CRMC designates Everett Avenue, Westerly as CRMC ROW

February 4, 2026, WESTERLY – The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), has designated Everett Avenue in Westerly as a CRMC Right-of-Way.

The CRMC’s Rights-of-Way Subcommittee, which conducts meetings and hearings on prospective rights-of-way nominated for designation under the Council’s Rights-of-Way program, held two hearings in February and April of 2025 where evidence was submitted from interested parties regarding this right-of-way. CRMC legal counsel Anthony DeSisto also prepared a report as to the title of Everett Avenue.

After deliberating on the evidence and existing record, as well as testimony provided by the interested parties, the ROW Subcommittee recommended to the CRMC Council that Everett Avenue be designated as a right-of-way to the tidal waters of the State of Rhode Island. The Council heard the matter on November 25, 2025, discussed the merits of the subcommittee’s recommendation, and after consideration of these things, voted unanimously to designate Everett Avenue in Westerly as a CRMC Right-of-Way.

Below are the findings of fact related to the ROW:

• The title attorney’s report indicated that Everett Avenue is recognized as a public street in Westerly based on its inclusion in the plat called “Map of Cottage Sites Everett Farm Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Made by Jacob S. Burnet, Lyneas Norton and Walter St. Jons Jones 1886…” and Westerly’s Land Evidence records.
• At a January 30, 1980 hearing of the CRMC Council, a vote was taken to designate Everett Avenue as a ROW, but this designation was put on hold to allow for abutting property owners to provide contrary evidence. This evidence was never submitted, however.
• Testimony at the ROW Subcommittee hearing indicated there has been public usage of Everett Avenue.
• Evidence submitted to the Subcommittee shows Everett Avenue extends to the shore.
• The title attorney’s report and testimony at the Subcommittee hearing established that the parcel has been dedicated publicly as a right-of-way.

Under the CRMC designation, this and all other CRMC ROWs are offered additional protection so that all Rhode Islanders may utilize them to travel and get to the shore, and this protection is offered in perpetuity. For more information on rights-of-way to the shore, go to https://www.crmc.ri.gov/publicaccess.html .