I'm sure. Yeah.

All right. Thank you.

Through the chair.

Yes. Councilwoman Susan.

Thank you.

I have two managers who have the cameras available to us at home.

Okay. Um I said I I used to live like I had just told them I lived at 912 Roger Williams my whole life. Um so I am part of this neighborhood. I have been there.

Um I have lived on 912 Roger Williams Avenue until I got married and had children. I basically have not lived out of moved off of Newport Avenue and Rumpford my entire life. I've lived on Roger Williams and worked at there and then worked at Nimman and then back to the rollers skating rink. So, I want to thank my neighborhood too.

Thank you for your commitment to the community.

Just a couple of follow-up questions if I could. Um, so in um addition to the monitoring, can you just be specific in the lobby? Is it those high school students that work there that are monitoring or do we have adults over the age of 18?

It generally it's an adult over the age of 18. It's one of our older employees and because of the restrictions with the um the way minors can work. We usually only have the older people work at that night because the younger kids cannot work past a certain time and we are very strict on how we have our employees work because we need to keep the Department of Labor guidelines. So the majority of

the employees who work I want to say they're all over 20 22 23. I've had my my management staff I have a lot of them have been here for at least 20 years uh 10 years around there you have to be 21 or older to serve alcohol I believe certification that yes um where do you know already where in the building you're planning to have the bar set up?

What we're doing and it's not going to be a bar. We're just looking for beer and wine.

Okay.

Okay. And what we're going to do is we have a soda machine that sells bottled water, fruit juices, and things like that. And our intent is to just put something this big on top of that soda machine. So if a parent's there and they're watching Patriots and they want a beer, then one of the managers would have and then the excess um beer is going to be locked up.

The concession stand is right here. So it'll be down in our snap bar.

Can we clarify what type of liquor license that you're looking So the application has a BV license?

That's a full license, right? That's not and she just said bear wine. So you know the corporate had requested BV BV BV. So that means a full bar, not full bar, but full full alcohol with as long as there food served as well.

They can't you have to you have to have you can't have it just a drink. You need to be drinking drinking and eating at the same time. Basically, you have to be have food available. That's not a BL. BL is right. It wasn't there on the on the um agenda.

I assume um this is going to I mean I think the council if they want to grant it, there's a couple things you need to consider. One, you need to consider uh not only hours. I think those are good questions, but also location where it can and cannot be served. You want people roaming around outside. It's got to be limited to inside, I'm assuming.

Right. Right. That needs to be very clear when you if if you do see fit to grant the license that alcohol service and or consumption will only take place within establishment in a usually a designated area or so we can make that limitation. be walking around. I don't know. I have the snack bar where they host the parties where all those tables are right where the concession standing

You want to mark it?

I think I did introduce it. Uh but uh if not this is our snap.

Okay.

This is our right here.

They would agree to

But if you're asking for a full service license, that would require more than just a small area to mix drinks, provide drinks.

It's not as simple as just Yeah. Are I guess bottle of wine in the in the cans of beer?

I'm only going by what a few of the other roller skating rinks do and majority of them just have a small refrigerator up above here. Nothing is like we're not we're not pouring and serving by any means. It would be but you would have the you would have the ability under this license to do so.

So, I just want to make it clear because I know in Cranston there I don't know the name of the competitor, but they have a full service section that's you know a full bar. Um, so that that's just my question is what what do in the interim I hear what you're saying that this is kind of where you want to start.

Um, but it does have the ability to then expand. And so I think it's important for us in the community to know what that's going to look like and how to mediate that because it is in a neighborhood as other areas that I know that have the full licenses and the full bars are more in industrial areas that don't have the homes. And I think it's great to be able to offer this for

ghosts. I mean for um adults ghost limited. What's our application that

So the BV limited would just be beer and wine.

Yeah. Okay.

Okay.

You guys were really confusing me.

No.

Yeah. It's It's not on the docket as it just says liquor license on the application. I apologize how it came through. I All right. So, we've cleared that up. It It's specifically just beer and wine.

