Ward 13

Statement from Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller

This first day of school I know that students, parents, teachers, and administrators are putting their heart and effort into a positive first day back for our city’s youth. I also know that everyone must be feeling anxious and uncertain- while our city is united in acknowledging the crisis facing our schools, we’ve had so little information on what’s coming next, it’s hard to feel anything but uncertain.

As a city councilor, here’s my back to school commitment:

I will support a state intervention that gives meaningful structural decision making and voice to students and parents. I believe that’s the critical missing piece. If we’re serious about long-term change, not surface change- if we want to truly change the culture that brought us here- student and parent participation in decision making is non-negotiable. This means finding a path that goes well beyond listening sessions and community forums.

I will support a state intervention that includes a transparent process, accountable to the public, not just the state and city structures that got us here. Let’s make these critical decisions about our schools in the light of day, where public input is taken seriously and responded to.

I will support a state intervention that includes a turn-around plan beyond improvements in reading and math scores. Let’s make sure that we’re also measuring improvements in social-emotional supports, cultural competency, and behavioral interventions that embrace difference. Let’s embrace a plan to change how it feels to be in a Providence Public School every day. Let’s create a culture that embraces learning, curiosity, and a deep respect for one another.

I will support a state intervention that looks hard at school buildings and the health of students and teachers learning and teaching in those buildings. One that looks at funding mechanisms for our schools and understands that we didn’t get to this crisis point overnight- this has been a long time coming and every state institution, taxpayer, elected or appointed official, has a piece of this and can give a hand in creating positive, lasting change.

No one has a silver bullet for widescale change for our youth. But I think the students and parents who are organizing together know what won’t work- because it’s failed multiple generations of students already. Let’s make sure that this process ends the cycle of failing our young people. Let’s stand up for a process that is transparent and accountable to youth and to parents. Parents and students have a right to know what is being planned for their futures. That’s my back to school commitment- I’ll keep standing up for that voice, and that right, as we enter into a state process.

Rachel M. Miller
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 13

Ward 13 Councilwoman, Rachel Miller, introduced an ordinance tonight that calls for a one-year moratorium on any new late-night (2:00 AM) operating, liquor or entertainment licenses in the Federal Hill Neighborhood. She was joined by co-sponsors Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).

“Let me be clear, this ordinance does not affect any existing businesses with existing track records on the Hill, just new businesses coming online in the next year,” stated Councilwoman Rachel Miller. “We need a citywide policy to take on the problems that exist when nightclubs co-exist in our residential neighborhoods. During this one-year moratorium, I will be working with my colleagues in city government, including the City’s Board of Licenses, to propose and vet policy solutions that server everyone in our city. I have heard from many residents and business owners regarding their concerns of problems related to club activities, even when clubs are operating with the best of intentions and with the best security protocols, problems still occur.”

Councilwoman Miller continued, “Federal Hill is a unique neighborhood in Providence, but the problems with night clubs in a residential neighborhood are not unique to Federal Hill. We need to come together citywide to craft legislation that works for every neighborhood. Federal Hill is a jewel in Providence, for the tourists who visit, for the businesses and restaurants, and for the hundreds of residents who call Federal Hill home. Tonight, we took a step together to create peace of mind and peace while we work together in City government and with our neighborhoods to create a citywide solution.”

The amendment to Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances will take effect upon second passage by the full Council, and will immediately put into effect a one-year moratorium on any new 2:00 AM operating or liquor license on Atwells Avenue and adjoining streets in the Federal Hill Neighborhood.

Council President Sabina Matos stated, “I am in complete support of Councilwoman Miller’s ordinance. It is fair, reasonable, and a thoughtful approach to addressing quality of life issues that happen when nightclubs are operating in residential neighborhoods. I look forward to working with her and our colleagues on how we can better protect our neighbors, preserve our unique communities, and foster greater relationships with existing and new businesses that want to open in our neighborhoods.

To read a copy of the amended ordinance, please visit the open meetings portal: Chapter 14, Article X, Section 14-234.