PROVIDENCE — Solicitor Tim Chapman, on behalf of the city, has filed a complaint against the East Providence Zoning Board of Review in State Superior Court, seeking to overturn that body’s decision to deny a request to expand the Cumberland Farms convenience store at Pawtucket Avenue and Wampanoag Trail.

Mr. Chapman said he filed the complaint on Friday, Dec. 4. There are no motions at this time. The defendants, in this case specifically the five Zoning Board members who voted on the matter (Eugene Saveory, Michael Beanparlant, Pier-Mari Toledo, John Braga and Richard Croke), have 20 days upon being served to answer the complaint.

The complaint seeks from the Superior Court to either reverse the Zoning Board of Review’s decision while granting V.S.H. Realty, Inc. and Cumberland Farms the relief it requested in its application or remand the matter to the City of East Providence (i.e., the Council) for further action.

The matter arose from the Zoning Board’s denial of an application by V.S.H. Realty, Inc. and Cumberland Farms for dimensional relief associated with a lawfully permissible use on property located at the corner of Pawtucket Avenue and the Trail. The Board, at its November meeting, actually voted in favor the application, 3-2, though that tally was one short of the super-majority necessary for passage on such matters. Messrs. Braga and Croke cast the dissenting votes.

According to the complaint, their opposition to application focused primarily on a two-lane driving aisle and a proposed buffer area between the remodeled property and that of the nearest remaining resident at 31 Wampanoag Trail. The complaint claims Mr. Braga and Mr. Croke “voted against the application based on unrelated, unsubstantiated, speculative, and non-probative subjective beliefs.”

Previously, both the City Council and the Planning Board had approved the application. The complaint further claims Mr. Braga and Mr. Croke voted against the application “because they wished to impose a single lane one-way drive aisle, a matter which was not within the Board’s jurisdiction or authority” and they believed the owner of the property at 31 Wampanoag Trail “should have been financially compensated by the applicant, a matter which is neither under their jurisdiction nor within their authority.”

The post City files complaint against East Providence Zoning Board in Cumberland Farms case appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — Runner-up for the position of superintendent, Celeste Bowler was approved by the School Committee as the new assistant superintendent of the East Providence district at the body’s meeting held Tuesday night, Dec. 8.

The Committee opted to hire Kathryn Crowley as the new superintendent back on November 16. She was selected over Mrs. Bowler following two interviews with the group, including one held publicly on November 10.

Ms. Bowler is currently the assistant superintendent for the Hamilton-Wenham district in Massachusetts. Her start date as the second of two assistant supers in East Providence is to be determined.

She’ll join the central office team which also includes Dr. Sandra Forand, herself approved for her position in October of this year, and Human Resources Director Cheryl Silvia, also a recent hire. Deputy Finance Director Linda Dykeman is the lone hold-over from the past administrative team.

A resident of West Warwick, Ms. Bowler is in the midst of her fifth year in the H-W district position, having been hired in the summer of 2011. Located on the north shore, approximately 20 miles from Boston, the regional district has just under 1,800 students in five schools (high school, middle school and three elementary).

During the aforementioned public interview for the superintendent’s post held on November 10, Mrs. Bowler said of the East Providence district, “I am not deterred by the needs and challenges. In fact, I’m excited about those things. And I think my skills and knowledge are a good match for the district.”

Mrs. Bowler takes over the position left vacant by the recent resignation of Dawn August. Ms. August’s title of Director of Curriculum was also changed via vote Tuesday. After a lengthy discussion on the topic and a failure to pass at its last meeting, the Committee unanimously (5-0) approved Mrs. Crowley’s request to rename the post as assistant superintendent.

“The Director of Curriculum is very narrow,” Mrs. Crowley said prior to passage. “An assistant superintendent can do much more.”

Of note as well from Tuesday’s meeting, Julian MacDonnell Jr. was approved by the Committee as the new district Director of Pupil Personnel/Special Education.

Mr. MacDonnell was previously the Director of Pupil Personnel in Burrillville and Stoughton (Mass.). He is also a former executive director of the Southern Worcester County Educational Collaborative and Northern Rhode Island Collaborative.

Mr. MacDonnell’s first day on the job is December 9. He replaces Eileen Crudele, who left East Providence for a similar position in Smithfield last month.

The post Committee tabs Bowler as new East Providence assistant superintendent appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The City of East Providence officially began celebrating the 2015 holiday season with the annual lighting of a Christmas Tree on the grounds of City Hall Monday evening, Dec. 7.

