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Administration Economic Development

Bristol’s 2022 Tangible Tax Exemption Form is now available

Businesses that operate in Bristol and whose total tangible property is assessed at ten thousand ($10,000) or less can now request to be exempt from completing the full annual return and paying the applicable tax.

Eligible businesses can now request the new tangible tax exemption on the Annual Return.

The Annual Return form is available for download on the Finance page of the Town of Bristol website. Returns are due to the Bristol Tax Assessor’s Office (10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809) by 12 o’clock midnight EST, January 31, 2023.

For more information on Bristol’s tangible tax exemption, please contact Tax Assessor Michelle DiMeo at [email protected].

Categories
Administration Community Development Press Releases

Bristol To Begin Tanyard Brook Phase III Project, Announces Groundbreaking Ceremony

BRISTOL, RI-Today, the Town of Bristol announced the start of the long-awaited Tanyard Brook Phase III Project. This project is the final phase of culvert replacements in the Tanyard Brook Watershed that will go from the north side of Richmond Street to the State Street Reservoir.

“I am proud and pleased we are on track to complete this stormwater improvement project in the Tanyard Brook Watershed,” said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. “These improvements will provide the neighborhood residents additional relief and mitigation from flooding during significant rain events in the future.”

The Tanyard Brook Culvert Replacement Project began in 2002 when the Town commissioned a Watershed Study. In August 2019, the Town successfully completed Phase II, which went from Garfield Avenue to Richmond Street.

CB Utility was awarded Bid #973 in the amount of $3,876,890 for the Phase III construction. BETA Group, Inc. will serve as the design engineer for the project.

The Tanyard Brook Phase III Project will be funded through the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and local bonds.

The Town of Bristol is holding a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, at 10:00 AM at the northeast corner of Third School Street and Mt. Hope Avenue. Refreshments will follow. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

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Categories
Administration Press Releases

Federal Judge Dismisses Ursini’s Lawsuit in Its Entirety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     
August 11th, 2022

CONTACT
Chris Vitale, Director of Economic Development and Communications
Town of Bristol, RI
[email protected]
401-253-7000 ext. 129

Federal Judge Dismisses Ursini’s Lawsuit in Its Entirety

BRISTOL, RI– Today, Judge William E. Smith, United States District Court, District of Rhode Island, dismissed all claims in a lawsuit brought by Maria Ursini, ending three years of litigation against the Town and Town officials and the Bristol Police Department. In his decision, Judge Smith “granted in full” the Town’s motion for summary judgment filed on February 2nd, 2022.  

“We are pleased with the decision by Judge Smith that puts to rest all allegations claimed in this lawsuit against town officials,” said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. “As always, my administration will continue to seek accountability and transparency in the best interest of the Town. That is my pledge and promise to the taxpayers of Bristol.”

A copy of this statement can be found on the Town of Bristol’s website at www.bristolri.gov/court-decision-08112022/. A copy of the decision has been included with this press release.

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Categories
Administration Community Development Press Releases

Bristol Opens Online Resident Survey for its Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

BRISTOL, RI-The Town of Bristol, RI is currently updating its Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. In order to identify and plan for future natural disasters, the Town of Bristol needs your assistance.

This survey is designed to help the Town gauge the level of knowledge local citizens already have about natural disaster issues, determine ways in which it can help further educate its citizens, and identify the vulnerable areas within Town. 

The information you provide will help the Town coordinate activities and identify projects to reduce the risk of injury or damage to property from future hazards.

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https://forms.office.com/r/dY9isVJntk
Categories
Administration Press Releases

Public Service Announcement – Bristol Town Council Meeting 07/13/2022

In the event Bristol Town Hall reaches its capacity limit, the Town Council meeting can be watched at the Burnside Building (400 Hope Street), which is located next door to Town Hall. The Town Council will notify attendees watching in the Burnside Building when they will have a chance to testify. Attendees will then be asked to make their way next door to the Town Hall, and Town Hall attendees who have already testified will be asked to rotate next door to the Burnside Building

. . .

Alternatively, if you only want to watch and listen, you can stream the meeting live via Zoom using the following credentials:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83556403965

Meeting Code: 835 5640 3965

Categories
Administration Community Development Press Releases

Bristol Lists 9 Court Street for Sale, Invites Sealed Proposals

The Town of Bristol invites sealed Proposals for the purchase of certain real property owned by the Town of Bristol. The property comprises 4,890 sq. ft. of land and improvements, including a
former municipal office building, located at 9 Court Street, Bristol, Rhode Island.

