{ When I was a teenager, my father stressed the importance of frugality in a way that still resonates in my daily life. He made sure I worked to pay my own tuition which left no extra finances for luxuries like a car, clothes fads, and other expenses teenage boys couldn’t... } – Feb 21, 8:07 PM { Those are good questions. They deserve sober answers. I think there was a plan for Ninigret Park that was voted on by the electorate a few years back and lighting was not part of the plan. As far as playing in the daytime, children don't care about lights, they would... } – Feb 21, 8:04 PM
{ I have seen the lighting at Old Mountain Field. It is great for those playing sports at night. But what will this lighting do for Frosty Drew Observatory. Or rather what will it do to the over all ambient light situation and the ability to see the night sky? What... } – Feb 21, 11:13 AM
{ It means "Request For Proposals". It's similar to bidding on a construction project, but also means they design the project or solution to a request. So they will propose a project and also estimate the cost. It would make more sense if we had the text of the RFP. We'll... } – Feb 18, 6:35 PM
{ Please tell me what an RFP is. See your statement below - Thanks "The TA and Police Chief have sent out an RFP to install red light cameras to reduce accidents at corners. The Town has 5 red lights." } – Feb 18, 3:43 PM
{ I think “Unfunded liability” for town employees’ retirement health insurance is an emerging issue that has not been fully looked at. Its been raised at Town Council/Finance meetings. I have been told its a hot potato that no one wants to address. Thanks for forwarding the concern. } – Feb 16, 6:24 PM
{ Good Morning I was wondering if any of you had been aware of a proposal by one of the area's farmers to remove rotting sea grass from properties around Ninigret Pond? There was an article in the Westerly Sun a few years ago that this person would remove this organic... } – Feb 13, 8:52 AM
{ Regarding OPEB payments is medicare primary and the OPEB plan secondary, or is the OPEB plan primary? Regarding the MERS plan which is a State Run Plan, is it solvent, and will it be down the road? If the State plan is questionable wouldn't a Charlestown 401 plan be better?... } – Feb 12, 8:38 PM { I noticed there were questions answered in your enewsletter. Can you answer this one? What is the "Unfunded liability" for town employees' retirement health insurance? How much of this unfunded liability has been funded by Charlestown? What should be the level of funding for this unfunded liability on an annual... } – Feb 12, 5:10 PM { The State of the Union Address highlighted the Administration’s National Policy toward the growing separation of rich and poor. As a national policy, to bring the ends of the economic spectrum closer together is a rational approach. At the national level, the Federal Government has the authority and power to... } – Feb 10, 10:05 AM { Do you mean the Presidential Primaries or the local elections in November? We will certainly cover the local elections. We've never taken positions on national politics except for local impacts such as federal gambling policy. The Steering Committee is made up of all different political points of view on national... } – Feb 09, 8:00 PM
{ Hello, Just curious if the CCA has any comment on the upcoming elections. Thanks } – Feb 09, 11:12 AM
{ If you use the search tool you will find lots of links about wind. The right side navigation of every page has a link with the label "Search CCA", if you click on that link or go directly to the search page at http://charlestowncitizens.org/cca/search-cca/ . Follow the directions on that... } – Feb 07, 6:42 PM
{ There was nothing about wind turbines that I could find on any of the links } – Feb 06, 7:58 PM { Here is a fast answer. We may have a better explanation in a few days. For the past three years or so, the Town has put about $300,000 into an account for OPEB accounts which is for retiree healthcare payments, like health insurance. We are funding that as fast as... } – Feb 06, 11:30 AM
{ To the Steering Committee - First of all, thanks for all you do to keep us informed. Don’t think it goes unappreciated. And on another note, what’s our town’s status re “unfunded public employee pension funds”??? } – Feb 06, 11:03 AM