East Providence Post and eastbayri.com contributing photographer Tim Marshall took the following pictures of the event.

The post Gallery: East Providence City Hall Tree Lighting 2015 appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — In a brief press release issued Wednesday morning, Dec. 9, the East Providence Police Department confirmed the identity of the deceased female found on a beach in Riverside the previous day.

“At this time we are not releasing her name,” EPPD Lieutenant Raymond Blinn wrote in the release. “The death is listed as suspicious due to the circumstances, but foul play is not suspected.”

According to police, the body washed ashore sometime Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 8, on a beach near the start of Terrace Avenue closer to Larisa Park and the Looff Carousel.

The woman was described as being in her late 20s or early 30s. She was wearing casual clothing and said to be of larger body type. Police said she did not spend significant time in the water, meaning she is likely to have died on the shore.

The post Dead woman found on East Providence beach appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

Dogs will remain not for sale in East Providence, following a ruling of the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals.

In a decision penned Tuesday, Dec. 8, Justices Jeffrey R. Howard, O. Rogeriee Thompson and Bruce M. Selya ruled against Perfect Puppy Inc. in its appeal of a prior ruling in U.S. District Court backing the city’s ordinance banning the sale of cats and dogs.

To conclude their 16-page decision the judges decreed, “With that and at long last, we affirm the judge’s handling of the facial-takings issue, and we dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction as to that part of the judge’s order remanding the as-applied claim to state court.”

Perfect Puppy was appealing the decision of U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith in April of this year. Judge Smith rebuked the store’s challenge while upholding the city’s ordinance banning dog and cat sales.

“I am elated that the City of East Providence has won the latest round in the Perfect Puppy v City of East Providence matter,” City Council President and Mayor Tommy Rose said in a press release.

“The First Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Chief Judge Smith’s opinion in a clear and convincing decision. The City is more than satisfied that its ordinance was correctly enacted and our decision has been supported by the U.S. District Court and now the U.S. Court of Appeals,” Mr. Rose added.

On June 3, 2014, the City Council passed an ordinance curtailing the sale of cats and dogs while implementing a fine schedule of up to $2,000 for each day the business was in violation.

Only a month before, Perfect Puppy, which operates two other locations in the state, had signed a lease agreement to open a new store at 1235 Wampanoag Trail.

Perfect Puppy quickly took the matter to the courts. The business argued that the ordinance was illegal and violated its constitutional rights while seeking damages of more than $10,000 for loss of income and costs.

The Circuit Court judges wrote, “An unhappy Perfect Puppy appeals. But we see no error with the judge’s facial-takings ruling and have no jurisdiction over the judge’s remand order — a dual appraisal that leads us to affirm in part and dismiss in part.”

Attorney Marc DeSisto and Kathleen Daniels, of DeSisto Law, and City Solicitor Tim Chapman represented the city in the case.

The post Circuit Appeals Court back East Providence in Perfect Puppy case appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — Talk about hitting the ground running. At the Tuesday night, Dec. 8, School Committee meeting, new Superintendent Kathryn Crowley led the body through an exhaustive recap of her first few days and weeks on the job.

One of her first tasks since being named on November 16 to replace the retiring Kim Mercer was to begin visiting every building in the district. She called her interaction with the students she’s met so far “endearing” and called her travels to the schools to date “a wonderful experience.”

Mrs. Crowley also held a meeting with each of the school principals, updating them on the status of planned contract negotiations with their bargaining unit. She said she intends to begin the talks by putting an item on the agenda of an upcoming School Committee meeting in January.

In addition, she is reimplementing a monthly report from principals on bullying that takes place in each building. Likewise, each of the 11 principals in the district will be required to attend a future School Committee meeting to discuss their students’ performances on the 2015 PARCC test. Included in the data presented will be the poverty levels of pupils and the percentage of Special Needs students in each school. The principals will be given four minutes to present their results to the Committee at a meeting next month.

Of the PARCC results, Mrs. Crowley said, “the principals need to own the scores.”

Mrs. Crowley has already gone about filling two of the remaining openings in the central office. Her fellow finalist for the superintendent’s post, Celeste Bowler, has been hired for the newly renamed position of assistant superintendent, replacing Dawn August who left the formerly referred to position of Director of Curriculum in October.

Julian MacDonnell Jr. was also hired as the new Director of Pupil Personnel/Special Education. Mr. MacDonnell fills the void left by the departure of Eileen Crudele for the same job in the Smithfield system a month ago.

