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Committee outlines public‑engagement plan for Corn Neck Road, Earth Day activities and seeks insurance speaker
Summary
The New Shoreham Coastal Resilience Committee discussed community engagement tied to the Corn Neck Road project, planned Earth Day outreach, exhibit locations and asked staff to seek a neutral speaker on homeowners insurance and flood coverage.
Committee members discussed a multi‑part public engagement plan linked to the Corn Neck Road project, including three meetings in the consultant contract (an initial meeting in May–June, a mid‑project meeting and a final meeting) and interim public updates via the town’s bulletin board and local displays.
The committee explored outreach channels: interactive maps and kiosks at locations such as the library, BIMI, the Beach Pavilion and the medical center; a rotating display of GZA posters and handouts at the library; and in‑person or virtual public forums. Sosha volunteered to draft bulletin‑board posts that follow contract terminology so public messaging remains consistent with the consultant’s work.
Why it matters: Maintaining consistent, accurate public information is central to project legitimacy and to preparing residents for permitting and possible construction impacts. Committee members said the outreach campaign should keep residents informed between major project milestones.
The group discussed Earth Day (April 22) as a focal opportunity for outreach, including interactive storm‑tool displays and a question to solicit public input (past questions asked where residents were most concerned about sea level rise or what could be done). Members agreed to finalize a question by the March meeting so event materials can be prepared.
Committee members also raised homeowner insurance concerns. Renee noted that premiums have risen for some residents and explained how some local homeowners now participate in plans such as the FAIR Plan that may cap flood coverage. Allison confirmed that the town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) and that the town’s current CRS classification (class 8) yields a roughly 10% discount on flood-insurance premiums for town property owners. Members recommended inviting a representative from the Rhode Island insurance commissioner’s office as a neutral speaker to explain policy choices and common pitfalls in insurance contracts.
Members also reviewed prior outreach efforts (for example, ferry TV displays) and reported mixed results; committee members said some outreach channels did not yield strong public engagement and recommended in‑person outreach and repeatable local displays.
The committee asked staff to coordinate a speaker from the state insurance commissioner or other neutral source, to finalize an Earth Day question by March, and to circulate draft bulletin posts and library exhibit plans for review.
