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Governor McKee Signs Major Housing Reform Package to Tackle Rhode Island Crisis

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It was an elegant evening of reflection, recogniti It was an elegant evening of reflection, recognition, and renewal on June 12 as The Preservation Society of Newport County hosted its Annual Meeting at the gilded grandeur of The Breakers. Against the backdrop of the Vanderbilt summer “cottage,” trustees gathered to usher in a new era of leadership, celebrate a legacy of service, and bestow honors upon those whose talents and dedication continue to shape Newport’s storied past into a sustainable future. Peter W. Harris, a familiar face within the organization, was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees. A trustee since 2016 and most recently Vice Chairman and Treasurer, Harris brings not just institutional knowledge but deep experience from his role as co-founder of Mooring Partners, a firm that advises in homeland security technology. His predecessor, William F. Lucey III, was awarded the prestigious Antiquarian Award—The Preservation Society’s highest honor. Lucey’s 15-year tenure, which included steering the organization through the seismic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and leading major capital campaigns, left a profound impact. The meeting also welcomed four new trustees—each with a unique blend of professional clout and preservation passion. Among them: Debra Del Vecchio, global style executive and garden restorer; Kate Enroth, legal veteran and civic volunteer; Evan Smith, the voice of Newport tourism for over three decades; and Valerie Talmage, preservationist and former executive director of Preserve Rhode Island. The Society also presented its Laurel Awards, a trio of honors spotlighting exceptional local contributions. Jerry Kirby and Kirby Perkins Construction received the Artisanship Award for their impeccable restoration of the Isaac Bell House; Victoria Johnson was recognized for her tireless volunteerism and civic spirit; and William Orlando, of Orlando Greenhouse, was celebrated for his horticultural mastery at The Breakers Stable Greenhouse. In Newport, where history is both heritage and heartbeat, the evening was a reminder: it takes a village—and a vision—to preserve a legacy. 📸 Dave Hansen/The Preservation Society of Newport County #newportmansions #newportri #newportbuzz
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
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