[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6611689,"mediaKeyId","2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad","parentId",2893091,"title","Residents and advocates urge city action on homelessness; some speakers support Open Doors facility","audioSeconds",366,"startMs",2244000,"endMs",2610000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad&start=2244&end=2610","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad/thumbnail_2244000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611689/Woonsocket-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Residents-and-advocates-urge-city-action-on-homelessness-some-speakers-support-Open-Doors-facility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611689-9b24287fc43175e15bc873b183692c16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150763&Signature=QwgqAI9B4hCBxR3vbBjCFH2ajogpc4khmbqAR-4-ImblEDICqppu9118NuPT0msuYn8dPvVYyEZlVi9fnuWj9g0RVr3~DXKxv7Cz~Cx7eLJMqy8giKShIU31D48LeY0YZS9uD2kKcMuSB3AtbuvRguQXzqmxNa6EGdF6iBvR2PKIE8IcZJKa~5DMTE2Gw-gJyjqaTycQY4hx2jEY99axVP5p3Dz8kySkJ4Qz-WWbO539MBuCCVA7oGj2IwvbvYCIkszuxr5~nFFuwN6dyxHk0FGaYnvxAIsrbRB3mLC700xArEDKVjxVWRI2fLFvDn-MdeofBLrqh2ih4tgkxsjRUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Woonsocket, RI","date","2025-04-08T01:22:41.747Z","article","A string of public commentators at Monday’s Woonsocket City Council meeting raised concerns about homelessness, municipal priorities and local food-access programs, and several speakers recommended working with the nonprofit Open Doors.

Reverend Rhonda Sharon said she has asked repeatedly for the city audit from February 2023 and criticized municipal leadership’s handling of homelessness and related services. Sienna Viet, co‑owner of Open Farms Retreat in Cumberland, described a community-supported agriculture program that delivered more than 5,000 pounds of produce to Woonsocket families and said the program seeks funding and expansion to reach more households. Viet said the farm’s CSA serves families regardless of income and invited councilors to visit the farm.

Brenda Lee McGovern and other residents urged a balanced approach that protects seniors, veterans, students and small-business owners while addressing homelessness with compassion. Pat Ford, executive director of Libertarian Mutual Aid, spoke in support of the city’s engagement with Open Doors and described Open Doors’ facilities in Pawtucket as tightly managed, 24/7 operations with on-site services and strict controls on access and behavior.

David Focarelli, representing the office of Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, appeared to brief the council on state-level legislation intended to ban or limit restrictive covenants that prevent properties from being used as grocery stores. He urged support for the proposed legislation, which the council later took up in a resolution.

Why it matters: Public comment highlighted community tension between a desire for public safety and concerns about homelessness, and it showcased local volunteer and nonprofit efforts on food access. Separately, the lieutenant governor’s office framed the restrictive‑covenant issue as a piece of state policy with local consequences for grocery access.

City response and follow-up

Mayor Christopher Beauchamp thanked speakers, corrected a public misstatement about the timing of finance reports and said city staff work daily on municipal issues. Councilors and the mayor invited community groups to engage with city staff and to use a new small‑business hub to coordinate resources and assistance.

Next steps

Council took no immediate policy action on the shelter concept at the meeting beyond hearing public comment and later passed a resolution supporting state legislation on restrictive covenants. The council’s staff and mayor said they are exploring options and, in subsequent agenda items, invited community stakeholders to meet with city staff to pursue practical solutions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents spoke during public comment at the Woonsocket City Council meeting about homelessness, food access and community support programs; several praised Open Doors as a potential operator of a day shelter and urged local leaders to pursue pragmatic solutions.","taxTitle","Woonsocket City , Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",52804,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611692,"Woonsocket small-business owner seeks grant help for costly fire‑alarm upgrades at converted mill",526,1466000,1992000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad&start=1466&end=1992","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad/thumbnail_1466000.jpg","/articles/6611692/Woonsocket-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Woonsocket-small-business-owner-seeks-grant-help-for-costly-firealarm-upgrades-at-converted-mill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611692-ae8bb717aa6c3ea06ff58b1ada7d858c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150763&Signature=e1f~1XdmS8kNdRPskVdRA-eaUTHDbQGVG6s9~MkpDHkiq1dIgXx8qAIfOPRO-yGLsHtQmYRw7KnJnpRtk3HTCP--IOsbDwZrt-XvOi9SLbVDT3sxRxInZPPBTl3g~KKaA8g4KWVNPr1x7fwbW0x5OUygqKEEhp59xpLcljCY1flBlmoNwXTMrt5fVL0IZgqu7iy-XbC6sPym1JX3RrCKuOM10BHvYJmEINRauAP-Rxy3BwutOE2az5GkUDHvwxoLkUpFNLZNYtkLrzn8887CyzTVKXnwOvvhOqox5O0ksL6dcLPVZ~lFNMqc4ROXCfruP~smzWL7l9HKnGV-JN5wpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Juliet Catherine Tremmel, owner of a 39,000-square-foot mill at 98 Water Street and 50 Canal Street, asked the Woonsocket City Council for assistance Monday in finding grants or other resources to pay for required fire-alarm system upgrades so she can secure a full occupancy permit.

