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Westerly council asks solicitor to request state take responsibility for Potter Hill dam (dam only)
Summary
Facing ongoing liability and cleanup questions, the council voted to ask the town solicitor to request that a state agency, such as DEM, assume responsibility for the Potter Hill dam only; the mill site was excluded from the immediate request.
The Westerly Town Council voted June 22 to ask the town solicitor to send a formal request to state authorities seeking state assumption of responsibility for the Potter Hill dam, citing liability and cost concerns.
Council debate reflected a range of views: some members urged transferring full ownership of the mill parcel to a state agency or land trust, while others urged caution about giving away town property outright. Councilor Petra urged an approach to "give the dam away unencumbered" so the town is relieved of the structure's liability. After discussion, the council narrowly directed the solicitor to prepare and send a letter requesting the state consider taking the dam itself rather than the entire mill parcel.
Councilors said the step is intended to remove the town’s immediate dam liability and to open discussions with DEM or another state agency about long‑term stewardship or remediation. The council said any further steps involving disposal, sale or transfer of additional mill‑site acreage would require additional review and council action.
