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By MICHAEL SOUZA
NARRAGANSETT – April promises to be a significant month to improve relations between off-campus students from the University of Rhode Island and Narragansett residents. At the Narragansett-URI Coalition meeting on Tuesday, representatives from both parties established plans for two events.
University officials are organizing students to participate in a town-wide cleanup, including areas such as Bonnet Shores and Eastward Look, which have long been recognized as heavily populated with students. “The cleanup for Bonnet Shores will be on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.,” said Leslie Williams, co-chairperson of the coalition and the university’s contact person. “In other areas in town, the date might be April 27 due to some conflicting events on campus,” she added. Williams presented a draft of the notice to be posted, advertising the event. Town representatives were pleased with the progress. “You have to remember that this isn’t just for students. This won’t work unless the residents show some interest as well,” said Tom Ahrens, the URI Student Senate external affairs committee chairman and newly elected Senate President. “The idea is for neighbors to come together,” he said. The coalition also scheduled an open meeting for April 22 at 7 p.m., at the university’s Memorial Union. Narragansett residents and students are urged to attend. The meeting will feature a discussion of the university’s off-campus statistics and a presentation by town police. Williams quoted some preliminary figures at the meeting. “During the fall semester, we sent out 260 warning letters to students and conducted 99 investigations triggered by arrests,” she said. “Of those 99, URI conducted 67 instances of further discipline. Most of them were due to underage drinking,” she said. “Last year, for both semesters, we conducted 55 investigations and took further action on 30 cases,” she said. “We had a very busy September,” she added. The increase was caused by enforcement of the town’s unruly gathering ordinance. “I think that’s important. There are a lot of people who don’t know that URI takes action in these cases,” said Krista Garrett of the town council. “Especially the townspeople,” said Doug Wardwell, coalition co-chairperson. In closing the meeting, Wardwell announced his resignation from the coalition. Those interested in serving on the coalition are encouraged to contact a member or attend the next meeting.
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