The City Of Providence held a Town hall meeting last week regarding a new residential ordinance focused on college students.

With close to a dozen supporters for the proposed ordinance and almost 40 against all in attendance, the town hall took place. The R-1 ordinance is currently in effect, however the revision plans to extend its reach to multi-dwelling house holds.

If the updated proposal passes, we will see changes with college off campus housing, specifically for those living around Pembrook St and Chad Brown St.

The new ordinance would see that only 3 students would be living in each house hold, regardless of house size, and would be monitored by their respective educational institution.

So it comes as no shock to see that the college student population would be in disapproval, with even landlords upset due to a loss of stable income. So what can we, the students do about it?

Well currently there is a petition going around, with a goal of 1,000 signatures, the link to said petition is here: https://www.change.org/p/protect-student-housing-rights-in-providence-ri

We can also contact our district representative and city hall office and file complaints and question the actions taken by the city in order for them withdraw and rethink this ordinance.

Finally, We can spread the word! We should be talking to everyone about it, but with the correct information. Word of mouth is one of the easiest ways information can be manipulated, so please pay attention!.

For any additional information or questions regarding the ordinance, you can go to the city hall website here (https://www.providenceri.gov) or call (401) – 521 – 7477 to speak to the city councils office.