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Press Releases

E-Waste Drop-off Events in 2023

The Town of Bristol will hold four E-Waste Drop-off Events in 2023 at the Bristol Transfer Station, located at 6 Minturn Farm Road.

Event dates

Saturday, February 18, 2023 – 8am-12p
Saturday, May 20, 2023 – 8am-12pm
Saturday, August 19, 2023 – 8am-12pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023 – 8am-12pm

ITEMS ACCEPTED AT NO CHARGE

  • computers
  • laptops
  • servers
  • routers
  • PDA’s
  • mice
  • keyboards
  • inkjet printers
  • plastic speakers
  • toner cartridges
  • monitors and flat screen TVs (all sizes and models). TVs must be whole and intact.
  • CD/DVD players
  • radios
  • network equipment
  • wires
  • stereos
  • telephones
  • microwaves
  • small household appliances
  • auto/marine batteries and battery back-ups
  • wires and cables (all types, including holiday string lighting)

ITEMS ACCEPTED WITH FEES

A $10 DISPOSAL FEE applies to:

  • large wooden-boxed speakers/each ($5/each for a small one)
  • laser-jet printers
  • air conditioners
  • dehumidifiers
  • dorm size refrigerators
  • water coolers and other coolant containing devices.
  • Additional charges will apply to large copy machines and printers.

NOT ACCEPTED

  • light bulbs of any type
  • disposable/single use batteries
  • smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
  • thermometers
  • thermostats
  • glass blender bowls
  • furniture
  • electric organs/pianos
  • heating pads/blankets
  • blood pressure cuffs
  • cushioned chairs
  • mattresses
  • plastic bags
  • cardboard
  • rigid plastic bins
  • Styrofoam
  • wood
  • firearms
  • any hazardous waste materials such as paint or chemicals
    These materials will be sorted out on site and returned.

For more information visit www.indiecycle.com or contact via email: [email protected]

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Press Releases

Job Opening-Assistant Library Director

The Rogers Free Library is seeking a forward-thinking, and community-focused librarian to fill the position of Assistant Director.

The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of professional library principles, practices, and services, as well as a broad background and knowledge in financial, administrative and human resources management. The Assistant Director manages library functions during the absence of the Director.  This position reports to the Library Director.

To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, please click here >

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Media Mentions

The Best Places to Consider Living in Rhode Island, RIHomeStore.com

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Police Press Releases

Bristol Police Recruitment

July 12th, 2021:

Update: This Bristol Police Department is no longer applications for the Police Officer position. For the latest openings with the Bristol Police Department, please visit: policeapp.com/Bristol-RI-Police-Department/1385/

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The Bristol Police Department is actively seeking candidates for the position of Police Officer. The application period opens on June 1, 2021 through July 11, 2021. To apply online, please visit https://www.policeapp.com/Entry-Level-Bristol-RI-Police-Officer-Jobs/3064/ or you may download the “Police Recruitment Flyer” listed below for information, prospective candidates may want to consider watching this recruitment video.

Police Recruitment Flyer_

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Press Releases

Bristol’s 2022 Tangible Tax Form 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 31st, 2023.

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

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Press Releases

Public comment sought on Bristol’s Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Draft 2023 Town of Bristol Hazard Mitigation Plan is presented for public comments.

The 2023 Town of Bristol Hazard Mitigation Plan, updating the 2016 Plan, will serve as guidance to help the Town reduce losses and vulnerabilities relating to natural hazards events such as hurricanes, Nor’easters, flooding, an high wind.

As a result of the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, communities must have a FEMA-approved natural hazard mitigation plan in place prior to receiving post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.

The draft plan is available for public review and comments and will be submitted to the Town Council for adoption and then it will be submitted to FEMA for approval.

Comments are welcome on the draft plan until October 6, 2023.

For more information and to submit comments, please contact Diane M. Williamson, Director of Community Development by email at [email protected] or by phone at 401-253-7000 ext. 126.

View the 2023 Bristol Hazard Mitigation Plan Update >

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Press Releases

Join the conversation about Bristol’s trees

Come learn about an in depth study funded by a grant from DEM to better understand Bristol’s tree canopy.

You’ll hear about proposed goals and strategies for managing our wonderful urban forest and have an opportunity to provide feedback.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 3, 2023

TIME: 6 – 7:30 pm

WHERE: Rogers Free Library, Herreshoff Community Room

For more information, contact Ed Tanner, Principal Planner, 401-253-7000 ext. 128

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Press Releases

Take it Outside grant available for small businesses

Rhode Island Commerce announced additional grant funding for businesses through the Take it Outside program for those continuing to recovery from the negative economic impacts of COVID.

