Barrington Council endorses Soames National Heritage Area after broad public debate

Barrington — The Town Council voted unanimously Dec. 1 to endorse legislation that would seek designation of the Soames National Heritage Area, after hearing a detailed feasibility study and more than a dozen public comments both supporting and opposing the plan.

Andrea Rounds, a member of the Soames Heritage Area steering committee, told the council the proposal rests on a three‑and‑a‑half‑year feasibility study and broad public outreach. "They showcase, protect, and steward landscapes of significance to our nation's heritage," Rounds said, describing the program as a locally driven way to promote conservation, interpretation and grant opportunities for nine towns along Narragansett Bay that include Barrington.

The council heard sharply divergent public testimony. Janine Wolf said opponents view the program as intrusive, calling the National Heritage Area program "one of the most despicable stealth land grabs in our nation" and warning that federal funds and coordinating entities can pressure local change. By contrast, Pope Pomaquonkonakis, who identified themself as Seishin Tracy Dancinstar of the Pokanoket nation and a Barrington resident, said the designation would help tell the long history of the region and its peoples.

Councilors pressed presenters on a central concern: whether NHA designation would impose federal control on private land. Rounds repeatedly said the designation does not transfer ownership or change local land‑use authority, describing it as a "hands off" federal recognition intended to support local storytelling and grant access. Councilors also noted economic arguments; one cited a letter of support from the Rhode Island Commerce board.

After discussion the president read a draft resolution endorsing federal designation of Soames and moved approval. The motion was seconded and passed 4–0.

The council's endorsement is a nonbinding local resolution to accompany outreach to congressional delegations; it does not create land‑use rules or take property rights away from owners. The steering committee and municipal supporters said they expect the designation effort to be carried forward to members of Congress for possible inclusion in larger omnibus legislation.

What happens next: the council's resolution will be added to outreach materials the steering committee uses with federal lawmakers as it seeks congressional designation; local officials described the step as part of a multi‑town process that also includes neighboring communities.