Westerly Council addresses dam ownership proposal and public water concerns
October 28, 2024 | Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island
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The Westerly Town Council convened on October 28, 2024, to discuss the contentious issue of the mill property and dam ownership, a topic that has sparked significant public interest and concern. The meeting featured a range of perspectives from residents and council members regarding the future of the dam, which has been deemed in poor condition and is estimated to require up to $9 million in repairs.
The discussion began with a council member highlighting that a private entity had previously expressed interest in taking ownership of the mill property and the dam. This entity had conducted site visits and submitted a proposal, but it was ultimately dismissed as it did not align with the expectations of the council's partners. This revelation underscored the ongoing challenges in finding a viable solution for the dam's future.
Residents voiced their concerns about the potential impact of dam removal on local water sources. Gina Hoffman, a resident living near the river, emphasized the importance of protecting the aquifer and expressed her desire to retain the dam to safeguard her well water. Her comments resonated with others who shared similar worries about water quality and availability.
Council members acknowledged the emotional weight of the dam removal debate, with some expressing regret over how public concerns have been handled in the past. One councilor noted the need for more information before making a decision, particularly regarding the implications of various alternatives for the dam's future. The council is awaiting a presentation from Fuss & O'Neill, an engineering firm, to provide further insights into the situation.
The meeting also touched on the fiscal responsibility of the previous council, which had taken ownership of the dam without conducting an engineering study. This decision has resulted in a significant financial burden for taxpayers, as the necessary repairs were only identified after the fact.
As the council continues to navigate this complex issue, residents are encouraged to remain engaged and informed. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations based on the upcoming engineering report, as the council seeks to balance community concerns with fiscal responsibility.
The discussion began with a council member highlighting that a private entity had previously expressed interest in taking ownership of the mill property and the dam. This entity had conducted site visits and submitted a proposal, but it was ultimately dismissed as it did not align with the expectations of the council's partners. This revelation underscored the ongoing challenges in finding a viable solution for the dam's future.
Residents voiced their concerns about the potential impact of dam removal on local water sources. Gina Hoffman, a resident living near the river, emphasized the importance of protecting the aquifer and expressed her desire to retain the dam to safeguard her well water. Her comments resonated with others who shared similar worries about water quality and availability.
Council members acknowledged the emotional weight of the dam removal debate, with some expressing regret over how public concerns have been handled in the past. One councilor noted the need for more information before making a decision, particularly regarding the implications of various alternatives for the dam's future. The council is awaiting a presentation from Fuss & O'Neill, an engineering firm, to provide further insights into the situation.
The meeting also touched on the fiscal responsibility of the previous council, which had taken ownership of the dam without conducting an engineering study. This decision has resulted in a significant financial burden for taxpayers, as the necessary repairs were only identified after the fact.
As the council continues to navigate this complex issue, residents are encouraged to remain engaged and informed. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations based on the upcoming engineering report, as the council seeks to balance community concerns with fiscal responsibility.
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