HarborsThe Town Council approved new fees introduced by the Harbors Department and approved by the Harbors Committee for riparian moorings and a base fee for charter and commercial permit holders. Riparian moorings are those owned by a landowner whose property is contiguous with the water. Under Rhode Island law, property owners have riparian rights to […]
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of women in society. Block Island is benefited every day by the work of a diverse and hard-working group of women: the majority of high-level island positions are held by women. The Block Island Times will be honoring the contributions of these women with
With the New Shoreham Teachers Association rejecting the most recent proposals by the School Committee, members dipped into an emergency fund that will help pay for some needed programs, as well as a math teacher who will be hired at $127,000 a year. The vote to approve a school budget for 2021 at $5,468,186, while
School Committee dips into reserve funds to balance budget Read More »
Mom and I have seen the stress that Covid-19 has brought to our community and so we were determined that The Mary D. Fund would do even more during this challenging time. To do so, we reached out for a grant. I quietly worked away with the great help of Donna Corey who was there
The CDC defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”Aging in place increases seniors’ satisfaction with their quality of life and self-esteem, qualities that promote happiness and improved health. The World Health Organization recognizes that communities that
Financial Town MeetingThe FTM on May 2 at 7 p.m. will not be streamed for the public, per correspondence sent from the Board of Canvassers to the Town Council. The letter indicated that the board felt that providing an option for people to watch at home could “deter people from attending in person.” The board
Although the current shutdown of government activities on Block Island has interrupted several projects in various stages of development, the Water Commission and Supt. John Breunig are taking steps to ensure that one of the most important projects that was initiated earlier this year stays on track. That project is the replacement of 3,700 feet
High-speed internet The highest-profile bond issue in the town this year is the proposed high speed internet project. Although the bond question will ask voters to approve an $8 million price tag, town Finance Director Amy Land has said that is an “up to” cost that will be offset by taxes, fees, and the possibility
$11 million in bond issues for voters to consider Read More »
The Block Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, just like the island itself, used to be powered by generators, but those generators were turned off after the wind farm started to generate electricity. However, plant Supt. Dylan Chase turned the generators back on during the high-use summer months this year, resulting in a savings of about $38,000.
The New Shoreham Tourism Council wants to continue the conversation on sustainable tourism that was the subject of its annual meeting last month, and it appears they have the means to do so. All they need now is cooperation.The board has been very conservative in its budgeting for this and the last fiscal year, due