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When I was 12 years old, I learned that developers had purchased Rose Island, and intended to build a large marina on the premises. I was outraged! To me, this island was an extension of my grandmother's back yard, and a place where I had enjoyed much solitude and reflection.
Without a thought, I knew I had to take action. I wrote the following letter to the Newport Daily News, circulated a petition that gathered several hundred signatures, and became active with a group called Citizens to Protect Rose Island. The community united in opposition to the project, and the permits were subsequently denied.
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Youngster's letter hits mark
To the Editor:
How clearly and strongly did Christopher S. Barker express in his letter to the Daily News of Feb. 10 the thoughts, emotions and conclusions that hundreds of people living in the lower Narragansett Bay area also feel and reach.
How helpless we are to stop these developments that are born of greed, not respect or consideration of environment, history, or even that lowly regarded value, sheer beauty.
Out of the mouths of babes comes truth - but this Christopher Barker speaks with thoughtfulness and maturity; as he looks back on his not too far away childhood, he is also asking us to think ahead for future children's memories.
Bare, waterless, windswept Rose Island - is it to be covered with water towers, oil spills and grease, conglomerate buildings, the wastes of this getting and spending?
Deborah Wharton Lutman
Jamestown
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Marina could change Newport
To the Editor:
You might have heard that plans have been made to build a "boat-stop" marina on Rose Island. I have grown up calling it "our" island. If commercial terms come about the island, it could, or probably will cause as much as an estimated 850 boats to crowd the bay between Newport and Jamestown.
Of course, this would greatly increase the amount of pollution in the bay, causing fish to leave, and discouraging the swimmers from piers and beaches in both Jamestown and Newport. This pollution would be caused by things like ocean-draining toilets, baths, and sailors throwing garbage overboard, although motors would be the main source of water pollution.
I've been sailing out to the island in hopes of excitement since I was 8 years old. It has always been a peaceful suburb on the uninhabited island where I could relax and unwind. I wish everybody could have the pleasure of visiting the island.
Having the fish scared off by noise and pollution would wreck the popular fishing spot at the root of the Goat Island Causeway.
Tourists come from miles away to see the view from the waterfront of Newport. This marina could make tourists stop and think whether the view was worth the trip.
A hotel is recently under construction on Long Wharf. Will they ever stop?
As I look back, I realize how many happy memories I have the opportunities to look back on. This marina could mean the difference between you and your posterity's future citizenship in Newport, and commercial madness.
Christopher S. Barker, 12
Newport
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A Happy Ending
Thanks to the relentless commitment of gifted individuals like Charlotte Johnson, the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation has realized its ambitious dream of restoring the historic lighthouse, and preserving the remainder of the island as a nature reserve! The foundation's restoration project stands as an impressive model for historic and environmental conservation. Not only did they do a beautiful job of restoring the building, but they've created an environmentally responsible, extremely low-impact, self-financing, and fully functional lighthouse. To find out how to become a visiting lighthouse keeper, please click here.
More recently, on 25 June, 1999, the foundation purchased the sizeable property surrounding the lighthouse from the aforementioned developers. They have drafted a management plan, and intend to operate the lighthouse and protect the island's habitat in perpetuity. I am truly thankful for their efforts and achievements. Their inspired and impeccable stewardship of the island brings joy to my soul.
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