{ Well that is a lot of BS. They need to test the sediment for PCB's and other cancer causing pollution, you know it's there. we aren't stupid, do this before they deposit it on the beach. People are more important then eelgrass. Children will be on the beach in just... } – Feb 06, 10:50 AM { Good question - there is explanation about this at the CRMC website at http://www.crmc.state.ri.us/news/2012_0124_ninigret.html It says among other things "Sand dredged from the sedimentation basin will by hydraulically deposited into the intertidal beach (just offshore) at Charlestown Town Beach, so that it will naturally wash ashore to create beach habitat... } – Feb 06, 10:22 AM { This comment was at the CCA Facebook page: Does anyone know if the sludge that is being pumped onto our town beach has been tested for PCB's DDT, heavy metals, herbicides, Scott's turf builder, Monsantos' roundup, noxious bacteria and other cancer causing health hazards? I can't help but think they... } – Feb 06, 9:38 AM { Once Upon A Time Most fairy tales begin with this phrase and once we read these words we tend to think of an allegorical account of something that happened in the author’s mind. We think of Aesop’s Fables, Hans Christian Andersen, or the Brothers Grimm. Usually there was a moral... } – Feb 04, 11:31 AM { I was at the January 9 Town Council meeting and did not find it boring at all! Thanks Tom for your openning statement. It was right on the mark. I had a copy of the presentation on the Homestead Exemption/Tax Credit. As presenters kept stressing the need for the homestead... } – Jan 10, 11:23 AM { Let’s address the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee’s (CDTC’s) view regarding the effectiveness of the present Planning Commission. The CDTC uses the ordinances for accessory dwelling units, trees, dark sky, and residential wind energy as examples. A close look at each may shed a new light on the creation of these... } – Jan 09, 4:18 PM { Let me begin by saying that in Virginia I coached girls' softball, trained the same girls who won the 12-15 year old national championship a few years ago, coached boys 12-14 soccer, referreed all age groups in soccer, and umpired adult softball. Since moving to RI, I have played softball... } – Jan 07, 11:07 AM
{ What we need more of: Sometimes we get so distracted by our own lives that we don't stop to see the pleasant things around us, especially during the Christmas season. I think the video attached will show you what I mean. This is not a religious message as much as... } – Jan 01, 11:17 AM
{ Frosty Drew holds the license for the film. They will be showing it around the state and also locally again. We'll try to keep you posted as to dates and location. } – Dec 23, 4:25 PM
{ This is from Frosty Drew's Facebook page today: The movie The City Dark is being received very well. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, it will be shown next in Scituate, at the January meeting of Skyscrapers, Inc., Friday, January 6th, at 7:30 P.M., at the... } – Dec 23, 3:37 PM { During the past year, the pejorative term “NIMBY” has been directed by Charlestown Democrats at those residents that abut the land on Rte. 1 proposed for wind turbines. These people who the Democrats identify as members of the Ill Wind coalition have quietly gone about their business and didn’t take... } – Dec 22, 9:20 AM { I went to the presentation last Thursday at Kettle Pond. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the room was filled and this was the second showing of the program. Congratulations to the Planning Commission and the Frosty Drew staff for giving the people of Charlestown an educational opportunity to... } – Dec 21, 10:12 PM { I am interested in seeing this movie and despite the best attempts of multiple showings, this has been a bad time to get away to see it. Do you know of any plans to reshow it after the holidays, or if the library can get a copy for circulation? As... } – Dec 20, 9:14 AM { Every once in a while people step into a big wet batch of political ideology. The stench of the homestead tax exemption clung to the ideologists who proposed to play Robin Hood and steal from the rich and give to the not so rich. At least that is what Deb... } – Dec 13, 7:49 PM
{ There's a house on Biscuit City for sale for $209,000.00. Four bedrooms and it looks nice inside and out http://www.newenglandmoves.com/real-estate/property/190-biscuit-city-rd-charlestown-ri-02813/single-family-home/mls-1006430/3511499 } – Dec 07, 2:36 PM
