Rhode Island

CRMC under fire after postponed hearing on Quidnessett Country Club • Rhode Island Current

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1 month ago

November 26, 2024

CRMC under fire after postponed hearing on Quidnessett Country Club • Rhode Island Current

The embattled Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council is awash in criticism again — not for a controversial decision, but for the lack of one.

In a Nov. 25 email to the council, also shared on its website, Save the Bay Executive Director Topher Hamblett accused the panel of coastal regulators of “political favoritism and abuse of power.”

A council subcommittee was scheduled to hold a hearing at 4 p.m. Tuesday on Quidnessett Country Club’s application to ease development restrictions for its waterfront property in North Kingstown. But the meeting was cancelled, extending the saga over an illegal seawall built along the club’s shoreline nearly two years ago.

Hamblett alleges the delays are intentional.

Topher Hamblett (Courtesy photo)

“The Council’s months-long series of delays gives the country club an unfair economic advantage over law-abiding coastal landowners and businesses who spend money and time applying for permits to comply with the law,” he wrote in the email.

“The Council is opening the door for more violations and sending the message that it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Additionally, the Council’s lack of consistency and fairness undermines the integrity of Rhode Island’s coastal governance, the protection of our coastal ecosystems and the public’s ability to access the shore.”

In January 2023, the country club built a 600-foot-long stone wall between its golf course and the shoreline — violating existing coastal regulations intended to protect the sensitive coastal marshes that feed into Narragansett Bay. After the rock wall was discovered, with subsequent fines and warnings levied by state and federal regulators, the club sought to retroactively keep its illegal barrier in place.

Quidnessett’s April 12 petition, if approved, would downgrade the water classification from the existing Type 1 “conservation area” to a less stringent Type 2 “low intensity use,” which could — though it doesn’t have to — allow for a permanent structure like a seawall. Under the existing designation, all permanent structures are banned.

A council subcommittee took public comment, but postponed a vote on the water type redesignation at a September meeting, in order to give the country club more time to make its case. The club, through its attorneys, said a permanent barrier is needed to protect the flagship 18-hole golf course against rising sea levels.

Tuesday’s meeting would have been the next occasion to consider, and potentially make a recommendation on the application. The panel vote would advance the proposal to the full council, which would then review and make its own decision at a later date.

The Council’s months-long series of delays gives the country club an unfair economic advantage over law-abiding coastal landowners and businesses who spend money and time applying for permits to comply with the law.

– Topher Hamblett, executive director for Save the Bay

Meanwhile, the seawall still stands, much to Hamblett’s dismay.

“This has all the appearances of the council wanting to accommodate Quidnessett Country Cub’s request to, in effect, let the wall stand,” Hamblett said in an interview Tuesday. “I think that, left to its own devices, they would do just that.”

Hamblett acknowledged that he did not know why the meeting was cancelled; the council has been plagued by vacancies which have led to a string of postponed meetings and key decisions.

Laura Dwyer, a spokesperson for the CRMC, said in an email late Tuesday that the meeting was postponed due to “scheduling issues.” She did not answer specific questions seeking comment about Hamblett’s letter.

Janice Matthews, vice president of The Jan Companies, which owns the country club, also did not respond to inquiries for comment.

The council’s staff in a Sept. 20 report argued against approving the water type reclassification, stressing the importance of the sensitive salt marshes surrounding the shoreline, along with marine wildlife, which were the very reason why the agency restricted development there in the first place — formally codified under state water type classifications created in the early 1980s.

But the politically appointed council doesn’t have to follow the recommendations of its expert staff; it hasn’t in other high-profile decisions.

Most notably, the council in 2020 approved a contested expansion of Champlin’s Marina on Block Island, against advice of staff, with terms brokered in what the town and conservation groups alleged was a “backroom deal.” The Rhode Island Supreme Court tossed the council’s decision in a 2022 ruling, agreeing with Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha that the council flouted its own public notice requirements.

Quidnessett Country Club built a 600-foot-long rock wall along its shoreline in the winter of 2023, flouting state coastal regulations and obscuring public shoreline access. (Courtesy photo)

A question of accountability

Hamblett sees parallels between Champlin’s case and Quidnessett, in the council’s actions, and in reactions among top state officials.

