Coventry Rep. Roberts Warns Exeter Ordinance Changes Could Harm Property Rights

By Raina C. Smith, Director of Communications, Rhode Island House of Representatives, House Minority Office

COVENTRY, RI – Representative Sherry Roberts, (R-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich, today voiced strong concerns about an Exeter Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Town of Exeter Zoning Regulations concerning Exeter Farm and Forest Accessory Business Overlay.

The Public Hearing will be held before the Town Council of the Town of Exeter, during a Special Meeting of the Exeter Town Council on Tuesday, September 26th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Metcalf School cafeteria, located at 30 Nooseneck Hill Road in Exeter.

Rep. Roberts said, “We need to encourage as many people from the public as possible to attend. This is a proposed amendment to an Exeter town ordinance derived from RhodeMap/RI Rising. While this ordinance allegedly only affects farmers, it will actually affect everyone in that town, and potentially residents statewide.”

She added, “I encourage everyone interested to visit the Office of the Exeter Town Clerk, Lynn M. Hawkins, to request copies of the proposed amendments, to read how damaging this could potentially be for all land owners, especially farmers. What is especially concerning about this Special Meeting, is that prior to the close of the Public Hearing, the proposed amendments may be altered or amended without further advertising, as a result of further study, or because of the views expressed at the Public Hearing.”

“Over 300 people attended the Exeter meeting several weeks ago, and that was with short notice. The public needs to voice its opposition to back door practices, such as these, which could affect every land owner in Rhode Island,” Rep. Roberts said.

The Town Clerk’s Office is located at 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI 02822. The phone number is (401) 295-7500.