The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) has been awarded a $2,344,000 n ational grant to remove the wreckage of the protective pilings left behind when the original Point Street Bridge was replaced in 1927. An estimated 250 tons of toxic and hazardous material need to be removed from the Providence River channel. The grant makes it possible to carry out this long-overdue project. It will bring significant benefits to the Jewelry District and the City of Providence. Removing the creosote-laden 98-year-old timbers and rotted pilings will protect our river’s fragile ecosystem and open the river for everything from safer boating to an extension of WaterFire. Of equal importance, easing the river’s flow will help combat tidal flooding. In all, it’s a major step forward for the city, tourism, Jewelry District residents, and businesses on both sides of the river. In Washington, Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Representatives Magaziner and Amo were the driving forces behind getting the grant through the approval process. Instrumental since 2023 in helping the CRMC in its campaign for the grant were the Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN), as well as the Nature Conservancy, the Jewelry District Association, and many residents and friends. –Submitted by Lewis Dana
The Observatory Neighborhood Group, along with the Ward 3 Democratic Committee and the Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, held a forum on October 14 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. The panel consisted of Sue AnderBois (Ward 3 councilor), Edith Ajello (state representative), Sam Zurier (state senator), Tiara Mack (state senator), and Meghan Kallman (state senator). (After redistricting, Ward 3 wound up with three state senators.)
After they explained their views on pending legislation, the meeting opened to questions. Housing and rent stabilization were major issues, and the panel agreed that something needs to be done. The impact of the World Cup soccer event was discussed, and there was palpable excitement about “showing off” Providence to visitors. There was discussion of Michael McCaffrey’s name being put forward for a district court judgeship; there were definitely two groups divided here. RIPTA (transportation is a mess) and the Providence schools (when/how/will control be returned to Providence, and is Providence ready for this? Who decides the fate of the school buildings themselves?) were foremost on many minds. It’s important for all residents to be involved in local decisions, and meetings such as this are an excellent way for citizens to get their views heard. –Submitted by Ruth Breindel
The Elmwood/South Providence Neighborhood Crime Watch publishes a weekly Southside-focused neighborhood newsletter with features, top stories, things to do, and ways to engage in the community. To subscribe, e-mail doug.crimewatch@gmail.com. We are engaged in many neighborhood activities, including a street tree planting on both Elmwood Avenue and Broad Street, held on Saturday, October 25. For more information,
go to PNPP.org. –Submitted by Doug Victor
The Holiday Season is here! On November 29 and 30, all are invited to help decorate the Benefit Street lampposts in the spirit of the holidays. Come and enjoy the Benefit Street Stroll on Saturday, December 6. –Submitted by Charles Hewitt
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