Sailing group allowed Fort Getty storage space



Ten months after a split vote blocked a petition to allow private storage at Fort Getty during the offseason, a similar request was approved when two dissenting town councilors reversed their position.

“It’s really important at this time, during COVID, to take care of children,” Councilwoman Nancy Beye said.

The unanimous vote Sept. 21 allows the Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation to store its trailers at Fort Getty during the offseason through 2023.

Before the agreement was amended last week, the foundation only was allowed to store equipment during its summer camp. Andy Wade, director of parks and recreation, recommended the change.

While Beye and Councilman Bill Piva rejected the request in November, President Mike White and Councilman Randy White supported the application. The tie-breaking vote, Vice President Mary Meagher, was absent.

Last week, however, Beye and Piva both cited the coronavirus as a reason for their reversals.

“I’ve made it known that I’m not a really big fan of storing private things on public property, but I understand that it was a difficult year,” Piva said.

He also referenced a memo from Wade. “It’s clear that he’s for it,” Piva said, “so I’m for it as well.”

Wade, in his memo to the councilors, “believes a suitable location can be found inside the park that will be safe and not impede the public’s use of the park.”

The executive director of the foundation, Meg Myles, also was given permission for fluid camp dates. Before the amendment was unanimously approved, the memorandum of understanding allowed the foundation to operate annually from June 22 through Aug. 21. The change, however, gave the timeframe of June through August with no specific start or end dates.

“This year, especially, we realized that we have to be flexible,” said Jamie Hainsworth, town administrator. “Not to be confined by the exact dates works much better. We also don’t know what the school year is going to look like.”

Randy White, who has “a bird’s-eye view” of Fort Getty across Sheffield Cove, said he is an eyewitness to the organization’s community value.

“It’s pretty clear that everybody is having a blast,” he said. “I believe they should be commended for a really successful program.”

“It’s a foundation that contributes, and provides services, to the town,” Meagher added.

After the amended agreement was approved, Myles credited Wade for his leadership.

“He’s been so easy to work with,” she said. “He’s been super helpful. He made a very difficult situation a lot easier.”