Committee on Public Works

The Providence City Council Committee on Public Works met on October 7, 2026. It debated an ordinance to prohibit right turns on red at signalized intersections in downtown Providence, with a potential citywide expansion by 2028. Discussion covered traffic-engineer exceptions, implementation and signage, and enforcement: a first violation would receive a warning, while the proposed subsequent fine was reduced from $75 to $50. Members also discussed tying enforcement to posted signs and changes to the ordinance, including provisions for citywide signage and fines; the transcript does not clearly establish the final amendment or vote outcome. No contract award, vendor selection, or city procurement expenditure was identified.

The committee also considered a nonbinding resolution asking Brown University to preserve four historic homes near its proposed approximately 60,000-square-foot economics building. Brown described a revised plan that would preserve and renovate two homes, while the other two could be demolished if relocation is not feasible; the proposed building height was reduced from 75 feet to 60 feet. Members discussed neighborhood opposition and the project’s review process, but no public purchase or contract action was identified. The committee also took up traffic-sign and street-direction resolutions, including a request to make Buffalo Court one-way; the transcript does not clearly capture final votes on these items.