Governor Chafee signed the “Steep Slopes” bill
This spring the House and Senate passed bills taking away a town’s right to deduct steep slopes from the calculation of development potential on a parcel of land. Our State […]
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Board needs to find that turbines will not create conditions inimical to the public health.
In their decision, the Zoning Board must make positive findings. One of those findings must be that the proposal will not result in adverse impacts or create conditions that will be inimical to the public health. We do not believe they can make this positive finding.
Town Hires Special Counsel for Whalerock – More Discussion of Findings
The Town Council believes it is in the best interest of the entire Town to hire a special legal counsel with authority to hire appropriate experts on the impact of commercial wind turbines.
Zoning Board must find that the requested special use permit will not alter the general character of the surrounding area.
In their decision, the Zoning Board must make positive findings. One of those findings must be that the the requested special use permit will not alter the general character of the surrounding area. We do not believe they can make this positive finding.
Help Stop the Steep Slopes Bill
The steep slopes bill. This bill is on the fast track towards passage in committee and in each branch of the legislature.
E-mail your Senator and Representative and tell them to oppose these bills.
Steering Committee Position on Whalerock
We do not believe the Zoning Board can make these positive findings and we urge the Board to acknowledge the negative findings by rejecting the application for a Special Use Permit.
Zoning Board must make positive findings that there will be no adverse environmental impacts resulting from the two Wind Turbines
Based on proximity to federal, state and tribal wildlife conservation areas and using the guidelines established by the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Siting Partnership this is not an appropriate site for wind turbines of this size. The Charlestown Zoning Board cannot make a positive finding that “there will be no adverse environmental impacts” from this proposal.
Timeline for Whalerock application for two 410 foot wind turbines next to residential neighborhoods
In the 2008 to 2010 Town Council term, the Town Council members were Gregg Avedesian, Forrester Safford, Marge Frank, Charlene Dunn, and Richard Hosp. In the timeline below for the […]
Town Council Resolution To Support Residents Living Near Copar Quarry
In January, the Charlestown Town Council passed a resolution in support of residents living near the Copar Quarry. The text of that resolution follows.
Your questions about COPAR
Some of you have written with questions about COPAR. There is a Town Council workshop scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 10 at Town Hall to discuss COPAR
COPAR Quarry is a gravel operation on the border of Westerly and Charlestown. Residents in both Charlestown and Westerly have complained that noise from blasts and dust from the processing operation have disrupted their lives and created health issues and environmental problems. DEM has issued a wetlands violation against the quarry. Westerly’s Zoning Official has issued a cease and desist order against the quarry. Despite these actions, the problems are not resolved.
Pictures of Sandy’s impact
There are a series of aerial photographs provided by the RI Department of Transportation at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridotnews/sets/72157631891636224/ showing damage from the storm along our coastline. Photographs are of Westerly and South Kingstown as well as Charlestown.
Send a Message to Charlestown Cyber-Bullies on Election Day
October is not only the month before the local election for Town Council and Planning Commission candidates, it is also National Anti-Bullying Month – something candidates endorsed by the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee may want to consider.
Ruth Platner: “Please consider a “Yes” vote for State question number 6”
Please consider a “Yes” vote for State question number 6 on the November ballot. Question 6 contains funding for farmland preservation. We need to work harder on both the state and local level to support agriculture. Our farms are important to our economy, environment, and community character.
Lies are not an acceptable way to win an election
Using lies and smears to destroy local politicians and our families is not an acceptable way to win an election. Vicious, false attacks mean fewer good people will run for election and voters will have diminished choices and less effective representation. Voters should be skeptical of the “facts” they may read in blogs and seek out information from publications that adhere to a code of journalistic ethics. Blogs have the potential to be a lively, engaging place to read opinion and debate ideas, but facts are better found in newspapers.
Report on Gentz Chafee meeting on Casino issue
Publications of some members and candidates of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee, along with Town Council candidate James Mageau have said we don’t need to keep Attorney Larisa or continue to oppose changes in Federal laws that would allow casino development in Charlestown. When this group last had a majority on the Town Council from 1990 to 1992 they came out in support of gambling in Charlestown.
Another Sad Day for Charlestown
Doing what is right for the town sometimes takes time, collaboration, character and common sense. Although I am disappointed about the sale of the YMCA land, I am proud of the process and thankful for the volunteers who sought to save the land as open space. When the Town Council denied a request to change the zoning from open space to residential over a year ago, it intended to explore options that had not yet been investigated in depth. This exploration involved due diligence and a number of players.
Why Ninigret Park Needs to Be Protected For All To Use
There is a need to foster a work environment that encourages inclusion instead of exclusion and that supports the legal, moral and ethical approach to conflict resolution.
Ninigret Park Documents
Click here to read about the history of managing Ninigret Park and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. (4.25Mb) Click here to read the USFWS letter that cites negative consequences to migratory […]
Update on Ninigret Lighting
As promised, we looked into the failure of the Charlestown Town Administrator to disclose important information about lighting at Ninigret Park. In addition, he also failed to disclose important information […]
Update on March 12 Town Council Meeting
Town Administrator Fails To Tell Town Council/Public About Government Letters There is so much to report so we’ll send the update over the next few days. Lighting Ordinance Town Council […]
THE CITY DARK – Film Summary
– TECHNICAL INFO – 84 minutes, Color, Stereo Exhibition Format: HDCAM Production Format: HD English, USA, 2011 – CREATIVE TEAM – Presented by: Rooftop Films & Edgeworx Studios A Production […]
THE CITY DARK at Frosty Drew
Frosty Drew Observatory presents the Rhode Island premier of THE CITY DARK – a new feature documentary about light pollution and the disappearing night sky from the co-creator of King […]
Residential Wind Ordinance Proposed For Charlestown
The letter below was submitted to the Westerly Sun and Chariho Times by Ruth Platner and George Tremblay to explain the Residential Wind Ordinance proposed by the Planning Commission. The […]
Narragansetts Attempt to Overturn Carcieri
WASHINGTON – As the RI General Assembly considered a statewide referendum on a proposed casino last week, tribal leaders from around the country were pressing Congress for action on a bill rooted […]
Bill Would Overrule Town Zoning!
An Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Zoning Ordinances,” introduced into the House and Senate as H-5554 and S-533. Proposed legislation would reduce minimum building lot sizes to less […]
Decisions–Wednesday Town Council Meeting
Prior to the Regular Meeting-CCA applauds this open, transparent discussion · Town Council in open session at the Town Administrator’s (TA) request with Councilor DiBello recusing, voted unanimously to give […]
Letter to CCA e-mailers from U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s message to CCA e-mailers on opposition to any legislation that would overturn the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Carcieri v. Salazar ————————————- Thank you for contacting […]