When the Woonsocket-based non-profit NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley began redeveloping the Clocktower building in Burrillville, the old wool-weaving mill was far from move-in ready. Vegetation on the property had grown wild, once-expansive exterior windows were filled in with cinder blocks, and the inside was being used to store car parts. “These mills had seen their […]
South County Bureau
Posted inSouth County Bureau
Feds complete Watch Hill Lighthouse transfer, and public access guarantees aren’t included
The U.S. General Services Administration said this week it has finalized the transfer of the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse to a private nonprofit and officially executed the deed to the property for its new owner, the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association. The planned transfer was first announced last July by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. It […]
Posted inLocal, Shoreline Access, South County Bureau
ACLU says fire district letters to shoreline access donors could threaten free speech
The Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union is asking the Weekapaug Fire District to stop notifying shoreline access advocates that they may be called to testify in an ongoing legal matter because they donated to a GoFundMe campaign meant to support opening up public beach access in that case. In a Dec. […]
Posted inLocal, South County Bureau, Stories
Weekapaug Fire District takes new legal action against Westerly and Rhode Island
The Weekapaug Fire District filed a lawsuit in Rhode Island Superior Court on Dec. 6, arguing the state’s review of the Sand Trail at the Quonochontaug Barrier Beach for potential designation as a public right-of-way to the ocean should be closed by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. Weekapaug’s suit says the review that […]
Posted inHousing, Local, South County Bureau
New RI housing laws go into effect January 1. Will they help fix the affordable housing crisis?
Narragansett resident Rupert Friday wants people to know he’s not a snob, and he’s not a one-percenter who wants to fight affordable housing development. He’s retired from a career in land use planning and the nonprofit sector – a background he draws on as a member of the town planning board. His wife is a […]
Posted inArticle, Local, South County Bureau
Dark sky fans worry push for more lights in Ninigret Park could hurt popular Frosty Drew Observatory
Some residents say adding lights for youth sports at Ninigret Park would benefit teams that need a place to practice when it gets dark early. But the idea is getting fierce pushback from opponents who say it would alter the dark night skies necessary for stargazing and planetary viewing.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
‘It does not look good’: Westerly solicitor in the hot seat over shoreline access representation
The town of Westerly is widely considered to have a mixed, if not weak, record on fighting for the public to get to the shoreline. Advocates for coastal access point to the town’s tepid pursuit of beach rights-of-way, questionable changes to boat mooring policies, and highly restrictive parking rules in exclusive shoreline areas. Now access advocates say the general public faces a newer threat: Westerly’s own town solicitor. They say his past actions in shoreline access matters continue to raise doubts about whose interests he’s serving in critical ongoing legal cases.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
CT rail expansion study sparks interest in Westerly, an area underserved by public transit
Rhode Island’s public transportation system has long been the bane of mobility advocates, who say it doesn’t meet the needs of residents. A case in point is Westerly, where it’s hard to get just about anywhere outside of walking distance without a car. Now a new study exploring the possibility of extending Connecticut’s commuter train service into southern Rhode Island is generating some buzz. A town hall-style meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, where the public can weigh in.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
Stern warning from R.I. ACLU prompts changes to Weekapaug Fire District website
The Westerly-based fire district, a taxing entity with government authorities but no fire department, had blocked information on its website from public view.
Posted inArticle, South County Bureau
Controversial Westerly town councilor is center stage in latest skirmish over shoreline access
The Westerly Town Council could soon consider a proposal to enter into settlement discussions over a lawsuit challenging the public’s right to access a popular beach and conservation area in Watch Hill. But shoreline access advocates are raising conflict of interest questions about the new town councilor who proposed the idea.
