Latest news with #Denvir
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Landlord-tenant commission can't agree on just cause evictions. There is consensus on other reforms.
Reclaim Rhode Island Co-Chair Daniel Denvir advocates for a proposal to codify just cause evictions during the final meeting of the legislative commission on landlord-tenant law on Monday, May 19, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) As a House commission studying Rhode Island landlord-tenant law met to prepare its final report Monday, tenants' rights organizations made a last-minute push for lawmakers to pass legislation to restrict the reasons landlords can use to justify evictions or refuse to renew a lease. A proposal to codify 'just cause evictions' surfaced as the 11-member commission formed last summer held its final meeting, drawing opposition from Realtors and landlords who argued such a measure was merely masquerading as a rent freeze. Commissioner Daniel Denvir, the co-chair of the tenant organizing group Reclaim Rhode Island, said he made the recommendation so that landlords can't evict their renters for arbitrary reasons. 'It is overwhelmingly, emphatically the singular thing that the tenant movement in this state wants,' Denvir said. 'You need a just cause to evict someone. You can't terminate a residency because a landlord said so.' Just cause legislation was introduced in both chambers in February. The House version is sponsored by Rep. Cherie Cruz, a Pawtucket Democrat, and the Senate bill is sponsored by Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat. Both bills received judiciary committee hearings and were held for further study, as is standard practice when legislation is first vetted by a panel. The legislation would cap rent increases at 4% annually or 1½ times the annual percentage change in the consumer price index — similar to the yearly cap municipalities face when raising taxes. The two Realtors on the commission argued that limiting rent increases will hinder property owners from making further investment into new buildings or maintaining existing ones. 'It's going to diminish housing, diminish the quality of housing, the quantity of housing,' said Commissioner Shannon Elizabeth Weinstein, an associate broker and partner at RentProv Realty. Housing advocates have repeatedly cited rising rents as a major factor in Rhode Island's growing unhoused population. 'Rents have gone through the roof,' Denvir said. The National Low Income Housing Coalition's latest 'Gap' report found that 64% of extremely low-income renters in Rhode Island spend more than half of their income on housing, leaving little for necessities like food and health care. Just 47 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 households with extremely low incomes, according to the report from the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit. Under the proposals from Cruz and Mack, landlords would have the ability to raise rent above the prescribed percentage. But if they attempt to evict a tenant for failing to pay the excess amount, the housing court would consider it a 'rebuttable presumption' that the increase was unreasonable. Building owners who manage five units or fewer would remain exempt from the proposed legislation. But Weinstein said the just cause eviction proposal is 'rent control with additional restrictions.' The commission was created through a House resolution last year to address recent disputes between landlords and tenants involving issues like housing discrimination, maintenance dilemmas, late payments, termination of tenancy and security deposits. It has also reviewed existing laws to determine what clarifications may be needed to language governing the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. Under the House resolution that created the panel, the recommendations were due by May 5. But Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat who serves as the commission's vice chair, told Rhode Island Current the group needed more time to refine and finalize its proposed changes. 'One internal discussion turned to several,' he said in an interview. A final report is expected to be completed Wednesday and then published online Thursday. It will include 11 recommendations discussed and debated by the commission. Both landlords and tenant organizations were in agreement on six of them: Seal eviction records when a case is dismissed. Seal the names of minors involved in eviction proceedings, and allow individuals aged 18 to 21 with familial ties to a tenant to request that their names also be sealed. Require landlords to provide a receipt 'without delay' after receiving any rental payment made in cash. Allow existing legal services for tenants facing eviction to continue, subject to available funding and income eligibility. Also consider providing financial assistance and supportive services to help tenants remain housed. Develop a model form to document tenant repairs. Seal eviction records when a tenant prevails over their landlord. Four recommendations came from landlords, over the objections from tenant groups: Allow landlords and renters to file an ex parte motion or request a temporary restraining order during eviction proceedings. Permit rent payments after a lease termination date. Amending termination notice language to reflect the rental due date as the termination date Give tenants the option to pay rent into the court registry when a stay of execution is granted in an eviction case. The only support for just cause eviction legislation came from Denvir. Commissioner Julie Finn, executive director of the Warwick Housing Authority, was not present at Monday's meeting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Belfast Telegraph
