Rhode Island
Does a new state law block a pending Tiverton oyster farm? State regulators will weigh in Monday. • Rhode Island Current
Not even the state lawmakers who sponsored 2024 legislation limiting development along the Sakonnet River are confident that the now-law bans an oyster farm proposed for the area.
The question is now left to state regulators, who will consider, and potentially decide, on whether the law applies to the pending project application Monday.
It’s set to be just as contentious — and confusing — as the last four-and-a-half years of hearings, letters and organized protests over the Sapowet Cove oyster farm.
The one-acre lease application submitted in 2020 by John and Patrick Bowen, if approved, would be one of the smallest commercial oyster farms in the state. Yet it has drawn a mountain of opposition from waterfront residents, fishermen and even the state aquaculture association who insist the wade-in cages will get in the way of fishing, boating and recreation along the shoreline.
Aquaculture applications are down. The battle for Tiverton’s Sapowet Cove might be why
The latest twist came in a July 25 joint motion by a group of waterfront property owners, who asked state regulators to end the public review and reject the proposal. The memo specifically cites the law passed on the final day of the legislative session which prevents a section of the Sakonnet River — including where the oyster cages would go — from being used for anything other than “passive outdoor recreation.”
Rep. Jay Edwards, the Tiverton Democrat who sponsored the House version of the bill, insisted during legislative hearings that the policy was not about the oyster farm. Instead, Edwards, and Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat and bill cosponsor, stressed the need to preserve the sensitive waters directly adjacent to the federally recognized Sapowet Marsh Management Area.
The bill passed overwhelmingly in both chambers, becoming law on June 29, sans Gov. Dan McKee’s signature. This was despite objections by the Bowens, and by Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council Executive Director Jeffrey Willis, who warned lawmakers the policy would “usurp” the regulatory agency’s authority and muddy its review.
Willis reiterated the sentiment in an interview Friday.
“The agency still feels we need to move forward on this [review],” he said.
Waterfront homeowners, through their attorneys, don’t share Willis’ concerns.
“This language could not be more clear,” the July 25 motion reads. “A commercial aquaculture lease located in Sapowet Cove would be a direct violation of the statute’s prohibition of commercial development. The CRMC is now statutorily prohibited from granting an assent to a commercial aquaculture lease in Sapowet Cove.”
DiPalma also said in an interview Friday that he “assumed” the law would block the oyster farm, though he had not consulted with the Assembly’s legal staff.
Protecting the ‘freedom to fish’
John and Patrick Bowen argued just the opposite. In an Aug. 5 response, they wrote that regulators must consider their application based on policies in place at the time of the 2020 application. The response also contends that the new law violates state constitutional protections for the right to fish, and incorporates provisions under the 1663 Rhode Island Royal Charter.
“Under the heading ‘Freedom to fish the New England Coast’, the Rhode Island Royal Charter declares: ‘that these presents, shall not, in any manner, hinder any of our loving subjects, whatsoever, from using and exercising the trade of fishing upon the coast of New England, in America,’” the complaint states.
Objectors in the motion asked the council through its hearing officer to end the review and dismiss the application with a condition preventing the applicants from refiling.
But Patrick Bowen alleged their underlying motivation is to continue to drag out the debate, in the hopes of wearing him and his brother down.
“The reason this has taken so long is because objectors have hired attorneys to delay this,” Bowen said in an interview on Friday. “If they want to hire lawyers, let them spend their money. We are not going away.”
Bowen also accused the objectors of dipping into their pockets to sway lawmakers. Campaign finance records show that one of the leading objectors, Kenny and Elizabeth Mendez, donated $150 apiece to DiPalma in May. Another objector, Donald Libbey, donated $250 to DiPalma that same month.
DiPalma denied Bowen’s accusations.
“I don’t do something because somebody gave me a dollar, $1,000, or 50 cents,” he said. “This law was seeking to codify federal grants received decades ago that are meant to protect this area.”
DiPalma instead faulted state coastal regulators for allowing a proposal to build an oyster farm in such an ecologically sensitive area, forcing lawmakers to introduce new policies.
“The CRMC is not listening,” he said. “We felt legislation was the only thing that was going to help them see what needs to happen.”
Willis declined to comment on DiPalma’s statement.
Libbey, and Marisa Desautel, the attorney representing the Mendezes, also did not return inquiries for comment. Attorney Dean Wagner, who is representing a group of other area property owners included in the joint motion, said he could not comment without his clients’ permission.
A Sept. 16 update on the opposition-created website, Save Sapowet for All, provides some additional commentary on the “common sense” argument to reject the application.
