To the editor:

The Town of Barrington passed a highly contested vote, by one at last year’s Financial Town Meeting (FTM) to purchase the former Carmelite Monastery at 25 Watson Ave, under the condition that the building was to be maintained.  There is now a vote at the upcoming FTM to ‘provide an option to demolish the monastery building’ which could have a devastating long term impact on this beautiful 7 acre parcel and surrounding area.  

I feel strongly that destroying the Monastery is not aligned with the core tenants of the Barrington Comprehensive Town Plan.  If we allow the Town Council to modify the conditions by which the contested vote was passed, what will be next?  

Once this building is demolished, the town can modify the zoning density and sell to a developer who will likely put as many cottage courts or units on the land.  Please take the time to educate yourself on the proposed options and overwhelming support for low density, senior affordable housing and green space by visiting barrington.ri.gov/watson-committee. 

Please let your voice be heard on Wednesday May 25th during the Financial Town Meeting at Barrington High School.  Once the Monastery is demolished, Barrington will be forever changed.

Steve Sheehan

Barrington