By Dave Mehr

September 28, 2006 | PROVIDENCE -- In a meeting with the City Council Tuesday, Jay Hicken, a member of the city's Historical Preservation Commission, presented recommendations for a new volume of Providence and Her People, a book which will be released in 2009 to commemorate the city's sesquicentennial.

The book's first volume was published in 1974 but since then, the city of Providence has grown tremendously.

"I think there will be some very interesting statistics," Hicken said.

The council was asked to organize a committee to do research for the second volume, which will cover 35 years of history, including information regarding mayors, city councils, growth, parks, sports, politics, education, and religion. Portions of interviews, articles, and photographs will also be included in the book.

"We've got qualified people," said Hicken, "there are wonderful people in this town. I think it will be a wonderful experience for those who like this kind of stuff. We need to get started."

Mayor Randy Simmons stated that by Nov. 1, a committee will be organized.

Also on Tuesday's agenda was a discussion involving the possiblity of replacing a portion of the Stadium 8 Theater's sign with the electronic sign attached to the building at 585 W. 100 North, where Casper's new ice cream shop recently opened.

The building's owner, Jeff Ballard, and Randy Bitton, a sales represtative from Young Electric Sign Company were present at the council meeting to discuss the new sign.

"The positioning of the sign is much better for everyone," Bitton said. Advertising will also be available for tenants in Ballard's building.

Councilman Deon Johnson feels that the city will also benefit from the new sign. "I think it's a plus for us too," he said.

Ballard informed those present that Pier 49 Pizza will be coming to the building complex, also commenting on Casper's ice cream shop, "It's the nicest ice cream shop in the state."

Mayor Simmons alerted council members of his upcoming newsletter in October, explaining that many citizens have been using gravel and rocks to landscape their parking strips. According to a city ordinance, grass, wood chips, trees, and other bushes are generally permitted in these areas, but rocks and gravel spread onto sidewalks and roads, becoming a hazard for residents, especially as snow plows cause loose gravel to become airborn. In October's newsletter, the mayor will encourage those citizens concerned with the issue to get in touch with their city council members.

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