Here is the letter I sent out today to the Governor, the State Fire Marshal, and the State Building Commissioner. I also sent the email to all our TC Members, and our appointed and elected officials.
ALBERT ALBA <AALBAPHD@GMAIL.COM>
Attachments2:22 PM (8 hours ago)
Dear Building Code Commissioner James Cambio, State Fire Marshal David Pastore, and RIDEM Director Terrance Gray:
As a concerned resident and activist for the Town of Narragansett I am writing to put the Directors of the RI Building Code Commission, the State Fire Marshal's Office, and the Director of the RIDEM that the Lighthouse Inn needs to be completely inspected as a result of deplorable conditions as seen in the below videos, and that the deplorable conditions were substantiated by the Town of Narragansett Building Inspector. Upon the Narragansett Building Inspector and our Town Manager entering the building as a result of a complaint of squatters living in the building and determining the building in a health, fire, and safety hazard the Town ordered Procaccianti Developers to reply back within 30 days with respect to setting up a demolition date. Please see the attached document.
Video 1 of Abandoned Lighthouse Inn - https://youtu.be/41PAm9Ui6LM
Video 2 of Abandoned Lighthouse Inn - https://youtu.be/OLVBI5j9fZA
Here is a video that was taken by the Narragansett Town Council President regarding the Lighthouse Inn: https://youtu.be/2PoQRnFfzLE
In addition, we have live seagulls who are trapped in the building. Please see the following news report. NBC 10 I-Team: Neighbors raise concern over birds making themselves at home in old motel | WJAR (turnto10.com)
I encourage each of you to view the above videos. I would add, the RIDEM has determined that Procaccianti Developers (PRIX) has breached the terms of their lease as a result of intentional and gross neglect of failing to maintain their property.
The Town of Narragansett had every right to perform the inspection as there was a report of people living in the building. I also have a photo that shows there was a bed that had a lamp next to the bed where the bed was made, and it appeared someone was inside the building at one point. While there is a State Supremacy Clause that notes a Town cannot take matters in its own hands as a result of a preemptive status, there is also Home Rule, that shows a Municipality (City or Town) can act to protect itself and its residents.
Recently , there was a devastating fire in the Block Island Hotel, and let us not forget the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick. As the Town of Narragansett receives taxes on the Lighthouse Inn, and the inspector and Town Manager saw the deplorable conditions, the Town needed to generate notice to Procaccianti Developers to protect itself in case of a fire or any harm done on the building.
I therefore am respectfully requesting the State order a complete inspection by the RI Building Commissioner's Office and the State Fire Marshal. I feel upon inspection, the report needs to be submitted to the courts, so the State can have the frivolous court actions filed by PRIX thrown out.
Please note Mr. James Thorsen of the State Properties Committee attended my last rally and read my concerns. He noted he would strongly consider my valid points if Procaccianti Developers ever wanted to have their lease renewed in Galilee.
Please feel free to call me at 401-218-3614 or email me back if I can provide you with any additional information. If the State does not take immediate action by October 28th, we will be having another Peaceful Demonstration on Sunday, October 29th at 1:00pm. We will be inviting the media and the news stations to provide coverage.
Respectfully Submitted, Dr. Albert Alba