Barrington To Host Special Town Meeting On Acquiring Monastery

BARRINGTON, RI — The Town of Barrington will host a virtual special meeting to discuss the acquisition and preservation of the former Carmelite monastery on Wednesday, June 23 at 7 p.m.

The monastery, located on a 7.16-acre property along Narraganset Bay, was home to the Discalced Carmelite order from 1957 until last year. The property has been owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence since at least 1894 and is now on the market for $3.5 million.

At the town meeting, councilors will discuss a way for the town to act on purchasing the property at financing it through general obligation bonds and/or notes.

If the town is successful in acquiring the monastery, the building could be transformed into affordable or senior housing.

To access the Zoom link for the meeting, click here.