Tremmel said she bought the building without a fire-alarm system, invested roughly $27,000 to repair a nonfunctioning sprinkler system and has already paid $6,000 for engineering plans. She presented contractor bids and permit costs and said the next phase — a full fire‑alarm installation with audible enunciators, exit lighting and other system components — is likely to cost about $55,000. Tremmel said she works overnight security and has limited cash flow; she has invested personal funds and borrowed to cover initial repairs.

Why it matters: Tremmel said the lack of a full occupancy permit prevents full leasing and revenue generation from tenants she hopes will help pay for the compliance work. The building currently houses storage and manufacturing customers; Tremmel said safety is her priority and she is seeking targeted grant funding that supports women-owned businesses in industrial/commercial buildings.

What she asked the council

Tremmel sought information on grants or assistance programs that could help a woman owner in a male-dominated commercial construction sector pay for required life-safety upgrades. She described the cost of permits (she cited a permit fee example of $5,998.20) and engineering plans, and said contractors can complete the work in about two weeks if funds are available; current work has paused after seven months because of cash limits.

City response

Councilwoman Gonzales told Tremmel the city will open a small-business hub at the Woonsocket Education Center on Wednesday, April 9, from 3 to 5 p.m., where multiple agencies and a new collaborative — the Business Empowerment Alliance of Rhode Island (BEARI) — will provide guidance. Gonzales suggested Tremmel attend the ribbon-cutting and seek the hub’s assistance locating grants and partner agencies that provide business-technical help.

Tremmel thanked the mayor for touring her property and for staff attention; the mayor confirmed he had visited the site and that staff are aware of the project’s financial limits. Tremmel provided a contact number for follow-up and said she is actively applying for grants but has not secured sufficient funding to finish the fire-alarm installation and obtain a full occupancy permit.

Next steps

City officials invited Tremmel to meet with small-business hub staff and member agencies to explore grant opportunities and technical assistance. Tremmel asked the council and audience for referrals to grant programs that specifically help women owners in industrial or commercial building retrofit projects.","A Woonsocket property owner who converted an old mill into storage and light industrial space described a multi‑month, multi‑thousand‑dollar effort to meet fire-alarm requirements and asked the city for help finding grants and resources; the mayor highlighted a new small-business hub opening April 9.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611698,"River Island condo association asks Woonsocket to sponsor FEMA grant to rebuild eroded levee",563,3250000,3813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad&start=3250&end=3813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad/thumbnail_3250000.jpg","/articles/6611698/Woonsocket-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/River-Island-condo-association-asks-Woonsocket-to-sponsor-FEMA-grant-to-rebuild-eroded-levee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611698-1c97a5464b0e6247dbd7710869db56cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150763&Signature=StO0ChDhCxLxfWcQicBxqAZR-B34xRAA7xZtygfflc41vyJr1CJB2fhsfmeVgLxGff~iyWw3ImpmjICm3rAIxlk8UZBfYMi4oQ9XfzYLgDKLNuuPR-FGYr74EZsvfgIVrBa7WOT1WwE4EoyJTZRTiN-o0UZtsuf~e-BkX1vwprsUh8mcKNf3OYPGob5PISZfblmm0sQjs70aGo4K7uTiFz5v8WWpZkJAi7~ugZY73kAEsXhw-quAP-eSkDKpqqq-nQDo2FPSK1ahY8Fl94GkykZkMIzdEUbX3rIK4KDi4mz5n6r9T821D81ieaefr8PjpNWGWt8qqHAFbbwMTsUiDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","River Island Condo Association President Evan Starr requested city sponsorship Monday so the city can submit a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application to rebuild a levee that association members say is protecting a mill-turned-condo from repeated flooding.

Starr told the council the association faces ongoing flood risk every time the nearby river rises and presented photos showing water reaching exterior doors and significant interior damage. He said 23 of the condo association’s 26 units are owner-occupied and that past events have required evacuation and caused extensive repairs.