{ A large split level on an acre on Hilltop road just sold for 200,000... I believe it was a foreclosure. there are so many homes presently in charlestown valued at this price or less and people whose income is so much less than the guidelines. Let's count these properties for... } – Dec 05, 11:56 AM { Thank you for this information. I live very close to the mentioned site near School House Pond and I had no previous knowledge of this proposal! I do not want 115 houses built near me! There have been about 12 houses built on Kings Factory in the last ten years... } – Dec 04, 7:03 PM
{ Hi there, Not sure this is under your purview but I have a safety issue that needs to be addressed and I am getting no where fast. Where "New" Kings Factory Road meets Route 91, the Stop Sign has been missing for months. To make matters worse, the town of... } – Dec 04, 11:52 AM { The appeals were denied, which means that the Zoning Board agreed with the decision of the Town Planner that the applications were not complete. They can now complete their applications or appeal to superior court. } – Nov 23, 11:08 PM
{ how do we find the outcome of these petitions? } – Nov 23, 10:22 PM
{ construction on Old post Rd First off I'd like to know who ok'd this project? Were the buisness's even notified? Not the Ones I've talked to! Just a couple of observations 1) they are huge and 2) they are ugly. If you Accidentally hit one you get hung up on... } – Nov 22, 3:49 PM
{ Hi, Thanks again, and incidentally I made lots of calls, and found some but don't need the type help we offer(cooking) 1. Carolina free Baptist church- too many helpers 2 Elks lodge in Wakefield-plenty of cooks, but serve and cleanup ok 3 Kingston cong. church near URI - no cooking,... } – Nov 22, 1:44 PM { Thanks, you are a great source in info, and I truly appreciate your follow-up on the volunteering on thanksgiving. } – Nov 21, 2:39 PM
{ Christ Episcopal Church in Westerly serves Thanksgiving dinner. One can volunteer one's time or make financial or food donations. Phone number 596-0197. Surely other churches serve Thanksgiving dinner as well, but I don't have that information. } – Nov 17, 4:42 PM { The Planning Commission provided an advisory opinion to the Town Council on the residential wind ordinance. That advisory is what Mrs. Frank refers to as a second copy of the ordinance. That advisory contained 4 suggested changes to the ordinance. The Town Council could have passed the ordinance without making... } – Nov 17, 4:11 PM
{ I checked with Southern Rhode Island Volunteers (http://www.southernrivol.org) and they said most local soup kitchens require a 6 month commitment and don't usually look for help for only one day. You can suggest people visit a website at www.volunteermatch.org for opportunities, but I did a search and nothing popped up... } – Nov 17, 3:10 PM { Marge Frank wrote us to give her reasons for abstaining on two of the three abstentions at the November 15 Town Council meeting: Chariho Budget: She wanted to see all items accounted for, but she objected to the letter as written and felt it was rude. "The volunteers on our... } – Nov 17, 1:09 PM
{ The wind ordinance was huge. Something both sides wanted. But when it came down once again to the voters, both Marjorie and Gregg buried their heads in the sand. Congrats on that! Where does this leave Charlestown in regards to the Chariho Budget Transparency issue? Do we not participate now?... } – Nov 17, 1:08 PM
{ So, 2 of 5 voted against the Chariho request. If my math skills are still intact, those 2 votes do not constitute a majority. So, why aren't you providing us more transparency in what happened? } – Nov 17, 12:52 PM
{ Maybe a discussion about the fire tax? This year my taxes increased a lot and now I have to pay an additional almost $200 fee for fire tax. What does this cover and why is it not included in the overall budget??? } – Oct 22, 6:47 AM
{ I truly appreciate reading this new and informative affordable housing article. I expect more and more articles in the up coming future. It's amazing ! } – Oct 21, 9:31 AM
{ Concerning the Shumankanuc cell tower balloon: We live just off Shumankanuc on Burdickville, and have looked extensively all around for balloon sightings. I believe the only place one can view the balloon (and at that, just barely, is for about twenty yards of Burdickville that splits the swamp near the... } – Oct 07, 5:56 PM
