Government
Public services and government action
Direct Action for Rights and Equality rallies against evictions and for housing
"We really need to create more housing," said Terri Hodge, an organizer with DARE. "It's not about having the money to do it, but the will to get it done."
Fox Point Manor tenants speak out against years of abuse
Interwoven with these long histories of gentrification and displacement, Canning Management, the building’s management company, continues to deny Fox Point Manor tenants adequate housing and neglects to address their specific concerns. Their noticeably sparse website boasts that Canning Management, based in Cranston, Rhode Island, is a “fully integrated multifamily real estate company that excels in the management of affordable and conventional housing.” CM claims to create a “culture of respect, understanding, and reciprocity,” but tenants disagree, with one writing, “I can say without reservation [that] the management have created a fear-culture.”
Hiring committee member breaks silence on Michael Stephens as PVD Police Major
"The number one person was a unanimous vote of everyone in the room, an active Providence police officer - and numbers two and three were tied," said hiring committee members Kira Wills and Lisa Scorpio. "One was an active Latino police officer and one was a retired Providence police officer. And then number four - the lowest - who wasn't even supposed to go before the Mayor, was added at the very last minute - Michael Stephens."
City officials surprised as unhoused encampment on Wilson St is half bulldozed by developer Knight & Swan
"Should the city be dealing with a developer that bulldozes homeless encampments?"
Race, politics and Covid collide at Barrington Zoning Board of Review
"To be honest with you, and we've had discussions about this - I'm not happy about going back to in person meetings anyway, right? … And the idea that someone shows up who's been in a house with somebody who has Covid … it's just bothering me."
2021 Housing Fact Book looks at the relationship of housing and health
"In Rhode Island, the primary driver of the health risks posed by the state’s housing is the age of our housing stock, with nearly three-quarters predating safety regulations for contaminants like lead and asbestos. Older homes also pose hazards related to accessibility and cost more to heat and cool. Housing of any age can lead to health risks if not maintained or kept clean. Untended safety repairs can lead to burns, trips, and falls, posing risks especially to the youngest and oldest members of any household. While Rhode Island continues to make gains related to healthy homes, thousands of households remain at risk."
Boardman: Here’s what’s in Governor Dan McKee’s proposal for American Rescue Plan Act funds
"Of the $113 million McKee proposes spending, four in ten dollars are dedicated to helping businesses," writes Andy Boardman. "About a third goes to programs for kids, while another quarter is allocated to housing. A small share, less than one percent, is set aside for broadband."
House Commission on Land Use and Zoning deserves public scrutiny
Commission Chair Deller said that in conversations with Speaker Shekarchi, he learned that the Speaker was interested in finding out what land Rhode Island has that can be developed - very valuable information. The Speaker is also interested in streamlining the development process and doing more approvals online as much as possible.
State to take public testimony on police body-worn cameras
Following the initial gathering of public input, the Attorney General and the Director of the Department of Public Safety will promulgate draft rules establishing the policy, at which point the public process will continue and include additional opportunities for public input.
Video and photos from the Abortion Justice March and Rally
"Now is the time to show up for our communities," said Dr Uwanaka. "Honestly, we need more than Roe v Wade. We need everyone to come together and stand together for such an important cause. This is not about politics. It is not about what you think or believe, it's about women's rights and women's healthcare."