Opinion | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Please vote to approve the fields bond

If Barrington’s athletic fields are important to you, I encourage you to attend the Financial Town Meeting (FTM) on Wednesday, May 22 at Barrington High School. The FTM is your opportunity … more

5/22/24

Letter: Vote ‘Yes’ to the monastery plan

To the editor: I am writing to encourage residents to attend the upcoming financial town meeting and ask that you vote "yes" to the new monastery plan. This plan has taken two years, multiple … more

5/22/24

Letter: Don’t expect Watson to weather the coming storm

To the editor: As Barrington prepares itself to vote for the most up-to-date 25 Watson Ave. plans, a view of the current rhythm of the location and its surrounding and updates from other Rhode … more

5/22/24

Letter: Solving the field space issue with existing resources

To the editor: There has been a great deal of talk around the Town of Barrington about a lack of field space for youth, on the one hand, and what to do with the monastery property on the other … more

5/22/24

Letter: Vote yes to finally move forward on Watson

To the editor: After three years of an extensive public process, the time has come to move forward on 25 Watson, the former monastery. Three years ago, FTM voters relied upon the stated purposes … more

5/22/24

Letter: Let’s vote YES to a good plan

To the editor: I am writing to request that you vote YES on the FTM question to redevelop the Carmelite Monastery property on Watson Avenue. A heartfelt thank you to those that turned out to … more

5/22/24

Letter: Plan for Watson Avenue is an optimal balance

To the editor: I am writing to voice my support for the current resolution concerning the town’s plan for the property at 25 Watson Ave. I plan to vote in support of that resolution at the … more

5/22/24

Letter: This is not a personal squabble; it’s a wake-up call

To the editor: It’s rare to witness such hypocrisy as is displayed in Shoshana Landow’s LTE published May 8. In the name of inclusive love, she condemns the efforts of our Christian … more

5/21/24

Letter: What does Brave Books mean by Culture and the enemy?

To the editor: I thank the Ryans and Fullers, in their recent letter “DEI’s Godless Agenda,” and Daft and Ryan’s prior letter, for making me aware that our library had … more

5/21/24

Letter: Please evaluate life cycle of artificial turf fields

To the editor: We are writing to express our concern about the proposed plan to install artificial turf playing fields. As members of the Barrington Conservation Commission, we are focused on … more

5/21/24

A large patch of Native Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) replaced an area of turf grass lawn in the authors’ Barrington yard. The plant is an important nectar and pollen source for many native bees, especially bumblebees and long-tongued bees. It is a host plant for several native moths and a nectar source for butterflies. The prickly pads escape herbivore browsing but the fruits provide a nutrient rich meal for wild turkeys, deer, coyotes, and foxes. This native plant is rare and endangered in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Is it time to rethink the traditional lawn?

Spring is in the air, and so too are the noxious fumes and aural assault of overpowered lawn equipment. Bird song and children’s voices fill the air only to be abruptly halted by the roar of … more

By Cindy and Ed Moura | 5/21/24

We’re approaching peak time for state budget debates

In a sure sign that the end of the General Assembly session is approaching, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has slated a budget caucus for Wednesday afternoon at the Statehouse. A … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/21/24

Letter: PAYT bags shouldn’t be part of curbside collection

To the editor: I’ve resided in Portsmouth since 1991. I loved using the transfer station and enjoyed the convenience of trashing on my schedule and in my way. Throw it in a bag, a box, or … more

5/20/24

Letter: Fishing is a problem at Nanaquaket Bridge, too

Regarding t he article on fishing restrictions from April 9 (Anglers balk at fishing restrictions proposed in Tiverton), the Town of Tiverton definitely needs to take action and start imposing and … more

5/17/24

Letter: A note of appreciation for Warren's historic crosswalks

I extend my sincerest thanks to the Warren DPW for their dedication to maintaining and honoring our town's history. more

5/16/24

Letter: Bristol wants to save money by changing tax exemption for seniors

We need to assist older members of our community who struggle with the ever-increasing burden of increasing property taxes; not find reasons to reject their needs. more

5/16/24

Editorial: An overdue opportunity to support recreation in Barrington

Barrington Financial Town Meeting voters will face another important decision when they are asked to authorize up to $5 million in long-term borrowing, the bulk of it to create an artificial turf … more

5/15/24

Editorial: Why Barrington voters should reject the monastery development plan

In the three years since the Town of Barrington purchased a seven-acre property on Watson Avenue, its plans have ebbed and flowed considerably, as have public opinions. Some want the land surrounding … more

5/15/24

Letter: Clearing up Conservation Commission confusion

To the editor: Last week’s Barrington Times letter to the editor , from Barrington Conservation Commission members David Boyes and Joseph Roberts, presented information from the Mt. Sinai … more

5/15/24

Letter: Commission has concerns about artificial turf

To the editor: At its March 4, 2024 meeting, the Barrington Town Council presented its proposal for the installation of artificial turf fields at the town’s athletic complexes and $4.5M of … more

5/15/24

Good vibes and good times for the leaders of the House

STORY OF THE WEEK: Rhode Island House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski has a bit more gray hair these days, but his status as the heir-apparent to House Speaker Joe Shekarchi remains … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/15/24

Letter: Are you interested in participating?

To the editor: The Town Council continues its evaluation and potential implementation of a program to provide tax savings to super-senior long-term taxpayers. Meanwhile they have authorized my … more

5/15/24

Letter: Please support the fields bond at the FTM

To the editor: We, the Barrington Boosters, are asking Barrington residents to please support the fields bond at the upcoming financial town meeting. We support the bond as to help the town with … more

5/15/24

Letter: Vote to encourage affordable housing in Little Compton

Little Compton residents recently received the Report of the Budget Committee in advance of our upcoming Annual Financial Town Meeting. It includes Article 5, a warrant article from the Little … more

5/14/24

Letter: Bathed in lush green, life returns to the Back 40

Well, my world finally turned green as I hoped it would and it brought some things to remember. • One morning I looked out and saw a tiny yellow warbler scavenging for t insects in a bed of … more

5/13/24