{ i am on the site again,, it is terrific..... I like all the news... also like the link to the other web sites that I might have need for..... Leo } – Oct 07, 11:48 AM
{ Well I guess that everyone has an opinion, however where are the facts!!?? Lots of supposition, "What if this", and "What if that!!" And.... the beat goes on. I suppose one could post a police officer at each traffic light, and that would have the same affect/effect as a camera;... } – Sep 29, 5:52 PM { Proposal for Stopping at Traffic Signals If we were to ask how many seconds does the caution (amber) light show before going to red, my supposition would be not many Rhode Island drivers know the answer. They may guess correctly, but therein lays the problem. We either don’t know or... } – Sep 29, 1:47 PM
{ I would like to see signage that tells the idiots that are driving 80 miles an hour on my a.., that there are left hand turns on Rt 1! It seems to me that no one drives 5o mph, & if I try to obey the posted speed, others fly... } – Sep 29, 1:30 PM
{ I'm from Florida where we have Traffic Light Cameras and our town is trying to get out of the contract. The DMV was advised not to but chose to sign the contract anyway because it was going to be no cost to the town. The company that own and maintains... } – Sep 29, 12:41 PM
{ We need to start a discussion on our Fire Tax Rates. As you know we all just received our current Fire Tax Bills and the overall rate is up 11.76%. The mil rate went from 51 cents per thousand to 57 cents per thousand. My individual tax bill went up... } – Sep 29, 11:52 AM
{ The red light cameras are a win, win proposition! Anything to keep our streets safer is a smart move. I also wish to praise our police department and any one who attacks the integrity of our PD has nothing better to do with their time! Let's provide support wher support... } – Sep 24, 8:15 AM
{ I am against red light cameras. Firstly the Charlestown police already have a NeoNazi reputation for their aggressive traffic stops. It's another way for the police department to build animosity toward them. Secondly I would like to say that during the past hurricane power outage I was often driving on... } – Sep 23, 2:01 PM
{ Where do people get the idea that the yellow lights will be shorthened, sounds like a bunch of who shot John. The red light cameras are a great idea. If you don't run the lights you don't have to worry that your picture was taken. } – Sep 23, 1:46 PM
{ Regarding the comment that impaired drivers won't see signs warning of red light cameras: You are probably correct, but if they get enough tickets because of the cameras, maybe that could get their license taken away before they kill someone. } – Sep 23, 12:53 PM
{ People have implied Charlestown residents don't care about traffic fatalities. Last time I checked, drunk, drugged up, or sleep deprived people don't stop at red lights because of cameras, they are too drunk to notice. People are right to be concerned about too short yellows, or getting ticketed for a... } – Sep 23, 12:03 AM
{ I guessed the small bump over a traffic light was a camera, set to go off when a vehicle entered the intersection on a red light. The driver would receive a photo and a summons. It seemed a good preventive measure. As for "Big Brother" anxiety--it could also be interpreted... } – Sep 21, 7:26 AM
{ I'm curious. Why so quick to make another rule? [red lights} Agree with longer yellow lights. Note that it is difficult to anticipate lights around corners. [ex. Ross Road coming from the south] Background check first, please. Verbal and visual instruction in Driver Education? Amount of time, visual and auditory... } – Sep 20, 8:45 PM
{ Re: English Police State, keep an open mind. Nothing sickens me more than idiots advocating we take the same road to Hell as other countries. Because some country has good food does not mean they aren't a hell hole. Most countries we think of as having great cuisines, eat garbage... } – Sep 20, 4:50 PM
{ Dirty air is bad for people, wildlife and the climate. Your city can play a key role in ensuring that we use the best tool we have for curbing pollution and limiting global warming: the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act saves lives and money, but it only works... } – Sep 20, 3:15 PM
