a fresh, sharp look at news, life and politics in Charlestown, Rhode Island
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Liberty Tree dedication added to tomorrow night's Town Council meeting
Fellow Charlestown Residents,
The Charlestown Town Council will have their first regular meeting of the month on Monday, September 8.
Activities will start at 5 pm outside the Town Hall with a Liberty Tree dedication which will be part of the 250th Semi-Quincentennial activities next year. The agenda packet for that event can be readhere.
Participating in the event will beSecretary of State Gregg M. Amore, Senator Elaine J. Morgan, Representative Tina L. Spears. Charlestown Town Council President Deborah A. Carney, and Philip Gingerella, Chair, Charlestown 250 Committee
Here is the press release about this project, from the Governors office:
RI250 Commission to Host First ‘Liberty Tree’ Commemorative Plantings
On Monday, September 8, the RI250 Commission, in coordination with the Little Compton 350 Committee and the Charlestown 250 Committee, will host the first two commemorative Liberty Tree plantings in Rhode Island.
Throughout this fall and into 2026, a Liberty Tree will be planted in each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns to mark the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Red Maple tree, Rhode Island’s state tree, will serve as an ongoing reminder of both Rhode Island and the country’s spirit of defiance, unity, and freedom during the American revolution.
“The Liberty Tree project allows us to leave a lasting, visible legacy throughout Rhode Island as we commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, chair of the RI250 Commission. “It’s an honor to work with two excellent municipal partners, Little Compton and Charlestown, for these first planting ceremonies.”
Liberty Tree plantings are still being scheduled throughout the state. For a complete list of RI250 events and to see new plantings as they are added, visit the Upcoming Events page of RhodeIsland250.org.
Then, at 6:15, the Council will meet in Executive Session for a routine discussion of the Town Administrator’s annual performance review. The agenda packet for that can be readhere.
The regular meeting will start at 7 pm - the agenda packet ishere. A couple notable items on the agenda:
There will be a continuation of discussion about zoning for fish processing that could potentially affect plans for a new business on the property containing the former Wilcox Tavern. Details starting on page 338 of the agenda packet.
Discussion and Potential Action Concerning a Request from the Block Island Sound Ad Hoc Bikeway Committee to Apply for Grant Funding from the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (RTA) for the King Tom Pond By-Pass Trail and a Signalized Route 1 Crossing at Cross Mills. Details starting on page 362 of the agenda packet.
