Lawmakers continue to advocate for Johnson’s Pond property owners

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — Sen. Leonidas Raptakis and Rep. Thomas Noret have introduced legislation to advocate for the continued use of Johnson’s Pond in Coventry.

Pond owner, Soscia Holdings, LLC, is requiring all boats, docks, moorings, and other structures to be removed from the pond by March 31.

This legislation would allow Johnson’s Pond property owners whose property extends past the water line to commence waterfront work without authorization from the pond’s owner.

Legislation would also permit property owners with a capacity in excess of 1,400 normal storage acre feet of water, to to repair, modify, or replace a dock on the pond with the approval of the Department of Environmental Management.

Sen. Raptakis shared the following statement:

“This legislation will protect property owners around Johnson’s Pond and could protect other property owners in the state, as well.  It’s unfortunate that the situation requires legislative action, but the outrageous moves made by Soscia Holdings to bar the public and property owners from utilizing Johnson’s Pond demanded an equally appropriate response.  I will not stop fighting for the people of Coventry who have used and loved Johnson’s Pond for decades, long before Soscia Holdings came onto the scene and threatened years of tradition and community.” 

Rep. Noret added:

“Johnson’s Pond has been a beloved asset of the people of Coventry for many, many years and the recent uncertainty and controversy over its continued use is unacceptable.  I had hoped it would not come to this, but this bill is absolutely necessary to protect the rights of property owners around Johnson’s Pond who have enjoyed the natural beauty of the pond from their property.”

The legislation is also serves as a response to Soscia Holdings, LLC’s demand of the town to remove over 100 docks that were built before Soscia Holdings bought the pond.

Sen. Raptakis noted that Soscia Holdings, LLC recently lost a lawsuit against the Town of Coventry over insurance requirements in the pond lease and to halt all recreational use of Johnson’s Pond.

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