{ good information, carry on the great work } – Sep 20, 2:54 PM
{ http://autos.yahoo.com/news/traffic-light-camera-scam-steals-your-identity.html } – Sep 20, 1:39 PM { I commend the open dialogue on the issue of red light cameras. I like the idea, but instead of having them at red lights, why not install them at stop signs and randomly along route 1 and route 1A. Install signs that say you will be ticketed if you do... } – Sep 20, 12:54 PM
{ This week we had a guest visiting from Florida for a week. The guest formerly lived and was in California and was a California Highway Patrol officer for 29 years. I mentioned to him that the Police Chief in Charlestown was recommending that we install Red Light Cameras in our... } – Sep 19, 9:36 PM { The Westerly Sun had a good story about this, but it's not in the free online section of the paper. Like the comments here, the Sun story said there were supporters and detractors. Police Chiefs like them, the ACLU is opposed. According to our police chief, they would not cost... } – Sep 19, 6:52 PM
{ Re the comment about the English Police State, all countries have positives and negatives about living there and one should tabulate them all when making decisions, not just give one factor the total influence. I suggest that all of us need to be sufficiently open minded to consider if good... } – Sep 19, 4:58 PM { Speaking of rear end accidents - I live in Delray in the winter and the drivers are terrible. I was traveling at 40 miles an hour when the yellow quickly light turned to red . I looked behind me and saw a man speeding and I quickly made a decision... } – Sep 19, 4:27 PM
{ Instead of red light cameras, why not just reduce the speed limit on RT#1 to 40 mph especially along the area of the new traffic lights. A reduced speed limit would improve safety especially when monitored by local police issuing tickets for violators. } – Sep 19, 3:16 PM
{ How about we put cameras in police dept. fire dept and town hall. so we can have more accountability of what they do and where our money goes. } – Sep 19, 2:07 PM
{ On the traffic cameras, I do not want our town spending the hard earned money of our people on red light TV cameras. This is similar to these ridiculous battery powered speed monitors towed around and left by the police cars. I believe this is inappropriate use of tax money.... } – Sep 19, 12:52 PM
{ I myself would like to see police patrols north of post road on the side streets. the speed is mostly 25mph and the average speed is 40mph. The police are welcome to park in my yard. } – Sep 19, 12:48 PM
{ I know this issue is about red lights, but since John brought up the speed cameras in England, I was reminded of this Wired article about feedback loops which mentioned "dynamic speed displays" (where your speed is measured and displayed underneath the speed limit as you drive by). They've proven... } – Sep 18, 8:21 PM { I am in agreement with the writer about not having red light cameras. In this tiny town with what 6 lights, it seems overkill. I also think its too much of "Big Brother" I don't want our whereabouts tracked, just on principle. I saw a similar TV news story on... } – Sep 18, 2:38 PM
{ I stop before red lights, but I don't like the idea of being tracked either. Do they photograph everyone, weather you stop or not? I think reaction to this will depend on how much you trust government. } – Sep 18, 1:15 PM
{ The openness of Route 1 and the tendency for people to speed would certainly be a factor in sudden stops and run thrus. A short yellow light would certainly raise revenue, but probably make the citizens ballistic. Certainly this would be taken into account by the vendor, but it pays... } – Sep 18, 12:28 PM
{ My experience in a town where I used to live when they installed the system was that everyone was not happy and there was an initial spike of rear end accidents at yellow lights as people stopped quickly and unexpectedly. People wanted to avoid tickets and on yellow lights some... } – Sep 18, 12:11 PM { I have no desire to duplicate the failed socialist police state that is modern England. Anyone who does, can move there. Just where does this march to an Orwellian nightmare stop? When we are all under constant surveillance, even while we sleep? No thanks. No cameras! } – Sep 18, 11:40 AM
