PORTSMOUTH — The R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) will consider five locations in Portsmouth for possible designation as public rights of way (ROWs) during a hearing on Thursday, April 21.

The hearing begins at 6 p.m. at Portsmouth Town Hall.

CRMC will be receiving comments and evidence from interested parties concerning the potential ROWs.

The proposed ROWs are as follows:

• Beach Street at Cedar Avenue: An approximately six-foot-wide path leading from Beach Street at Cedar Avenue to the water’s edge, dividing lots 33 and 34 of Plat 21.

• Cedar Avenue: A path about 20-foot wide leading from Cedar Avenue to the water’s edge, dividing lots 47 and 48 of Plat 21.

• Fountain Avenue: A path about 30 feet wide leading from Fountain Avenue to the water’s edge, dividing lots 168 and 169 of Plat 21.

• East Power Street: A paved street bordered by Plat 31, Lot 54; Plat 34, Lot 56; and Plat 31, Lot 53, and leading to the water’s edge.

• Cory’s Lane: A paved asphalt path approximately 12 feet leading from Cory’s Lane to the water’s edge, dividing 32/1/A and 32/1/B.

Some residents may be wondering why a review is needed of ROWs at Beach Street, Cedar Avenue and Fountain Avenue, since  CRMC ROW signs have been there for years. The signs were posted there in error, according to Town Planner Gary Crosby, who said they are not officially CRMC-designated ROWs.

The ones at East Power Street and Cory’s Lane have gone through regular channels and have been in the works for years for new CRMC designation, Crosby said. 

The meeting location is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the meeting should contact CRMC offices at 401/783-3370 at least 72 hours before the meeting.

Plans of the proposal may be viewed in the CRMC office at the Oliver H. Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.