Mayor Scott Avedisian and Mark S. Hayward, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced today an agreement between the city and the SBA that would allow the city and the general public to use the road leading into Rocky Point for pedestrian access to get to the city-owned land at the former amusement park. A public parking area will be available just outside the main gate on Rocky Point Avenue.

Under terms of the agreement, the city would lease the small portion of the property the road is on for $1 per year. The city will also be responsible for installing fencing to secure the 83 acres of the property currently under SBA jurisdiction from trespassers and for safety reasons. The City Council will receive a bid soon. Funding for the fence will come from tourism funds and will not cost city taxpayers money, Avedisian said.

The agreement will allow the city to open its 41 acres of shoreline property on a regular basis.

“Now that the City and the SBA have resolved the public access issue, the Planning Department can move forward with design, permitting and development plans, which include passive recreation opportunities like fishing, bird watching, hiking and canoeing/kayaking fueled by a $90,000 grant from the state Department of Environmental Management,” Avedisian said.

“SBA, as the court appointed Receiver for Moneta Capital, is pleased that we have been able to work an arrangement that is acceptable to both the city and the Receiver.  This will allow the Mayor and City of Warwick to accomplish its goal of providing access to the city owned land,” said Rhode Island SBA District Director Mark S. Hayward.  “Access to other sections of Rocky Point Park that are under the responsibility of the Receiver is prohibited and trespassers will be dealt with under the full extent of the law,” Hayward cautioned.

Planning Department staff is also coordinating with the Department of Public Works and the Police Department on the fencing and signage and other items that must be completed before the property will be open on a regular basis.

Avedisian said he is hopeful that all issues will be addressed by the fall.

Ward Five Councilman John DelGiudice, Senator William Walaska and Representative Frank Ferri all worked with the city and the SBA on the license agreement as well, Avedisian said.

Contact: Sue Baker, Warwick, 738-2000                           
Norm Deragon, SBA, 528-4561, ext. 4567