To the editor:

Dear Town Council Members, The Barrington Times reported in November 18, 2020 edition, that the town manager would like to see South Lake Drive closed to vehicle traffic from Washington Road to North Lake Drive citing illegal dumping and underage drinking.

As a 40-year resident of North Lake Drive I know these problems do exist. Closing the road is not the answer.

In 2008, there was a similar proposal to close South Lake Drive due to the same problems. There were a number of residents who opposed it.

I gathered signatures in Annawamscutt, Alfred Drown, Roberta Plat and Maple Avenue neighborhoods — 520 people signed on opposing the closing of the road. Our petition was presented along with ideas and discussion to finding a solution for not closing the road.

The council agreed the road should be kept open and further study should be done for a solution. 

Town memorandum and minutes from town meetings of 2008 indicate that this road belongs to the town and not Rhode Island Country Club as reported in the Times. It also states that lack of maintenance and neglect over the years could be a contributing factor to the problem.

I am asking the town council to get involved with in this issue. With your leadership and input from committee groups such as conservation committee, preservation society, planning and most of all, residents, I feel confident a long-term solution can be found without closing the road.

Sincerely,

Michael Mangione

Barrington