Saving RI Coastal Access/Rights of Way Letter Writing Party
Hosted by Caroline Contrata and Scott Keeley
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/1Qgyp5G91
Westerly Public Library
Roberts Room
Fri Dec 3, 4pm–545pm
Caroline reserved the Roberts Room at Westerly Public Library for us to gather and write letters to the editor.
Scott will give early arrivers a seaweed bag!!
We will bring stamps and envelopes.
You can write to:
Shoreline Access Study Commission c/o Michael Hogan - RI State House
82 Smith Street
Providence RI 02903
Here's a letter to be inspired by:
”I am writing in support of HB5469. I have enjoyed many areas of the Rhode Island shore on and off public and state beaches since 2004. I have grown to appreciate the miles of preserved shoreline that the state offers to the public. I have met many patrons that travel far and wide to see the beautiful beaches of Rhode Island. At many of these encounters I would ask “why travel so far to see Rhode Island of all places?”, and the response was always the same, “you don’t get this anywhere else”. They would go on to explain that Rhode Island is one of the only states in the US that offers its entire shoreline to be accessed and enjoyed by the public. For this reason Rhode Island is sought after as one of the best, most family friendly beach states in the US. HB5469 as written is a fair bill that appropriately considers the rights of the general public as well as the rights of shoreline property owners. It is my understanding that many shoreline property owners are heavily concerned about their privacy rights. While HB5469 allows patrons to access and enjoy the privileges the shore immediately in front of beach front property, it provides a clear definition as to where is and is not acceptable for the public to enjoy their constitutional right to the privileges of the shore.
The people of Rhode Island deserve to settle the divide between property owners and the public who wish to enjoy our natural resources. HB5469 accomplishes this in a fair way that equally considers the rights of both.”