Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marina Leases topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
South Kingstown council tables 2 10 Oyster Bar lease renewal, schedules executive session
Summary
Council voted to continue consideration of the 2 10 Oyster Bar 5-year lease extension and to hold a closed executive session so staff can gather legal, financial and operational details before deciding whether to renew the lease; councilors said they want clearer terms on assignment, rent during closure and rebuild plans.
The South Kingstown Town Council on July 8 continued discussion over a proposed five-year extension of the 2 10 Oyster Bar lease at Marina Park and agreed to hold a closed executive session to review lease strategy and related legal issues.
Terry Murphy presented the recommendation from town staff to exercise the restaurant—s five-year option through May 31, 2029, with a 2% annual escalator, as consistent with recent marina lease renewals. Councilors pressed for more detail on how a new business could pursue the site, the lease—s assignment clauses and whether rent continues while the restaurant remains closed for reconstruction. Murphy said the lease grants the lessee the option to renew and that assignments require council approval; staff confirmed the lessor is required to continue paying rent while closed.
Council members said they want assurance that any long-term renewal is fair to both the town and a tenant making substantial investments. One councilor suggested reduced interim rent to support recovery while another said negotiations for a longer-term lease could begin during the five-year extension if both parties agree. Several members urged the town to obtain more information from the owner and legal counsel before taking action.
After discussion the council voted to table item 8E and place the lease on a future agenda with an accompanying closed executive session to allow town staff and legal to assemble documents, market comparables and any necessary strategy. Council members discussed timing and asked staff to return with recommended meeting logistics (some members preferred a two-week timeline while others asked for four to six weeks to allow owner and staff meetings). The motion to continue the item passed by voice vote.
The council said next steps will include staff reports on notice provisions and assignment requirements in the lease, review of the planned rebuild and timeline for Waterfront Advisory Commission and CRMC (Coastal Resources Management Council) permitting, and consideration of options for interim rent or longer-term renewal if substantial tenant investment is proposed.