Okay. Are there other questions of of the applicant from anyone or so? Councilman Lawson, I'm from down south in Riverside, so I was the star wheels kid, but I'm going to make a motion to approve the beer and wine. That's the limited. Correct.

Correct.

And that's based on the hours, based on what you're telling us you're going to do. The stuff that happens in the parking lot that's going on now, that's been going on since we were kids, unfortunately. But I don't see a direct correlation with beer exasperating what's already existing. So I'll make a motion to approve.

Okay. Before the a motion though, I want to be able to close the public hearing.

I just want to make sure if there is there anyone else that has any questions or comments hearing none, I'll close the public hearing. And if there are no other questions from the council yes council the through the legal department make sure that we're legally on the hours and everything. That's all my I think the license should specify what hours of operation they're allowing the the liquor to be sold.

Um and also the location limited to the snack area which has been depicted as I just want it.

So that needs to be if that's what the council wants to do that's the council.

Right. So, in your motion, Council Lawson, could you state, you know, you're moving approval with um the location of the beer and wine would be restricted to the snack bar area?

That would be part of motion and that patrons are not allowed to bring the beer or wine outside, but that's for any that's for almost any that they can't walk outside with the beer. But it's good to put it as a condition of the license because generally when when they submit these, they have to submit the location where they're going to serve and and um Zoom. So, and other than adult night, the every

other night, the latest is 1000 p.m.

And the 10 p.m. is only on Friday nights. The Saturday nights we close at 9:30.

Every other night is 8:30.

All right. So, I'll make a motion to approve with the snack bar location and it has to be indoors. No alcohol outside in the hours of operation.

Within the hours of operation.

Yeah.

Can we just Can we just specify what those hours are? Because if you just say the hours uh 5 to 10 because if you leave it up to the applicant then the applicant can All right. 5 to 10. 10's the latest they're open. So, and they open around 5 the exception of an adult night. They may have which they said could go to midnight.

Yeah, we you cut it off at midnight.

11.

Yeah, we could we can cut it earlier than midnight if you want.

Sure. So, so no beer or wine after 11 p.m.

Up till So from opening because you have different opening hours. So from opening hours till 11 p.m.

Correct. Sounds good. That's good.

I'll second that.

Yeah. Did the uh clerk get all of the uh stipulations in the motion? Okay. So, motion by Councilman Lawson, seconded by Councilman Bogardi to approve. Uh and I I just added subject to meeting all other legal requirements. I'm I'm sure they might have to get Department of Health approval and and all all those issues. I don't know if it's been done yet, but they probably have to get Ron

Department of Health approval. And there were a couple of things. One was the tip certification, but we will definitely get that stuff done. subject meaning to all other legal requirements including inspection.

Right. So subject to all the legal requirements along with the motion uh and the second. So madame clerk could you call the role of the council.

Take your time but hurry up.

Councilman Fogerty.

Hi.

Councilman Lawson. I Councilwoman Souza.

Hi, Council President Ria Rodri.

I.

So, the motion passes uh four to zero.

And to the folks that uh oppose, just keep in touch with us. I have not heard any complaints until tonight, but I appreciate what you're saying. And happens at all these types of places.

So, feel free call me anytime you see a problem. And Yep. and the police yeah police department gets notified as thank you obviously the council has the right if there are issues to have a show cause hearing and either front limit or yank the license depending upon the severity of the right he's always up for review so thank you very much thank you appreciate it very much good to see you again Tim

good luck madame clerk next uh item when you're ready communication there was nonpublic public comment.

Let's uh one second. Just let council vice president Rigo return and Okay. I'm sorry. Go ahead.

Ken Ger, it's cool.

Ken, just your name and address for the record.

Welcome.

I'm a proud member of our senior center.

That's my main obl right now is safety for the seniors. We have traffic lights at Warren and Torton Avenue. They can make a left turn anytime going either direction. You have at Taton and Pucket Avenue, same thing. Now you get to Waterman Avenue, they can't make a left turn and they're trying to cut through traffic. that's getting to the bridge.

