“Shocking” Vandalism Severely Damages City of Providence-Owned Camp Cronin in Narragansett
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza had pledged during his campaign in October 2014 to “redevelop Camp Cronin for use throughout the year for youth, adult, and senior activities.”
On Monday, Providence City Councilman Michael Correia was at the City of Providence-owned property at Camp Cronin in Narragansett and decried the condition of the buildings that the city once used — and considered selling — but now sit in disrepair.
“Shocking to see the conditions of Camp Cronin [owned] by City of Providence,” said Correia. “I remember traveling to Narragansett with our seniors and city youth for cookouts, bingo, basketball and just a day away from the city.”
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City Councilman John Igliozzi said he thinks it has been several decades since Camp Cronin has been used by the city.
"Back then, the City of Providence Recreation Department didn't have all the rec centers we have now. The programming was different. Back then, it was get the kids to the beach -- now, it's providing services in the city," said Igliozzi.
According to the Town of Narragansett, the City of Providence-owned Camp Cronin property is assessed at over $760,000.
"When we do bonding it's part of an asset -- possession of it helps us get bonding and loans," said Igliozzi, the Council Finance Chair. "It's probably in our bonding as collateral"
In 2017, federal and state officials lauded the completion of a $8.4 million restoration project at the adjacent state-owned Camp Cronin Fishing Area.
As the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management stated in its release:
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused extensive damage to the area surrounding Camp Cronin and washed out a portion of the access road that runs from Ocean Road to the jetty. The breakwater repair project was performed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with DEM, and included construction of a 70-foot wide, 480-foot long hybrid stone revetment to stabilize the shoreline and restore safe public access to the fishing area. The project also included repairs to the adjacent East Shore Arm Breakwater of the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge.
This story was first published 5/27/19 4:36 PM
Related Slideshow: Camp Cronin Photos May 2019
Providence City Councilman Michael Correia took the following photos of Camp Cronin in Narragansett on May 27, 2019.
Camp Cronin is owned by the City of Providence.