“A continuation of the administrative process being run by the CRMC is a waste of the state’s administrative and legal resources in addition to the legal costs incurred by private citizens to enforce a new state law,” the post, which does not list an author, reads. “Our community has been waiting over four years for the CRMC to dismiss this application because of the significant conflict the proposed location would create with recreational use of those waters among many other issues.”
The CRMC meets at 4 p.m. Monday at the William E. Powers building in Providence. The meeting will also be streamed over Zoom.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Tenants of Atlantic Mills announced they had formed the “first commercial tenants union in Rhode Island” on Dec. 21.
The Atlantic Mills Tenants Union was established as an affiliate as a chapter of the Rhode Island Tenants Union, and called for the mill’s current owners, The Howard and Eleanor Brynes Trust, and potential future owners, Robert Berle and Eric Edelman, to “come to the negotiating table in good faith to collectively bargain.”
The union also listed its demands from the owners, which included a 99 year lease term, immediate rent stabilization, and an eviction moratorium that began Dec. 21 and extends until “a collectively bargained agreement can be reached.”
First commercial tenant union in the state! pic.twitter.com/RqNDo3FPYZ
— Olneyville Neighborhood Association (ONA) (@OnaProvidence) December 22, 2024
A response deadline of Dec. 30 was also given.
“The future of Olneyville is at a crossroads,” Olneyville Neighborhood Association Board Chair Cindy Miranda said. “That is why we have taken this historic step and formed the first commercial tenants union in Rhode Island. Our stories, our livelihoods, and our futures are at stake.”
Rhode Island, often referred to as the Ocean State is home to a collection of enchanting towns and villages that embody the allure and history of New England. From picturesque coastal vistas in Narragansett to the delightful, history-laden streets of Pawtuxet Village, these storybook towns provide a wonderful escape for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you are a history buff, a nature aficionado, or a food lover, these towns promise unforgettable experiences that will fill your cup while simultaneously beckoning you back for more.
Bristol
Established in 1681, Bristol is a storybook town known for its charming streets and beautifully preserved architecture. Its peaceful landscapes, historical homes, and vibrant cultural heritage create a whimsical atmosphere that captivates visitors and residents alike.
Begin your visit with a walking tour of the town grid, where you will uncover various historical sites. Highlights include Burnside Memorial Hall, a Richardsonian Romanesque Revival building steeped in early American history, as well as several churches and historic homes.
You have to check out Blithewold. This 45-room mansion set on 33 acres with beautiful gardens and rare plants is a paradise for botanists and horticulturists. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate a ride along the East Bay Bike Path. This decades-old bike path spans 14.5 miles from Providence to Bristol.
Narragansett
Nestled along the wild Atlantic coastline, Narragansett is a seaside town that provides scenic beauty, New England beach culture, and rich history.
Start your day in the adorable village of Narragansett Pier, which is home to Narragansett Town Beach. With soft sand and rolling waves, this stretch of shoreline is the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. After enjoying some of the best clam chowder and/or lobster rolls in New England, head to The Towers. This iconic landmark is all that’s left of the Victorian-era Narragansett Pier Casino. History enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the Point Judith Lighthouse, which has been guiding mariners since the 19th century. Snap a couple of photos and get a glimpse into the town’s maritime heritage.
Pawtuxet Village
Nestled along the scenic Pawtuxet River, Pawtuxet Village is a charming community located between Cranston and Warwick, just four miles from downtown Providence. This quaint village is one of the oldest in New England and is absolutely dripping with history.
Perhaps the most significant historical event in the story of this delightful village is the Gaspee Affair, when, in 1772, American colonists protested against British taxation by burning a prominent ship, the HMS Gaspee. Every June, Pawtuxet holds the Gaspee Day Parade to celebrate this pivotal moment leading up to the American Revolution.
Aside from its history, Pawtuxet Village has become known as a hidden culinary gem. Stop by Basta for authentic Italian cuisine or indulge in a sweet (or savory) treat at Crepe Corner. Walk it off with a stroll in Pawtuxet Oxboes Park or a walk along the Pawtuxet River.
Wickford
Wickford, a village located in North Kingstown, boasts a rich maritime history and a thriving arts scene. Begin your visit at Wickford Harbor, where you can take in peaceful views of the boats bobbing in the water and people-watch as local fishermen go about their days. You can also rent a kayak or SUP from the Kayak Center for a different perspective on harbor life.
History buffs will appreciate the well-preserved colonial architecture that characterizes Historic Wickford Village. Admire homes dating back to the 18th century on foot or via a horse-drawn carriage ride with New Deal Horse and Carriage. Be sure to pop into the Wickford Art Association. The organization hosts a variety of exhibits and events year-round, including the annual Wickford Art Festival, a source of pride for the community since 1962.
