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Residents tell Narragansett council Boone Street Market disrupts neighborhood; urge limits and enforcement
Summary
Multiple residents told the newly seated council that the Boone Street Marketopen since June and operating late into the nighthas produced persistent noise, parking and safety problems. Speakers urged limits, enforcement and exploring an alternative market site in the old library building.
Several residents used the open forum at the Nov. 25 Narragansett council meeting to press elected officials to address problems they say have followed the opening of the Boone Street Market. Longtime resident Mark Croock said the market, which he said opened June 8 and operates 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., has caused a sharp decline in neighborhood quality of life, including noise, blocked driveways and increased traffic.
"I've gone from some occasional noise to a gathering of up to 400 people yelling and screaming," Mark Croock said, adding that he and other neighbors have submitted noise complaints and referenced arrests and alleged violations of variances.
Other speakers described a range of local perspectives. Johanna Schiffer, who said she lives on Boone Street, urged civility and compromise and said she supports local businesses but expects solutions that "benefit all of us." Paul Selwyn suggested the council explore reusing the old library building as a market instead of office space to provide an alternative location for a community market.
Speakers asked the council, town manager and police chief to consider limits on operating hours, enforcement of noise ordinances and parking controls to restore neighborhood livability. No formal staff response, enforcement action or council directive on the market was recorded in the meeting minutes; the comments were entered into the public record for follow-up at future meetings.
