[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",7015791,"mediaKeyId","5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455","parentId",5598221,"title","Council schedules workshop on student‑occupancy ordinance after public concerns","audioSeconds",2018,"startMs",3028710,"endMs",5047479,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455&start=3028&end=5047","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455/thumbnail_3028710.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/7015791/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-schedules-workshop-on-studentoccupancy-ordinance-after-public-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7015791-999d4abd8ee6a0e47a8801464e58220d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770992072&Signature=V1m6fAxu7eZdrfdWbHa6UJChc2n~gW7sUOz6lA4ieA59hpZG2jtOui0P84bBlW3-wa-zn~ZoRDZXgktcRRAcocc~5ocNG2eWDfnUuBcrMsvgsxbnRDITrKJPgx1SHd1tb6dlYK73zmXNbMfe1JWgCwBrwZHE6VtAaiG-nMrT~OXg9VzSCGRQo9yP6BEkV-tUpW07j8HeyCeRwVnt5J-50E3H-dYaJNPNGkQfGWYrgXcYdnuRY-kFfa6w~ItCbePEegrBDODW3A7Pli-GGy5htDLKN9TQrQj~6nj7ccMCZQdYWAPnuE8RRRQwk44M5eb6UX4pLt-GR1j~ddZIWRRh9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Narragansett","date","2025-08-18T18:57:14Z","article","The Narragansett Town Council voted to hold a joint workshop with the planning board on Monday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. to address public questions about ordinance 7.23 governing student‑occupied dwellings in R10/R10A/R20 zones.

Council members said the session is informational and intended to give the public and the planning board an opportunity to ask procedural and enforcement questions without precluding later public hearings. The meeting was scheduled after several speakers during open forum raised questions about the town’s handling of the so‑called \"3‑student\" rule and about legal materials distributed with the planning board packet. Carl Valenstein asked the council to provide balanced legal perspectives after noting the packet included an ACLU letter arguing the ordinance conflicts with recent Rhode Island law; he said the town should also include opinions from lawyers who consider the statute still valid.

Several members of the public supported enforcement of the local three‑student limit; others flagged housing affordability, the burden of per‑unit registration fees for owners of long‑term multiunit buildings, and the strain on sewer infrastructure. The council clarified that its existing ordinance already codifies the state provision \"1 per bedroom up to 5\" and said the Sept. 8 workshop would focus on enforcement questions, related court cases and planning board concerns. The council encouraged residents to email questions in advance and said more workshops or hearings could follow.

Next steps: the council will meet with the planning board on Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.; staff will accept emailed questions in advance and will include the ACLU correspondence in materials because it raised issues the council wants addressed. Any legislative changes would return to public hearing and follow standard processes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Narragansett Town Council - August 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council scheduled a joint workshop with the planning board for Sept. 8 to answer public questions about ordinance 7.23 (student‑occupied dwellings) after residents raised legal and enforcement concerns and requested balanced materials.","taxTitle","Narragansett, Washington County, Rhode Island","taxId",79580,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},7015796,"Narragansett council hears updated plans and schedules public workshop for bike path section 4b",881,537505,1419420,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455&start=537&end=1419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455/thumbnail_537505.jpg","/articles/7015796/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Narragansett-council-hears-updated-plans-and-schedules-public-workshop-for-bike-path-section-4b","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7015796-be916aef3aa3b368927e9fc35d3bd99f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770992072&Signature=HnIc89ysFa4SftrbSpbryfdStRi5-b-XxcwNcrXSl2tdrqZcqr7acDOnUNY~piLjsSeSI9sa8jnFo6qXqtvlFp7zkB4af0-L0z2X3C9NnlZ9-YixZUgDG2ng-g7RYKl9~8WZZcRK4KGjj-OxWarxpra48pnFnaUZ24zgC-tExzjUvVVG4Cj-hlkofeNqNivdm3G-PmFU4DlYs0GdFDoovjZ1O4OsZKrVvvjOYLAbIN5~EF-wnrZHDZolv5LwZBg~j5uaEyRU91zAj-2miCBEP1C7K-GcpfNLayw~p-uiS9pOaZMHD~d3ukfd87uKsNjsJhvcRX1YJbjjwiLlFmLr3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Engineers for the town presented new analysis and options for completing section 4b of the Narragansett bike path — the segment that would connect the Narragansett Community Center to the Town Beach — and the council set a public work session for Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Molly Titus of Depreed Engineering told the council the study considered off‑road and on‑road routes. An off‑road route would have required about 3,000 feet of elevated walkway through wetlands and was estimated at approximately $10,250,000, which the presenters said made that option prohibitively expensive. Titus said the new preferred alignment routes through Sprague Park, uses a narrow upland corridor to avoid flagged wetland areas and then continues on road via Strathmore Road toward South County Museum and Boston Neck Road.

