Prov Councilman Questions Use of Taxpayer Money for Elorza’s Street Closures While Reopening Parks
Saturday, May 02, 2020
The City of Providence is closing select streets to traffic starting Saturday as part of the "Slow Streets" program -- and a Providence City Councilman is questioning the use of taxpayer funds to block off the roads while the city is also reopening parks.
This week, the city announced that in a "new effort to make it safer for residents to walk, run and ride bicycles" while maintaining social distancing, the city will limit through traffic on select city roadways.
"I’m confused, if we are opening [the parks], then why are we closing streets and wasting $15,000 of taxpayer money. Each neighborhood will have a park, path or trail for use," said City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia in Ward 6.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"Both the reduction of traffic and increase of space will provide a safe environment for residents to maintain physical and mental health in their neighborhoods. Additionally, select greenspaces and parks will be reopened for active use only," said the city in their release. SEE LIST OF STREETS AND PARKS BELOW
Both the state and the City of Providence face massive shortfalls due to the growing national economic crisis.
Budget, Business Concerns
"The city put a request in this past Monday [for $15,000] at the Board of Contract and Supply," said Correia. "They're planning on using a company out of Massachusetts for an additional 100 sawhorses and signs -- the city has 140 I think, but they need more."
"They’re looking to piggyback on an existing contract," added Correia. "What baffles me is you’re closing the streets, while reopening parks that people can use."
In April, GoLocal reported that Providence is facing the possibility of needing to borrow money to cover operating expenses, due to the coronavirus crisis, having obtained an email sent from City of Providence Treasurer Jim Lombardi to City Council members outlining his concerns.
Correia said he anticipates there might be "neighborhood kids on the streets playing" on the closed streets, but said he is concerned for the businesses
"Amherst Street has several businesses — car repair, window tinting, cleaning company, Calfornia Taco — it doesn’t make any sense," said Correia.
City's Safe Streets Statement
"About 13 miles of city streets will be designated as Slow Street zones under the pilot program. Emergency vehicles, residents who live on the street, and vehicles that require access for essential services like trash and recycling pickup or deliveries, will still have access. The City urges permitted vehicles to drive slowly and safely to allow pedestrian and bicycle traffic to safely coexist on the roads. A strict 10 MPH speed limit will be posted, with daily monitoring by community volunteers. Police will enforce speeding infractions, when necessary," said the city.
“Providence remains steadfast in its commitment to safe, equitable streets” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “By reimaging our largest public asset—our streets—we will immediately provide our residents with space right outside their doors to stay active. As we continue to navigate the public health crisis, I’m proud to take this bold step to keep residents safe and healthy.”
Under the pilot program, the following streets will be temporarily closed to through traffic:
Oxford and Ontario streets (between Elmwood Avenue and Eddy Street)
Vermont and Farragut avenues (between FC Greene Memorial Boulevard and Michigan Avenue)
Waverly and Peace streets (between Union and Elmwood avenues)
Elmdale Avenue, What Cheer Avenue, and Moorefield Street (between Plainfield and Whitehall streets)
Leah and Roanoke streets (between Atwells and Academy avenues)
Brown and Camp streets (between Meeting Street and Stenton Avenue)
Federal and Ring streets (between Tobey and Dean streets)
Governor Street (between Wickenden and Angell streets)
Amherst Street (between Erastus and Bowdoin streets)
Pleasant Valley Parkway and Nelson Street (between Rosebank Avenue and Walton Street)
Parade Street (between Chapin Avenue and Westminster Street)
Eastwood Street (between Merino and Heath streets)
Camden Street (between Douglas and Chalkstone avenues)
Roger Williams Park Loop Road (FC Greene Memorial Boulevard, Maple Avenue, and Cladrash's Avenue)
The temporary road closures will be in effect starting Saturday, May 2, until further notice, 24 hours a day. All off road paths and trails, including Blackstone Boulevard and Pleasant Valley Parkway will be open for pedestrian use. Additionally, the following greenspaces will be reopened for active use (e.g. walking, running, biking) and local access only:
Blackstone Park
Dexter Training Grounds
Donigian Park
Gano Street Park
India Point Park
Neutaconkanut Park
Riverside Park
Roger Williams Park
Wanskuck Park
Parking lots in these areas will remain closed. Courts, fields, and playgrounds will remain closed.
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