Providence Committee on Ordinance Meeting Summary: October 13, 2026

The Providence City Council Committee on Ordinance convened on October 13, 2026, at 5:48 PM. All five members were present (Chairman Espino, Vice Chairwoman Peterson, Councilwoman Harris, Councilman Vargas, Councilman Arroyas). The committee addressed four agenda items: a zoning petition continuance for the Port area, a proposed digital billboard ordinance, and two zone changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Linda Perry (Ward 10): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed electronic billboard ordinance, citing negative impacts on neighborhoods and potential light glow on Roger Williams Park. She referenced testimony and images submitted in prior years.
• Ronald Crossen: Spoke in favor of the committee’s thorough review of the billboard ordinance.

Discussion Items

1. Petition Continuance Request (Item 2 - Zoning Map Change for Port Area)

• Applicant: Attorney Dana Ardente for Jeffrey Mark Audit (JC 131 Realty LLC).
• Request: To change zoning from MU to M and amend text in Section 1202.
• Councilwoman Harris: Requested a continuance to allow the applicant to meet with abutters concerned about air quality and traffic near the port.
• Attorney Ardente: Opposed the continuance, stating the petition had been open since the summer, opposition could be addressed during the hearing, and further delays were prejudicial to the applicant.
• Outcome: The committee granted the continuance to November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM, with Chairman Espino confirming the committee would make a final decision on that date and no further continuances would be granted.

2. Billboard Removal Incentive Ordinance (Item 1 - Text Amendment)

• Proponent (Lamar Advertising / Dylan Conley, Mike Murphy, Matt Reninger): Presented a plan to convert one static billboard in an industrial zone to digital in exchange for removing 18 static billboards (totaling 3,426.9 square feet) across 8 wards, representing a roughly 5:1 removal ratio. Removals were estimated to take 90 days for 17 signs. Safety features such as focused lighting, no glare, and Amber Alert capability were highlighted.
• Councilwoman Peterson: Successfully negotiated 15 hours of free public service announcements (PSAs) per month for the city to support small businesses, local artists, and community events.
• Councilman Arroyas: Requested and received a commitment that the minimum of 18 billboard removals be written directly into the ordinance to ensure enforceability.
• Robert Azar (Deputy Planning Director / CPC): Testified that the City Plan Commission recommended a 10:1 removal ratio based on research of ordinances nationwide. He noted the applicant’s 5:1 offer exceeded the initial 2:1 requirement but fell short of the CPC recommendation.
• Matt Reninger (Lamar): Argued that a 10:1 ratio is unrealistic in Providence due to the city’s small number of billboard leases (41) and because existing signs are already strictly regulated as non-conforming.
• Councilman Vargas: Inquired about an existing digital sign, which was clarified to be in Cranston.
• Outcome: The public hearing was continued to allow the committee to draft and incorporate the 15-hour PSA requirement and the 18-sign removal minimum into the ordinance language.

3. Zone Change – Douglas Avenue (Item 3)

• Request: Rezone multiple lots from R4 to C2 to legalize a law office.
• Recommendation: CPC recommended approval with conditions for tree/landscaping conformance and parking legalization.
• Vote: Closed public hearing. The committee voted unanimously to approve the zone change.

4. Zone Change – Eddy Street (Item 4)

• Request: Rezone property at 1331 Eddy Street from R3 to RP (Residential Professional) to allow conversion of a single-family home to an office or personal service establishment.
• Recommendation: CPC recommended approval, noting the RP zone allows low-intensity mixed use in a diverse corridor.
• Council Comment: The ward’s council member stated there was no opposition.
• Vote: Closed public hearing. The committee voted unanimously to approve the zone change.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 (Port Zoning): Continued to November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM, with a final decision scheduled and no further continuances permitted.
• Item 1 (Billboard Text Amendment): Public hearing continued for drafting of amended language explicitly requiring a minimum of 18 billboard removals and 15 hours of monthly PSAs.
• Item 3 (Douglas Ave Zone Change): Approved (unanimous).
• Item 4 (Eddy Street Zone Change): Approved (unanimous).
• The meeting was adjourned following the conclusion of the published agenda.