Narragansett Town Council mourns two fatal crash victims during meeting

The Narragansett Town Council meeting on November 18, 2024, opened with a moment of silence for two young men, Andres Naranjo, 26, and Samuel White, 24, who tragically lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident on Mumford Road. The council expressed condolences and hopes for the recovery of two other individuals injured in the incident, which is currently under investigation by the Narragansett Police Department.

In the meeting, the council approved minutes from previous sessions and moved into public comments, where residents voiced their concerns and gratitude. Alex Menzies thanked the council for their dedication to the community and support for local schools, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. Gail Scowcroft highlighted the challenges posed by student voting and the influence of landlords in local elections, expressing concern over the newly elected council's lack of experience and potential conflicts of interest regarding rental regulations.

Harry Schofield echoed Scowcroft's sentiments, praising the outgoing council for their efforts against what he termed a "landlord cartel" that has historically prioritized rental profits over community stability. He criticized the recent election dynamics, suggesting that the new council's alignment with landlord interests could undermine the progress made in regulating short-term rentals and protecting neighborhood integrity.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the upcoming oath of office for the new council on November 25, 2024, marking a significant transition in local governance. The discussions underscored the community's ongoing concerns about housing, representation, and the future direction of Narragansett's leadership.