While Mr. MacDonnell was supposed to begin his duties the day after last week’s meeting, December 9, Mrs. Bowler’s start date was to be determined. She is in the process of leaving her position as assistant super for the Hamilton-Wenham district on Boston’s north shore.

As they wait for their new colleague, Mrs. Crowley and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand will themselves take the lead on a few front-burner issues.

Mrs. Crowley said Dr. Forand, herself only hired for her current role just about two months ago, will oversee a new evaluation system for the district’s teachers, something akin to what she worked on during her time at the Rhode Island Department of Education. She will also help formulate a revised curriculum for the English Language Arts (ELA), including what Mrs. Crowley called “a substantial” K-3 reading program.

Similarly, the superintendent will be at the fore of the district’s push to improve students’ performance in the Engage New York Math and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) curriculums, both key components of the Common Core program.

And on a comparable note, Mrs. Crowley said plans are in the works to implement an in-house assessment program at each school to better track the performance and subject matter retention of pupils.

Besides her meetings with staff and students, the superintendent engaged her counterpart at City Hall, City Manager Richard Kirby, in an introductory discussion on matters of importance to each. Mrs. Crowley described their conversation as “very good.” She induced some laughter from the Committee members and the audience when she said there were issues both she and Mr. Kirby would each like to have some movement on from the other, calling it a valuable “give-and-take.”

Lastly, the superintendent recommended the position of assistant athletic director be reactivated. The position was deemed unnecessary a few years ago by the state-appointed Budget Commission. Since, current district AD Bob Duarte has been solely responsible for sports at both the middle and high school levels. Mrs. Crowley said the assistant, or middle school athletic coordinator, would be dedicated to sports at Riverside and Martin Middle Schools. The position already exists in the teachers’ contract. The superintendent said the position “is important for safety issues” related to operating middle school athletics.

Near the end of her report, Mrs. Crowley, correctly, said to the Committee, “As you can see we have a lot going on right now.”

The post Crowley busily begins tenure as East Providence superintendent appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

By Nick Friend

EAST PROVIDENCE — The news of an East Providence High School student recently being diagnosed with Stage Four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma quickly caught the attention of the community, eventually finding its way to one resident who is trying to pull the city together for the cause.

EPHS girls’ basketball head coach Mike Solitro found out that sophomore Dylan Carreiro had been diagnosed with cancer through the young man’s baseball coach Bob Rodericks, who in turn asked if Mr. Solitro’s non-profit organization, OpportUNITY Knocks, could help out.

With that in mind, Coach Solitro decided to change his Townies’ annual “Pink Out” game in support of breast cancer awareness to one recognizing Dylan’s fight, “Buckets For Bravery,” with proceeds now going to support their schoolmate.

The “Buckets For Bravery” contest takes place on January 14 as East Providence hosts Mt. Hope with tip-off set for 7 p.m. Coach Solitro said he hopes the city shows its “Townie Pride” as he wants to break the attendance record of an EPHS girls’ basketball game.

As part of the fundraiser bracelets inscribed with “#DylansFight” will be available for purchase at $1 apiece. T-shirts will also be in soon. And local businesses are being asked to sponsor the game for a fee of $100.

“We are trying to raise as much money for the family and for the medical bills with the situation that they are in,” Coach Solitro said.

The annual “Pink Out” game was originally inspired by Coach Solitro’s grandmother, who passed away from cancer. The yearly game eventually led to his founding of the OpportUNITY Knocks organization, as he became emotionally and financially vested in causes like Dylan’s and others in need.

“This year we wanted to keep the game kind of the same but this time have it go right towards the Carreiro family. It is actually becoming overwhelmingly emotional for myself, OpportUNITY Knocks, and the people that are getting involved and helping me,” Coach Solitro said. “I really want to stress that I want it to be more of a community effort than anything else.

“No question, that is one of our major goals. Not so much for the team, but we want Dylan to hopefully be able to join us at the game. I think seeing strength in numbers would be huge. To see that kind of support throughout the community can make his fight look easier knowing that he has a community supporting him with that ‘Townie Pride.’ Filling every single bleacher in the house is our goal as of right now.”

The coach is calling for the whole community to get involved as they make January 14 what the coach deemed as “Dylan’s Day.”

“Anybody can make a donation to OpportUNITY Knocks and then we will write a check out to the Carreiro family. Right now we are accepting sponsorships for the game along with T-shirt and bracelet sales. We also have every school in the community trying to get on board,” he added. “We are basically making January 14 Dylan’s day so kids will wear purple to school and each individual school will have their own collections.”