Rhode Island based businesses that are interested in participating in the Take It Outside program must meet a number of requirements including:

  • Have less than $1 million in annual gross revenues
  • Demonstrate a negative economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic

At least twenty percent of all funds awarded to small businesses will be reserved for awards to assist minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises.

The project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRFP0136 (State Fiscal Recovery Funds) awarded to the State of Rhode Island by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Interested businesses can apply for the grant through several intermediaries.

For more information on eligibility and to review the list of intermediaries, please visit the Rhode Island Commerce website.

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Press Releases

Free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar

The Bristol Police Department in collaboration with Bristol Parks and Recreation will host a Women’s Self-Defense Seminar on September 29, 2023.

Participants will learn repeatable self-defense skills and tactics in a safe and supportive environment.

This seminar is designed to expose participants to the basic skills, awareness, and confidence necessary to respond to an attacker or to deal with a threatening situation.

The seminar is physically demanding but each student will be able to participate at their level of ability.

Join members of the Bristol Police Department and build self-confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to respond if you should ever need to.

For questions or information please email Sgt Brett Estrella at [email protected].

Participants must be 16yrs of age or older.

Program is limited to 50 participants.

When: Friday, September 29, 2023

Time: 6 pm

Where: Quinta Gamelin Recreation Center
            101 Asylum Road

For questions or information please email Sgt Brett Estrella at [email protected].

Visit the Bristol Police Department ‘Services’ page for additional information and registration.

Categories
Press Releases

Town Hall Closed for Labor Day Holiday

Bristol Town Hall and Municipal Offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2023 to observe the Labor Day holiday.

Curbside trash and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week.

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Press Releases

Grant Announced for Hope Street Renovations

Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente was among the local, state, and federal officials who gathered at Herreshoff Marina on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 where Gov. Dan McKee and R.I. Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti announced a $750,000 National Scenic Byway grant, which will be used to make upgrades along Hope Street in Bristol.

The six-mile stretch of Route 114, known as the Revolutionary Heritage Byway, will undergo improvements with planning and permitting to begin right away. The entire project will take “three or four years” to complete, Mr. Alviti said.

The project will extend from the Warren Town line to Thames Street and from Constitution Street to Ferry Road.

The grant funding is on top of $1 million that RIDOT has already received and started using, according to Alviti. He said the project will make the roadway “better and safer for everyone” in the coming years.

In addition to resurfacing the roadway and sidewalks, the work will include building a new scenic overlook, restoring the seawall, repairing and replacing the drainage systems, addressing ADA issues, adjusting the shoulders for better bicycle access, and greenery improvements.

Town Administrator Contente emphasized the importance “upkeep and improvements of public infrastructure” that supports a “quality of life to retain and attract industry and commerce”.

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Seth Magaziner and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos also attended the press conference.

The project will include:

  • Restoration of the seawall between Burnside Street and Summer Street, including the construction of a new scenic overlook of Bristol Harbor
  • New pavement surface
  • New sidewalks and ADA accessibility improvements along both shoulders between Walley Street and Summer Street, including the extension of sidewalk in front of Walley Park
  • Variable shoulder width adjustments to improve bicycle access
  • Repair or replacement of drainage systems and basins
  • Soil restoration and greenery improvements

The event was covered by WPRI-TV and WJAR-TV.

Categories
Press Releases

Bristol/DEM co-op aims to reduce deer population in town

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, in partnership with the town of Bristol, will open four (4) parcels of town-owned property to archery deer hunting in an effort to reduce the deer population:

  • Minturn
  • Hopeworth
  • Skater’s Pond
  • 100 Acre Woods

The growing deer population has created a nuisance for many homeowners who have complained about deer causing damage to their gardens and other property. In addition, the number of deer vehicle collisions and has significantly increased over the past few years, calling attention to the rising number in the herd.

Bristol has one if the highest deer vs vehicle collisions per square mile in the state.

Rhode Island DEM works to protect and enhance wildlife habitat in Rhode Island to ensure healthier, more diverse, and abundant wildlife populations and is responsible for managing deer across the state to ensure their population remains healthy and stable.

DEM’s Principal Wildlife Biologist Dylan Ferreira has worked with Bristol Town Officials to develop the cooperative that will help to control the deer population in town.

