The Public’s Radio — Contested beach parking restrictions in Narragansett aren’t going up anytime soon

Narragansett Town Beach. Credit: Alex Nunes / The Public's Radio

July 10, 2024

By Alex Nunes — Beachgoers say time-limited parking along the seawall in Narragansett will make it harder to enjoy the town beach and make the coastal community more exclusive. State officials want more time to review the restrictions that have already been approved by the town.

The Rhode Island State Traffic Commission has put off a decision on Narragansett’s plans to place parking restrictions along two state roads used by many visitors to Narragansett Town Beach in the summer months. Commissioners said Wednesday they want more time to investigate potential safety hazards posed by timed parking restrictions. 

In June, the town placed signs warning of a three-hour parking limit on Narragansett Avenue and the Ocean Road along the town’s iconic seawall. Both roads are state roads.

By delaying a potential vote until its next meeting September 3 — the day after Labor Day — the commission is effectively preventing the town from implementing its plan for the peak of summer beach season, according to the town’s solicitor. 

At a hearing in a State House meeting room, critics and town officials spoke passionately against and for the parking changes. The town argues the seasonal parking restrictions from May 15 to September 15 will alleviate traffic congestion caused by people visiting Narragansett in the summer months. Opponents say the restrictions are unnecessary, calling them a backdoor way of making the town more exclusive and unfriendly to the many people who visit the area from out-of-town in the summer. 

Anthony D’Ellena, a candidate for Narragansett Town Council, told commissioners he’s been campaigning in town and has not met a single resident who is in favor of the parking restrictions.

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