“The common denominator between Quidnessett and Champlin’s is there’s been no action from the governor or the General Assembly in terms of accountability,” Hamblett said Tuesday. “We’re concerned we’re going to see that silence continue as it relates to the country club’s accountability to the council.”

Other state officials who were copied on Hamblett’s email, including Gov. Dan McKee, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, had also not responded to him as of midday Tuesday, Hamblett said.

McKee and Ruggerio did not immediately respond to inquiries from Rhode Island Current for comment on Tuesday.

Shekarchi was not available for comment due to being away for the holiday, Larry Berman, a spokesperson, said in an email on Tuesday.

One exception: Neronha, whose office has already critiqued Quidnessett for flouting state coastal regulations.

“With each public hearing that is canceled, CRMC continues to demonstrate why it cannot be trusted with environmental oversight,” Neronha said in a statement on Tuesday. “Normally, when a person or entity breaks the law, there are consequences. Here, Quidnessett Country Club decided that the rules don’t apply to them, acting in total disregard of laws designed to protect our coast, and thus far, getting away with it.”

Earlier this year, Neronha joined Save the Bay to call for eliminating the politically appointed council, and reshaping the agency as an administrative department akin to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Legislation outlining these changes was introduced but stalled in the last two legislative sessions.

“The time for CRMC reform was long ago, but we must continue the fight to place decision-making power into the hands of those who wish to protect and preserve our most treasured natural resources,” he said. “Because each day that passes without consequences for Quidnessett is another day of environmental justice delayed and denied.”

Hamblett said Save the Bay plans to push for a similar bill in the upcoming 2025 session, hoping that public attention — including 300 pages of written comment submitted to the CRMC — on Quidnessett might build support among lawmakers.

“We need top elected officials to be paying attention to our coastal agency,” Hamblett said.

The CRMC rescheduled its hearing on Quidnessett to Dec. 10. If the water reclassification is granted, the club must then apply for a permit to build any kind of permanent structure along the shoreline.

Updated to include a response from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council.

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RI Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 28, 2024

Published

2 hours ago

December 29, 2024

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

06-31-51-54-55, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

14-19-21-25-30, Lucky Ball: 09

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Midday: 5-9-3-4

Evening: 5-9-3-8

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

01-03-08-19-35, Extra: 20

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Rhode Island

WBB PREVIEW: Billikens Open Conference Play at Rhode Island

Published

10 hours ago

December 28, 2024

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WBB PREVIEW: Billikens Open Conference Play at Rhode Island

SLU Women’s Basketball Game Notes & Information Game No. 14 Saint Louis (6-7) at Rhode Island (5-8) Date // Time Sunday, Nov. 29, 2024 // 12 p.m. (CT) Location Kingston, R.I. (The Ryan Center) Stream ESPN+ Live Stats StatBroadcast Listen SLUBillikens.com Game Notes Saint Louis Billiken Notables Saint Louis opens up conference play on the road against Rhode Island The Billikens move to 6-7 after three straight victories leading up to the holiday break. Tierra Simon is the reigning A-10 player of the week after posting three consecutive double-double including a career-high 16 points and 17 rebounds against Bellarmine. Four…

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Rhode Island

9 Timeless Towns In Rhode Island

Published

18 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

There are many amazing states to explore in the US, particularly within the New England region. Rhode Island is one of those states with the most historical influences and legacies one may discover as a newcomer to its small towns. It was one of the original 13 colonies and the first to declare independence. Known for its seaside beauty, family-friendly locales, and nourishing historical factors, the Ocean State is nothing short of alluring and breathtaking. These timeless towns in Rhode Island are the perfect destinations to consider for your next vacation.

Jamestown

The Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Located on Conanicut Island, Jamestown is a 16th-century historic town with lots of interesting splendors. The Historic New England’s Watson Farm is a 265-acre grassland haven with Indigenous history and Red Devon cattle heritage. Beavertail Lighthouse has a maritime Colonial influence with its vessel archives and coastal lighthouse vibes. Windmill Hill Historic District offers a 17th-century windmill sight for all who want simplistic beauty.

Fort Getty Park is a wildlife observation landmark full of rocky beach areas, public boating zones, and photographic pink skies. At Jamestown Arts Center, tourists can find educational and historic exhibit tours related to southern Rhode Island. Dutch Island holds old ruins from the 1860s, Fort Greble, that may appeal to American Civil War enthusiasts. For a fun-filled boating excursion, one can try the New England Sailing Center for sailing comfort and a mixture of natural and social outings. For pure intimate dining and custom seafood creations, visitors can try Beech’s iconic dining spot.

