Letter: Tiverton oyster farm — neighbors needed to know

Original letter appeared in EastBayRI.com

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To the editor:

At every level of government this question, too much or too little, is difficult to answer.  Today in Tiverton the tension inherent in this question concerns notifying abutters of a proposed oyster farm.  

In most states, which are larger with greater populations, this kind of issue would normally be handled at the county level.

In Rhode Island, of course, there are counties in name only with the result that no buffer exists between our town councils and the state government.

This gap can seem very wide, especially since most state agencies have paid “professional” staffs, while many town boards and committees are filled by volunteers.

It is flatly wrong and contrary to common sense for no one to have statutory responsibility to promptly inform abutters for all public or private proposals that will impact their property, allowing them ample time to make their concerns known.  In these cases a little more government would protect the public and aid the transparency we must expect from decision-makers.  

Let this particular case shine a light on a broader issue that needs real attention.

Will Newman

Tiverton