Resident warns council that development-driven crowding risks public safety, calls for action

Summary

At the public forum a West Warwick resident urged the council to prioritize safety and rethink development patterns, saying the town risks repeating past tragedies if growth proceeds without plans for parking, egress and emergency access. The council heard an extended statement criticizing code enforcement and eviction practices.

Amanda Flynn of West Warwick delivered a lengthy public comment during the Nov. 4 public forum, urging the council to prioritize safety as development and housing density increase.

"This town has long forgotten what safety means," Flynn said, criticizing what she described as repeated allowances for "people being packed into spaces too small for them" and citing concerns about parking, emergency access and how code enforcement is handled. She recounted memories of past tragedies to underscore her point and argued the town should not allow growth that outpaces safety and services.

Flynn also criticized local enforcement and eviction practices, saying tenants and property owners can be treated unfairly and that public trust erodes if officials profit from zoning and licensing decisions. She closed by saying, "What's the exit strategy, West Warwick?" and urged the council to act so that residents feel secure in their homes.

Council did not take action on the public comment; the remarks were recorded in the meeting minutes and will be part of the public record.