So why don't they put the traffic light always like Mr. Go? We've been told that when Buck gets repaved, which is on the books, that is going to happen.

Well, that's going to be too late.

You might have a bad accident right now.

I went to the state. I went to public works. I went to the chief of police.

They said, "See the city council." Well, let let me just interrupt you for a second because everyone on this city council has been saying what you're saying for years. I don't know who told you to come to the city council. That is a state Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

Yes.

Right. We if if we could do it, we would do it tomorrow morning.

They told me to see you and then they'll come and check out the traffic light to see how dangerous it is.

Well, we we keep asking for it. Whoever told you that probably didn't realize that there's already a plan.

No, maybe they didn't. I didn't realize it, but I think it should be done before somebody gets killed.

Yeah, I think it should be done right away. They they you can turn left on other intersections, right? And all of a sudden, you they can't cut to I just saw it tonight.

I was coming from Shores and I live on Brown Street.

Now I had to get out into that other highspeed lane, we'll call it, because traffic was backed up to Torton Avenue.

So, how do people cut in? I go over there at quarter of 8 in the morning delivering donuts that right. I can't get through that traffic light. I got to go around the block or go through the police station to make a U-turn.

I know.

Well, I think maybe you should push the issue now instead of waiting till the bridge is done.

We We've been trying years.

Well, it's not the bridge. It's not the bridge. The assistant uh sir, the assist and I thank you. If Councilman President Rodri said we do it tomorrow, we would have done it like five days ago already.

I mean, that's how bad we wanted it. But but five years ago, but the assistant DOT director was in town a couple of weeks ago at a meeting and they at the senior center and that subject was broached about that intersection and it's on their drawing board. So again, I'm pretty strong, but I can't push the guy. We we we I totally hear what you're saying. I get frustrated going over

there, too. I avoid it, and probably half the people avoid it, but they're saying they're doing it. They're doing the construction now. Hopefully, it's in the next year or so that it gets done.

No. How how hard is it to wait two hours and put a traffic light in there, block the traffic? I mean, this is statewide that we we should all maybe get petitions or whatever and sign them for everybody in this city.

Mr. Goster, just to let you know, a co three years ago, um, this has been on the agenda multiple times, this issue.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that.

That's okay. That's all right. Um I have written letters and I actually testified um a few years ago before the traffic tribunal and they did do multiple traffic studies and they do agree that there needs work to be done there and there is a light it's just not unfortunately on their it hasn't been a priority for them.

Excuse me now. Can we get somebody from the traffic council to come to the senior center and I'll get every senior that goes there 600 of them to come and appeal it. It's in the works finally after too late in the works.

Well, it's not it's never too late. It was too late 5 years ago. It's too late yesterday and it's going to be too late tomorrow. But we are working on it and we have piece.

No, no. Your your idea about bringing somebody to the senior center and talking I would go in there and talk to the director tomorrow and at her next staff meeting at at the department head meeting she can bring it up to the mayor and the mayor has great contacts with DOT. I'd be I think they'd be more than happy to bring somebody.

Can I call the mayor?

Go ahead. He's He's the man.

And walk right up to You can walk. Yeah, I can do that, too.

You can go that tomorrow morning. Go up to his.

Yeah.

It's your grandparents.

Oh, you're going to be going there in a senior center someday.

Oh, I know that.

You're looking at me pickle ball there.

Now, I'll give you an example. I'm 86 years old and I think that we should have bigger push to get that red light fixed.

Thank you for your 100%.

But do that tomorrow. I'll call him in right now.

All right.

Probably upstairs watching. Go up there.

Candy seal.

Good evening.

Candy Seal. Uh I live on South Rose Street and here is a representative of the nonprofit group Keep Metacoma Green.

Welcome.

Thank you. That will be very hard act to follow, but I will give it a try. Um thank you, Council President Rodri.

