Block Island Times

Block Island has always been a wonderful spot to go birding, not only because the island is an important stopover during migration, but due to the many species that live here. At the Block Island School, we are following the tradition started by Elizabeth Dickens, who began the bird program at the School in the […]

In the early months of 2020, the uncertainty on whether or not there would be any business on the island during the summer was heightened enough that town financial planners braced for a 50 percent drop in revenue associated with tourism. The Wastewater Treatment plant and the Water Company were no exception. The two departments

Shirlyne Gobern, the town’s long-time Assistant to the Town Manager, lives in the house that was built by her ancestors and it is a home she spent time in as a child. Right next door to this familiar yellow house (which is about to undergo a dramatic change in color) is the monument dedicated to

During the virtual Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 19, First Warden Ken Lacoste announced the new Town Manager Maryanne Crawford will “start on Monday, Aug. 24.” Crawford was the Chief Financial Officer of the South Kingstown School system. She will succeed Interim Town Manager Jim Kern. Kern stated he would “come out mid week next

In 2018, he covered 22 miles in 48 hours, with no luck. In 2019, after another unsuccessful day left him physically and emotionally exhausted, his girlfriend, Lisa, suggested they head back via a stretch of sand near Payne’s Dock. There, Lisa casually found an orb hidden in an old tire. “I now believe it’s more

Recognizing that Block Island has been facing an almost kaleidoscopic amount of social, economic, and public relations setbacks this summer, a new coalition called #RespectBI held a Zoom meeting with more than 130 attendees to address thoughts and strategies on moped reform, safety and enforcement. There were a broad range of options shared on the

After about an hour and a half of a discussion that discussed a wide range of options about how to modify moped rentals, the Town Council approved a motion by Second Warden André Boudreau to reduce the amount of mopeds rented by each moped operator from “34 down to 25 mopeds, effected immediately.” The vote

Island resident and activist Sarah Bacon, who recently founded the coalition #RespectBI for moped reform, spoke with The Block Island Times about an upcoming Zoom meeting she has organized regarding moped operations. The community discussion will commence on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. Q: Hi Sarah! Thank you for reaching out to The Block

Mahogany Shoals, after being cited for non-compliance by the state Department of Business Regulations, was re-instated on Monday, Aug. 17 because the establishment “has satisfied the terms and conditions of” the original non-compliance order, which was posted by DBR on Aug. 14. Sands Payne, owner of Mahogany Shoals, voiced frustration over the state’s inspection program.

The following message was shared by Town Clerk Molly Fitzpatrick on Wednesday, Aug. 19: Thank you to the many people who took the time to send the Town Council their thoughts and feelings on the moped issue. The comments received for Sunday’s emergency meeting are now on Clerkbase, attached to the August 16 agenda: https://clerkshq.com/NewShoreham-RI (then go