Narragansett

Commonly known as “Gansett” to the locals, Narragansett is a popular destination with a quiet farming history. The Towers is perhaps the most prominent aspect of tourism with its 1880s historical casino foundation and enchanting welcoming functions. South County Museum has native tribal knowledge and elegance of traditional craftsmanship. At Point Judith Lighthouse, seaside rocky lighthouse exploration and dog-friendly treks make for a timeless natural detour. There is also the Point Judith Fisherman’s Memorial, where one may discover various hilltop tributes to those who lost their lives at sea once upon a time; it is also an amazing place for sunset watching.

The Salty Brine State Beach is another coastal option for beachside amusement and gorgeous ferry sights. For a hidden gem in town, one can check out the Port of Galilee, a famed afternoon stop with busy fishing ports and East Coast scenery.

East Greenwich

Also known as the “Birthplace of the Navy,” East Greenwich is a central part of Rhode Island history with its community vibrance and scallop recognition. The Varnum Memorial Armory is a tourist-friendly, 19th-century militia estate with revered military weapon collections and World War II operational foundations. The New England Wireless & Steam Museum houses various radio displays and steam-powered trinkets that were crucial to the late 1800s and mid-1900s.

Vacationers at The Greenwich Odeum will find plenty of entertainment options and nightlife galore within a 1920s vaudeville locale. For nature lovers, the Audubon Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place to be with its relaxing hiking trails, Hunt River stopping points, and canoeing or kayaking pleasures. Those in the mood for golf and outdoor recreation may also enjoy East Greenwich Country Club’s vast green plains and grassy fairways. For an inviting and down-to-earth excursion, newcomers can dine at Siena Cucina, an authentic Tuscan diner with rich Italian cuisine and timeless farmhouse ambiance.

New Shoreham

Originally a 15th-16th century destination, New Shoreham keeps strangers on their toes with amazing sights and historic maritime appreciation. The Block Island North Light is an 1860s standpoint with an internal museum and lots of oceanic upbringing related to the first settlers. Tourists at the 1661 Far & Garden may find appealing camels, llamas, goats, kangaroos, and other species; it is also a conservation site for wildlife enthusiasts. The Great Salt Pond is a casual landmark with shallow waters and marina scenery worth checking out.

At Rodman’s Hollow, a 230-acre outwash basin and Block Island cultural landscapes make it easy for travelers to enjoy maritime shrublands and New Shoreham tranquility. Settlers Rock is both a historical and natural option for anyone who prefers rocky coastal allure and stone walking areas. The South East Lighthouse is known for its early 18th-century shipwreck history and impressive family legacies. An underrated stop in town, the Sacred Labyrinth has magical meditation community charm, crabapple tree resting spots, and fun statue glimpses. The Beachead Restaurant is a beachfront escape for seafood dining comfort and island satisfaction.

Newport

Dating back to the 1630s, Newport is also the “City by the Sea” and “Sailing Capital of the World.” At The Breakers, visitors can experience 1890s Gilded Age history and fancy eminence within a summer cottage estate. The Marble House is another historic estate that brings to life transformative wooden colony housing and opulence in a fine manor that attracts people from all over. The Rough Point Museum generates modern attention with its urban storytelling exhibits and various significant houses, such as the Vernon House and its 17th-century pasttime relics.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame may inspire lots of newfound members with its honorary tributes to tennis athletes and championship players. Bowen’s Wharf is a casual stop with fireplace ambiance, breathtaking waterfront views, and wharf nightlife to suit all types of itineraries. For a 17th-century literary escape, one can try the Redwood Library, a research center and museum that is devoted to the rarest books and Neoclassical finds. At Hotel Viking, guests can check out comforting amenities while exploring downtown rooftop bars and luxury spas. Chanterelle Restaurant is great for attractive strawberry dishes and homemade French pastries within a classy resort.

North Kingstown

North Kingstown, a laidback 16th-century destination with lots of undiscovered wonders, sends travelers back in time with cool locales and landmarks. The Seabee Museum & Memorial Park creates a wartime stop with Naval Battalion history and guided tours of Pacific conflicts. Wickford Village offers historical and commercial tourism with its tempting beach shops, festival events, and harbor vantage points for curious minds. At Smith’s Castle, 1670s interpretive tours and costumed roleplayers help make vacationers feel right at home while learning about colonial state history.