I'm here to speak about the uh resolution on the Parkway. Uh Keep Metaccom Green wholeheartedly supports the resolution that Councilwoman Souza has put forth related to the preservation and future development of Veterans Memorial Parkway. Its passage would be consistent with several decisions made by this and the previous council.

I trust that the resolution on the Parkway will be read in its entirety when the time comes.

When considering an amendment to the 2003 waterfront district plan to add the metacoma subdist to the district, the city council on August 6, 2022 voted to amend the amendment by adding language limiting traffic on the parkway to its traffic capacity, such as in the Veterans Memorial Parkway subdist.

The waterfront commission subsequently fa uh voted in favor of the amended amendment.

The city council on January 17, 2023 voted for a resolution that agreed in principle with the design guidelines proposed by keep metacomic green for the metacomic subd district which in part called for language to limit traffic on the parkway and for the scale of development not to exceed the traffic capacity of the parkway to service the development.

The city council on June 3rd, 2025 agreed to incorporate language in the proposed 202535 East Providence comprehensive plan that acknowledges the historic significance of the parkway and the city's continued emphasis on the preservation of its scenic character. The council on August 19, 2025 adopted the new comprehensive plan. Additionally, both the East Providence Historic District Commission

and the East Providence Conservation Commission have voted to send statements to relevant state agencies in support of preserving the Parkway's unique character.

In August, KMG created an online petition asking for the public's support to stop the destruction of the Veterans Memorial Parkway.

When this evening's resolution was written, approximately 500 individuals had signed the petition. As of this morning, 724 individuals had signed on.

68% are from East Providence. The other 32% are primarily other Rhode Island residents and from nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut, but others in states across the country. Who are these other individuals? Transplants from East Providence, past visitors to East Providence, historians, Mstead fans? We don't know. What we do know is that 100% of the people who signed opposed the destruction of the parkway.

We also began gathering signatures and paper petitions in recent weeks by going doortodoor by attending events and the like. So far, we have 137 signers, 89 of whom are East Providence residents, representing 65 of the total signatures, 65% of the total signatures.

Interestingly, a number of the non-resident signatures were gathered at the Mrs. skipper sculpture site at Kettle Point. Again, they were primarily from other Rhode Island locations as well as nearby Massachusetts, but as far-flung as Ohio and California.

These out of town visitors purposely came to East Providence to enjoy our city and its attractions and amenities.

Perhaps they also visited Crescent Park in the Carousel or Panomra's Lighthouse, Squantum Woods, or Bold Point. Perhaps they enjoyed biking along the East Bay bike path or dining at local restaurants, taverns, and pubs. The connecting link to all these spots is the historic and iconic Veterans Memorial Parkway, which is an attraction in itself.

You are the guardians of East Providence's culture and its history.

The city council has voted numerous times to preserve and protect the Parkway. We and the 861 signers of paper and online petitions encourage you to continue that stewardship by approving this resolution tonight. Lastly, if approved, in additions to the other state agencies named this resolution should be conveyed to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Affairs also. While Ry dot administers the

Parkway, DEM owns it. Thank you for your time.

Thank you very much. questions of seal.

All right, next person.

Thank you.

Thank you, Renee.

Good evening, council president and council members. I am also here tonight to speak on behalf of um Councilwoman Souza's resolution. My name is Renee Chcoin and I'm a resident condo owner at 48 Kettle Point Avenue here in East Providence. I use Veterans Memorial Parkway on a daily basis as well as the bike path and appreciate its historic and scenic value. I would like to see this scenic and historic value

maintained. Therefore, I recommend city council approve the resolution related to the preservation of the Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Candi mentioned I was going to also talk about the number of signatures, but I won't repeat what Candi has already stated as facts. I can also add to that though that approximately 70% of the condominium owners at Kettle Point have signed that petition as well. Um, so thank you for this opportunity and thank you for coming.

Susan Chase.

I guess she already spoke on her own petition.

Heather and

Good evening. I am Heather Andre from Trail of Riverside, Rhode Island.

Welcome.

