Projo — R.I. beach access case settled for $25,000, but underlying issue is still in the weeds

Scott Keeley of Charlestown, who filed a lawsuit against South Kingstown over his arrest last summer while he was gathering seaweed on the shoreline. [The Providence Journal, file / Kris Craig]

By Brian Amaral — What remains muddled: Rhode Island’s balance of private property and public access rights

A shoreline-rights advocate arrested in June while collecting seaweed on the beach in front of private homes in South Kingstown has settled his federal lawsuit against the town and its police department.

Scott Keeley, of Charlestown, will receive $25,000 in the settlement, according to the town. He said he will use the money to fund the continuing fight to increase shoreline access, including more litigation.

“It’s your shoreline,” Keeley said. “If you’re in Rhode Island, it’s your shoreline. And your shoreline is not private.”

Town Manager Robert Zarnetske said the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust, an insurance pool for local governments, made the “business decision” to settle the case. The town itself was not involved in the decision, which Zarnetske learned about this week. The trust, whose proceeds come from public money, will pay the $25,000, Zarnetske said.

“This settlement is the end of a chapter, but by no means resolves the unanswered questions around the balance between private property rights and public access to the shoreline,” Zarnetske said. He added: “The Town of South Kingstown will continue to encourage residents and beachgoers to be reasonable and respectful of each other’s interests.”

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