The Westerly Sun — Compromise reached on moorings in Watch Hill

The Westerly Sun

June 9, 2019

By Dale P Faulkner

WESTERLY — Moorings just outside of Watch Hill Cove that had been mandated for removal within a few days will be allowed to stay for the current boating season under a new plan developed by Town Manager J. Mark Rooney, Police Chief Shawn Lacey, who also serves as harbor master, and Kimberlie Rayner-Russell, assistant harbor master. The new plan requires approval by state officials.

The decision came after a strong reaction, including claims of elitism, by some of the mooring holders. Under the new plan, about five private moorings that were in the area in 2015, when a draft of the Harbor Management Plan was submitted to the Town Council, will be allowed to stay until their owners no longer need them. Five moorings managed by the Watch Hill Yacht Club will also be allowed to remain. Both sets of moorings are in the Watch Hill Cove Breakwater West area.

However, additional moorings in Breakwater West that town officials say were put in place after the harbor plan was submitted will be required to be removed at the end of the current boating season. "I feel like it is a fair solution," Rayner-Russell said Friday during a conference call with Rooney.

…