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Elegance personified': NI woman picks up best dressed honours at annual Punchestown Festival
The 2025 meet was the biggest ever held at the Co Kildare venue, with a record 136,651 people turning out and enjoying the racing and fine weather. Belfast woman Ciara Denvir took the crown in the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Friday, winning a trip for two to Paris, the Champagne Region. Reims and the Bollinger Estate, as well as a year's supply of Champagne Bollinger. Denvir stunned onlookers and judges with a carefully curated monochrome ensemble, which she said was entirely taken from her own wardrobe. The Belfast woman wore a cream and black hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery London, which she teamed a cream and black polka dot blouse by Coosy Studio (a Spanish brand), a black skirt by Romanian brand ATU Body Couture and a belt she's had for over 20 years. Her Dior earrings were several years old, while her statement green Prada shoes were bought last year in the sales. Finally, her bag was by Irish designer August Night and a ring from Boodles. The item was a gift from her husband, Peter Boyle, to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. Its purchase led to an invitation from the brand to join them for at the festival. "I feel absolutely overwhelmed and completely excited, I couldn't believe it,' Denvir – who previously won RTÉ's home of the year – told the broadcaster. "I've never been to the races before, and never entered a best dressed. I am looking forward to a wonderful and beautiful prize." Head Judge Jess Colivet said Ciara was 'elegance personified'. "We were looking for a curated look from head to toe, and I just felt this woman was elegance personified,' she said. "Her outfit was a beautiful monochrome classic look with a twist, and then the bravery of wearing that green shoe. She wore her look with confidence, elegance and style, a great winner for Bollinger.' The festival finale, Ballymore Family Day on Saturday saw 33,158 junior racegoers, families, socialisers and racing fans descend on the track compared with 25,396 on the same day last year. Conor O'Neill, CEO Punchestown commented 'The glorious weather ensured another beano festival here at Punchestown. "Whether you're 5 or 95 there has been something for everyone here at Punchestown this week and that's what it's all about.'
RTÉ News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Belfast woman named Best Dressed at Punchestown Festival 2025
The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition returned to Punchestown Festival this afternoon, with an emphasis on sustainable fashion through this year's theme: 'Something Old/Something New'. Fighting off fierce competition, it was Ciara Denvir from Belfast who took the top spot, with her consciously curated ensemble winning them a trip to the Bollinger Estate in France's stunning Champagne region along with a five-star Paris hotel stay, Michelin dining experience, flights and more. Denvir dazzled onlookers and judges alike with her carefully curated monochrome ensemble, which she said was entirely "shopped from her own wardrobe". The Belfast woman wore a cream and black hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery London, which she teamed a cream and black polka dot blouse by Coosy Studio (a Spanish brand), a black skirt by Romanian brand ATU Body Couture and a belt she's had for over 20 years. Her stunning Dior earrings are several years old and added some delicate sparkle, while her statement green Prada shoes were bought last year in the sales. Finally, her bag is by Irish designer August Night and ring from Boodles. That ring, it turns out, was her key to her winning ensemble today in more ways than one. The piece was a gift from her husband Peter Boyle to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. Its purchase led to an invitation from the brand to join them for at the festival. Speaking on her win, Denvir said: "I feel absolutely overwhelmed and completely excited, I couldn't believe it. I've never been to the races before and never entered a best dressed. I am looking forward to a wonderful and beautiful prize." Head Judge Jess Colivet was joined by guest judges Aoife McNamara, founder of Ireland's first B Corp fashion brand Aoife Ireland, and Isabel Gleeson, personal shopper and image consultant, in assessing this year's most stylish attendees. Also on the look out were Style Council Members Roxanne Parker, Lawson Mpame, David O'Connor, Kate Nally McCormack, alongside Style MC Marietta Doran. Over the past three days, a number of finalists were singled out thanks to their sustainable style, with the competition running over the first four days of the festival. You can see all of the finalists here. Today saw an all-time record-breaking attendance of 42,138 at Punchestown, a whopping increase of over 5,500 on Ladies Day last year. Speaking on the winning look, judge Colivet said: "We were looking for a curated look from head to toe and I just felt this woman was elegance personified. Her outfit was a beautiful monochrome classic look with a twist, and then the bravery of wearing that green shoe. She wore her look with confidence, elegance and style, a great winner for Bollinger." As if her winning outfit wasn't proof enough that Denvir has style, as it happens the Belfast local is also a former winner of RTÉ's Home of the Year. Having purchased and lovingly restored their Belfast home they entered and won the competition in 2019. Since then, the former barrister Ciara has hung up her wig and is now in business with the husband as a full-time interior creator.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joyous scenes at McIlroy's hometown club after members endure night of drama
