Court affirms Jamestown ROW

June 11, 2013, PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Superior Court has affirmed the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council’s (CRMC) designation of the High Street, Jamestown CRMC Right-of-Way, providing access to Narragansett Bay to all Rhode Islanders.

After a 15-year legal battle over the public access point, located at High Street and Walcott Avenue, the Court issued its decision on May 31, 2013.

High Street was first considered for dedication as a right-of-way by the CRMC Rights-of-Way Subcommittee in November 1997. Abutters Donelson and Marcia Glassie had appealed a September 2003 CRMC decision designating the public access point as a public ROW. 

“The CRMC is vigilant about the enforcement of the public’s right to access the shore, and the Council works tirelessly to ensure access to the Bay is preserved,” said Brian A. Goldman, CRMC legal counsel. “Though it was a hotly contested and litigated case, this decision vindicates the CRMC’s position and authority as designee of all public rights-of-way to the shore.”