Coach Solitro said he has received responses from around the city, state, country and world.

“To be honest the response has been really amazing,” he explained. “It has been really, really crazy and great.”

The goal is to raise S5,000, which Coach Solitro thinks they will “shatter” based on the response so far. Dylan began chemotherapy two weeks ago and the coach believes the community can come together to show him that he isn’t alone.

“We want him to know that his first priority is for him to get himself healthy, but the second one is him knowing that he has touched the lives of so many people throughout the community,” Coach Solitro said. “We want him to know that everyone is pulling for him and that he does have a very strong support system throughout the city. As long as we can get other people involved throughout the state of Rhode Island and create that sense of unity which is our ultimate goal.”

For information about the “Buckets For Bravery” contest visit facebook.com/opportunityknocksri.

The post East Providence supports Carreiro with ‘Buckets For Bravery’ basketball game appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police detectives continue to actively investigate a series of house robberies in the Rumford section of the city, which began some two weeks ago.

According to EPPD Lieutenant Raymond Blinn, detectives are “following multiple leads” in the case. The first of seven successful break-ins occurred on December 4. The last took place on December 10. Two other attempts proved unsuccessful, he added.

The house thefts encompassed a large swarth of Rumford, though most have been in the Newport Avenue corridor, Lt. Blinn continued. The perpetrator or perpetrators have absconded with mostly jewelry or smaller, valuable electronic devices such as laptops. As the lieutenant said, “basically things they can easily carry” that are significant value.

To date, police don’t know if the burglaries are the act of a lone thief or a team thieves. Lt. Blinn said regardless of the number, the robber or robbers are “getting in and out pretty quick,” making matters a bit more difficult for police.

Investigators have received ample cooperation from the community, but have also been given “several different IDs” of potential suspects.

“We have leads we’re working on, but nothing concrete at this point,” Lt. Blinn said. “I can say we’re following up on multiple leads.”

The EPPD has increased patrols in the area as a result of the thefts and remains very interested in any assistance Rumford residents can provide.

“We want the people up in Rumford to know that we are taking this matter very seriously,” Lt. Blinn added. “We also want them to be very observant and to not hesitate to call us if they see an anomaly taking place. They know the neighborhood better than we do, so we encourage them to contact us with any information they think will be helpful.

“This case will get solved by us working together with the assistance of the Rumford community.”

The post East Providence Police actively investigate Rumford break-ins appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

TIVERTON — A close game throughout, a late turnover doomed visiting East Providence High School as Tiverton defeated the Townies, 34-32, in a Division II girls’ basketball contest Friday night, Dec. 18.

The margin stayed within a few possessions for most of the night. The host Tigers held a slim 17-15 lead at halftime. East Providence, however, managed to rally and take a seemingly solid five-point lead with a minute to play.

But in the final seconds of the contest, Tiverton’s Ireland McGreavy made what proved the decisive play, stealing an errant E.P. pass and finishing a break-away layup to put the Tigers on top for keeps.

The Townies actually grabbed an offensive rebound and had a chance to add to what was a 32-31 lead with about 15 seconds remaining before the unfortunate miscue occurred. E.P. also turned the ball over to the Tigers on a five-seconds call off an out of bounds play and failed to convert the front ends of one-and-one free throw attempts late the game, according to EPHS head coach Mike Solitro.

McGreavy and Amber Silva shared team-high scoring honors for the Tigers with eight apiece. Haley Mendoza added seven and Sydney Pelletier six for Tiverton, which improved to 1-1 in the early D-II standings.

Angela Leonardo led the Townies with a game-best 14 points. Shaniah Hazard added 8. E.P. slipped to 1-1 in league play.

East Providence Post and eastbayri.com contributing photographer Tim Marshall snapped the following pics…

The post Tiverton trips up East Providence in girls’ basketball appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — To local resident Bob Murphy being “Santa Claus” isn’t just a job to tend to during the holiday season each year. To him, it’s really more of a calling.

The 72-year-old East Providence native is familiar to many in the city and across the area for his vivid portrayal of jolly old “St. Nick.” And it’s not just because of his snow white hair, his long beard of the same color, the small round glasses atop his nose or the red shoes he wears regularly. No, it’s actually because he truly does believe in the ideal behind the legend, and tries to live it every day.

East Providence Post and eastbayri.com staff photographer Rich Dionne took the following pictures of “Santa” Bob during a recent event. A full feature on Mr. Murphy appears here on Christmas Day and in this week’s print edition of The Post.

