Narragansett to evaluate ordinances in climate audit program

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — Narragansett officials have confirmed that they are going to be representing Rhode Island’s coastal environment in a pilot program for the region that’s aimed at combating climate change.

The State of Rhode Island has contracted Horsley Witten Group, an environmental consulting firm, and their job will be to help “update” the town’s ordinances for “climate resilience.”

A press release by the group notes that the project will “examine Narragansett’s zoning, permitting, and land-use regulations to identify gaps and recommend changes that improve public safety and long-term sustainability. The project will include new standards for site development across residential, commercial, and institutional projects such as schools and municipal facilities.”

Narragansett residents have seen a variety of ordinance and policy changes in recent years, and the idea of more on the horizon could make residents uneasy. Horsely Witten President Nate Kelly aimed to ease worry and said that throughout the process, there will be public meetings with opportunities for anyone to come forward with questions about what’s being considered and recommended and how that applies to them.

This update process was made possible through a $104,440 grant from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, and the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Council will be assisting the audit process as well.