“In some instances, especially in urban areas with no or very limited hunting, deer populations can begin to exceed cultural and biological carrying capacity. Legal regulated hunting is the main way state agencies manage deer populations across the country,” Ferreira said. “Opening new town properties to hunting like Bristol is doing is a great step to reduce the population in Bristol and reduce the negative impacts associated with over-populated deer, such as deer vehicle collisions and private property damage.”

Hunting has a long tradition in Rhode Island, supporting family customs, connecting people with nature, and attracting tourism to the state. Hunters provide funding for wildlife conservation through their purchase of firearms and ammunition through the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program, and through the purchase of their state hunting licenses.

“Hunters and anglers purchase around 70,000 licenses, permits, stamps, and tags each year and contribute more than $235 million to Rhode Island’s economy,” Ferreira said.

Deer hunting season in Rhode Island, for archery, begins September 15 and runs through January 31, 2024.

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding archery deer hunting in Bristol.


  • Where are the designated town-owned hunting areas?

There are four (4) town-owned properties where archery hunters will be allowed to harvest deer.

Minturn (Click to view a map of the area >)

Approximately 50 acres situated east of the former landfill, located between Tower Street to the south and Berry Lane to the north.

The area is accessible from Tower Street where on-street parking is available.

Hopeworth (Click to view a map of the area >)

Approximately 65 acres situated on the north and south sides of Hopeworth Avenue, extending to the north past Roosevelt Drive, and south to Clipper Way.

The areas are accessible from Hopeworth Avenue and from the public boat ramp parking area located on Annawamscutt Road.

Skater’s Pond (Click here to view a map of the area >)

Approximately 40 acres situated to the south of Gooding Avenue, and east to Metacom Avenue.

The area is accessible from Peter Road where parking is available.

100 Acre Woods (Click to view a map of area >)

Approximately 150 acres situated north of Tupelo Street to Elmwood Drive, extending east to Metacom Avenue and west to the neighborhoods at Deer Run, Echo Farm and Elm Park Farm.

Parking and access is available at the east end of Elmwood Drive, the west end of Jameson Road and the west end of San Francisco Avenue.

View the RIDEM map here >


  • What are the boundaries of the designated hunting areas?

Within the designated hunting areas, RIDEM has placed the boundaries in the map mentioned above. Hunters can use this map on their smart phone to determine their location in relation to the property boundary to prevent them from inadvertently crossing into prohibited land.

Under Rhode Island State Hunting Laws, archery hunting within 200 feet of an occupied dwelling is prohibited without written permission.

Deer hunting on private property requires written permission of the property owner.


  • Will arrows reach my property?

Hunting laws prohibit the discharge of arrows within 200 feet of an occupied dwelling to minimize the possibility of an errant arrow entering private property.

Additionally, most archery hunters utilize deer stands placed 10 or more feet above the ground. Arrows shot from tree stands have a downward trajectory that will strike the ground before they reach any distance.


  • Who can hunt in the designated areas?

Anyone who possesses a valid Rhode Island hunting license and deer tag is permitted to hunt.

All licensed hunters are required to pass an archery hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license and deer permit.

Hunters are also required to obtain an Archery Proficiency card .

Licensed hunters under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years of age or older.

RI DEM will oversee the hunting activity on town-owned land in Bristol in the same manner in which hunting is permitted on state property.


  • Do hunters need to obtain permission from the Town of Bristol to hunt on town-owned land?

Through a Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Town of Bristol, the designated hunting areas will be open to archery deer hunting with the RI DEM establishing and enforcing laws and regulations.

No additional permissions from the Town are needed. RI DEM indemnifies and holds harmless the Town of Bristol in case of any injury resulting from hunting use of town property.

All rules and regulations regarding deer hunting can be found by clicking here.


  • Will hunters harvest game other than deer in these areas?

No. This special cooperative agreement is limited to archery hunting for deer only.


  • Will hunters use shotguns or other firearms to hunt?

No. This special cooperative agreement is limited to archery hunting, including crossbow.


  • Do hunters need to reside in Bristol?

No. Hunting is open to anyone who is legally licensed and permitted to hunt in the State of Rhode Island.


  • When is deer hunting season for archery?

Deer season runs from September 15, 2023 through January 31, 2024. Hunting is permitted one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.


  • Do hunters need to check-in/out before and after a hunt?

No. Environmental Police Officers will patrol the designated hunting areas to enforce legal and safe hunting practices as they do on other state owned and other Cooperative Properties.

Hunters do not have to check-in prior to entering the hunting areas but are expected to exercise safe hunting practices and act in the best interest and safety of all by self-limiting the number of hunters in any one area.

