Tiverton Heights Housing Development

UPDATE: DEM'S COMMENT PERIOD HAS CLOSED. WE ARE NOW WAITING TO HEAR WHETHER DEM WILL APPROVE OR DENY THE WETLANDS ALTERATION REQUEST FOR THIS PROJECT.

DEM is asking for comments from Tiverton residents regarding the 275-unit housing development proposed by Harkins on a 135-acre parcel located between Main Road and Fish Road just north of Souza Road. (Read the Newport Daily News article.) The project would alter 13,865 square feet of freshwater wetlands. (View maps of the project.) Save the Bay has written a long letter detailing their objections to the project. (Read Save the Bay's letter.)

You can help by writing your own letter to DEM. It does not have to be long, but it does have to be sent by Thursday, March 26. Individual letters DO MATTER. Here's what to include:

State that you are writing in regard to wetland application no. 17-0150, that you support Save the Bay's comments on the project, that you also object to the project, and then give one or more specific reasons along with the relevant DEM rule. Here are some suggested comments with the relevant rules:

1. The project will result in a loss of open space in an area in the Town where open space is in short supply as development is increasing. Accordingly, the project does not meet the review criteria set forth in Rule 10.05 (C)(14).

2. The project eliminates the natural travel corridors for deer, fox, and other wildlife in the area and as such does not meet the review criteria set forth in Rule 10.05(C)(6).

3. The extensive development of an impervious surface will contribute to the pollution of Sin and Flesh Brook, which not only flows into Nanaquaket Pond but also flows through Fort Barton, one of Tiverton’s most utilized recreational hiking areas. As such, the project will not meet the review criteria set forth in Rule 10.05(C)(12).

4. The project does result in eliminating walking, hunting, and other recreational use of the property and does not meet the review criteria set forth in Rule 10.05(C)(9).

5. In addition, as the project would clear cut all the trees and shrubs outside the wetland area and impose an impervious surface over most of the remaining parcel, an increase in flooding will certainly occur. This will increase the flooding problem for residents abutting the property and those living on Souza Road by the stream that flows from the project into upper Mount Hope Bay. The project does not meet the review criteria set forth in Rule 10.05(C)(12).

Please feel free to add personal observations relating to flooding issues, wildlife, etc.

Your comments, along with your full name and address, should be sent to:

Martin Wencek Email: martin.wencek@dem.ri.gov and

Claire Swift Email: claire.swift@dem.ri.gov

Thank you!