In Narragansett, coastal property owners along several popular rights of way to the shore are encroaching on designated public roads, effectively limiting parking and public access to the waterfront.
Alex Nunes
Alex oversees the three local bureaus at The Public’s Radio, and staffs the desk for our South County Bureau. Alex was previously the co-host and co executive producer of The Public's Radio podcast, Mosaic. The show explored the history of immigration in Southern New England through the stories of individual immigrants and their descendants and received an Edward R. Murrow Award for best podcast in the New England region. Alex previously worked as an editor at The Westerly Sun and The New London Day.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
A restaurant selling beachfront reservations ignites new controversy over shoreline access
After backlash on social media, Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council is looking into complaints about The Andrea restaurant in the Misquamicut area of Westerly that’s selling access to beachfront spots adjacent to its building.
Posted inArticle, Environment, South County Bureau
Environmental advocates say 2022 likely the ‘most productive’ legislative session in years
Environmental advocates in Rhode Island are applauding what they say was an especially successful recent legislative session. New legislation is on the books banning single-use plastic bags in retail stores, increasing drinking water monitoring, and adding funding for environmental programs, among other gains.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
‘This has been an issue the state has struggled with’: After promising legislative session, Rhode Island is still without a new shoreline access law
Another legislative session has come and gone, and Rhode Island is again without a law that could settle perennial disputes between beachgoers and property owners along the shore. House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill that would have clarified where people can exercise their right to access the shoreline under the state’s Constitution. But the proposal died in the Senate, where the Senate president said he was focused on other priorities.
Posted inArticle, Environment, South County Bureau
Gov. McKee signs legislation to expand wind energy use in Rhode Island
Gov. Dan McKee has signed legislation into law that aims to significantly expand the state’s use of newly-developed offshore wind energy.
Posted inArticle, Environment, South County Bureau
Gov. McKee signs law to reduce potentially harmful chemicals in Rhode Island drinking water
On Monday, Gov. Dan McKee signed into law a bill limiting toxic chemicals in drinking water, groundwater, and surface water. Environmental advocates are calling it a step in the right direction for protecting the safety of drinking water in Rhode Island.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
Students celebrate Juneteenth, ‘a holiday that is very special,’ with songs and poetry
This weekend, Rhode Islanders are again marking Juneteenth as a national holiday, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This past week, students at SouthSide Elementary Charter School in Providence recognized the occasion, performing songs and reading poetry at the Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket.
Posted inArticle
Shoreline access bill passes in Rhode Island House; fate in Senate uncertain
House lawmakers have passed a bill that would define where beachgoers can legally be along Rhode Island’s shoreline.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee passes shoreline access bill
A bill intended to clarify shoreline rights along Rhode Island’s coast is moving forward in the House.
Posted inArticle, Education
Brown University formally acknowledges the school is built on Narragansett ancestral land
Brown University has adopted an official land acknowledgment recognizing that the school is located on the ancestral home of Narragansett Indian Tribe.
