Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee’s latest nominee to a state council that regulates the coast is renewing calls for reform. Michael Reuter, a podiatrist who has spent time on the Barrington Harbor Commission, was chosen last week to serve on the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. Some critics, including South Kingstown resident and shoreline […]
Coastal Resources Management Council
Posted inEnvironment, Local
Country club wants mulligan on seawall, but controversial proposal could be stuck in the rough
State coastal regulators had some bad news this week for the North Kingstown country club that’s trying to get permission to construct a seawall where it’s already built one illegally. A subcommittee of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council voted Tuesday to deny the waterfront classification change sought by Quidnessett Country Club. The final […]
Posted inEnvironment, Political Roundtable, Politics
Save The Bay’s Jed Thorp on climate change, Narragansett Bay, and more
The intense downpours causing more street flooding in the region in recent years reflect the impact of climate change. At the other end of the weather spectrum, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee this week issued a statewide drought advisory.
But there’s some good news when it comes to the health of Narragansett Bay. Water quality has improved so much that Crescent Park Beach in East Providence will be reopened as a swimmable beach in 2026, after more than a century of non-use.
Jed Thorp is on the frontlines of these issues as director of advocacy for Save The Bay. The nonprofit environmental organization was founded in 1970 to protect Narragansett Bay. More than a half-century later, Rhode Island continues to wrestle with myriad environmental issues. So how does Thorp see the outlook, and is Rhode Island prepared for the environmental future? Political reporter Ian Donnis goes in-depth with Thorp on this week’s episode of Political Roundtable.
Posted inArts And Culture, Environment, The Weekly Catch
A fight over an illegal sea wall at a North Kingstown country club, the uncertain fate of WaterFire, and more
A North Kingstown country club is clashing with state coastal regulators, environmentalists and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after building an illegal sea wall along Narragansett Bay. Now the country club is trying to retroactively change the law. Also, WaterFire is an iconic Providence experience, but the nonprofit that runs it is in dire straits. We talk with the founder and CEO about what needs to happen to keep WaterFire afloat. And we hear from the composer behind a piece making its world premiere tonight at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival. Jerod Tate combines classical traditions with music from his Chickasaw heritage. Plus: political reporter Ian Donnis on the week in Rhode Island politics, and our picks for what to do this week.
Posted inEducation, Shoreline Access, The Weekly Catch
Mayor Smiley on his plan for struggling Providence schools, a fight over shoreline access heats up in Weekapaug, and more
There’s a growing anticipation as to when the state of Rhode Island will hand over control of Providence schools back to the district. Mayor Brett Smiley says that the city and the district need at least another year. We’ll ask him what he believes needs to happen before that transfer of power. Also, we hear about one of the state’s most hotly-contested battles over shoreline access – all centered around a tiny patch of coastline in Westerly. Plus, a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a studio session with Providence hot jazz band Paper Moon. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Politics, The Weekly Catch
For some lawmakers, LEOBOR reform doesn’t do enough to address police misconduct
The death of George Floyd in 2020 shined a light on the issue of police misconduct and use of force. Here in Rhode Island, there’s been an effort to reshape how we deal with this problem by changing LEOBOR – the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights. This week, Gov. McKee signed into law a bill that marks the first reforms to LEOBOR since its creation in 1976. But some believe it doesn’t go far enough. Also, attempts to reform the state’s Coastal Resources Management Council failed again this legislative session. And we meet artist Bob Dilworth, whose brilliantly textured and colorful paintings earned him a Pell Award this week from Trinity Rep. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEnvironment, Politics, The Weekly Catch
What’s behind the push to reform Rhode Island’s powerful Coastal Resources Management CouncilÂ
Environmental advocates are pushing for changes to Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council. We hear from State Sen. Victoria Gu, who is sponsoring legislation to reform the agency. Also, a manager of a Market Basket in New Bedford is facing numerous charges of sexual harassment. The four alleged victims are women facing challenges with their immigration status. And as COVID-19 relief money dries up, Rhode Island is in danger of losing shelter beds for the state’s growing number of homeless residents. Finally, we hear about O&G Studio in Warren, known for their modern approach to making furniture inspired by New England historical craft. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inArticle, Environment
New bills seek to restructure state agency responsible for RI coast
Critics are calling for significant changes to the powerful Coastal Resources Management Council.
Posted inArticle, Environment, South County Bureau
Fight for public access to Westerly beach moves one step forward
A legal battle over a contested right-of-way to the beach in Westerly has become a flashpoint in the debate over shoreline access.
Posted inEpisode, Possibly Podcast
Divided Waters – Can Offshore Wind Energy And The Fishing Industry Coexist In The Age Of Climate Change?
A live panel discussion about offshore wind and commercial fishing presented by ‘Possibly’ and The Public’s Radio.