The minimum acceptable bid is Five Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($575,000.00).

All inquiries, questions, and requests for information related to the property or related to the preparation of the response to the Request for Proposals should be directed in writing to Diane Williamson, Director of Community Development, 10 Court Street, Bristol, Rhode Island, or via email to [email protected].

Persons who desire to purchase the subject property must submit 2 copies of their proposal (one marked “Master” and one copy) along with completed Forms from this document to Melissa Cordeiro, Town Clerk, 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809, on August 3, 2022, before 12 noon. Proposals must be submitted in writing and All proposals shall be in a sealed envelope and clearly labeled on the outside: “Request For Proposals #990 – 9 Court Street, August 3, 2022”.

A detailed property description and instruction to proposers are contained at the link below: Sale Of 9 Court Street- Former Office Of Community Development – Bid Information – Rhode Island | BidNet Direct.

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Categories
Administration Community Development Press Releases

Bristol Lists Oliver School (151 State Street) for Sale, Invites Sealed Proposals

The Town of Bristol invites sealed Proposals for the purchase of certain real property owned by the Town of Bristol. The property comprises 13,380 sq. ft. of land and improvements, including
a former school building known as “Oliver School” that was most recently used as the Administrative Offices for the Bristol Warren Regional School Department, located at 151 State Street, Bristol, Rhode Island.

The minimum acceptable bid is Eight Hundred Fifty Four Thousand Dollars ($854,000.00).

All inquiries, questions, and requests for information related to the property or related to the preparation of the response to the Request for Proposals should be directed in writing to Diane Williamson, Director of Community Development, 10 Court Street, Bristol, Rhode Island, or via email to [email protected].

Persons who desire to purchase the subject property must submit 2 copies of their proposal (one marked “Master” and one copy) along with completed Forms from this document to Melissa Cordeiro, Town Clerk, 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809, on August 3, 2022, before 12 noon. Proposals must be submitted in writing and All proposals shall be in a sealed envelope and clearly labeled on the outside: “Request For Proposals #991 – 151 State Street, August 3, 2022”.

A detailed property description and instruction to proposers are contained at the link below: Sale Of 151 State Street – Former Oliver School/ Former Bwrsd Admin Office – Bid Information – Rhode Island | BidNet Direct.

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Categories
Administration Press Releases

Town Celebrates Grand Opening of the Bristol Harbor Marina, Holds Ribbon Cutting Event

BRISTOL, RI- On Wednesday, June 15th, 2022, Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente and the Bristol Town Council were joined by local, state, and federal officials to celebrate the grand opening of the Bristol Harbor Marina.

“Today’s opening is another milestone in Bristol’s return as a vibrant port,” said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. “We look forward to welcoming visiting ships to our community and encourage all of our residents to enjoy the improved access to the water as well as the modern amenities this public facility has to offer.”

“The Council is thrilled that the marina expansion is a reality,” said Vice Council Chairwoman Mary Parella. “This is another wonderful example of a project that represents a true collaboration between local officials, state officials, and the people of Bristol. A special thank you to our Harbormaster, Greg Marselli, for taking the lead on this project.”

The Bristol Harbor Marina, which is located next to the Bristol Maritime Center at 127 Thames Street, features the addition of 78 slips to service residents, businesses, and transient boaters. The new marina also includes ADA-accessible ramps, concrete floats with wave attenuators, a dedicated fuel depot, a pump-out station, up to 50AMP power service for boats, and water service for boats effective July 1st.

“I want to congratulate the Town of Bristol on the expansion of the Bristol Harbor Marina,” said Governor McKee. “This marina is an important driver of Bristol’s economy that will bring in revenue, promote tourism and spending at downtown businesses, and boost the marine industry that is so crucial to this area. Thank you to Town Administrator Contente and Senator Reed and all who had a part in getting this project over the finish line.”

Today’s event is the culmination of a multi-year effort to modernize and expand the municipally-owned marina.

In 2016, the Town of Bristol hired PARE Corporation to survey potential locations and design the expansion. With the donation of the water rights from Robin Industries, the Town was able to design the expansion south of the existing marina. In total, the Bristol Harbor Marina expansion project cost was $6.5M.

To fund the project, the Town of Bristol issued two local bonds totaling $5.5M as well as received federal grant support.