Five hours of unbearable sporting agony gave way to scenes of unbridled joy as crowds at Rory McIlroy's home club in Co Down celebrated his dramatic Masters victory. After a night when members at Holywood Golf Club endured an emotional rollercoaster like no other, the clubhouse erupted as the local hero sank his birdie putt at the first play-off hole at Augusta National to finally capture a long sought green jacket and enter golfing immortality as a winner of the career grand slam of major titles. There were tears and cheers as club stalwarts embraced, while junior members who dream of emulating their hometown hero chanted McIlroy's name. The celebrations were a marked contrast to the sombre mood inside the club earlier in the night during the agonising moments of McIlroy's final round when he looked to have blown his chances of glory. Club captain Trevor Heaven said he had a feeling that 2025 was going to be McIlroy's year. 'We're so proud – this is immense for Holywood Golf Club,' he said. 'When I took on the captain role I got my green jacket, and I always said, 'if I get my green jacket, Rory will come after me'.' Former lady captain Paula Denvir said she kept faith that Holywood's most famous son would prevail in the end. 'It was so well deserved and we're all just so proud, we're just so made up for him,' she said. 'He just deserved this so much. There were tears of joy all over the place tonight and there was stunned silence too. Everybody is in bits. We're so delighted for him. It was brilliant. 'I'd every confidence in him, I don't know what it was about this year, I just thought 'he'll do this, this was it'. And I'm really glad he proved me right. I'm so delighted. 'For Holywood this is unbelievable. He's always been there, he's always been an ambassador, he's always been a supporter of the club. He has supported everything, he's supported charities, my charity last year – The Friends of the Cancer Centre. 'He's just an unbelievable ambassador for everywhere – for Holywood, for Northern Ireland, for Ireland, just across the board. And everybody should be just so proud.' Mrs Denvir's husband Tony is the club president at Holywood. She joked that, unlike her, he had the foresight to book a day off on Monday in anticipation of a draining Sunday night. 'It's incredible,' said Mrs Denvir. 'It's hard to put into words to be quite honest with you, and it's such a great achievement. Yeah, it's taken a wee while to do it. We all thought he was going to do it many years ago. It's taken a wee while, but he's got there in the end. 'And it's just absolutely unbelievable. For the whole country and for the game of golf in Northern Ireland – it's just fantastic.'
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Joyous scenes at McIlroy's hometown club after members endure night of drama
Five hours of unbearable sporting agony gave way to scenes of unbridled joy as crowds at Rory McIlroy's home club in Co Down celebrated his dramatic Masters victory. After a night when members at Holywood Golf Club endured an emotional rollercoaster like no other, the clubhouse erupted as the local hero sank his birdie putt at the first play-off hole at Augusta National to finally capture a long sought green jacket and enter golfing immortality as a winner of the career grand slam of major titles. There were tears and cheers as club stalwarts embraced, while junior members who dream of emulating their hometown hero chanted McIlroy's name. The celebrations were a marked contrast to the sombre mood inside the club earlier in the night during the agonising moments of McIlroy's final round when he looked to have blown his chances of glory. Club captain Trevor Heaven said he had a feeling that 2025 was going to be McIlroy's year. 'We're so proud – this is immense for Holywood Golf Club,' he said. 'When I took on the captain role I got my green jacket, and I always said, 'if I get my green jacket, Rory will come after me'.' Former lady captain Paula Denvir said she kept faith that Holywood's most famous son would prevail in the end. 'It was so well deserved and we're all just so proud, we're just so made up for him,' she said. 'He just deserved this so much. There were tears of joy all over the place tonight and there was stunned silence too. Everybody is in bits. We're so delighted for him. It was brilliant. 'I'd every confidence in him, I don't know what it was about this year, I just thought 'he'll do this, this was it'. And I'm really glad he proved me right. I'm so delighted. 'For Holywood this is unbelievable. He's always been there, he's always been an ambassador, he's always been a supporter of the club. He has supported everything, he's supported charities, my charity last year – The Friends of the Cancer Centre. 'He's just an unbelievable ambassador for everywhere – for Holywood, for Northern Ireland, for Ireland, just across the board. And everybody should be just so proud.' Mrs Denvir's husband Tony is the club president at Holywood. She joked that, unlike her, he had the foresight to book a day off on Monday in anticipation of a draining Sunday night. 'It's incredible,' said Mrs Denvir. 'It's hard to put into words to be quite honest with you, and it's such a great achievement. Yeah, it's taken a wee while to do it. We all thought he was going to do it many years ago. It's taken a wee while, but he's got there in the end. 'And it's just absolutely unbelievable. For the whole country and for the game of golf in Northern Ireland – it's just fantastic.'
