Narragansett residents voice concerns over housing ordinances and local governance

The Narragansett Town Council meeting on May 5, 2025, featured significant discussions surrounding housing regulations and community concerns regarding local governance. Key topics included the enforcement of housing ordinances and the implications of recent changes in state law.

During the meeting, several residents expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement of the town's existing ordinance limiting the number of unrelated individuals living together. Catherine Celebrato highlighted that the town's three unrelated ordinance, which had been upheld by the Rhode Island Supreme Court, was not being enforced, despite its validity. She questioned the council's decision to adhere to a new state law allowing five unrelated individuals, arguing that the local ordinance should still be in effect.

Another resident, George Nona, countered Celebrato's claims, asserting that the three unrelated ordinance had been deemed unconstitutional and warned that pursuing it could lead to costly litigation for the town. He emphasized the importance of complying with state law to avoid further legal challenges.

The meeting also addressed concerns about the governance of the Bonnet Shores Fire District, where residents expressed discontent over non-resident property owners having voting rights that outnumber local residents. Paula Chiles urged the council to support new legislation to rectify this issue, advocating for voting rights to be limited to actual residents rather than property owners.

Additionally, the council faced calls for clarity on the ethical implications of advisory opinions related to zoning amendments. Steven Frandy raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest among council members, particularly regarding ongoing discussions about short-term rentals.

The meeting underscored the community's desire for transparency and accountability in local governance, particularly concerning housing regulations and the representation of residents' interests. As the council prepares for future discussions, the feedback from residents will likely play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions moving forward.