Providence City Council Meeting |Committee on Ordinances| February 11th, 2026

And welcome to committee and ordinance. The time is 05:37. It's today, February 11. Thank you all for being here today. Before we get started, I'd like to, welcome councilwoman Jill Davidson who is visiting us today and is doing her, committee, visits.

Thank you. Thank you for being here. Mister Azar from Department of Planning Development, thank you for being here. Aaron from our policy team, our clerks, city solicitor, and to our very unique and special committee members. Thank you so much.

Clerks, would you please call on the roll?

Chairman Espinal?

Present.

Vice chairwoman Peterson?

Present.

Councilwoman Harris? Councilman Vargas?

Present.

Councilor Royas?

Present and caffeinated.

By present or absent, you have a quorum.

Thank you so much. Madam Clerk, first item on the agenda, please.

Item one, an ordinance in amendment of chapter 27 of the code of ordinances entitled the City Of Providence zoning ordinance approved November 2434 as amended to change the zoning district on the official zoning map for the property located on assessor's Plot 104 Lot 653205 Union Avenue from C 2 to C 3.

Thank you so much. And I have exhibit one, which is the letter of testimony from CPC. I'll entertain a motion to enter into the record exhibit one made by councilor Peterson, second by councilman Vargas. All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Opposed, the ayes have it. I also have exhibit two, which is a letter of support and testimony from an abiding neighbor. May I enter to a motion to

So moved.

Enter into the record. Seven two, may I councilor Peterson, second by council member Vargas.

All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Opposed, the ayes have it. And I also have a survey. I want to take a motion to enter the record.

Subvey. So moved.

Made by councilor Peterson, second by council member Vargas. All in favor, aye.

Aye.

Opposed, the ayes have it. Thank you. Okay. So my understanding is that this isn't pertaining to two zero five Union Avenue, but we are adding 109 Common Fort Street, and this is a change from, C Twos to C 3. Mister Aza, could you please, summarize that for us, please?

Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the committee. Thank you. Bob Ezar with the Department of Planning and Development. This is an ordinance that was introduced by Councilman Vargas on behalf of the property owners at 205 Union And 109 Cumberford.

This is two separate lots, but it functions as one piece of property. It's got a auto repair business there. And this had been a different kind of commercial use. I don't recall what it was previously, but the owners came in and converted it to auto repair at some point. And it turns out that the zoning did not allow for that use.

So, ordinance would change the zoning from c two where vehicle repair is not permitted to c three where it is permitted. And so, the city plan commission was supportive of this zoning change. They did have a couple of conditions that essentially amounts to the property coming into conformance with zoning. So, even though the use would be allowed by the c three regulations, in order for them to get a zoning certificate that shows compliance with zoning. There are some things they need to do on the site.

For

example, there's a fair amount of tire storage that we saw. I don't know the condition, but I believe it's still there. And also, they should be doing some more landscaping of the site. But other than that, the City Planning Commission is in favor of approving this zoning change.

Thank you so much. Any question from committee members? Councilwoman Harris. Thank you.

I I think I'm remembering this ordinance coming before us before. And my question was about parking. I thought in if I remember it served me right, there was parking issues connected with this as well.

So, I don't believe this came before you. This is actually one of a number of auto related uses that have applied for zoning changes. There were a couple in Silver Lake. There was one on DeSoto Street. Okay.

So, it's possible you're thinking about those.

Maybe I'm thinking about those. Yeah. This

Yeah. This And and that was There were a couple of these where we were concerned about the auto repair, like the vehicles were being were being stored on the street.

Oh, yeah.

As opposed to on the lot. Right. I don't think that's an issue

with That's not a

big issue I think they have ample space on their lot to store any cars that are being serviced.

I appreciate that. You have answered my question. Thank you so much. You're welcome.

Thank you, mister Azar.

Thank you.

City sergeant, can I get the anybody that signed up to speak on this item? Item one. Thank you. Alright. The, first person on the agenda is Magali Brown.

Good evening.

Good evening, everyone.

Go right ahead.

Yeah. I am the owner. My husband and I, we are the owners of Elmo tires. Mhmm. That's correct.

And our hope is just to continue growing our business, help the community.