I am with Keep Metaccom Green and its sister site save the save our historic lands. Once again, I stand here asking this counter council to help save the veterans memorial parkway formly Bington Parkway from dissection and destruction.

The 5-year owner of the Metaccom Golf Course Land Medic Properties has included an historic public stateowned roadway in its plan to alleviate the estimated 6 to 11,000 extra vehicles that Metacomic Properties 890 new residences plus retail will cause on the VMP. That number is astronomical. I am sure we would all like to see a video of exactly what 6,000 to 11,000 extra vehicles daily

will look like in real life. Perhaps like the video made for the Henderson Rotary. Although I am thinking the cars shown crashing in that original video will in fact be real life at the Parkway Rotary. We ask that you support Councilwoman Anna Souza's resolution tonight. Anna has not only her constituents in mind, but al also respects the nature of why the Parkway was constructed in the first place and

who it was constructed for, the public, not a developer of any kind. Thank you.

Thank you.

That was the end of public comment.

Okay. Thank you all who have come forward.

Next item, public hearings. Ordinance for second and final passage for discussion and possible vote. An ordinance in amendment of chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the city of East Providence, Rhode Island 1998, as amended entitled Vehicles in Traffic is amended by adding there to the following. Providence Avenue, both sides from Sunset Avenue North 4050 ft. Providence Avenue East Side from

Sunset Avenue South for 50 feet.

Introduced by Council President Rogers.

Thank you. There any questions?

No. Public hearing.

Yeah. No questions from the council question.

Matters are down as public hearing.

Second passage.

Anyone here that wants to speak on it? I know people have talked before.

Yes, sir. Mark, come forward.

Uh, good evening. My name is Mark Zitto.

Um, I'm a lifetime resident of East Providence other than when I was in the United States Army. Um, I just wanted to state my opinion in regards to Veterans Memorial Parkway and agree with everything that was just said this evening. But, um, in my opinion, Veterans Memorial Parkway is the most beautifulst part right now of Rhode Island. It's upscale. Um it would be a uh terrible thing to see it that bar

lowered and uh the flow of the traffic restricted. Um so um because the uh land that was sold and it's going to be residential and commercial um my opinion the uh Veterans Memorial Parkway should not be modified. the uh land that's going to be changed should conform to the um Veterans Memorial Parkway.

And if you have any questions, I'd be more than glad to answer them.

No, but to stay with protocol, sir, this is uh about Providence. I I was just going to say that um because you have served our country and I have also known you for that few decades um we'll allow that but we're talking about a different ordinance right now but I accept your comments that I realize that okay I just wanted to add to it all right that's okayation of veteran veterans

memorial Parkway is very important for the city of East Providence I hear you thank you very much thank you Sir, I think it's very important to say to all of you, I appreciate your hard work and commitment to the city. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, sir. And sir, November 12th, we're having a veterans dinner at St. Marth's. Love to see you there.

So, back to the make a motion to approve.

Hearing uh closed.

Yeah, I'm sorry.

Sorry. Uh, anyone else that wants to um speak on on this which we've talked about before? What's that?

Yeah, this specific this ordinance right that we're talking about. I don't see anyone. I'll close the public hearing.

Motion to close the public hearing.

Yep. Hear public hearing is closed. Is there a hearing to approve?

Questions? Motion by Councilman Lawson to approve.

Is there a second? Council Vice President Regal seconds. All in favor? I I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you.

Next item.

New business. Mayor, communications, director of finance, Glenda Delgado.

Welcome, director.

We're going to be seeing you for a while now.

We'll see.

Um, there isn't much to discuss tonight.

I just had a few proclamations. I believe they're already in your packages. Um, the 2025 National Small Business Saturday proclamation.

Uh, the 2025 Dwali Festival of Lights, which is today, correct?

20.

Was it yesterday?

It was yesterday.

Yesterday.

Um, and then the 2025 Native American um heritage month, November 2020.

Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. You know, it's not always going to be this easy right?

Next thing.