The post Gallery: East Providence’s ‘Santa’ Bob appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — To local resident Bob Murphy being “Santa Claus” isn’t just a job to tend to during the holiday season each year. To him, it’s really more of a calling.

The 72-year-old East Providence native is familiar to many in the city and across the area for his vivid portrayal of jolly old “St. Nick.” And it’s not just because of his snow white hair, his long beard of the same color, the small round glasses atop his nose or the red shoes he wears regularly. No, it’s actually because he truly does believe in the ideal behind the legend, and tries to live it every day.

“If I can walk down the street or into a super market or a drug store or a restaurant and put a smile on someone’s face, that makes my day,” Mr. Murphy said recently. “People think I’m doing it for them, but I get as much out of it or more myself. Like I always tell the children, if someone doesn’t have a smile, give them one of yours.”

Born and raised on Vine Street, Mr. Murphy was a student at Sacred Heart School as well as a communicant and altar boy there. The father of two and grandfather of four has been appearing regularly as “Santa” for some 25 years. But the idea of being “St. Nick” first started about four decades ago when his hair began to gray.

“Way back, I’d say about 38 years ago, I had a Kenny Rogers kind of thing going on,” Mr. Murphy explained, referencing the legendary singer’s noted silvery locks. “Then when my hair was all white, I figured it might be something I’d like to do. I always liked doing things for people. It was a way for me to give back. It’s nice to put your head on the pillow at night knowing you’ve done something good for others.”

Mr. Murphy takes his rest each evening feelings a bit blessed for a variety of reasons. He has survived three heart attacks and lived through a quadruple bypass. His wife, Pat, is a 10-year survivor of cancer.

“My wife and I have had our share of health problems, but we’re very fortunate that our kids and grandkids are healthy. This is just a great way of doing something that makes people happy, to show my appreciation for what I have,” he said.

Mr. Murphy takes appointments year-round, including “Christmas in July” events with the Pawtucket Red Sox and other organizations or businesses. He’s most busy, obviously, the last few months on the calendar, beginning in the fall. This year, he appeared at the New England Patriots “Black Friday” event at Gillette Stadium the day after Thanksgiving.

“I start in October and don’t usually have a day off until Christmas Eve, but this year I’m actually doing an event on Christmas Eve for the first time,” he said.  “It’s just what I do. I’m Santa all year long.”

Being “Santa” is a serious undertaking Mr. Murphy shares with a host of others. One weekend each year, he along with about 70 or so Santas are joined by their wives at the annual “Northeast Santa Gathering” on Cape Cod. There, they learn the intricacies of the craft, share stories and are introduced to the latest products associated with the vocation. As important to those involved, money raised from the weekend is donated to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

“I do make money, but I could make a lot more,” Mr. Murphy said. “That’s not why I do this. I do a lot with Special Needs children, raising money and doing whatever I can to help.”

Mr. Murphy owns “eight or nine” Santa suits for just about every occasion, from the easily recognizable red and white frocks to more ornate ones reflective of religious traditions. Mr. Murphy, in fact, takes some inspiration from the real-life story of St. Nicholas, born to a wealthy family in fourth century Turkey who  upon the sudden death of his parents devoted his life and fortune most directly to children.

“I make a point with the photographers I work with that I need at least 15 minutes with each child so I can listen to them, tell stories, make the experience a little special,” Mr. Murphy added. “It’s not about the money. I just love what I do.”

See the companion photo gallery of “Santa Bob” by Post photographer Rich Dionne here…

The post Being ‘Santa’ means more to East Providence’s Murphy appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — A city woman only days removed from being arrested on charges of driving under the influence was involved in another alcohol related incident on New Year’s Eve.

Brenda Buja, of 13 Washburn Ave. in the Rumford section, is charged with ramming her vehicle into the home of her neighbor at 9 Washburn Ave. at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31.

Ms. Buja, 42, then left the vehicle and walked just next door to her home. She also faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident and refusing a chemical test as well as violating bail.

It’s the second time in a matter of 11 days Ms. Buja was arrested on a DUI charge. East Providence Police said she was taken into custody on December 20 for the same violation. As she was Thursday, she was released on bail after that previous incident.

Ms. Buja is scheduled to be arraigned Monday, Jan. 4, in Sixth District Court, Providence.

The post East Providence woman crashes into home, faces second DUI charge in days appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — For the second time in the last few days, an alcohol related motor vehicle incident in city has caused damage or injury.

