In accordance with notice to members of the RI CRMC Rights-of-Way Subcommittee, a virtual meeting was held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room A, of the Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.

Members Present
Ronald Gagnon
Don Gomez
Patricia Reynolds

Staff Present
Jeffrey Willis, Executive Director
Anthony DeSisto, Legal Counsel
Lisa Turner, Recording Secretary

Mr. Willis explained that Kevin Cute, CRMC Coastal Policy Analyst would be presenting to the Council. Mr. Cute stated that the work to be discussed was compiled with the assistance of Meghan DiPrete of RI Department of Environmental Management and Delcy Longolucco of DCAMM/Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance – both have been a goldmine of information and cooperation.

Mr. Cute distributed documents to the Council regarding the research into State agencies that control properties to try to propose to them the establishment of public parking on properties for public access. Mr. Cute explained the RI General Laws in RIGL 46-23 that gave the Council authorization to designate Rights of Way, being a part of the designation process in conjunction with subdivisions and CRMC working with municipalities and their municipal rules and regulations.

Mr. Cute stated that while working with two different agencies RI Department of Environmental Management and DCAMM/Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance, a Table was created that shows all state properties – Table reviewed by subcommittee members. Mr. Cute explained that a layer was added for ROWs found in terms of state property within quarter of a mile or so for parking cars to use the ROW. Mr. Cute stated that the purpose of this project is to address the biggest impediment which is the lack of parking at ROW which mostly include municipal streets in which No parking signs are put up once ROW designated. The Table was reviewed with Mr. Cute explaining that all CRMC ROWs were reviewed for potential parking opportunities on State properties. Mr. Cute explained that RIDEM property has 20 areas and controls most of the 31 candidates.

Mr. Cute explained that the number of parking spaces is not known at the time as there are variables to review.

Mr. DeSisto mentioned that Tiverton T-3 at the Sakonnet River Bridge was being worked on by Mr. Willis – not on the Table. Mr. Cute stated that it must have needed more review to be considered a candidate.

Mr. Gomez stated that there were two parking spots at the end of North Bridge in Little Compton but the parking is not adequate and people park all over the place.

Mr. Cute brought everyone back to the ROW Table talking about the process and stating that the ROWs had red stars and the State Properties were in Green of which DEM controls the vast majority.

Delcy Longolucco reviewed the South Shore area -- Westerly to Narragansett -- Misquamicutt to East – reviewing potential cases where red stars are located at DEM properties.

Mr. Gagnon talked about the access to the beach for 4WD Vehicles one of which is the Sand Trail at East Beach as well as access at Charlestown Beach.

Mr. DeSisto mentioned the blocking of access to Weekapaug Fire District. Mr. Cute stated that CRMC discussed with the Town of Westerly and had blockage removed. Discussion on CRMC exercising authority and enforcement of public access in that area along with working with the local municipality.

Mr. Gagnon talked about the DEM parcels in the south shore area for parking.
Ms. Reynolds asked what needs to be done to make them parking areas. Mr. Cute stated that really nothing had to be done other than acknowledging that it is parking area. Mr. Cute to visit the sites and make sure all is as it should be for parking purposes.

Mr. Cute stated that he would work with Meghan DiPrete’s staff directly regarding restrictions for RIDEM state property used for parking.

Mr. Cute stated he would like to be able to go to the Towns and show them that CRMC is doing our part and, hopefully, get them on board for town parking as well.

Mr. Gomez asked about the Seapowet Marsh stating that there was very adequate parking there and that the State has done a great job providing public access. People are there all of the time as there is good fishing in that spot.

Mr. Cute stated he would be happy to come back and provide an update.

Richard Langseth requested to address the Subcommittee and made a brief statement regarding Article 117 – Access to the Shore, Section 16. Mr. Langseth stated that he had been hearing for a long time that under the constitution, the people have the right to the shore under article one and that police would provide enforcement in a positive way. Mr. Langseth asked that when the State asks the municipality for cooperation with ROW that it also includes the backing of the Police Department for enforcement of public access use. Cooperation is key.

Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Turner
Recording Secretary

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