Just a quick drive from town, you will find Smith’s Castle. This 17th-century historical site hosts the oldest plantation house in the country, where kingly plantation owners and their slaves lived for over a century. It’s part of the Rhode Island Slave History Medallion program, aimed at raising awareness of the injustices of slavery.
East Greenwich
Established in 1677, East Greenwich is a quaint town that combines history with modern allure. For a glimpse into local heritage, visit the Varnum Memorial Armory, constructed in 1913, which houses a museum dedicated to Rhode Island’s military history. Nearby, you can tour the Varnum House Museum, once a gathering place for prominent early American politicians. The New England Wireless & Steam Museum, which showcases the history of wireless communication and steam technology, is also worth a visit.
You can’t miss a trip to Goddard Memorial State Park. Here, you can explore 490 acres of well-kept walking trails, gardens, and picnic areas.
In the summer months, East Greenwich hosts multiple events on its Main Street showcasing local culture and talent. Music on Main, Chalk the Block, and Taste of East Greenwich all present excellent opportunities to experience local artistic and culinary talents.
Newport
Newport is famous for its lively sailing community and, like many towns in the state, its maritime heritage. As you wander through Newport, you will be captivated by the opulent historic mansions from the Gilded Age. Some, including The Breakers and The Marble House, provide guided tours.
For a deep dive into Newport’s love of all things sailing, past, present, and future, visit the Sailing Museum. After you have immersed yourself in exhibits addressing the town’s nautical roots, check out the historic Rose Island Lighthouse.
Newport is an exceptionally bike-friendly town. Rent a bike from Ten Speed Spokes and take in the town’s scenic beauty on two wheels, stopping at a multitude of white sand beaches along the way. When hunger strikes, grab a bite at one of the glorious seafood restaurants on Bowen’s Wharf or Bannister’s Wharf.
If you are in town during the summer, don’t miss the annual Newport Folk Festival (or the Newport Jazz Festival) at Fort Adams State Park. The combination of phenomenal musical performances and views of the imposing 1840s fort is enough to take your breath away.
Watch Hill
Watch Hill is a breathtaking gem of a village in Westerly, Rhode Island. Boston Magazine described this Gilded Age summer colony as “almost absurdly picturesque.” Its white sand beaches, coastal views, and tranquil vibes, removed from the hustle and bustle, have made it a hot spot for iconic figures, ranging from Albert Einstein to Groucho Marx and even Taylor Swift.
Start your trip at The Ocean House. This iconic inn’s pale yellow façade and luxurious accommodations have been welcoming guests since just after the Civil War. Book a stay, throw on your tennis whites for a match or two, and treat yourself to a spa treatment, all while soaking in unforgettable ocean views.
No visit to Watch Hill is complete without plenty of time on the beach. Watch Hill Beach, East Beach, and Weekapaug Beach are all excellent spots for sunbathing and swimming. If you are chasing sunsets, Napatree Point is another top choice.
Before you leave, check out Watch Hill Lighthouse. Built in 1745, the lighthouse and its museum are a great place to take in views of the surrounding waterways and learn about the town’s history. And don’t miss the Flying Horse Carousel. It’s been operating since 1884 and is the ideal place to take the family and cap off your trip.
The fairy-tale towns of Rhode Island draw visitors from near and far. From the colorful galleries and harbor views of Wickford to the bike paths of Newport and the serene shores of Watch Hill, these enchanting destinations promise delightful experiences around every corner. With so much to explore and discover, it’s time to carpe diem and plan your next adventure. So, book your trip and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the heart of Rhode Island!
Rhode Island
Sebastian Thomas saves day for Rhode Island basketball. Here’s what happened vs. Temple
URI coach Archie Miller speaks after Rams beat Temple, 85-79
Led by Sebastian Thomas down the stretch, the Rhode Island Rams end their nonconference schedule with a win over Temple in a holiday tournament.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — It wound up being just a one-game absence for Sebastian Thomas due to a foot injury, and how much the University of Rhode Island needs the veteran guard was on full display Saturday evening.
The former Bishop Hendricken standout flashed some ice cold blood in the final seconds against Temple, making the two biggest plays that dropped an old Atlantic 10 rival.
Thomas knocked down a wing 3-pointer that snapped the game’s sixth tie, then came up with a steal on the ensuing possession. The Rams avoided what would have been a painful meltdown in the second half and instead surged into league play off the back of an 85-79 victory at MassMutual Center.
Thomas conjured up a four-point play with 20.8 seconds left to break a 79-79 deadlock, the highlight in his second double-double of the season. He finished with 20 points and 10 assists after missing a victory over Central Connecticut State last time out. URI made relatively routine work of the Blue Devils at the Ryan Center but could have been in serious trouble against the Owls here.