East Providence Police reported an officer was taken to hospital in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 3, after his cruiser was struck by another car traveling eastbound on Interstate 195.

Veronica Areias, 34, of Phillips Avenue in New Bedford, was arrested and charged with DUI, driving under the influence, after her vehicle, a Honda Accord, rear ended an East Providence Police Cruiser, a Ford SUV, at approximately 2:30 Sunday morning. One officer was transported to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The officer was treated and released from Miriam Hospital in Providence later in the morning. Ms. Areias was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. She is scheduled to be arraigned this week in Sixth District Court.

The latest incident followed one on New Year’s Eve when Brenda Buja, of 13 Washburn Ave. in the Rumford section, was charged DUI after with ramming her vehicle into the home of her neighbor at 9 Washburn Ave. at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31.

The post Officer injured as woman is arrested in East Providence on DUI charges appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The owner of the establishment was arrested and a city landmark eatery has been shuttered at least temporarily by the state for failing to pay its taxes.

East Providence Police, at the behest of the Rhode Island Department of Taxation, arrested George “Sparky” Watts Thursday afternoon, Jan. 7, for a series of white collar crimes pertaining to tax evasion.

Mr. Watts was taken to Sixth District Court in Providence for an initial arraignment, according to EPPD Lieutenant Raymond Blinn. He will be re-arraigned later in State Superior Court on “at least three felony counts,” Lt. Blinn added.

It is alleged Mr. Watts failed to pay state sales taxes due from his business, the revered “Sparky’s Coney Island System” restaurant located at 122 Taunton Ave. Sources indicated Mr. Watts is in arrears to the state for tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes.

Lt. Blinn declined to comment on the specific total but said it “was significant enough for the state to say enough was enough.” Lt. Blinn said Mr. Watts was found to have failed to pay taxes on the business for at least a “couple of years.”

Representatives from the Department of Taxation filed a formal complaint against Mr. Watts with East Providence Police just prior to Christmas, Lt. Blinn said. EPPD Detective Jose Taveira, the department’s lead examiner for financial crimes, began an investigation, which culminated with Thursday’s arrest. Mr. Watts apparently ignored numerous notices from the state over the last few years.

Sparky’s Coney Island System was ordered to be closed as of the end of the day January 7. Lt. Blinn said the operation can not reopen until the tax matter is resolved.

The post Owner of East Providence restaurant faces tax evasion charges appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — While there is no need to be alarmed, residents in the Waddington area of Riverside nonetheless should be aware of a reported coyote sighting there in the last few days.

East Providence Police Animal Control Officer Will Muggle confirmed the report Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 6, noting it was the first he had of a coyote possibly being in the area in recent months.

The sighting took place the previous evening around 8:30 p.m. in the location of Rounds Avenue near the Evangelical Covenant Church. The person making the report said the coyote was about the same size as a German Shepard. Officer Muggle also confirmed the area has a significant deer population, which is likely one of the reasons why the coyote may be present.

Officer Muggle cautioned residents, especially those with pets, to be mindful of the possible presence of coyotes, but to also understand they seldom if ever interact with humans. Coyotes are mostly nocturnal, so pet owners should be conscious of them at night and in the pre-dawn hours.

“We definitely have some coyotes around the city,” Officer Muggle added. “If you see while you’re out walking your dog or in your yard, leave it alone or call us. More than likely it’s just looking for food and will move along. And don’t feed it. That’s when you tend to have problems, when people feed them. Human attacks are rare. I’m not sure we’ve ever had an attack here in Rhode Island, but you obviously don’t want to take a chance.”

According to literature at the state Department of Environmental Management, in urban and suburban environments coyotes prefer to travel through and remain in close proximity to areas with abundant hiding cover. This could include powerline rights-of-ways, urban stream corridors or parks and other open space areas. Taking shortcuts through suburban backyards to and from food sources is common. Coyotes prey on a wide variety of animals including rabbits, squirrels, woodchucks, deer, mice, voles, birds, snakes, and insects.

The DEM provides the following things to do to avoid or eliminate problems with coyotes

Do not leave garbage containers open or accessible to animals.

Do not feed your pets outside. If you must, remove all uneaten food immediately.

Never intentionally feed coyotes or other wild animals.

Keep small pets, especially cats indoors, a coyote will not make a distinction between your house cat and any other small mammal.

Keep your pets vaccinations and heartworm prevention up to date.

Inform young children never to approach any wild animals.