Councilman Lawson, do you have anything on the school committee?

No, not today. We just passed the budget and we heard from the school the big spiel. So, and do want to thank the school committee chairman and vice chair both here at the meeting keeping the avenues of communication between the two bodies going. Thank you both for and if um I think Sandy mentioned it u my middle school will be opening after Thanksgiving break.

The December one is the day moved in.

Yep.

December one is scheduled to open. There will be a uh no late November 25th ribbon house ribbon cutting right 25th or 26th it'll be advertised and and just to re-emphasize for the folks down in Riverside talking about Warington this phase is done the next phase is to build the preschool on the other side of Martin and once that's completed old the former metal crest will those kids will

move to Martin which will free up I believe six to eight classrooms. So that will alleviate the overcrowding we have at Warington. So Mhm.

It's going to be a couple years, but it is going to happen. So for those that are concerned about crowding at Warington, it's going to alleviate eventually.

Thank you. Next resolution.

Resolutions for discussion and possible vote. Number one, resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a mini excavator for the department of public works water utilities division introduced by council president.

Make a unless you want to be a motion to approve.

No.

Motion to approve.

Motion by councilman Lawson to approve.

Seconded by council vice president Rigo.

All in favor?

I. Any opposed? The eyes have.

Thank you. Next item. Resol number two, resolution related to the preservation and future development of the Veterans Memorial Parkway introduced by Councilwoman Souza.

Thank you, madam.

Councilwoman Souza, would you like to Yes.

proceed.

Thank you so much. Um fellow council members, community um as we know this is an ongoing conversation and discussion and project throughout the city. Um that has drawn a lot of attention and concern and of course the immediate neighbors in that area are of greatest concern along with the rest of the community who utilizes that parkway. So um the developers are going through their processes in which we have um been

participating in that with them. Um we realize that there are um things that we're still trying to preserve um in that area with that development and any future development. So we do know that the South Keys has been purchased. We are excited as a city to have that eventually be um developed and bring more entertainment, residential area, shopping um to the city of East Providence, which will help us not only

economically, but our our lifestyle in general. We do want to still maintain and preserve the important parts of our city that we um love and hold dear. So, in that um I have presented a resolution tonight before the council um for approval and I'd like to read it in its entirety to in the record and then I would ask um if the members or the the director president of Metacott McGre if

you would provide for me or the coun or the clerk the petition of signed and online names so that that could be added to the um record and to be sent also um in the event that this is approved by the council to the mentioned um entities that are listed on the resolution as testimony. So the resolution is related to the preservation and future development of our Veterans Memorial Parkway. Whereas the Veterans Memorial

Parkway was envisioned by the Metropolitan Park Commission in the early 1900s as part of an overall plan for park and connecting parkways from Providence Metropolitan Area. The parkway in particular being planned as a scenic pleasure driving design to offer connectivity between green space and protected by parklike reservations of lands on either side. And whereas the renowned landscape architect firm um

man's brothers designed and led the construction of the parkway during the 1910s and 20s. And whereas the major alteration purpose for the parkway by the Marshall Development are not related to the park and connected parkway. And whereas the Rhode Island Historic and Heritage Commission has determined that the parkway is eligible for nomination for the National Registration of Historic Places. And whereas the parkway

is recognized as one of the nine scenic roadways in Rhode Island and is under the supervision of the scenic roadway board. And whereas the scenic roadway board is charged by Rhode Island govern General State Law 24-15-1 with creating and preserving the rustic and scenic highway for vehicle vecular motorcycle um bicycle pedestrian travel in unhurried quiet and leisure environment enjoyment to protect and to

preserve the um driving culture, beauty, trees vegetation shoreline wildlife by establishing a protective standard of a scenic highway. The design, the speed, the maintenance will promote and continue the system of a scenic highway and a scenic easement for the public welfare and health. And whereas the Veterans Memorial Parkway stewardship plan prepared by the Scenic Highway Board in 1999

stated that heavy truck traffic is inconsistent with the design of the purpose of the Veterans Parkway. And whereas the plans proposed by the developer anticipate upwards of 30 daily tractor trailers in a round trip on the Parkway in service of the development.

