Beechwood House To Move, Water Rates To Go Up

In its last chance to resolve the issue of Beechwood House, the 2008 North Kingstown Town Council delivered its unanimous decision to move the building rather than demolish it or turn it over to the private sector in its meeting Monday night.

The meeting marked the last time that Elizabeth Dolan, Carol Hueston, Charlie Stamm, Michael Bestwick, and Steve DeToy would sit behind the council table together before newcomer Charles Brennan takes DeToy's seat at the next meeting.

The unanimous decision puts to rest discussion over the building's fate, which has become a hot-button topic for the council since the five took office in Dec. 2008. Nearly 200 residents came out for the meeting, which lasted four and a half hours.

With upwards of 35 speakers, most residents voiced concerns over the proposal submitted by developer Stanley Weiss, which looked to restore the building to its original condition and turn it into a private residence. Weiss also looked to separate Beechwood from a later addition, which he would turn into an art gallery.

Weiss and his team of experts delivered a presentation to the council and audience, including sketches of the proposed changes. Andrew McClatchy, whose proposal to move the building to his property a short distance away on Cold Spring Lane, and his wife went before the audience as well and, using the displays brought by the Weiss team, showed their plans.

Following the presentations, the meeting went to public comment where most called for the preservation of the land by the town beach.

 "The value of open space far exceeds the value of the building," said Bill Prescott. "I've lived here for 30 years and never corresponded to the council until this."

Supporters of the Lafayette Band urged the council against approving the Weiss plan. The band lost its bandstand with the construction of the new Beechwood Center and plans to build a new one have been suggested for the northern end of the , which many do not favor due to its proximity to the parking lot.

A few residents spoke in favor of the Weiss proposal, however.

"I think both proposals are excellent but the Weiss proposal provides the best of both worlds," said Michelle Girasole. "I would love to walk around here in the morning and look at this."

"I have four words of suggestion for our election officials," said Mike Northup. "Tear down that house. And I have four words for Mr. McClatchy. Please take it away."

After the lengthy public comment, Weiss stood before the crowd and withdrew his proposal.

"We received the request for proposal and we answered it sincerely and honestly," said Weiss. "I wasn't in it for the money. I just thought it would be good for the town actually….I will withdraw our proposal because I feel it would be best for the town."

The council thanked Weiss for his "gracious" act and, with one option out the window, chose to move the building rather than uphold its Feb. 3 decision to demolish it.

Plans will now begin to move the building to the McClatchy property on Cold Spring Lane, set for February 2011.

Overshadowed by the Beechwood House discussion, the council approved to raise the town's and create a fourth tier of rates for those using more than 75,000 gallons per quarter by a 3-2 vote.

Both Stamm and Bestwick voted against the measure, voicing concern over the $10 fee for the fourth tier.

"I'd urge us to consider an $8 rate which we can adjust next year if these reactions don't have the desired effects," said Bestwick.

Conversely, DeToy stated that $10 rate – which more than doubles the next closest rate – is intended deter excessive water use with its substantially higher rate.

"I'm perfectly fine with shooting high and coming down low," said DeToy. "To use a retail analogy, $9.99 doesn't seem as expensive as $10."

During his report to the town council, Town Manager Michael Embury noted that the town has three big retirements coming up at the end of the year – Chief Edward Charboneau, Chief Patrick Campion, and Senior & Human Services Director Kathleen Carland. While Carland's position will most likely be filled by Assistant Director Marie Marquette, Embury said the search process will begin for replacing both chiefs.

Lastly, the council voted to approve the purchase of iPads for the council. Hueston piloted the program and has used her iPad at several of the past council meetings.

"The last two meetings I have not used paper at all," said Hueston.

The change to iPads is expected to save the town $18,000 annually, as well as give the town hall copy machines a longer shelf life.

"In my mind it's a no-brainer," said DeToy.

The meeting closed with only a few people in the audience – after most left following the Beechwood decision – as DeToy said his goodbyes in his final full meeting.

"The honor has come from the voters and the pleasure has come from your presence," he said to the other council members. "I have four new friends."