John Shevlin of Parr Corporation described the on‑road alternatives, traffic and speed studies, and options for the Boston Neck Road crossing. He reported posted speeds of 25 mph with observed worst‑case speeds around 28–30 mph, good sight lines at the proposed crossing, and the availability of a refuge in the existing median. To improve pedestrian and cyclist safety he outlined alternatives including a road diet to reduce lane widths near the crossing, a rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon, or a pedestrian hybrid beacon.

Presenters provided preliminary cost estimates for components: paving and striping through Sprague Park was cited at about $375,000; paving and signage for Strathmore and Anhoxie Way were estimated at roughly $400,000. The consultants said they would provide more precise linear measurements and cost breakdowns after follow‑up. At one point a total‑cost range for crossing alternatives was read aloud in the presentation; the consultants agreed to clarify and provide corrected figures in the written report.

Council members asked for specific curb‑to‑curb widths and where parking would be lost. Shevlin said the narrow residential segments would generally use shared‑lane markings and wayfinding signs rather than building separate lanes; in wider sections the presenters recommended two 12‑ft travel lanes with bicycle markings and buffers. The team said Strathmore was the safest single route because much of the path already exists and it would likely have the least impact on parking.

Town Manager Jim confirmed consultants would be available for the proposed Oct. 6 workshop and recommended robust public outreach; the council unanimously approved scheduling the work session. The council also discussed forming an ad hoc advisory group and soliciting specific public questions in advance so staff can invite additional state or technical resources if needed.