And whereas the East Providence Historic District Commission and the East Providence um Conservation Commission have voted to send a statement to revolt um to relevant state agencies to support the preservation of the Parkway's unique character. And whereas over 500 individuals have signed, as of we heard today, there's over 800 individuals have signed a petition in opposition of this

major alteration to the parkway. And whereas when considering an amendment to the 2003 East Providence Waterfront Special Development District plan to add the Metaccomt subdivision, the city council on August 16th voted to amend the proposal by adding language limiting traffic on the Parkway in its traffic capacity as the Veterans Memorial Parkway subdivision and Kettle Point subdivisions.

So whereas the East Providence Waterfront Special Development District Commission voted unanimously on September 15th, 2022 to approve that amendment adding metaccommit subdivision and amended by the city council. The city council's resolution on July January 17, 2023 supported in principle the design guidelines proposed by Metacomtic Green for the subdivision of the Metacomtit which in part called for

language to limit traffic on the Parkway and for the scale of the development not to exceed the tra the traffic capacity of the parkway to service and development. So whereas the design guidelines of the East Providence Special Waterfront Development District for Metac Comet, Kettle Point, and Veterans Memorial Parkway subdivision states, "Development along the Parkway shall be proportional to the existing

roadways function and capacity. Curb cuts should be limited in size and location. Signage should be limited in amount and scale. Additionally, traffic subdivisions um subsidizations and not to keep in with the ar the culture of the parkway installation of traffic signals is strongly discouraged and necessary um if necessary be coordinated with the DOT, the state um the scenic highway board

and the waterfront commission to ensure minimal impact.

Roadway widening would also detect um detract from the character of the scenic qualities of the parkway and is discouraged. And finally, the weight limitation of existing bridges, which is 5,000 lbs, would be considered when determining the nature and scale of the development. Increasing truck traffic would adversely affect the neighborhood in adjoining the parkway. Whereas the continuation of public hearings, the

city council in June 3rd, 2025 agreed to incorporate language in the proposed 2025 2020 uh 2035 um East Province comprehensive plan.

They acknowledged the historic significance of the parkway and the city's continuation to emphasize on the preservation of its scenic character.

And whereas on August 19th, 2025, the adoption of the 2025 2035 comprehension plan, the Parkway's original name, Arington Parkway, was renamed the Veterans Memorial Parkway at the conclusion of the World War II to honor the East Providence residents who have served our country and who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. And whereas the proposed major alterations may lead to a transformation of the parkway for

its from its 100red-year history as a scenic roadway design for the benefit of the public and its into a busy highway design to service a private development.

Now, let it be resolved that the city of East Providence City Council urges all stakeholders, local, state, or federal agencies with any supervisory, permitting, and similarly authorized to exercise authority consistent with the historic vision of the Parkway to take all necessary steps to advance the goals and policies as set forth in various regulations and governing documents. As noted,

let it be also resolved that the city clerk should send a copy of this resolution to the office of the governor, the director of Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the city of East Providence General Assembly delegates, the DMV, the DM, excuse me, and to attach and include the over 800 individuals who signed the petition in support of preserving the um parkway.

So, thank you for for enduring that long lengthy resolution, but I felt it really important um to have it said, read, and heard by not only the council who have, I'm sure, read it, um but for those at home watching and those um in the ordinance, uh in the audience, excuse me. Um certainly was the longest read resolution I've ever heard.

But you didn't you didn't mispronounce anything. You did a good job.

Thank you.

Comments from the council or is there a motion?

We just need to amend it to include uh the DEM and attach the petition because that wasn't in the original. So I think her motion is to amend the resolution to include that language first, right?

And then you'll vote on the resolution as amended.

Correct. So, um, my first motion is to amend the resolution to include sending the resolution to the Department of Environmental Management with the attached individual's signatures on the petition as um documentation of support.