Protect vulnerable domestic fowl and livestock in enclosures, particularly during birthing season. Properly dispose of carcasses. Consult with the Division of Fish and Wildlife for ways to protect livestock from coyotes and other predators.

Use loud noises such as whistles, air horns, shouting or whatever is available to discourage coyotes from taking shortcuts or frequenting backyards.

Inform local or DEM officials of any contacts between coyotes and pets or people.

If you have questions regarding coyotes, or are having problems with coyotes, contact East Providence Animal Control at 435-7675 or the DEM at 789-0281.

The post Residents should be aware of coyote sighting in East Providence appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — In an emotionally charged retort to critics, Ward 4 City Councilman Tim Conley, for the first time in a public setting, acknowledged his receipt of healthcare benefits through the city and challenged those opposed to his acceptance to question him directly.

Mr. Conley made his remarks at the conclusion of a special joint session of the Council and the School Committee to discuss the status of East Providence High School held Monday evening, Jan. 11.

He called those who anonymously question his acceptance of the benefits “cowards,” especially those people who take to social media sites to dispute his integrity.

Mr. Conley said the decision to once again offer members of the City Council healthcare was made by former City Manager Paul Lemont. The state-appointed Budget Commission had rescinded the benefits during its oversight of the city from late 2011 to the fall of 2013. Mr. Lemont re-instituted the long-standing policy in early 2015 at a budgetary cost of approximately $50,000.

“What was his motivation? You’ll have to ask him,” Mr. Conley said of Mr. Lemont’s decision. He added he personally “never asked for it,” but he said in comparison to what he was offered by his full-time employer it would have been “insane” for him not to accept the city’s healthcare plan.

Mr. Conley explained he has a Special Needs child whose continued medical costs are extremely expensive. The city’s plan made paying for those bills much more affordable. However, he said in light of the continued criticism he has received for accepting the city benefits, he will re-enroll in his employer’s plan as soon as possible.

Regardless, Mr. Conley said those most vocal in their opposition, those who claim he is in politics for any financial gain are willfully “absurd and ignorant.” He said his $3,500 salary for being a Councilman equates to $65 a week, but that the position entailed much more time and effort than for what he is paid. He added he did nothing “unethical” in accepting city healthcare and that there was no “malfeasance.”

He said he was both willing to have a debate about whether or not the benefit should be offered to Councilors in the future as well as to discuss his intentions with anyone who called him or approached him publicly.

Mr. Conley concluded by saying “99.9 percent of people would have made the same decision as I did.”

Ward 2 Councilman Helder Cunha, who along with Mr. Conley and Ward 3 Councilman Tommy Rose accepted city healthcare when offered last year, agreed with the sentiments of his peer.

Mr. Cunha said questioning his decisions as a politician were fair game, but bringing his family into the discussion was not acceptable. He called those who use social media to complain or criticize “keyboard warriors,” who were unwilling to confront him in person.

“This in not an easy job and it certainly isn’t a part-time job,” Mr. Cunha added.

He later concluded his remarks by saying everyone in the city is a “shareholder” in its success and that all should work together in a thoughtful and respectful fashion.

The post East Providence Councilman Conley answers healthcare critics appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — At its’ meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 12, in the City Hall Chamber, the East Providence School Committee approved a sweeping set of contracts for the department’s administrative staffers.

The Committee, at the behest of new Superintendent Kathryn Crowley, gave its backing to pacts forged with the principals and assistant principals at a number of the district’s buildings, including those at the high school, both middle schools and Whiteknact Elementary School. The contracts for the principals at the other seven elementary schools were also approved.

Mrs. Crowley said each of the deals followed a similar “template” or format. In addition, the majority of the contracts are for three years in length.

After the meeting Committee Chairman Charlie Tsonos noted East Providence became “the last city or town in Rhode Island to have principals under contract.”

Likewise, the Committee also approved pacts with administrators in the main office, included among those the two recently hired assistant superintendents (Sandra Forand and Celeste Bowler), the newly employed director of pupil personnel/special education (Julian MacDonnell) and the current director of operations (Diana Clarkin).

There was a brief pause for discussion on a pair of main office contracts.

Some confusion surrounded the inclusion of Deputy Finance Director Linda Dykeman on the list. Mrs. Crowley admitted to believing Mrs. Dykeman was paid through the city, not the school district since her’s in a consolidated post. She is not. Mrs. Dykeman’s salary comes from the district’s coffers.