Next steps: consultants will provide the detailed measurements and corrected cost breakdowns requested during the meeting; the council will hold a public workshop Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. to allow residents to comment and ask follow‑up questions.","Engineers presented four route options for section 4b of the Narragansett bike path, citing a costly off‑road elevated walkway option and recommending Strathmore Road as the safest on‑road alternative; council scheduled a public work session for Oct. 6 at 5:30 PM.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},7015782,"Council holds closed session on opioid litigation and votes to seal minutes",0,6686370,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455&start=6686&end=6686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455/thumbnail_6686370.jpg","/articles/7015782/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-holds-closed-session-on-opioid-litigation-and-votes-to-seal-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7015782-bfa5201737bc00d42b1c02c90a9618e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770992072&Signature=Ezyn65iQZf-obQIpF7XZ4dxE51l2yWvFCjKWmNYiBD~IKikD6bHCTvcxyirrwQVnFByySlZTlj9cFupqylobmvt~jzOSVpwnNtyYqgexZdcsGe8h1Ucii2kYtnRyj-G1NUYk5HSTSWBs4w97b1PnLuYglLSR8ATTeD8O3pxNp5ZNd9XDJwp1syVP14Nm-qu2FxDB2ZuCKkNOmYiMBQGLjq~H96qwK3BzQ0HfFBx7NxeCaRAy7rynpvvief0jcLcIcshTmQNzOtGg9oahbY~x4Au1CLQLIp0Ebc6CwlMS-TjLifiAMD2ukVY7pX95Oa~7vYA2AkAA3jr9JoyeSZZdDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council retired to executive session under Rhode Island law (RIGL 42‑46‑4 and RIGL 42‑46‑5(a)(2)) to discuss anticipated litigation related to Purdue Pharma LP et al. After returning to open session the council announced two votes: a motion to seal the executive session minutes and a motion to exit and reconvene into open session. Both votes passed 4–0 with one recusal (the meeting chair recused themself from both votes). The council noted that the recused member had read the votes as presented by the town clerk and then abstained from those executive‑session votes.","Council moved into executive session to discuss anticipated litigation (Purdue Pharma LP et al.) under RIGL provisions and upon return voted to seal the minutes and to exit executive session; both motions passed 4–0 with one recusal.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},7015787,"Council approves series of maintenance and procurement items including police vehicle and seawall repair",1035,5060760,6096695,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455&start=5060&end=6096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598221-cbbc1630283d74cbab74531412b36455/thumbnail_5060760.jpg","/articles/7015787/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-series-of-maintenance-and-procurement-items-including-police-vehicle-and-seawall-repair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7015787-e1c8a4968294fc6160a769167f6dbaf6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770992072&Signature=SVLOV3Illi3Z1umoHNQzPPLMZx3S-f11Tq9pV-m3CKUvZlhiH~fk-0OpGwU6mXyeK2v99rf7l5XGQdFiJI0YEejkGM-EZY-4l65JYPHVD8fxFic9AqXUc6P3eRGbuaU4vobqV~S18y051mbUGaRRfD-gPISArzsxRCVkuj1LLbpah8wruHyIFCKTX4aYsTqz0bAUimrWeZq7lvOTzl1a5aj4K3x9ZFmbaSJjWPuaG7TUbOPymEt5M5~~Ss82-S4RpgrNbK24mADkbISM~iUhYGXmC7~lXQ7gkZdl7pYh6dtfNuMXjY4fTP~L83mHhYTWg6eE4PPeUVhuuBbahfYkOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Narragansett Town Council approved a set of administrative and capital purchases during its regular session.

The council voted to approve a records management software subscription for the fire department from Computer Square Inc. for $20,400. The motion passed unanimously.

Council approved the purchase of a used vehicle from Flood Ford Lincoln for $33,394.50 to replace vehicles the department deemed beyond repair. The vehicle purchase was budgeted; council discussion and public comment questioned redactions in the dealer quote and whether warranty protection existed for the used vehicle. Town staff responded that the vehicle is used, budgeted and that in‑house mechanics would service it. The purchase passed on a 4–1 vote.

The council also authorized use of existing general contracts (waivers) for several maintenance projects: removal and rebuild of a seawall section at the south end of the Town Beach parking area with a town portion of $137,230 (grant funds cover a portion of total cost); replacement of the main event floor and entrance foyer at the Narragansett Community Center for $67,640 (ABCOR Restoration); and replacement of 710 feet of 12‑inch corrugated metal pipe with ADS plastic pipe on Exeter Boulevard for $78,500. Each of these motions passed unanimously as standard waivers under existing general contracting services.

Separately the council approved a one‑year extension to the town’s fuel supply contracts (unleaded and diesel) with Santa Buckley Energy at an increment of 0.145 over the OPD oil price index through Aug. 31, 2026.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contracts and proceed with project scheduling; replaced police vehicles will be retired per DPW procedures and the mechanics will continue to maintain fleet vehicles.","Council approved multiple contracts and procurement items: RMS software for fire department ($20,400), one used police vehicle ($33,394.50) approved 4–1, seawall repair ($137,230), community center floor replacement ($67,640), storm pipe replacement ($78,500), and a fuel contract extension.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council schedules workshop on student‑occupancy ordinance after public concerns

Narragansett council hears updated plans and schedules public workshop for bike path section 4b

Council holds closed session on opioid litigation and votes to seal minutes

Council approves series of maintenance and procurement items including police vehicle and seawall repair