WARWICK, RI — Last night the city council met for the first of two meetings this month. The largest item the council voted on was the new Oakland Beach playground, splash pad and storm water improvements plan.
This project will cost a little more than $1.7 million and is paid for entirely with federal CBDG community development funds. The city has been working on this project for a number of years and last night was a big step forward in getting this exciting playground started.
The council also voted for second passage on an ordinance regulating the smoking or vaporizing of cannabis and an ordinance prohibiting the delivery of tobacco products to persons under 21 years of age.
We were also lead in the pledge of allegiance by Jeff Nelson and Peter Leon of Palmer Industries. They are a company that moved to Warwick a few years ago and continues to expand their business here and hire local residents. They were also recently awarded the Patriot Award in recognition of the company’s participation in the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. This award is a US Department of Defense program. They won the award for their unwavering support and flexibility for their employees when they or their spouses are called to serve.
The next council meeting on Sept. 18 will be an important one. The council will have an agenda item where we will discuss and possibly vote on whether to issue the $350 million bonds to build two new high schools. As a reminder, the only authority the city council has at this time is whether to release the bonds or not. All questions regarding what is or is not going to be built should be referred to the school department and school committee.
I have requested that the Superintendent and her team attend this council meeting and be prepared to answer questions from council members and members of the public. I have also requested an updated fiscal note from the city’s finance director regarding this project as well.
Upcoming events:
Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will come to the Rocky Point Park Sept. 8-10.
Next council meeting is Sept. 18.
Have a great week! Stay cool.
Author: Steve McAllister
Stephen McAllister, representing Ward 7 since 2017, was named Warwick City Council President in 2021.
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