Why it matters: Association members say the levee’s erosion threatens long-term habitability of owner-occupied units in a working-class condo association. The association estimates an initial project cost of about $255,000 to design and rebuild the levee; final cost will follow engineering design.

What the city staff said

City staff said the requested project was added to the city’s hazard mitigation plan, a prerequisite for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications, and that the planning department had amended the plan and resubmitted it to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. A city official recommended any required matching funds be the responsibility of the condominium association rather than the city and said the council would see a resolution or ordinance if the project exceeded the city’s charter threshold for expenditures.

Proposal details

Starr described a comprehensive project including engineering, design and any necessary utility relocation as part of levee reconstruction. He said RMA Environmental (an engineering firm) has been retained, has consulted with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management on permit expectations and has contacted FEMA to assemble required river data for the application. For context, Starr presented historical and recent photos showing the site’s protection diminished after removal of a downstream dam in the 1960s and repeated inundation in 2010–11 and again in 2023–24.

City council response

Councilwoman Gonzales asked whether city sponsorship would carry a financial commitment; Starr replied that sponsorship would initially provide a letter of support and that he understood the association would be responsible for any matching requirement. A city staff member confirmed the association’s addition to the hazard mitigation plan, described the departmental steps already taken and said staff would recommend that the council place any matching requirement on the association.

Next steps

If the council endorses sponsorship, the planning department expects to submit the HMGP application with the association and the engineering team. If a FEMA award is large enough to trigger the city’s charter expenditure threshold, the council will need to vote on that appropriation at a later meeting. The association said the project is time-sensitive because the levee provides only minimal protection at present and that another significant storm could produce major structural damage or displacement.","River Island Condo Association asked the City of Woonsocket to sponsor a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application to fund reconstruction of an eroded levee that owners say leaves 23 owner‑occupied units repeatedly flooded.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611703,"Woonsocket Council approves licenses, contracts, zoning amendments and $1M ARPA transfer; backs state bill to curb grocery covenants",387,4133000,4520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad&start=4133&end=4520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893091-dfc5cc8b0a7a1c88d7e9bd178b9876ad/thumbnail_4133000.jpg","/articles/6611703/Woonsocket-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Woonsocket-Council-approves-licenses-contracts-zoning-amendments-and-1M-ARPA-transfer-backs-state-bill-to-curb-grocery-covenants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611703-950e2cea9a8964700debe600ec229406/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150763&Signature=nbd4RQRqVq4hvgPbG57ek3HHh33ZuBUvbOIJIr60SsFkPIpIsOd-5IRL4ZbNlH9R-67eflhk9zlPCFVx6kOEi4~DnZjMxRyoqVdpGH3r6dK6yJx3LiWy6fIsNCKz-InjefB1FE-OlnHa97mqEPUZUccNWSmKcWVV9RKBMHaToFzeTY6TmyEWxJ~GeEGXc94HV5WpNlW~G7TY4cOqNm5RqEblmCtSce~sYRkdc0lar-DuLYGUCDFTICEUKR-vbdKQCIEnnpzYu-HvffJRuivwmIr7jFprhVACciCvdlJTLV-GR63fEeMTIB0PNUNr~0uI4qGxBIOgjzD1Wtog6LjjWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woonsocket City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve multiple business licenses, award a municipal solid-waste contract and advance several ordinances on first passage, including a $1,000,000 American Rescue Plan Act transfer to pay a tax settlement.

Council members also approved a resolution supporting state legislation that would limit the use of restrictive covenants that prevent grocery stores from occupying certain properties.

Why it matters: The approved actions affect local economic activity (new restaurant and retail licenses), municipal services (waste collection contract) and city finances (ARPA transfer and tax abatements). The resolution supporting state legislation aims to address long-term access to grocery retailers in Woonsocket.

Most significant votes and outcomes

- License approvals: The Board of License Commissioners approved four new licenses — Lucky’s Boba Cafe (first-class victualling license, 562 Cass Ave., 25LC11), Lao Tai Kitchen LLC (class BL liquor license, 83 Main St., 25LC12), Mia Kitchen LLC (first-class victualling license, 6 Florida St., 25LC13) and Competitive Auto (secondhand dealer merchandise license, 773 French St., 25LC14). Each passed by voice vote with an announced 7–0 result.

- License renewals: A package of license renewals and miscellaneous license types (25LC15) covering uses including automotive junkyard, bowling alley, class F entertainment, seasonal secondhand dealer, street vendor and mobile food was approved 7–0.

