Conservation groups and neighbors urge council to object to Marble Road wetland alteration; council transmits objection to CRMC

Neighbors and conservation advocates urged the Narragansett Town Council to file an objection with the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) over a proposed freshwater‑wetland alteration on Marble Road, and the council voted to authorize staff to submit a letter of objection.

Attorney John Gowery, representing roughly 35 neighbors near Star Drive and Castle Road, told the council the application includes substantial alterations in a private road right‑of‑way and that abutters who own the private roadway were not joined in the application. He said the Conservation Commission and organizations including Save the Bay and the Narrow River Preservation Association recommended denial. “We would strongly suggest you follow their recommendations and recommend to CRMC that they deny the application,” Gowery said.

Local residents spoke about flood and wetland impacts. John Jay Carney, an adjacent homeowner, said the area contains vernal pools and that filling would affect his property’s drainage. Patricia Federico, a member of the town’s Conservation Commission, urged the council to protect wetlands and to support the conservation commission’s recommendation.

Council action: After hearing from residents and counsel, the council voted 4–0 to authorize staff to submit a letter of objection to CRMC.

Why it matters: The application concerns potential alteration of wetlands in a neighborhood with private road frontage and documented ecological value. Local conservation boards and nearby homeowners urged a formal objection to ensure the state agency hears local concerns and the application is fully documented.

Ending: The council’s letter will be transmitted to CRMC and the town will continue to monitor the application and potential revisions.