In a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around the proposed abandonment of certain city properties and the construction of a noise-reducing berm near the airport, aimed at addressing community concerns about noise and pollution. The meeting highlighted the distinction between the abandonment process and the sale of city-owned property, clarifying that the city retains the right to fair market value and can impose deed restrictions under ordinance 2-19.

Council members expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and the city, particularly praising Councilman Tim Howell for fostering communication with RIAC. Despite some community members voicing opposition to the berm, citing concerns over its effectiveness, several council members defended the initiative as a necessary step towards mitigating noise pollution for residents in Ward 3.

Councilman Howe emphasized the importance of the berm as a proactive measure in light of the airport's growth, stating that while the airport's operations cannot be halted, the city is committed to finding solutions for affected residents. He urged his colleagues to support the berm project, framing it as a compromise that acknowledges the challenges posed by the airport's expansion.

The council also discussed the possibility of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with RIAC to formalize the construction of the berm and ensure that it meets community needs. The meeting concluded with a motion for favorable action on the berm proposal, reflecting a collective effort to address the concerns of residents while balancing the operational needs of the airport.