“Sebastian stepped up when it was money time,” URI coach Archie Miller said. “He delivered not only from the foul line and his last shot, but he made plays for others.”
Miller called a timeout with 37.6 seconds left looking to snap a string of three straight missed shots. Thomas drew two defenders off the dribble on the left side, David Green drew two more on a drive into the paint and Thomas drifted open on the wing. He fired a jumper and absorbed some contact on the wrist from Quante Berry, resulting in a four-point play that made it an 83-79 game.
“I was confident,” Thomas said. “I feel like in those situations you just have to make the right pass. I threw it back to (Green), he drove and my guy kind of helped.”
It was a shot reminiscent of the late dagger Thomas plunged into Providence at the Ryan Center to begin the month. The Rams held on for a 69-63 triumph over the Friars. They matched that margin against the Owls, an old league foe that had captured the last seven meetings in the series. Javonte Brown added his own double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, helping to author the perfect lead into a New Year’s Eve trip to Duquesne.
“We knew they were a good defensive team,” Brown said. “We also knew the advantage was me on the inside. Shoutout to my teammates for finding me.”
Thomas sealed the victory on the defensive end. Jamal Mashburn Jr. missed a 3-pointer and Shane Dezonie gathered an offensive rebound along the right baseline. Thomas stripped Dezonie from behind and was fouled with 10.1 seconds left, setting up a pair of free throws to close it out.
“My foot is definitely improving,” Thomas said. “I wasn’t 100% going into the game, but I think it was a mindset thing. The team needed me — the team wanted me to play.”
The Rams (11-1) squandered a 16-point lead with 14:54 left and were in danger of absorbing a painful defeat. Jaden House answered a Mashburn drive down the lane with one of his own to make it 77-77, and URI never trailed over the final 2:59. Mashburn entered averaging 20.8 points per game but went just 5-for-20 from the field, as the Rams did just enough to limit other options and survive.
“These guys are probably exhausted from hearing his name,” Miller said. “That’s how much the game plan really kind of stressed what he was doing.”
The Owls (7-5) took a 36-35 edge into halftime before falling in a deep hole. URI was at its sharpest through the opening 5:34 out of the locker room, zipping out to a 56-40 cushion thanks to no turnovers and sizzling shooting. Green’s 3-pointer from the left corner capped an 8-for-9 stretch from the field.
“We looked right,” Miller said. “Guys were really sharing it. Our defense was creating some offense for us. We capitalized.”
The Rams followed by giving the ball away six times in less than six minutes, and Temple built its own momentum. The Owls were 12-for-18 from the field after a 1-for-6 start, and a Mashburn jumper from the right baseline gave them a 72-71 advantage with 5:36 left. Miller called a timeout prior to the ensuing possession and looked to reset.
“You found a way to win 11 games,” Miller said. “They found a way to do it again here tonight.”
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
Opinion: Drain the swamp? More like overt, unapologetic swampy displays at Mar-a-Lago
Opinion: Football isn't just violence. It's democracy's schoolhouse
Russia aims to be global leader in nuclear power plant construction
Fact check: How deadly was 2024 for journalists?
Why Trump's tariffs on Mexico would mean higher avocado prices at the grocery store
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Fact check: How deadly was 2024 for journalists?
Why Trump's tariffs on Mexico would mean higher avocado prices at the grocery store
Trump names several new White House picks to work on AI, crypto and more: 'America First Patriots'
Small plane crashes into Brazil town popular with tourists, killing 10
Who is Sebastian Zapeta? Guatemala migrant set a woman on fire on New York City subway
-
Politics1 week agoCanadian premier threatens to cut off energy imports to US if Trump imposes tariff on country
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25789444/1258459915.jpg "OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change")
Technology1 week agoOpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change
-
Politics1 week agoU.S. Supreme Court will decide if oil industry may sue to block California's zero-emissions goal
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25546252/STK169_Mark_Zuckerburg_CVIRGINIA_D.jpg "Meta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit")
Technology1 week agoMeta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit
-
Business1 week agoFreddie Freeman's World Series walk-off grand slam baseball sells at auction for $1.56 million
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23951353/STK043_VRG_Illo_N_Barclay_3_Meta.jpg "Meta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age")
Technology1 week agoMeta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age
-
News1 week agoEast’s wintry mix could make travel dicey. And yes, that was a tornado in Calif.
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24924653/236780_Google_AntiTrust_Trial_Custom_Art_CVirginia__0003_1.png "Google’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps")
Technology2 days agoGoogle’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps