Elorza Outlines Providence Pothole Strategy
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
GoLocalProv News Team
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Mayor Elorza observes the DPW filling a massive pothole on Beacon Ave in Providence
Mayor Jorge Elorza outlined the city’s efforts to “aggressively and systematically repair potholes throughout the City of Providence” on Wednesday afternoon.
Elorza announced that potholes crews from the city’s Dept. of Public Works are out repairing roadways daily. The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, is assisting to identify and prioritize repairs. Roadways are prioritized based on level of traffic and condition of the roadway.
The City is using new equipment this year to help improve the speed and quality of pothole repairs. The City has more than tripled the number of asphalt compactors used to compress and smooth the surface of patches. Additionally, the City has introduced the use of a ‘hot box’ to keep asphalt on the patch truck hot for longer periods of time, which results in greater consistency in hot patch repairs and fewer resupply trips.
“Potholes are a serious concern and hindrance to daily travel and business in the City. This winter has been severe and created challenging road conditions as we head into spring,” said Mayor Elorza. “I remain committed making sure our response to potholes works. That’s why we have increased the amount of equipment available to our patch crews, implemented new equipment to improve the quality of our patches and are proactively surveying and prioritizing streets based on traffic and condition.”
Elorza also noted that utility companies who cut into the roadway must be held accountable for subsequent damage and potholes that form. Elorza said that the city's legal department was working with the utility companies to make sure that all parties are held accountable for damages caused by cutting into the streets.
Residents are encouraged to report potholes to the Mayor’s Office by calling 401-421-2489 or through the ProvConnex website and mobile app. Reports help City find areas that need prioritization and inform the prioritization process.
How Potholes Form
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Mayor Elorza assists the DPW in filling a massive pothole on Beacon Ave in Providence
Potholes develop when water seeps under the road surface which then freezes and expands, forcing the surface up – leaving pockets of air that cars and trucks eventually break into, creating more damage. This time of year, the constant cycle of freezing and thawing exacerbates this process.
Historic and frequent snow and consistently low temperatures throughout the winter have made filling potholes virtually impossible until recent reprieves in the weather pattern. Along with the heavy plowing, this has created a challenging number of potholes throughout the City.
How to File a Pothole Claim
Drivers may file claims to the City of Providence for alleged injuries or damages as a result of potholes. Claims forms are available at: http://www.providenceri.com/city-clerk/claims. Claims must be submitted to the Department of City Clerk, together with copies of two estimates, and any documents pertaining to the claim, including medical bills. Claims must be submitted within seven days from that of the incident.
Related Slideshow: Ten Issues Elorza Can’t Hide From
Inauguration activities are now underway for the new Mayor of Providence, Jorge Elorza.
While the pomp, circumstance, and celebration taking place over the next several days, here are the issues the new Mayor will have no choice but to soon have to deal with.
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Staffing Costs
Elorza has announced a slew of hires to date -- including the position of Chief Operating Officer in addition to Chief of Staff, as well as two Deputy Chiefs of Staff. Outgoing Mayor Taveras' former Director of Administration was the highest paid city official at $196,086 in total compensation before departing (but retaining a private contract with the city). To date, Elorza has not responded to requests for salary information for his administration. Once the budget is submitted he won't be able do hide.
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One Time Fixes
The current Administration loaded up this current year's budget with one-time stop gap measures. So while next year's budget gap is projected to be anywhere between $17 million and $24 million, Elorza's also got to factor in where the city will get the money -- roughly $7 million -- from the one time fixes in FY15 that won't be on the table in FY16.
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Council Relations
When Elorza was elected, and announced his transition team, he didn't give likely council-President Luis Aponte heads up or prior notice. The council has two new faces in the way of Mary Kay Harris and Jo-Ann Ryan, but the remaining 13 seats are returning. Will Elorza work in tandem with the council -- or will it be a more hands-off approach from the Mayor's office?
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Body Camera Funding
Since Elorza was elected, the fallout from grand jury decisions Ferguson and New York has brought a new reality to cities -- both in protests and policing. While law enforcement members said they would support the use of body cameras -- and some community members sided with them, while others did not -- the question is where the funding of both the technology, and manpower to oversee it would come from, given the current constraints of a force that is looking to get up to full complement .
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195 Development
Developments since election day have included the purchase and sales agreement for a dorm on 195 land -- and reaction from those who are opposed to tax breaks for such a project. Will Elorza work in tandem with the 195 commission to articulate a vision for the future use of the land, or will it largely be dictated by outside interests? And with minority contractors looking to be sure to be part of the process, there are more questions than answers at this point.
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East Side Crime
East Side Crime: In December, residents, and a City Councilman, flagged crime issues on the east side as and issue, and Elorza did not respond to request for comment. Whether it was a seasonal aberration, or indicative of a long-term trend, the uptick of crime has residents concerned about the safety of the community.
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Superman Building
Whether it be Citizens Bank or another bidder, the looming behemoth at 111 Westminster continues to need to be addressed. High Rock Development failed in its attempts over the past two years to gain traction for apartments coupled with retails space. Will Elorza play a driving role in determining the fate of the downtown anchor? With the reconfiguring of Kennedy Plaza, whether or not the Superman building can find a tenant is an issue Elorza cannot hide from.
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Blackstone Boulevard
The initial proposal for a sub-division of the Granofff property on Rochambeau and Blackstone Boulevard -- which faced vocal opposition from neighbors -- did not pass the City Planning Council. But could the team of Granoff, Moses, and DeRentis, husband of Chief Operating Officer Brett Smiley, come back to the table for a new lot subdivision based on new lot allotments? If so, Elorza will have a major issue on his hand that he's been able to stay out of until now.
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Labor Issues
Following an election that saw most of labor's support got to Cianci, labor issues are at the forefront. "Right now one of my top priorities is to get a tentative agreement and subsequently a collective bargaining agreement that respects Providence teachers and the amazing work they do everyday," said Providence Teachers Union head Maribeth Calabro. However, even labor leader Paul MacDonald said he sees bigger issues -- the council. "Can he get the support of the city council will be a bigger challenge for him than labor. The big question for the Mayor is he willing to work with the Teachers, firefighters, hotel/bartenders and the big one the Laborers union 1033," said MacDonald in Decemb
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Affordable Housing
During the campaign, Elorza's announcement that he would create a bonded $5 million revolving loan program to redevelop foreclosed and abandoned properties in Providence was met with questions from affordable housing advocates as to its impact both on the market, and neighborhood redevelopment.
"There are lots of questions here. I'm not sure it's been completely vetted for a long term strategy. You can't just fix a house and sell it, and cross your fingers and hope it works," said SWAP's Carla DeStefano. "What this program needs to do is work within the greater context of neighborhood revitalization, and incorporate best practices from other states, and our knowledge." How Elorza will work with the affordable housing community to articulate his vision -- and succeed -- will be a major test
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