Providence Urban Redevelopment and Review Planning Committee Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Urban Redevelopment and Review Planning Committee met on June 16, 2026, at 5:34 PM (21:34 UTC) under the chairmanship of Mary Kay Harris. The committee considered three resolutions: a memorial square for Essence Tyler Christy, a street name change to Jenny Lippitt Circle, and a ceremonial designation for William J. Rose Way. All three items were approved unanimously and sent to the full City Council for a vote.

Discussion Items

Resolution Creating Essence Tyler Christy Memorial Square

• A letter from Nate Erso, Managing Engineer of Traffic Engineering, was entered into the record confirming that no other memorial square designations exist on Burnett Street and that DPW will install appropriate signs upon final approval.
• Aaron Gardner, Deputy Chief of Staff of the City Council, delivered a message from the Majority Leader expressing support for the resolution, noting that gun violence is not the answer and that the city must work with community organizations and police. He also highlighted that Diana (Essence's mother) was appointed to the Pathway to End Gun Violence Advisory Council.
• Council members spoke in support, sharing personal connections to the family. Councilman Graves said he knew both sides of the family and praised Diana’s leadership in turning tragedy into advocacy. Vice Chairman Basardo noted that Essence was only 21 and that many young people have been lost to gun violence, including Jennifer Rivetta. He added that Diana created a program after Essence to educate and end violence. Councilwoman Davidson commended Diana for her work, including a bowling tournament and book available at libraries. Councilor Vargas said Diana turned tragedy into light for the city. Chairwoman Harris recalled meeting Diana as a young organizer at an organization called Right Action for Rights and Equality.
• The resolution passed unanimously out of committee.

Resolution Officially Renaming Corless Park to Jenny Lippitt Circle

• A letter from the USPS confirming no mail delivery issues with the street name change was entered into the record.
• Councilwoman Peterson introduced the item, explaining that the current address (1 Corless Park) is often confused with Corless Street on the East Side, causing GPS misdirections. She noted that the Rhode Island School of the Deaf is celebrating its 150th anniversary and that students led the effort to rename the street after Jenny Lippitt, the daughter of Mary Ann Lippett and Governor Henry Lippitt, who founded the school.
• Three students from the Rhode Island School of the Deaf—Andrew Shaley, Eli Salazar, and Jacob Clark—presented a detailed proposal. They explained that Jenny Lippitt became deaf from scarlet fever at age 4, and her mother Mary Ann developed a teaching method for lip reading and speech. The school became a state public school in 1877. The students highlighted that the name change would honor deaf history and solve a logistical problem. They conducted a survey with over 90% approval (68 out of 70 respondents supported). They also proposed installing a statue of Jenny Lippitt at the school entrance.
• Council members praised the presentation. Councilman Graves appreciated the history and noted the frustration of GPS errors. Vice Chairman Basardo commended the students' advocacy and encouraged them to continue. Councilwoman Davidson said the students turned a problem into an educational opportunity. Kathy Saunders, director of the Lippett House Museum, expressed full endorsement.
• The resolution passed unanimously out of committee.

Resolution Honoring William Rhodes and Ceremonial Renaming of Burnett Street to William J. Rose Way

• Vice Chairman Basardo presented the resolution, noting that William J. Rose is a Vietnam veteran who founded a behavioral services agency in 1976 that provides support for drug abuse and reentry services, including housing (32 units). He highlighted the agency's work during the AIDS epidemic and its ongoing support for veterans and families. He also mentioned that staff participated in a neighborhood cleanup the previous Saturday.
• Councilman Graves shared personal memories of working with the agency in the 1970s and 1980s, praising its positive impact on the community.
• A letter from Nate Erso was entered into the record confirming that no other memorial square designations exist on Burnett Street and that DPW will install appropriate signs.
• An amendment was made to insert the middle initial “J” into the name, making it William J. Rose Way. The amendment passed unanimously.
• The resolution, as amended, passed unanimously out of committee.

Key Outcomes

• Essence Tyler Christy Memorial Square: Approved by committee (4-0, with one absent). To be voted on by the full City Council.
• Jenny Lippitt Circle: Approved by committee (4-0). To be voted on by the full City Council.
• William J. Rose Way: Approved by committee (4-0) as amended. To be voted on by the full City Council.
• The committee adjourned unanimously.