What will Barrington look like in 2030, 2040 or even 2050? 

Will our schools still excel? Will our bayside environment remain beautiful, or will it be a threat? Will our commercial core thrive or contract? Will entrepreneurs find our town a place to start up businesses? Will our town continue to experience the relentless march of McMansions or will new forms of housing emerge?

After a year of celebrating the events of 1717, Barrington residents will have an opportunity to look toward the future with the "Forum on Barrington's future."

The event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1 in the town hall council chambers at 7 p.m. (The event was originally scheduled for the public library gallery room, but was moved because the library was still without power.)

"Barrington’s story is a story of 300 years of progress – haltingly at times, but in the end, the scene of amazing transformations," stated a press release from the Barrington 300 organizers.

The forum will feature a panel of local experts who will present their ideas and attempt to respond to the insights and concerns of the town’s residents.

The panel will include:    

• June Speakman — Former president Barrington Town Council, Roger Williams University professor of political science

• Mary Alyce Gasbarro — Former president Barrington Town Council

• Edgar G. Adams, Jr. — Technical Review Committee member, Roger Williams University professor of architecture.

• Tim Faulkner — Former president Barrington Land Conservation Trust, EcoRI News editor.

After brief presentations of the panel, presenting their views on critical issues for Barrington’s future, especially in respect to the business, demographic, educational, environmental, housing, and political conditions of the town, the discussion will be opened to the public.