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Rhode Island lawmakers are drawing a hard line at Rhode Island lawmakers are drawing a hard line at the water’s edge.

A pair of bills sponsored by Sen. Victoria Gu, Rep. Terri Cortvriend, and Rep. Kathleen Fogarty aimed at protecting the public’s right to access the state’s shoreline were signed into law by Governor McKee — putting towns and private groups on notice: no more quietly cutting off the coast.

One new law (2025-S 0716aa, 2025-H 6093Aaa) targets the sneaky practice of limiting parking near CRMC-designated public rights of way. Going forward, anyone looking to reduce parking will need to submit a full parking plan, assess the impact under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and open a 30-day public comment period. Violators face fines of up to $500 per day.

“Sometimes, local governments — often pressured by nearby property owners — will remove or reduce public parking near beach access points,” said Sen. Gu. “This makes it harder for the public to visit, since fewer people will come if they can’t park nearby. This legislation provides guardrails and a public, transparent process.”

Rep. Cortvriend agreed, calling out efforts to block access by stealth. “Public access to nature has long been imperiled in Rhode Island by a lack of specific laws protecting it,” she said. “Needlessly making parking difficult is a back-door way of preventing the public from making use of public rights of way.”

A second law (2025-H 5686, 2025-S 0626), signed June 23, requires municipalities to maintain and update lists of public rights of way to tidal areas — shining a light on coastal paths that many residents never knew existed.

“Public rights of way shouldn’t be a secret known only to a select group of people — they are public,” said Rep. Fogarty. “This will make it easier for people to get to our shore areas, and sends a clear message that each of these rights of way is open to everyone.”

Message received: the Ocean State’s shore is staying open for all.

#rhodeisland #newportri #newportbuzz
Just weeks after a devastating fire shuttered the Just weeks after a devastating fire shuttered the Matunuck Oyster Bar, the beloved South County restaurant is serving guests again — this time al fresco — thanks to fast-tracked legislation signed Monday by Governor Dan McKee.

The new law (2025-H 6392, 2025-S 1139) amends the state’s outdoor dining policy, clearing the way for the restaurant to operate a mobile kitchen and seating area in the marina parking lot across the street. The move keeps roughly 50 employees on the job and brings new life to a local favorite just in time for the busy summer season.

“Rhode Island may be small, but we always rally around our own,” said Governor McKee, who joined owner Perry Raso and staff to celebrate the reopening. “I want to thank our state and local leaders who acted quickly to make this possible and everyone who supported this beloved local business when it needed it the most.”

Lawmakers including Representative Carol Hagan McEntee, Senator V. Susan Sosnowski, and Representative Kathleen Fogarty joined in the push, along with the South Kingstown Town Council and Town Manager James Manni.

Raso expressed deep gratitude for the rapid response. “Just over a month after the fire, we are able to welcome guests back. We look forward to a busy summer at the marina while we rebuild the main restaurant.”

The new outdoor space builds on the success of Rhode Island’s “Take It Outside” initiative, allowing communities to creatively adapt and preserve local business in the face of adversity.

“Supporting Matunuck Oyster Bar’s reopening is a win for everyone,” said South Kingstown Town Council President Rory McEntee. “Employees are back, customers are happy, and the community gets its gathering spot back.”

#matunuckoysterbar #southkingstown #rhodeisland #newportbuzz
Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design welcomed a lively Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design welcomed a lively turnout Saturday evening for the opening of HUNT SLONEM: FIELD OF DREAMS, a vibrant new solo exhibition by the celebrated New York-based artist. The event drew a who’s who of Newport’s art scene, with collectors, curators, and longtime fans gathering to toast Slonem’s fifth show with the gallery.

The exhibition features a lively mix of paintings—flowers, birds, butterflies, and, of course, the whimsical bunnies that have become Slonem’s calling card. Known for his rich color palettes and layered brushwork, Slonem brings a playful, almost meditative quality to his work. “It’s always an extraordinary event,” said gallery owner Jessica Hagen. “The color, the energy—Hunt’s work fills the space in a way that’s just electric.”

Slonem, whose work is held in the permanent collections of the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney, has had more than 300 solo shows across the globe. But despite his wide acclaim, there’s an intimacy to this Newport exhibit—something both personal and inviting.

Field of Dreams will be on view through July 27 at Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design, located at 9A Bridge Street. For those drawn to bold color, natural beauty, and a touch of magic, the show offers a welcome summer escape.

#huntslonem #jessicahagen #newportri #newportbuzz
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