Keeping You Up To Date with Charlestown News and Events
Amtrak Announces New Haven–Providence Capacity Planning Study To Begin
In 2016, the Federal Railroad Administration released a plan to bisect Charlestown with a new high-speed track known as the “Old Saybrook to Kenyon Bypass.” Amtrak made an announcement on May 21, 2026, that the study required by the FRA’s 2017 Record of Decision had finally received the federal and other funding to proceed. The “New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study” is on the table, and that is extremely important and could be potentially devastating for Charlestown’s natural, historic, and residential character.
Ninigret Restoration Advisory Board Report
When: Tuesday, June 23 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Kimball Pavilion inside Ninigret Park, 5 Park Lane, Charlestown
What: First public meeting of the Ninigret Restoration Advisory Board for the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field formerly used defense site (Ninigret Park and the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District invites everyone to the first public meeting of the Ninigret Restoration Advisory Board.
Amtrak Kicks Off Long-Delayed Planning for High-Speed Service Linking New Haven and Providence
Amtrak has the go-ahead to move forward with a long-awaited two-year study to decide how best to achieve high-speed rail service linking New Haven and Providence on the Northeast Corridor. Will it include the destructive “Old Saybrook to Kenyon Bypass?” This is just the beginning—there is nothing definitive yet. Story is at the CT Examiner and you may need a subscription to read.
2026/2027 Financial Town Referendum Monday, June 1
What: Financial Town Referendum
When: Monday, June 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Charlestown Town Hall, 4540 South County Trail
Monday, June 1, is the annual Financial Referendum on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The June 1 vote is on the municipal services portion of the budget; the Chariho portion was approved by voters on April 7.
Garden Tour Fundraiser For Cross’ Mills Public Library
When: Saturday, June 20 from 10 am to 4 pm (Rain or Shine)
What: Cross’ Mills Public Library will host its biennial garden tour
Why: Summer is coming and the gardens are beautiful!
Cost: Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the Library or online
St. Andrew Lutheran Church Outdoor Plant Sale
When: Saturday, May 23, from 8am to Noon
Where: St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 15 East Beach Road, Charlestown
Hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, mixed containers, vegetables, and herbs.
Electronics Recycling Drop Off
When: Saturday, June 6 from 9 am to noon
Where: Charlestown Mini Super, 4071 Old Post Road, Charlestown
Why: Indie Cycle is offering this great opportunity to dispose of your unwanted electronics that can be either recycled, reused or refurbished.
Charlestown Rescue Annual Open House
When: Saturday, May 16 from 10 am to 2 pm (Rain date is May 17)
Where: 4891 Old Post Road, Charlestown ( across from Ninigret Park)
What: An opportunity to connect with the local emergency medical services (EMS) team and see what they do every day to serve the community
Clean-Up Day At South Farm Preserve
When: Sunday, May 17 at 9am
Where: Meet at the South Farm Preserve parking lot off of Old Coach Road
What: Join with the Charlestown Conservation Commission to help them maintain this beautiful property.
Owned by the Town of Charlestown since 2002, this 87 acre property was purchased with a Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management open space grant and Town Open Space Bond funds.
Coastal Pond Cleanup
When: Saturday, May 16 from 9 am to Noon
Where: Meet at the Ocean House Marina, 60 Town Dock Rd, Charlestown
Who: The Coastal Pond Management Commission is sponsoring this event
Coffee, refreshments, garbage bags, gloves, and boat shuttle service will be provided.