rhode island mapping and planning resources

The Way Things Actually Work

Although there are Open Meetings Laws, Access to Public Records Laws, Zoning Boards and Zoning Laws, Planning Boards, and many other safeguards in effect, it takes a tremendous public effort to preserve the environment and communities in Rhode Island. There are massive profits to be made from variances and spot zoning.  So, on one side you will have the developers looking to cash in with the ability to provide tremendous resources to attorneys to have their say. And, on the other side, the residents affected have to raise their own money to hire attorneys to preserve their communities and way of life.

With all of the profits available to them if they are able to manipulate the laws, it is in the interests of developers to stack Zoning Boards, committees, and elected offices with their supporters.  In a state that is fundamentally one party, this means to be elected and appointed, they must present the notion that they support the Democratic party platform and project support for a 'liberal' agenda. That is simply the path to election and the power to manipulate the system.  It comes down to profitable land ventures, variances, spot zoning, and cronyism.  The essence and ideals of liberalism and the label of democracy are appropriated and perverted and the will of the public is thrashed.

Organizations such as Middletown First and Preserve Portsmouth represent true democratic ideals.  Thankfully these brave folks take on the challenge of keeping their communities and environments safe.