In 2020, United States Senator Jack Reed and the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) awarded the Town of Bristol a grant of $623,729 through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration – Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (Tier 2) to support the expansion of the town’s transient boating facilities.

“This is a great day for boaters and fishermen and this facility will help welcome more nautical visitors to Bristol.  I’m pleased to deliver federal funding to help berth this marina.  This facility will provide an opportunity for outdoor fun and recreation on the water while also boosting the local economy, bringing more customers to local shops, restaurants, and retail,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

Through increased capacity, fuel sale profits, and a new slip fee structure, the new facility is designed to be self-sustaining. According to a 2021 financial analysis prepared by Bristol Harbormaster Gregg Marsili, the marina is projected to have positive net income in its first full year of operation. By year four, the net income of the municipal marina is projected to be $293K.

Construction of the Bristol Harbor Marina was completed by Reagan Marine Construction under Bid #962. The new marina is expected to be fully open on July 1st, 2022.

To learn more about the Bristol Harbor Marina, please visit the Town website at: https://www.bristolri.gov/departments/harbor/ or call the Bristol Harbormaster’s Office at 401-253-1700.

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Categories
Administration Community Development Press Releases

Department of Community Development Moving to New Location, Closed 06/03/2022

BRISTOL, RI-On Friday, June 3rd, 2022, Bristol’s Department of Community Development will relocate from its current location at 9 Court Street to its new location at 235 High Street, 1st Floor (Reynolds School).

“This move aligns with the town’s long-term goal of consolidating its municipal operations for cost efficiency and facilitating the reuse of the town’s historic decommissioned schools,” said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. “We look forward to reopening this building to the public.”

The Department of Community Development manages all functions of town government related to Planning, Zoning, Code Compliance, Historic, Building Inspection, and Redevelopment.

The Department of Community Development has been located at 9 Court Street for over ten years. In 2021, the Bristol Town Council approved the relocation of the department to the Reynolds School. Following the department’s move, the Town of Bristol plans to sell the 9 Court Street property through a public sealed bid process.

During its move, the Department of Community Development will be closed. Residents are encouraged to contact the Department of Community Development via email, as staff will have limited phone and computer access during the relocation process. Contact information for department staff can be found on the town website at www.bristolri.gov/community-development.

The department will reopen in its new location on Monday, June 6th, 2022, at 8:00 AM. The department will maintain its existing hours of operations (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

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Categories
Administration Press Releases

Town Administrator Contente Appoints Warren Rensehausen to Director of Parks and Recreation Position

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town Administrator Contente Appoints Warren Rensehausen to Director of Parks and Recreation Position

Parks and Recreation Director Warren Rensehausen

BRISTOL, RI-Today, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Warren Rensehausen to the Town of Bristol’s Director of Parks and Recreation role.

Mr. Rensehausen, who is a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP), has had a distinguished 30-year career in the recreation field.

Mr. Rensehausen first started his career in public service as Bristol’s Assistant Director of Parks of Recreation in June 1990. As Assistant Director, Mr. Rensehausen had several administrative duties, including community programming, park development, and Town Beach operations.

Since his departure from Bristol in 2001, Mr. Rensehausen has served as the Parks & Recreation Director for two communities in Southern New England. Mr. Rensehausen presently serves as the Recreation Director for the Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Throughout his career, Mr. Rensehausen has received several honors including the RIRPA Walter Henry Award, RIRPA Jack Cronin Award, West Warwick Police Community Achievement Award, and RIBVCA Division 3 Coach of the Year Award.

Mr. Rensehausen, his wife, Laura, and four children are lifelong residents of Bristol. Mr. Rensehausen has been actively involved in the local community through the Recreation Advisory Board, King Phillip Little League, Boy Scouts of America, Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and CAL Basketball & Volleyball.

Mr. Rensehausen will be replacing Sarah Klein, who announced her retirement from the director role earlier this year.

The Town of Bristol promoted the Director of Parks and Recreation opening through various platforms and received nine applicants for the position. Interviews for the position were conducted by an eight-member panel that included town administration, current and former recreation directors, board members, and residents in the community. Mr. Rensehausen was selected among the candidates interviewed.

Under Mr. Rensehausen’s leadership, I am confident the Town of Bristol’s Parks and Recreation Department will continue to grow, thrive, and excel in its service to the community.

On behalf of the Town of Bristol, I wish to congratulate Director Rensehausen and look forward to welcoming him back to our team on June 15th, 2022.

Steven Contente
Town Administrator

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