The Providence City Council on Oct. 16 approved, on first reading, an ordinance that strengthens the Department of Public Works’ enforcement tools to address trash containers left on sidewalks after collection days.

Under the ordinance (item 15), property owners may be cited repeatedly for leaving trash bins on public sidewalks after collection. Sponsors described a multi-step process: multiple citations and mailed notices over several months, culminating in a DPW decision — the ordinance uses permissive language that DPW “may” remove bins if the owner does not correct the violation.

Councilman Miguel Sanchez raised concerns about unintended consequences for renters if bins were removed and the landlord remained unresponsive. “My concern is, as written in in this ordinance is, are we kinda creating a a system here that might leave a renter, without a trash barrel for their trash?” Sanchez asked.

The sponsor, Councilman Luis Vargas, said the ordinance targets property owners and builds in extended time for owners to comply. “According to the ordinance, it's going to be getting, 4 times. The idea is to cite the property 4 times... The first citation goes out, it will take a month. The second will take another month. The third will take another month... So we're talking about almost 6 months period for this property owner to act,” he said, adding DPW will attempt to notify owners before any removal and that DPW may provide temporary options such as plastic bags if an owner cannot be reached.

Supporters argued the measure gives DPW needed authority to address persistent sidewalk obstructions that create hazards for people using wheelchairs and for children walking to school. “We have wheelchairs. We've got little kids going to school, and they don't they don't remove them. It's more dangerous for a little kid to get hit by a car because he's avoiding the cart and the sidewalk,” the sponsor said.

Opponents or cautious colleagues pushed for safeguards for tenants and asked whether departments would coordinate; Councilwoman Peterson asked whether communications would be shared between DPW and other departments. The sponsor said the ordinance places enforcement with DPW and that the removal authority was intentionally permissive to allow case-by-case discretion.

The ordinance passed for first reading in a roll-call vote by 10 ayes, 3 nays and 1 absent. The clerk recorded the roll call with these named votes: Council President Miller — aye; Deputy Majority Whip Anderbroich — nay; Majority Leader Espinal — aye; Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales — aye; Councilwoman Graves — aye; Councilwoman Peterson — aye; Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo — aye; Councilor Royas — nay; Councilwoman Ryan — aye; Majority Whip Sanchez — nay; Councilwoman Anna Vargas — aye; Councilman Oscar Vargas — aye; Councilman Taylor absent. The clerk announced, “You have 10 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent. The motion carries.”

What to expect: Sponsors said enforcement will be gradual and aimed at longstanding problems with absentee landlords and obstructed sidewalks. Several council members urged DPW to prioritize tenant protections and to use outreach when owners cannot be reached.

The ordinance will return for further reading; the council and DPW will need to coordinate implementation details such as owner-notice procedures and temporary options for tenants while removals are considered.