Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Narragansett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues in business jobs
Blue Acres Aquaculture Lease Reconfiguration
A Point Judith Pond oyster farm says bottom-culture habitat is fading and wants to switch to floating gear to stay viable. It's a preliminary pitch; the change would need to go through CRMC.
Recreation Director hiring
Michelle Kershaw retires November 23 after more than 14 years with the town. The council will consider confirming Raymond DeFalco Jr. as her successor.
Boon Street Market liquor license renewal
Resident David Byrd pressed the council to actually enforce the 10 p.m. outdoor sound restriction at Boone Street Market, saying citations haven't been issued despite ongoing violations.
EDC Summit Updates
The committee continues to plan its Economic Development Summit, an event meant to gather ideas for the town's economic future. Updates were on the agenda but no details are available.
EDC Summit Update
The annual EDC Summit is taking shape, with invitations out and talk of broadening the guest list to bring more people into the economic development conversation.
Annual liquor license renewals
36 establishments across five license classes got their renewals for December 2026–November 2027, keeping restaurants, taverns, package stores, and clubs operating legally.
Port banner project
The Banners and Barrels committee was scheduled to report on banner design considerations and responses to the Purchasing Agent's RFP — decorative streetscape elements for the Galilee district.
Mobile food establishment event permit changes
Neighbors say Boon Street Market has repeatedly built without permits, violated its parking variances, and ignored noise rules — and the council paused its food truck license rather than wave it through. The applicants now face pressure to clear outstanding violations before the license comes back.
Calamari Festival involvement
The Narragansett Chamber of Commerce asked the committee to support the Calamari Festival, a signature Galilee event. A vote on committee support was on the agenda.
Visitor economy: transportation, parking and food trucks
A first reading passed to lift the town's mobile food vendor cap from 20 to 30 — more food trucks could operate here if it passes a second reading.
Food truck permit cap increase
The council took up a first reading raising the town's mobile food vendor cap from 20 to 30 permits to unclog stalled applicants — though where trucks may actually operate remains constrained by the ordinance.
Blessing of the Fleet and Calamari Festival participation
Possible changes to the Blessing of the Fleet and whether the committee joins the Chamber's Calamari Festival were both slated for discussion — items that shape Galilee's summer event season.
Liquor License Transfer at Leo's Pizza Location
Leo's Pizza's alcohol license is set to transfer to Mike's North End Pizza at 909 Boston Neck Road, with a public hearing July 6 before the final decision.
EDC membership vacancy
Tony Jones joined the Economic Development Committee and then resigned after it was determined he was not a Narragansett resident. The committee was set to discuss the vacancy before the meeting was called off.
Informational tour of the Port
Port Manager Dan Costa was slated to lead an informational tour of the Port on April 21, giving committee members a firsthand look at port operations.
State economic development resources for local businesses
The committee heard from Rhode Island Commerce about financing tools, incentives, and technical assistance available to local businesses and the town itself. The goal is helping Narragansett businesses tap state support they might not know about.
Workforce development and employer support programs
The state's Director of Employer Workforce Programs presented training and employer support options. These programs could help Narragansett employers fill positions and train workers.
Access to capital and business financing
The committee learned about state-backed grants, loans, and credit support for businesses. The discussion covered how towns can help local businesses navigate these funding options.
New businesses in the Mall/Milt's building
Updates on new businesses moving into the Mall/Milt's building were on the agenda. New tenants could bring more activity and jobs to the Galilee waterfront.
New-business permitting resource
The committee is working on a resource that would show prospective business owners exactly which licenses and approvals they need to open in Narragansett, aiming to make starting a business here less of a maze.
Mooring renewals
Mooring renewal notices will be mailed February 1, 2026 — harbor mooring holders should watch for theirs.