Narragansett Parking Proposal Sparks Beach Access Debate

POINT JUDITH, RI — Changes are coming to parking policies in Point Judith. Last week, the Narragansett Town Council voted unanimously to approve a new ordinance to allow public parking near beach right-of-way access.

The ordinance applies to Pilgrim, Conant and Louise Avenues. Under the new ordinance, public parking will be allowed from 5:01 a.m. to 8:59 p.m., under the following rules:

• Conant Avenue: South side of the road, from Ocean Road to the end of the access point.
• Pilgrim Avenue: North side of the road, from Ocean Road to the end of the access point.
• Louise Avenue: South side of the road, from Ocean Road to Calef Avene.

The proposed ordinance sparked strong opinions on both sides of the argument. Proponents said the new policy protects Rhode Islanders' constitutional right to shoreline access, while residents of the neighborhood cited concerns about crowding on the streets.

John Mancini, a nearby resident, said that allowing parking on the streets would obstruct access to homes. Mancini cited a Rhode Island Supreme Court ruling that said that parking that "essentially closes the road" is considered a nuisance. He also voiced concerns about the roads being too narrow to allow emergency vehicles to get through.

Dina Diruzzo, a Louise Avenue resident, echoed Mancini's concerns.

"Allowing parking on such narrow roads is a safety hazard," Diruzzo said. "The no parking signs exist for a reason."

Jimmy Blakeny, meanwhile, spoke out in favor of the new policy.

"I think this issue transcends just the Narrgansett area," Blakeny, a Wakefield resident, said. "This is a constitutional issue."

Another vocal opponent of the ultimately passed ordinance was Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. The New Jersey politician owns a summer home in the neighborhood and called into two town meetings to voice his support of the current "no parking" policy.

Patch Editor Sam Mercado contributed to this report.