Editorials | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Editorial: The biggest question about Barrington's monastery plan is: Why?

Why is the Town of Barrington working so ambitiously to develop the former Carmelite Monastery property ? There are many facets to the proposals currently under consideration — density, … more

4/5/23

The “proposed concept plan” shows 36 units (22 cottage units and 14 single-family units) on less than five acres of land.

Editorial: Imperfect proposals in Barrington

It fails the eyeball test. One look at the development plans proposed for the former Carmelite monastery property tells you plenty — too many houses on not enough land. The … more

3/30/23

Editorial: House package won’t fix affordable housing

A package of 14 housing bill may be a boon to private developers, but without further legislative action it is unlikely to result in helping those most in need of housing in the state. more

3/15/23

Editorial: In the public interest, it’s time to update the public records law

Setting aside journalists and citizen watchdogs, most people don’t care about public records laws — until they do care. When they find themselves in a land dispute with a neighbor, preparing a legal defense for their son’s disputed arrest, or questioning why a school district is building a new school instead of renovating an old one, they will care a lot about public records laws. more

3/1/23

Editorial: SEL screening should be applauded, not feared

Instead of fearing or being suspicious of a new screening procedure for social-emotional learning, parents would be better serving their children by encouraging their participation in a tool which may benefit their mental health, and overall wellbeing. more

2/15/23

Editorial: A standing ovation for a new Unified Theater production

Something remarkable happened onstage in the Barrington Middle School auditorium last Friday night. Students performed. And though it was actually the first live theater performance in the short … more

2/8/23

Editorial: Why the theater deserves a leading role

Students engaged in an array of theater classes can learn the soft skills of modern education — and modern employment. more

2/2/23

Editorial: A conversation long overdue, and worth having

Rhode Island's affordable housing law has long been in need of adjustments and a fresh look. We're anxiously awaiting the results of just such an examination by state legislators. more

1/18/23

Editorial: Turf is the solution, not the problem

Some people in town would like other residents to believe that installing an artificial turf field in Barrington would be the worst, most horrible, insensitive, irresponsible thing the town could do. … more

1/18/23

Editorial: Join the conversation on Barrington fields and fieldhouse

The silent majority of residents who believe Barrington deserves a better recreational infrastructure need to speak up and join the conversation. Now is their time. Town Councilor Rob Humm … more

1/13/23

The County Road park and ride lot was completely flooded on Friday morning, Dec. 23.

Editorial: Storm was no joke

The storm that blew ashore on Friday, Dec. 23, is a reminder that Barrington is among the most vulnerable of communities to the escalating impacts of climate change. The wind howled through … more

1/3/23

This historic Bristol home was demolished this week.

Editorial: Preserve the past by protecting the future

Many in this community are frustrated by the destruction of a beloved, historic home on Ferry Road in Bristol. The house itself was unique, it passed through a series of notable owners linked to the … more

12/29/22

Editorial: Caught in the quagmire around the schools

All of Barrington’s six schools have traffic challenges during the morning rush hour and afternoon dismissal. Best are the three elementary schools, which of course have the smallest student … more

12/16/22

The bonfire had been a tradition at BHS for many years.

Editorial: Building on the bonfire

It was great seeing people gather for a pre-Thanksgiving bonfire at Barrington High School last week. The bonfire had been a tradition at BHS for many years, but the pandemic and then bad weather … more

11/30/22

Editorial: Barrington school plan – How did we get here?

Not that long ago, we suggested that the Barrington School Department hit pause, take a breath, and allow more time to develop a plan for the future of its elementary school buildings. Well, they … more

11/11/22

Editorial: Giving credit to E.P. voters where credit is due once more

As they did four years ago when asked to support a $189.5 bond for the construction of a new high school, the residents and voters of East Providence once again stepped up to the polls and … more

11/11/22

Editorial: Too many candidates chose not to debate

A frustrating new trend emerged this election season, as a disturbing number of candidates declined, refused or were unavailable to take part in public campaign forums with their opponents. … more

11/3/22

Editorial: Sowams School needs a hug

We have written about too many tragedies while documenting life in this community. We have been to, photographed and interviewed those impacted by deadly crashes, boating accidents, even murders, … more

10/13/22

Editorial: Yay, for the bridges :(

Forgive us if we don’t add to all the jubilation felt at Police Cove Park in Barrington on Monday. There, a contingent of federal, state and local politicians and bigwigs celebrated Rhode … more

9/29/22

Editorial: End the cap on private school scholarships

In many cases where demand exceeds supply, forces realign and come into balance. Unless something like the Rhode Island General Assembly stands in the way. Through a little-known program created … more

9/21/22

Editorial: Press pause on Barrington's monastery plans

A town-hired consultant says the only viable option for the former Carmelite Monastery building is to tear it down. Only then could a developer get a fair return while clustering dense housing on the … more

9/15/22

Editorial: Still waiting for ‘why’ on Barrington school plan

Great schools, led by outstanding teachers, filled with high-performing students, have been the heart of this community for several generations. So why is the topic of “schools” so … more

9/2/22

Editorial: State needs clarity and regs for e-bikes on bike paths

There are myriad dangers on every bike path. Tour de France wanna-bees weave through the crowds, believing the path should be theirs alone. Children wobble helmet-less on their tricycles with light … more

8/25/22

Editorial: Burr’s Hill process was properly thorough

Warren residents should treat this new facility like the gift that it is. more

8/17/22

Editorial: Exit common sense

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) will soon re-number all the exits on Interstate 95, marking the end of an era — the era of common sense. Unlike a rim-rattling pothole, … more

8/10/22