Narragansett moves forward with short-term rental ordinance

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — A proposed ordinance in Narragansett that would restrict short-term rentals year-round moved past its first reading by a vote of 3-1.

The ordinance would require those rentals to be longer than seven consecutive nights and cut down the number of permits available over the next few years.

The town council said the decision will help housing, but community members believe it hurts the small businesses that rely on tourism.

“Not a single word about local businesses,” said George Nonis, a member of the ‘Narragansett 2100’ advocacy group. “That has to tell you a lot about this ordinance. It does not even come up to the town council to identify what will happen with this ordinance to the local mom-and-pop stores that generate income.”

Outside of the length of rentals, the ordinance would reduce the number of rental permits by 100 each year for the next two years.

“We want to have visitors, and we want to be able to support the businesses,” said Narragansett Town Council President Ewa Dzwierzynski. “But there’s also a way. There’s a fine line there, and I think we’ve reached the tipping point.”

“So we want balance in the community,” Dzwierzynski added. “And I would love to see more year-round residents and families. Our school population is dropping, and we’re definitely not seeing the year-round people coming here.”

Through hours of public input, arguments came from both sides, but year-round residents seemed to agree the issue has to be addressed one way or another.

“I just think it’s something that needs to be done,” said full-time resident Michelle Mcgowan. “And it’s about balance. There’s somewhere to meet in the middle that can benefit everybody, not just one side or the other.”

The ordinance will need a second reading before it can be passed.

If passed, the policy would go into effect immediately, and the town council is working on a way to actually enforce it moving forward.