Survey to Help Gauge 'Effectiveness' of Plastic Bag Ban in Barrington

The Conservation Commission has been given the task of assessing the impact of the ban; a survey will be used to help gauge the ban's impact.

Charter Review Commisson in Works

The Barrington Town Council signs off on forming another commission to review the Town Charter -- a requirement of the charter every 10 years.

More Heavy Rain on Deck For Next 2 Days

Flood warning issued for approaching storm in Southern New England.

Last Week in the General Assembly

Highlights of last week include Senate passage of Sen. David Bates's 'Katie's Law' bill on DNA collection.

Dellefratte Family Memorial Put Back in Hands of Recreation Commission

The Barrington Town Council approves 'memorial guidelines' and asks the Parks and Recreation Commission to finalize a Dellefratte family tribute in Chianese Park.

First Municipal Court Judge Named

The Barrington Town Council appoints attorney Francis 'Frank' Connor of Harbour Road to serve as the new Muncipal Court's first judge when it convenes in July.

Confrontation Over Tax Abatement for Affordable Housing Project Put Off

The Barrington Town Council tabled even a discussion on tax relief for "Palmer Pointe' without a formal request or application for it from the developer.

Public Getting Another Chance to Speak Out on 'Palmer Pointe'

Tonight's Barrington Planning Board meeting will involve primarily a continued hearing on the proposed affordable-housing development at Sowams Nursery.

Court Advocates Protest Budget Cuts

Beginning yesterday, June 3, advocacy services for domestic violence — including those provided by the Women's Recource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties — will be closed on Mondays.

Affordable Housing Tax Abatement, Municipal Court Judge Top Agenda

The Barrington Town Council meets at 7 pm in the Council Chamber in Town Hall after starting at 6 pm with an executive session.

Last Week in the General Assembly

Passage of Sen. William Conley bill for energy upgrade financing among the highlights of news and events that took place in the General Assembly last week.

Tax Subsidy, 'Need' Shadow Sowams Affordable-Housing Development

The Barrington Planning Board continued its series of hearings Thursday night on the proposed 'Palmer Pointe' development.

Planning Board Walks Nursery Site of Proposed Affordable Homes

The Barrington Planning Board convenes a meeting at Sowams Nursery to take an up- close look at the site for 'Palmer Pointe' before resuming a hearing on Thursday.

RIPTA Bus-Route Hearings in Library

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is starting a second round of hearings on proposed bus route changes in the the Barrington Public Library today, May 29.

Dog Waste Signs Deliver Warning

The new signs at Barrington's playing fields tell dog owners about the town's ordinance about picking up their poop.

Last Week in the General Assembly

Here are some highlights from last week's session in the General Assembly.

Block Announces 2nd Run for Governor

The Moderate Party chairman and Barrington software entrepreneur ran for RI governor in 2010, getting about 6.5 percent of the vote.

Budget With 1% Hike, But Amendment for Schools, Goes Before FTM

The Committee on Appropriations is proposing to the Financial Town Meeting a budget with a 1 percent hike; but voters also face a $633,000 school spending amendment.

Last Week in the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly last week.

Finalists Picked for First Judge of Barrington Municipal Court

The Barrington Town Council interviewed attorneys Francis Connor and Dean Robinson to fill the new post; one of them will be appointed at the June 3 council meeting.

Sowams Nursery Housing Rapped at First Hearing on Master Plan

Approximately 60 people came out Monday night for the first hearing on the master plan for the proposed 'Palmer Pointe' affordable housing development in Barrington.

Serve on Housing, Senior Services Boards

The Barrington Town Council is seeking two volunteers to serve as trustees on the Housing Board and one volunteer for the Senior Services Advisory Board.

'Palmer Pointe' Master-Plan Hearing Tonight

The Barrington Planning Board is holding the first of two hearings on the master plan for the affordable-housing development in the Barrington library auditorium at 7 pm.

Last Week at General Assembly

Here are highlights from the RI General Assembly session last week.

Raimondo: Pension System 'Much Healthier' Following 2011 Reforms

State Treasurer Gina Raimondo said the pension changes put in place by the General Assembly have made the system more sustainable.

Proposed Budget Boosts Taxes 1%, Trims Auto Tax, Floats Road Bond

The Committee on Appropriations presents a Barrington spending plan for next year at the annual budget hearing; there are now two weeks to comment on it before the Financial Town Meeting.

Hearn Bill Puts More Teeth in Program Aiding Crime Victims in RI

House Bill 5969 would add relocation expenses to the list of compensation as part of an effort to keep families safe.

Tax Deferral for Seniors Nixed as 'Circuit-Breaker' Exemptions Doubled

The Barrington Town Council, in split votes, favors hiking the tax break for the lowest-income seniors, but ends the effort to start a separate tax-deferral program for seniors,

Last Week in the General Assembly

Same-sex marriage was approved by the House and signed into law by Gov. Lincoln Chafee, East Providence legislator led the commemoration of the Armenian genocide.

RI Becomes 10th State to Pass Same-Sex Marriage

A bill legalizing same-sex marriage passed 56-15 in the RI State House today.

Reed Pledges to Work to Ease Loan Burden on College Graduates

Roger Williams University hosted U.S. Sen. Jack Reed on Wednesday, May 1, to speak about the expected doubling of student loan interest rates.

Cutting RI Sales Tax Deserves Consideration

Rep. Jan Malik introduced legislation to eliminate RI's 7 percent sales tax; the bill gets a hearing on May 15.

Fuller Calls Out Barrington School Board Colleagues on Spending

Barrington School Committee member Scott Fuller said he thinks his colleagues need to come to grips with school spending before a new teachers' contract forces them into a corner.

Barrington Volunteers Singled Out

The volunteers who serve on Barrington's boards, commissions and committees were recognized again last week at an appreciation dinner at the high school.

Last Week at the General Assembly

Rhode Island legislators approved same-sex marriage and heard bills on expanded background checks for gun purchases last week.

RI Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage, 26-12

With the Senate's approval, the bill now goes back to the House for approval, then to Gov. Lincoln Chafee for his signature.

Housing Board Finds Some Faults With 'Palmer Pointe' Affordable Project

The Barrington Housing Board of Trustees weighs in on the affordable housing project proposed for the Sowams Nursery site in Hampden Meadows.

Same-Sex Marriage Bill Goes to Full Senate for Vote

The RI Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-4 Tuesday to move marriage-equality legislation to the full Senate on Wednesday; East Providence Sen. William Conley among those in favor.

Are Haines Park Fields Worth Cost?

Barrington's parks and recreation board is taking a look at the cost of maintaining the fields under the agreement with the state.

Bates Joins Senate Republicans in Backing Same-Sex Marriage Bill

State Senate GOP Caucus, including Barrington's David Bates, becomes first in the nation to stand united for marriage equality.