The East Providence City Council met on September 2, 2025, beginning with an executive session to discuss a labor contract, then reconvening for public comment and regular business. The meeting covered zoning amendments, park upgrades, public safety, and community concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved council journals for August 19, 2025. - Bundled and approved licenses C1-C9 (Diego Contreras, Kevin Palumbo, John Fuse). Public Comments & Testimony - Nicole Grant (47 North Hall Street) spoke in favor of a backyard chicken ordinance, presenting statistics: 639 petition signatures, 296 East Providence registered voters (65.2% from Ward 4's 02915 zip code). She argued that a regulated ordinance would improve health and safety, reduce unregulated flocks, and give the city enforcement tools. She noted that 21 residents in Ward 4 and 19 in Ward 1 submitted letters of support. - Gideon Finerty (115 Riverside Drive) supported the ordinance, citing safer coops, financial benefits from eggs, and no problems when they kept chickens in Providence. - Two children, Esther and Paige, submitted letters read by a family member, supporting chickens for egg production and emotional support. - Public Hearing on Zoning Amendments: Christian Scully (Blue ADU) argued against a minimum lot size for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), stating that existing zoning restrictions (setbacks, lot coverage) already limit density. Beth White (Sutcliffe Circle) questioned the impact of a 7,500 sq ft minimum without knowing the percentage of city lots below that threshold. Discussion Items - Executive Session Report: Council Vice President Rigo reported that the council voted 4-1 (Councilman Lawson dissenting) to approve a tentative agreement with AFSCME Local 32223. Lawson stated he had insufficient time to review the contract received that day. - Willet Pond Upgrades (Councilman Lawson): The city has been waiting for DEM approval for over a year. The parking lot will be paved upon approval. Council expressed frustration with state agency delays. - Cameras in Public Spaces (Councilman Lawson): Council supported initiating discussions with the police chief on surveillance cameras for parks and public spaces to protect recent investments. Councilwoman Sousa noted past discussions for Pierce Field, Central Ave, and Tony Pride Park. - Riverside Middle School Field (Councilman Lawson): The field is open for school gym activities; full games will be permitted in spring after overseeding. Parking enforcement needed. - Saving Point Cleanup (Councilman Lawson): Thanked Save the Bay and approximately 30 volunteers for a cleanup. - Cell Service at Crescent Park (Councilman Lawson): A tower at Grassy Plains is in progress, but may not cover Crescent Park. Residents and firefighters report poor service. Council suggested residents contact the Public Utilities Commission. - Solar Project at Police Station (Councilwoman Susa): Delayed due to lease assignment and title issues. A consultant is working with the title company; resolution expected by end of September. Council requested a follow-up on the next agenda. - Park Upgrades (Councilwoman Susa): - Pierce Field walking track: Engineering firm engaged for design (ADA access, drainage). Councilman Fogerty stressed keeping the track for middle school use. - Martello Park: Near completion; new swing bracket awaited; concrete footings with wood tops for seating. - Hull Street Park: New playground equipment installation scheduled for September 7; field overseeded; walking path repairs needed; EPYSA concerned about increased cost for perimeter guardrail. - Pedestrian Crossings and Lights (Councilwoman Susa): A draft memo from a consultant outlines improvements. Repairs planned for pedestrian signals on Broadway and Warren Ave/7th St via a federal SMART grant. - Fort Street Golf Ball Damage (Councilwoman Susa): Residents report ongoing damage from MetLife golf course. Netting not installed due to Rhode Island Energy easement. A meeting between the resident and the marshall was scheduled that day. - Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Keith Burns presented amendments to comply with state land use bills (2024). Key change: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). After public comment, Council Vice President Rego moved to reduce the minimum lot size for detached ADUs from 7,500 to 5,000 square feet. The amendment passed 5-0, and the overall ordinance passed 5-0. - School Bus Violation Detection System Funds (Councilman Lawson): Proposed to direct revenue from new state law on school bus camera violations to the school building fund. Failed 2-3 (Council members Lawson and Sousa in favor; Fogerty, Rigo, Rodericks opposed). Discussion noted a current school building fund balance of $2.8 million. Key Outcomes - Executive session: Approved AFSCME contract 4-1. - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - Zoning ordinance amendment (ADU lot size reduced to 5,000 sq ft) passed 5-0; overall zoning ordinance passed 5-0. - School bus violation fund allocation defeated 2-3. - Approved residential handicap parking sign for 95 Ivy Street. - First passage of no parking and stop sign ordinances for Providence Avenue and Lincoln Avenue (unanimous). - Council will initiate discussions with police chief on public space cameras. - Follow-up requested on solar project and pedestrian crossing updates.