Compass Rose Beach makes for a fun Quonset Point beach excursion with its dog-friendly atmosphere and calming waves. Gooseneck Vineyards allows travelers to enjoy romantic evenings with smoked salmon appetizers, white wine festivities, and pomegranate social cocktail hours. Wickford Harbor provides a quaint and serene experience for anyone who loves coastal waters and chill boating vibes. John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve creates a meaningful itinerary with its harbor seal spottings, offshore trails, and beachfront relaxation. After exploring the town, head to Wickford on the Water, where you can find clam chowder and spicy aioli to make any afternoon near beautiful waters more splendid.

Bristol

Bristol is a 1740s historic town full of fascinating highlights. It is also “America’s Most Patriotic Town.” The Herreshoff Marine Museum encompasses lovely tours of yachting displays, Rhode Island coastline history, and over 60 unique boat exhibits. At Coggeshall Farm Museum, visitors may find 48 acres of tenant marsh farms and heirloom gardens; it is also a fun stop for animal lovers. Bristol Art Museum usually has foot traffic thanks to its main gallery artworks, architectural magnificence, and celebrity curator events.

Linden Place has the most endearing porch hangout spot and special arts programs to keep outsiders and residents happy. At Blithewolf Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, vacationers can enjoy Narragansett Bay views and romantically inspiring gardens that will leave a smile on everyone’s faces. For stunning natural views and uncommon detours, the 127-acre Mount Hope Farm provides shoreline amusement around Mount Hope Bay and has pretty farmlands that have been around for a long time. Bristol Town Beach is perfect for sandy adventures and public volleyball activities. The Beehive Cafe is one of the coolest spots in town for homey atmospheres, thoughtful coffee crafts, and wholesome chit-chat.

Little Compton

Formally incorporated in the 1680s as Sakonnet, Little Compton is a special destination that nobody easily forgets about. Little Compton Historical Society provides 1930s educational knowledge about old settlements and Wampanoag upbringing. Within the Little Compton Historic District, also known as Little Compton Commons, there are also some splendors to take in, such as Sakonnet Lighthouse, a stopping point for timeless sights.

Sakonnet Vineyard is commonplace for tourists who have a penchant for gorgeous wine-tasting pastures and beautiful New England coastlines that have been recognized since the 1970s. South Shore Beach is a mesmerizing surfing landmark featuring less crowded tourism and cozy bridge walks for casual travelers. The Young Family Farm has welcoming apple-picking activities and family-friendly farm history for all to appreciate. Donovan Studio is a hidden gem for local artistic talents and unique Sakonnet watercolor paintings. Anyone who dines at The Common’s Lunch will have no complaints when it comes to laidback American cuisine and clam cakes.

Westerly

Westerly is not one to be discounted on any travel list as it boasts many exciting locales and landmarks. Babacock-Smith House Museum is quite historic with its 1730s Georgian granite architecture and local research workshops to help visitors learn more about the Colonial and Victorian eras. At the Living Sharks Museum, outsiders can check out prehistoric and modern shark exhibits with scientific demonstrations and Jaws memorabilia. The Watch Hill Lighthouse is a southeastern hotspot for peninsular history, charming coastline photography, and pivotal Rhode Island memories.

Napatree Point Conservation Area is a nature preserve with Little Narragansett Bay programs and beach cabanas for relaxing moments. The Granite Theatre has restored Greek Revivalism and downtown Broadway-esque entertainment for all ages to fall in love with. Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island caters to social outings and talkative tourists with its group-oriented brew tours and New England hospitality. Manfredi Farms is one of the most colorful locales in Westerly, and it has delightful seasonal produce and friendly animal petting sessions. For a hearty meal, the Cooked Goose has culinary appeal with its housemade deli salads and top-notch customer service.

These small towns in Rhode Island demonstrate true timelessness and unparalleled beauty. With awesome commercial locales and natural or historical landmarks that make for an unforgettable trip, tourists will never want to leave. No matter how familiar or unfamiliar one is with travel, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Ocean State. The New England region awaits anyone who wants to get out and see what history lies in newfound places.

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