Providence City Council Meeting | October 17th, 2024

Alright. So the 19, the council of Omaha, we have issues for the parking lot for that building, the a union. So I received so many complaint for the parking lot. So I don't know if you refer for something else because we had to dress out that after be so now we have to dress up this because we had a business, and the business complaint cannot have a parking lot. And can have a a unit and no parking lot and also the corner.

So this is not it's not right.

Thank you, councilwoman. I'll put in that.

Okay? So we just referred that item to the committee on finance.

Please.

It would be wonderful if

the

chairwoman and you could work together to meet with the developer or do everything you need to do.

Okay. Please.

Thank you

Thank so you.

You're welcome.

Item 31.

Madam president.

Majority leader.

Voice it to weigh the reader in item 31 and pass on a voice vote.

Second, madam president.

We have a motion and a second on item 31. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Item 32.

Madam president.

Majority leader.

Motion to withdraw by sponsor.

Second, madam president.

We have a motion and a second to withdraw by request of the sponsor, and I'll share some more information. So the sponsor is currently in the meeting that this resolution is requesting in a Zoom meeting. And so he felt that it would be prudent to give that meeting a chance to convene. So we have a motion and a second.

Any further discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

Motion passes. The item's withdrawn. Item 33.

Madam president.

Majority leader.

Motion to waive the reading for item 33 to 37 and pass on a voice vote.

Second, madam president.

We have a motion and a second on items 33 through 37. Any discussion? Councilwoman Peterson.

Thank you very much. City clerk, would you be willing to read number 35 for me?

Whereas Italian Americans have made significant contributions to the history, culture, and society of The United States and have deeply shaped the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Providence, Rhode Island where their influence can be seen in vibrant neighborhoods, the arts, local businesses, and more. And whereas US presidential proclamation six zero four five of October nineteen eighty nine established Italian American Heritage and Culture Month, honoring the centuries of achievements and valuable contributions of Italian Americans to our society, a legacy which Providence proudly celebrates each October. And whereas over 5,000,000 Italians immigrated to The United States between 1820 and 2000, And today, more than 17,000,000 Americans of Italian descent reside in The The United States, including many who have played pivotal roles in shaping Providence's rich heritage such as Marissa Castelli, Evelyn v Verdi Fargnoli, Peter Pizzelli, and Albert Russo. And whereas while we celebrate Italian heritage, we must also acknowledge the history of Italian exploration and colonization, which contributed to the oppression and displacement of indigenous peoples, particularly in The Americas, and recognize the lasting impacts colonization has had on the original inhabitants of this land. And whereas, the city of Providence acknowledges the need to address historical wrongs while celebrating the joint contributions of Italian Americans and indigenous peoples to our city's progress and well-being, creating an inclusive narrative that honors all voices and legacies.

And whereas, both Italian Americans and indigenous peoples have persevered through adversity and their shared contribution to Providence's economy, culture, and governance are a testament to their strength and resilience. And whereas, the city of Providence stands committed to fostering mutual understanding, respect, and unity among all communities, particularly as we acknowledge the past while focused on shared futures of peace and prosperity. Now therefore be it resolved that the city of Providence does hereby proclaim October as Italian heritage month, celebrating the cultural heritage contributions and achievements of Italian Americans while also honoring the resilience and successes of indigenous peoples, including those of Italian descent who have contributed to our city's rich and diverse heritage, and be it further resolved that the city of Providence reaffirms its commitment to fostering mutual respect, unity, and shared futures recognizing both the contributions of Italian Americans and the need to address the historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples as we move forward together in the spirit of equity and cooperation. Thank you. Madam President, thank

you for giving me the opportunity to speak on this. I think at the very least my colleagues know that while I very much celebrate the richness of my Peruvian culture, I do very much also celebrate the richness of my Italian culture. So I think it's important as a bicultural person to represent and support but also recognize what it means to many of us as we continue to move on and progress in what the future looks like for not only us here in Rhode Island but all over the world. So this resolution both celebratory and reflective is one that honors the proud contributions of Italian Americans to rich history and fabric of providence while also acknowledging the importance of our indigenous people in that very same legacy. We proclaim October as Italian heritage month and we recognize the profound impact Italian Americans have had on our city and our nation.

Shaping our neighborhoods, our arts, our business, our culinary culture and more with with vibrancy. But it is extremely important that we also acknowledge a deeper and more complex history. We celebrate our Italian heritage but we can't ignore the legacy of Italian exploration and colonization that played a significant role in displacement and oppression of indigenous peoples. That lasting impact of history still resonates with original inhabitants of this land and of other lands. And should acknowledge that truth as we are to move forward together.

This resolution does not merely call for celebration but also for inclusion, some unity, and some healing. It reminds us that both Italian Americans and indigenous peoples have persevered. We've all overcome these immense challenges to contribute meaningfully to our shared communities. And the city of Providence stands as a testament not only of that but to also the strength and the contributions for all of us and through all of us in terms of the economy, the culture, and its governance. Recognizing this intersectionality of Italian heritage and indigenous people also acknowledges the importance of honoring both legacies.

Italian Americans have enriched our lives in countless ways, but our history is richer when we honor those voices that have often been silenced or even overlooked. Today I ask that we take a step forward in creating a more inclusive narrative that seeks not only to celebrate but to also heal historical wrongs. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to fostering mutual respect, understanding, and unity. And as we celebrate these achievements and contributions of Italian Americans and indigenous people alike, we should also honor the resilience of those whose ongoing fight for recognition and justice continues to inspire us all. Together, I stand committed and I hope that you'll commit with me to building a future where all of our voices are heard, all of our contributions are valued, and our shared history is acknowledged with both pride and humility.

Thank you.

Thank you, counselor. Further discussion on items 33 to 37? Councilor Reyes.

Madam president, I just wanna thank my colleague from Ward 14 for introducing this resolution. I, appreciate this resolution in its entirety, I just wanna, state that, not too many of my colleagues know this, but, I'm also of Italian heritage and I'm beginning to reconnect with family members

that I

didn't really grow up with. And by extension, I've been reconnecting with my Italian heritage. And a fun fact for you all is that my family, the Italian side, via the Venti Sicue family, they were among the first to establish home in Silver Lake. And so they actually have, my family is actually etched into stone, literal stone on a statue in Silver Lake and so I just wanted to share that. Some folks have told me that when I was campaigning to be consular of the North End that I should mention mention that.

But but I wanted to just mention that and again thank counsel Peterson for introducing us. Thank you.

Thank you, counsel. Before we move on, I'd like to recognize that councilman Goncalves has joined us. So noted. Further discussion on items 33 through 37? Hearing none, on oh, councilwoman Vargas.

I agree with this because I have a very good friend who's passed away. Binnie, always he teach me, Anna, be on time. Anna, do this and do that. So that's what I learned by he from Italy, but it's you know, I went there and I love it when I go back and celebrate that when I went to the hours. So I see all the people from all over the world to feel like I belong here.

So that is very good for you, Shirley, to do that. Because we celebrate us, and we feel proud. So now celebrate for for this community because have a long way in here to teach you us the very good food. Who love pizza? I love pizza.