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After decades of standing lonesome vigil in Narragansett Bay, don’t be surprised to see windows and doors opening and scaffolding rising at Conimicut Light.
In Fall of 2023, Keith Lescarbeau briefed Narragansett, Rhode Island’s Mayor Frank Picozzi on the work to be done to preserve the historic light that the federal government turned over to the city in 2004. The city hasn’t taken any steps to maintain the structure since then. The light is maintained by the Coast Guard as a navigational aide. Lescarbeau is chair of the Narragansett Historic District Commission and the principal of Abcore Restoration Company that was awarded in August 2023, a $775,000 contract to restore as much of the lighthouse as possible.
Shortly after assuming the job of mayor, the lighthouse was the first thing that came to mind when then Congressman Jim Langevin inquired if there were any suitable projects for an earmark grant. The mayor said the congressman loved the idea of the lighthouse as a possible recipient, however, the city only had eight days to complete and submit the grant application. The word went out to groups with an interest in preserving the light including Save the Bay, yacht clubs, the Rocky Point Foundation, elected officials and most directly affected, the Conimicut Village Association. There was a flood of letters of support.
As Picozzi pointed out, the light warning mariners of Conimicut shoal that curves out into the bay, is a welcome to Warwick post not only visible to boaters but communities lining the bay. He also liked to point out that for the time being it’s a shabby welcome mat. What few windows that aren’t boarded up are broken, flooring is rotted, railings are broken, the roof leaks and it is in desperate need of paint.
Picozzi is impressed the painstaking efforts Abcore will take to maintain the historic structure of the 58-foot-high light erected in 1883 to replace one built in 1868. Lescarbeau provided photographs of the light, highlighting the work to be done. He told the mayor the first steps expected to start soon will be moving materials and equipment to the light followed by the removal of railings and other features to be refabricated landside.
One element of the structure that won’t be renovated at this time is the gutters to the roof circling the first level of the lighthouse. What remains of the gutters, used to trap water feeding an interior cistern, will be stored in the lighthouse for repair and replacement.
As Picozzi explained and was made clear at the time of the grant award, the cost of fully restoring the light could take an additional $700,000. The mayor said restoring the roofing and system of gutters would take an additional $200,000. No work is planned for the caisson.
Picozzi’s expectation is that the renovations will not only dress up the Warwick icon, but make it an attractive opportunity for individuals and companies interested in making interior improvements and leasing it as a bed and breakfast. Such a proposal was explored by former Mayor Scott Avedisian but never acted on by the City Council. As currently planned renovations near completion, which Picozzi would be Fall 2024, he plans to solicit proposals to lease the lighthouse.
This story appeared in the
Jan/Feb 2024 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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