{ Regarding the red light cameras .... My wife and I visit England regularly and there they have speed cameras all over the highways, mounted on bridges, overhead signage etc, along with lots of signs warning you “speed cameras active”. They certainly make people a lot more aware of their speed... } – Sep 18, 9:24 AM { I have been following the progress of the wind turbine dilemma since Lawrence LeBlanc submitted his Whalerock Proposal. I have attended the meetings of the Planning Commission, the meetings of the Town Council, and I have submitted in writing and spoken out about my feelings having to do with Industrial... } – Sep 17, 4:04 PM
{ Wow! Charlestown must be a BIG town to desire to install red light cameras. I assume the town is going to contract with a service to install and operate these cameras. So how much will the town get? Not a revenue raiser? You have to be kidding – its free... } – Sep 15, 8:49 PM
{ Thank you very much for your thoughtful efforts on our behalf, and your frequent communications and updates. } – Aug 31, 6:18 PM
{ Keep up the grand job! } – Aug 31, 10:31 AM { This message just got posted at the Town's website Town Hall will be open Wednesday with all services available. Water is still available at Town Hall and the Police Station from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Showers are available at the Chariho High School, on Switch Road in Richmond, from... } – Aug 31, 9:06 AM
{ Several observations on our recent experiences: The power a short distance south of Rt. 1A from Cumberland Farms east to the South Kingstown line was out from about 8:30 AM Sunday until 8:00 PM Tuesday whereas the power along Rt. 1A was restored at 4:00 AM Monday. We saw virtually... } – Aug 31, 8:56 AM { We have our e-mails online too at http://charlestowncitizens.org/cca/mailbox/ so you can look there if you have internet access. We haven't sent out an update since yesterday afternoon. Should we add your home e-mail to our list? We have heard that people near Charlestown Beach Rd are without power. Northern Charlestown... } – Aug 28, 12:25 PM
{ I'm ... working from home ... so not getting your updates ... wondering how Route 2 is faring in the storm. Do you have any info? } – Aug 28, 11:11 AM { Thanks again-you've been so informative, and I appreciate it. } – Aug 27, 9:43 PM
{ How about meeting to discuss implementing "GreyWater" Systems in peoples homes? No one should be flushing perfectly clean water down their toilets... Many Thanks for all you do! } – Aug 27, 9:34 PM { Cell phones will work as long as cell towers are still standing. They have emergency generators and batteries at each tower to power the antenna. Make sure your cell phone is charged before the power goes out. Laptops that depend on Cox will not work. An iPad might if you... } – Aug 27, 3:05 PM { Thanks so much, great info & helpful answers. Do you know if cell phones work and laptops with a power failure. Sorry to bother you, but new at cellphones etc. } – Aug 27, 2:33 PM { More on the shelter. We were scheduled to open the Chariho Middle School for Richmond, Hopkinton, and Charlestown, but the Red Cross is sending all its resources to Westerly as the regional shelter, as a result all of Charlestown's shelter volunteers were sent to Westerly to assist there. } – Aug 27, 2:29 PM { It was explained to us as a decision of the Red Cross. We'll try to find out why they made that decision. } – Aug 27, 10:14 AM
{ Good Morming, as always thanks for the updates on Irene and all other business, but my question is WHY DOESN'T CHARLESTOWN have its own shelter??? Why do we have to travel to Westerly to be secure?:-( } – Aug 27, 9:46 AM
{ Thank you for this email. The print version reinforces what was said on the automated phone call and is very helpful for clarification and reference. } – Aug 26, 6:25 PM { You receive whatever message the town government sends out. The most recent one was about the same as the text message we sent on to the e-mail list. After the storm they might tell you about a road closed by down trees, where to get water, that sort of thing.... } – Aug 26, 6:00 PM
{ Hi there, Thanks for the updates. A favor, maybe its just me, but could you elaborate on the one call program. Is it safe to register online, and what exactly will going on it do? would I get a recording regarding conditions, or public service announcements (where to go for....).... } – Aug 26, 5:55 PM