Also, members of the Committee wondered if Mrs. Dykeman wanted a deal or wished to remain an at-will employee. It was made clear by both Mrs. Crowley and Mrs. Dykeman herself that the deputy director indeed wanted an agreement with term.

Once explained thoroughly, Ward 4 Committee member Jessica Beauchaine, who was initially uncertain about the circumstances surrounding the matter, expressed her pleasure with Mrs. Dykeman’s contract by saying, “we didn’t want to lose you.”

The aforementioned pacts and some others not included were each approved by unanimous voice votes of the Committee members and most of those as well are three years in length.

The one deal debated more thoroughly was that for Anthony Feola as the department’s permanent director of facilities. Mr. Feola, also the district’s security operations manager, had been serving in the position on an interim basis since Bill Reynolds resigned late last summer.

In recommending him for approval, Mrs. Crowley said he will continue to maintain both roles going forward. She added, however, Mr. Feola’s contract was only for one year and that he had agreed to engage in a formal review of his status at the end of that 12-month period. Also, the superintendent said she plans to shortly submit a request to the Committee to approve the hiring of an assistant facilities director to help oversee the division.

Mr. Tsonos was the deciding tally in a 3-2 roll call vote of the Committee in favor of retaining Mr. Feola in his dual capacity. At-Large Committee member Joel Monteiro and Ward 3’s Nate Cahoon also voted in the affirmative. Though neither went into detail, Mrs. Beauchaine and Ward 2 representative Tony Ferreira voted against Mr. Feola’s contract.

“I think the superintendent is assembling an excellent team. They are outstanding people,” Mr. Tsonos said prior to cast his tie-breaking vote. “We need to rely on the judgement of the superintendent.”

One last personnel decision of note from Tuesday, Mrs. Crowley asked that her request to approve the hiring of an assistant director of pupil personnel be tabled. It was.

The post School Committee approves contracts for East Providence administrators appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — It’s looking likely the next East Providence School District term will once again begin prior to Labor Day as it did this current year for the first time in recent memory.

The School Committee green-lighted a request by Superintendent Kathryn Crowley to start planning the 2016-17 calendar and in doing so initiate contact with the East Providence Education Association, the union of the district’s teachers, to once more agree to the opening of schools prior to the late-summer holiday.

Mrs. Crowley informed the Committee she and her staff were in the process of formulating the ’16-17 schedule. The district would have to again engage in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the EPEA to start the term sooner than is spelled out in the current pact between the sides.

The teachers’ contract stipulates the school year begin after Labor Day. Last year, a majority of the EPEA membership voted to make what was then a one-time change to their deal, allowing for the earlier-than-written start. They would once more need to cast their lot agreeing to change for it to occur next fall as well.

“Starting school before Labor Day this school year was a decision that has been pretty well received by teachers although in order to do the same for next school year it again would need to be approved by a majority of the districts teachers,” EPEA president Nick Shattuck said.

A year ago, as would be the case in 2016, the EPEA agreed to start classes the week prior to the holiday. If it were done so later this summer, one hypothetical bandied about Tuesday would see schools possibly open on Thursday, Sept. 1. They would remain that way the next day then close for the long Labor Day weekend before starting up again in earnest the following Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Also on the scheduling front, the superintendent asked if the body would like her to include the traditional week of vacation February. Mrs. Crowley indicated her predecessor, Kim Mercer, had been looking into not incorporating the annual break into the schedule.

In response, At-Large Committee member Joel Monteiro told Mrs. Crowley that Mrs. Mercer had done so because in recent years East Providence had to make up a significant number of days due to winter snowstorms. However, by starting the term sooner, it would likely be able to avoid extending the year deeper into June.

The post East Providence likely to start school early again this fall appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The City of East Providence Public Works Department has announced that due to the Martin Luther King JR. holiday there will be no rubbish collection on Monday, Jan. 18.

Rubbish collections for the week will be delayed one day. Residents are asked to have rubbish containers at the curbline by 6 a.m. for collection.

The post Public Works sets MLK week rubbish collection changes in East Providence appeared first on EastBayRI.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE — The City of East Providence Office of Affirmative Action / EEO sponsors a commemorative program in honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Providence City Hall, 145 Taunton Ave.

“On the third Monday of January the country celebrates Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday to remember his tireless fight for justice and equality.”

Artwork will be display by local students. Vintage African American Memorabilia will be on exhibit. There will also be singing and readings.

This event is free and family friendly.

The post East Providence plans annual MLK Jr. ceremony appeared first on EastBayRI.com.