Rally Taking Place to “Save” Galilee on Saturday

Rally Taking Place to “Save” Galilee on Saturday

A rally is being held to “save” the Port of Galilee on Saturday. 

“We all love Galilee, a special place, a working fishing port,” according to the “Let’s Save Galilee” event organizers. “Please help us save it! We are having a peaceful rally to make our voices heard.”

As GoLocal reported earlier in June, one of Rhode Island’s biggest waterfront development battles is now going to the State of Rhode Island for a showdown. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

On the one side is the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and one of the state’s largest — and most powerful — developers — Procaccianti, whose subsidiary “PRI X” currently has the lease on a large parcel of land in the State Port of Galilee in Narragansett. 

On the other side are town residents, who want to see substantial mixed-use development at the location, and not more parking. 

“Many of us remember the old Dutch Inn which then became the Lighthouse Inn and has sadly become a terrible and hazardous eyesore. DEM refused the 3 RFPs put forth to them and then behind closed doors awarded a 19-year no bid lease to the billionaire corporation PRI S, the same company who, at no penalty, defaulted on the original lease of the Lighthouse Inn and left it in utter disrepair,” said event organizers. 

“Now the taxpayers will be responsible for demolition of a building, full of asbestos and mold, which has a wildlife preserve on one side and the ocean on the other. Not only that but if a parking lot goes in, the town will lose potential tax revenue,” they continue. 

“DEM claims there are no records of their meeting with PRIx therefore an APRA investigation is underway. This 19-year lease deal must go before the State Properties Committee for final approval,” they add. “We can't let big money take over.”

Rally Details 

The event is taking place from 10 AM to 12 PM on the sidewalk in front of the old Lighthouse Inn on Great Island Road. 

Event organizers say there will be coupons for chowder and three clamcakes for all participants.