The amendment would “prohibit the development of new gas stations within city limits, while prioritizing the development and installation of [electric vehicle] charging stations across Providence,” according to language released Wednesday evening. The original draft of the comprehensive plan only sought to “discourage” future gas stations.

Neither Goncalves nor other city staff were able to say precisely how many gas stations are licensed and operating in the city, but business listings on Google indicate it is somewhere in the ballpark of 40.

If approved, Providence’s last newly-constructed gas station would be the Neon Marketplace on Kinsley Avenue, which opened in 2022.

Goncalves said he was not aware of any other east coast cities that have banned new gas stations, but several have in California as part of a movement that is still small but growing among climate advocates. The first city to ban new gas pumps was Petaluma, Calif., in 2021, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“It’s important that we’re leading the way in reducing some of our carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner, greener energy future,” Goncalves told the Globe. “I think Providence can take the lead here.”

The city’s current goal is for municipal buildings and vehicles to be carbon neutral by 2040, with the entire city hitting that goal by 2050. Governor Dan McKee has sought to end the import of gas-powered cars for sale in Rhode Island by 2035.

The proposal would not close any existing gas stations, and business owners would be able to transfer gas station ownership to new owners, according to council staff. But new gas stations would be prohibited once the comprehensive plan is formalized in city zoning ordinance, which is expected to happen after the comprehensive plan — essentially a vision document — is passed.

“Existing stations will continue to serve our community, remaining a valuable resource,” Goncalves said. He acknowledged that the council has not done a market demand study to determine whether Providence has enough gas pumps.

In addition to climate goals, Goncalves said new gas stations should be prohibited so that available land can be used for housing. The council previously banned new self-storage facilities for a similar reason.

Mayor Brett Smiley did not immediately weigh in on whether new gas stations should be banned, but criticized the last-minute amendment by the council. Spokesperson Josh Estrella noted the new comprehensive plan is the “result of two years of meaningful community engagement and over 80 public meetings in every neighborhood,” which were attended by city councilors.

“Amendments passed at the eleventh hour disrespect the thoughtful and diligent process we went through to develop this plan with our community,” Estrella said. “The mayor will review and evaluate this amendment and every amendment introduced today with that same diligence.”

Smiley has the power to veto the plan if approved by the council, but the council can override a veto with a two-thirds majority.

The City Council is in the final weeks of vetting the overall comprehensive plan before it becomes official, and proposed several other amendments Wednesday. The council opted not to eliminate parking minimums — which require housing developments include a certain number of parking spots — citywide, a demand from some public transit advocates.

Instead, the proposal says the council will work on eliminating the parking minimums in certain zones of the city, which have not yet been disclosed. (The parking minimums already don’t apply to downtown or the I-195 redevelopment district.)

A final hearing for the public to testify before the Ordinance Committee is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. next Wednesday at City Hall.

Steph Machado can be reached at steph.machado@globe.com. Follow her @StephMachado.

TIVERTON, R.I. (WLNE) — West Place Animal Sanctuary is honoring Erna the Crested Pekin Duck, Rhode Island’s oldest-known duck who lived to be 17-and-a-half years old.

Erna was the sanctuary’s first rescue, and the last member of the original group of animals rescued in 2007.

The animal sanctuary plans to remember Erna at the entrance to the property, with a headstone and plants, titled “Erna’s Garden” once completed.

“We never really did anything special with this area, but we decided that Erna deserved something a little more than just a proper headstone,” Executive Director Wendy Taylor said. “We’ve been working on this for the past week or so, and we’ll continue to work on it until we finish.”

Taylor said Erna was more than just a rescue, but also a motherly figure to other animals at the sanctuary.

“I don’t think West Place would’ve been able to do what we’ve done all this time if it hadn’t been for her,” Taylor said. “Her fostering was in the hundreds, we stopped counting many years ago.”

Taylor described Erna as “spunky” and a “tomboy” as a younger duck, who grew with love through motherhood.

“When she got into her older years, that was when she had that old grandmotherly love to give,” Taylor said.  “That’s when all the other birds started taking care of her, it really was a full life cycle for her.”

Erna is survived by her daughter Sesame and nephew Duncan, who has the potential to pass Erna’s memorable age, coming up on 16-and-a-half years old.

Taylor told ABC 6 News that Crested Pekin Ducks usually live between eight to twelve years, which is why Erna’s age is so significant.

West Place Sanctuary is a finalist in the Land Rover Defender Service Awards, according to Taylor, who said anyone who wishes to support the organization can vote online.

“We were going to participate in this anyway,” Taylor said. “But once it started and we lost Erna, now we know we really need to win this in her honor.”

KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 9, 2024 – The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the racial wealth gap in Rhode Island, has announced the start of its highly anticipated Emerging Leaders Development Program for fall 2024, in partnership with the University of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training.

The program, now in its fourth year, is relying on a partnership with URI to advance the program while counting URI alumni in its ranks. The program will develop and advance the careers of young professionals already in the workforce, at businesses across the state, ranging from Amica and Blue Cross Blue Shield to Tides Family Services and Washington Trust, representing a range of fields and industries. The seven-month program is designed to empower mid- to senior-level participants living or working in Rhode Island with skills and knowledge to advance their careers.

The 30 professionals selected for this year’s cohort hail from diverse communities throughout Southern New England, including Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Lincoln, Central Falls, as well as Attleboro and Malden, Massachusetts.

This year’s program will take place at RIBBA’s new equity hub headquarters on Smith Hill in Providence. With funding from the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Real Jobs Initiative, the program is offered at no cost. Emerging Leader candidates must have at least five years of experience in their profession and hold a mid-level leadership or executive position in Rhode Island to apply for the program.

This year’s cohort, launching this October, includes URI alumni working at organizations across the state. They’ll each receive a comprehensive blueprint to accelerate their career, expand leadership and gain greater responsibility and influence within their respective industries.

Elexsis Cunningham ’13 is excited to join. A housing manager at Crossroads Rhode Island, she says she wanted to join to become a better leader: “In high school I never thought I would come this far. I didn’t even want to go to college. Here it is several years later and I have my degree and am in a management role. I’m ready to accomplish much more.”

Kaitlin (Jarvis) Carver ’11, a clinical manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield, adds, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Leaders Development Program offered by RIBBA. I believe this program is going to help me unlock another door on my journey as a woman leader. I’m excited to learn new perspectives and angles that I can apply in my current and future roles.”

URI boost

Now in its fourth year, Emerging Leaders has established itself as a pioneer program for career advancement in Rhode Island. RIBBA staff say they have partnered with URI’s Office of Strategic Initiatives to elevate the program’s impact.

“This program is essential for empowering a new generation of leaders in Rhode Island’s diverse community,” says Lisa Ranglin, president and CEO of RIBBA. “With the support of our partners, we are empowering them to break through barriers and become dynamic, impactful leaders in the state.”

“The challenges and opportunities facing the Rhode Island economy demand diverse leaders,” says John Olerio, executive director of URI’s Office of Strategic Initiatives. “The University of Rhode Island is thrilled to partner with RIBBA to empower these emerging changemakers with the dynamic leadership skills and strategies they will need to drive innovation and equitable economic growth across industries and communities.”

URI’s office of Strategic Initiatives, housed in Edwards Hall, connects innovation, creativity, and experimentation found at Rhode Island’s flagship research university to the Rhode Island business community and regional workforce. To learn more, visit here.

Learn more about the Emerging Leaders program.