You want to add CRMC just in case?

Okay.

Yeah, we'll add C. All the state acronyms basically just Google state acronyms and CRMC. Correct.

Thank you. Thank you for that. Um so that's my motion to amend.

I second the amendment.

Motion made by Councilwoman Souza, seconded by Councilman Lawson. Further discussion hearing? No.

Just the amendment. Correct.

Just the amendment. And no other discussion on the amendment. All in favor? I I. Any opposed?

The eyes have the on the amendment. Next on the So, I'll make a motion to approve um and accept the resolution as amended um and open the floor to the council for any comments.

I second.

Motion to approve the resolution as as stated by the councilwoman, seconded by Councilman Lawson.

hearing. Yes, Councilman Fogerty.

Yeah, I was going to I'm going to add a couple of two cents here in regards to the movement that Miss Anna Souer and Key Medicine have for the preservation. So, this is the right thing to do, right? Address all the stakeholders DEM and all the ones you listed. So, I wrote wrote this earlier, decided I might as well read it. I don't think it's as long as councilwoman uh Suz's, but

good evening coun uh good evening, Mr.

Rigo. Good evening, council members and our city staff and a residents here and those watching.

As a 42-year resident of East Providence, parent of four adult children, grandparent of eight, I wish to offer my respectful thoughts regarding the proposal proposed Rotary at Veterans Memorial Parkway and South Broadway. Several years ago, before there was any discussion of a rotary or traffic redesign, I joined my friend and constituent Heather Andred in her effort to keep Metaccom green. I stood with her

every Saturday for nearly a year, not for politics, but because I believed in preserving that space and ensuring that any future development would be handled responsibly. Today, the property is legally owned by Marshall Properties, and as long as the owners meet every state and local requirement, they have both the right and responsibility to move forward within those standards. Our role as city officials is to stay

informed, stay engaged, and maintain open communication so that whatever happens serves both the neighborhood and the broader community.

When it comes to the proposed Rotary, I drive that parkway multiple times daily.

As one approaches South Broadway, the road narrows and curves near Kettle Point Orthopedic Group and there the flags which got in the flags is very important. That stretch already presents visibility and congestion concerns. I I believe a rotary at that location could complicate traffic rather than improve it. While I personally not do not believe a rotary makes sense there, I also recognize that the engineers and

planners at DOT DEM and within our city planning and engineering have the expertise to evaluate the situation thoroughly. I trust that they will review all design and safety aspects carefully, listen to the residents, and make the decision based on data, safety, and what best serves the public. My hope is that this process continues in a positive, thoughtful way and final outcome,

whatever it is may be, reflects the best interest of the people of East Proidence. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

There's been a motion and a second.

I just want to add a couple of words.

Um, as I stated before, it's a shame that we're at this point, and I revealed this at a couple of meetings ago when I was on the tax border review almost 20 years ago.

That's the time that this city should have taken had the opportunity to take that golf course because they were so far in a rare. But politicians at this at that time, some of them are no longer alive decided they were going to play ball with the members of the golf course. And this is where we are now.

Um, and I look at this that two wrongs can't make a right. There's already a wrong because the city should have taken that property many moons ago. And as it's happened with other developers, you buy the property, you know what you're inherited. They know what that road was like when they purchased when they purchased the country club off of Mr.

Fax. And so now to try to destroy a beauty and something that's uniquely distinct here, the trail I mean the parkway reminds me of the Merit Parkway, but obviously not with the high-speed traffic with the design. The time is now to come for us to support this amendment. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

Anybody else? Uh, there has been a motion.

I'm strongly supporting it.

Madame Clerk, would you call a role of the council?

Councilman Fogerty.

I.

Councilman Lawson, I.

Council Vice President Rigo, I. Councilwoman Souza I.

Council President Rogers I. Motion passes 50. Thank you.

Thank you all.

Next item.

Adjournment.

Motion to motion to adjurnn.

Second.

All in favor? I. Any opposed? Meaning is a