- Waste contract (25R63): The council authorized award of Bid No. 6267 for solid waste, recyclables and yard waste collection, transportation and disposal to Waste Management of Rhode Island, approved unanimously. Council staff noted a standard competitive review and acknowledged the purchasing agent and a participant in the RFP review.

- Zoning amendment (25O16): An amendment to Appendix C (zoning) to comply with previously enacted state legislation was approved on first passage, with the council adopting five technical corrections identified by the planning board. Vote: 7–0 (first passage).

- Personal exemptions ordinance (25O18): An ordinance codifying personal exemptions, including a veterans deduction adjusted from $158.76 to $160 (rounded), passed first passage 7–0. City staff said they will provide council options showing cost implications for larger exemption amounts before later passage.

- ARPA transfer for tax settlement (25O19): The council approved appropriating $1,000,000 of ARPA interest-only funds to pay the FY2025 payment due under a tax settlement with Walnut Hill Holdings LLC. Vote: 7–0.

- Building-permit late fee ordinance (25O20): The council approved an ordinance setting a minimum late-filing penalty for work done without the necessary building permits; language ties the fine to either a minimum dollar amount or a percentage of the regular permit fee. Vote: 7–0 (first passage). Staff described the measure as a deterrent aimed at contractors who perform work without permits and noted the measure can also apply to violations of cease-and-desist orders.

- Resolution supporting state action on grocery covenants (25R64): The council passed R64, amended to add language referencing a companion Senate bill, expressing support for state legislation to limit restrictive covenants that prevent grocery stores from opening on some properties. The motion carried 7–0 after a brief explanation from an aide from the lieutenant governor’s office about the policy rationale.

- Other resolutions and routine items: The council unanimously authorized use of city property for a 10-week summer concert series (25R57), approved use of the River’s Edge parking lot for an adventure race (25R58), authorized a police uniform contract (25R59), and approved three items authorizing cancellation or abatement of taxes (25R60, 25R61, 25R62). The minutes and consent agenda were approved 7–0; the meeting adjourned at about 8:20 p.m.

What councilors and staff said

Council members used roll-call votes for ordinance passages and routinely made motions and seconds on license approvals. City staff and a planning official confirmed that the zoning amendment was amended to correct citation and typographical errors identified by the planning board, and that the hazard-mitigation plan had been updated for other, separate items heard that evening.

Next steps

Several ordinances were approved on first passage and will return for final passage at a subsequent meeting. The ARPA appropriation and contract awards were approved as presented; the zoning amendment will carry technical corrections adopted by the planning board into the final ordinance.

Votes at a glance (selected items)

- 25LC11 Lucky’s Boba Cafe (first-class victualling) — approved 7–0
- 25LC12 Lao Tai Kitchen LLC (class BL liquor) — approved 7–0
- 25LC13 Mia Kitchen LLC (first-class victualling) — approved 7–0
- 25LC14 Competitive Auto (secondhand dealer merch.) — approved 7–0
- 25LC15 Licenses and renewals package — approved 7–0
- 25R63 Waste Management contract award — approved 7–0
- 25O16 Zoning amendment (first passage) — approved 7–0 (adopted with five planning-board corrections)
- 25O18 Personal exemptions ordinance (first passage) — approved 7–0
- 25O19 ARPA $1,000,000 transfer for tax settlement — approved 7–0
- 25O20 Building-permit late fee (first passage) — approved 7–0
- 25R64 Resolution supporting state bill limiting grocery restrictive covenants (amended to include companion Senate bill) — approved 7–0
- 25R57, 25R58, 25R59, 25R60, 25R61, 25R62 — approved 7–0

An itemization of formal motion text, movers/seconders, and vote tallies for each action appears in the city minutes and is reflected in the council’s public docket for April 7.","At its April 7 meeting, the Woonsocket City Council unanimously approved a slate of business licenses and municipal contracts, advanced zoning and tax-exemption ordinances on first passage, authorized a $1 million ARPA transfer for a tax settlement and passed a resolution supporting state action to limit restrictive covenants on grocery stores.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents and advocates urge city action on homelessness; some speakers support Open Doors facility

Woonsocket small-business owner seeks grant help for costly fire‑alarm upgrades at converted mill

River Island condo association asks Woonsocket to sponsor FEMA grant to rebuild eroded levee

Woonsocket Council approves licenses, contracts, zoning amendments and $1M ARPA transfer; backs state bill to curb grocery covenants