Harvested deer are to be tagged and reported to RIDEM.


  • What should I do if I see a hunter or injured deer outside of the designated hunting areas?

Remain calm.

Most hunters are law-abiding, respectful stewards of our natural resources, keeping safety as the number one priority when practicing the sport of hunting.

If a hunter appears lost, please offer your assistance to direct him/her to their destination.

If you encounter a hunter who is outside the designated hunting area while in the process of tracking an injured deer, please allow him/her any necessary access to your private property to ensure the animal does not suffer and the hunter is able to properly transport the carcass.

In the unlikely event you encounter an injured deer, do not approach it.

Take note of its locations and call RI DEM Division of Law Enforcement by calling 401-222-3070.


If you have questions regarding hunting rules and regulations, please contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 401-789-0281.

To report hunting violations, please contact the DEM, Division of Law Enforcement at 401-222-3070.


NOTE: These areas are also open to hikers and other allowed non-hunting uses.

Under Rhode Island DEM Regulations, non-hunters who choose to enter these designated hunting areas are required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February.

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Press Releases

Special Election for RI 1st Congressional District – Important dates and information

The Special Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

  • August 15: Deadline to request a mail ballot
  • August 16 thru Sept. 5: Early Voting
    Reynolds School Building, 235 High St.
    8 am- 4 pm weekdays (excluding Labor Day, Monday, September 4)
  • September 5: Primary Election Day, Polls open 7 am – 8 pm (polls combined; see below)

The Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

  • October 17: Deadline to request a mail ballot
  • Oct. 18 – Nov. 6: Early Voting
    Reynolds School Building, 235 High St.
    8 am – 4 pm weekdays
  • November 7: General Election Day, Polls open 7 am – 8 pm (polls combined; see below)

IMPORTANT VOTER NOTICE:
COMBINED POLLING LOCATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S SPECIAL ELECTION(S) ONLY

Please note that the polling locations for the special elections scheduled for September 5, 2023, and
November 7, 2023, have been combined for this year’s election(s) only.

Click here for full PDF >

 
Categories
Press Releases

10th Annual Bristol Harbor Festival – Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023

The Bristol Harbormaster’s Office and the local fishing community will host the 10th Annual Bristol Harbor Festival & Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, August 12, 2023. The event will be held at Rockwell Park on Thames Street in historic Bristol, RI and features a full day of activities for the entire family.

Calendar of Events:

1 pm – Blessing of the Fleet

2:30 pm – “Stuffie” competition

5 – 7 pm – a traditional Littleneck Boil or optional Steak Dinner
Tickets for the Littleneck Boil are $30 per person. They can be purchased online by clicking here or at the Bristol Maritime Center.

Children receive a free hot dog with purchase of a ticket.
Please bring your ticket or receipt to the festival’s check-in table.

Live music will be performed throughout the day and a dunk tank will be available where you will have an opportunity to ‘make a splash’ with some local, familiar faces.

Cash beer, wine, raw bar, as well as chowder and stuffies.

Tour the Tall Ship “Nao Trinidad”

From August 3 – August 13, the Tall Ship “Nao Trinidad” will be docked in Bristol, offering tours to the public from 10 am – 8 pm daily.

Tickets to tour the ship are:
Adults – $15
Children – $5
Family – $35
Learn more about the ship by clicking here.

The Bristol Harbor Festival is a fun, family event that promotes use of the waterfront and strengthens ties between the Bristol Harbormaster’s Office, the local fishing community and those who choose to explore Bristol by land or by sea.

Funds raised from the Bristol Harbor Festival & Blessing of the Fleet will be used for marine-related children’s activities.

For more information visit the event website or contact Bristol Harbormaster Gregg Marsili at 401-253-1700; [email protected].

Categories
Press Releases

Black Ships Festival to kick-off at Rockwell Park, Friday, Aug. 11

The Japan-America Society of Rhode Island will celebrate the 40th Annual Black Ships Festival, commemorating Commodore Matthew C. Perry establishing a trade route between the United States and Japan.

Friday, August 11

10 am – Rockwell Park, Thames Street, Bristol
Opening ceremonies, including flag raising, will take place at Bristol’s Rockwell Park

6:30 pm – Rockwell Park, Thames Street, Bristol
Soh Daiko Taiko drum performance, sponsored by the Town of Bristol Tourism and Baba Sushi restaurant.

Saturday, August 12

11 am – 3:30 pm – Independence Park, Thames Street, Bristol
The Black Ships Festival Cultural Fair will feature cultural entertainment, martial arts demonstration, food trucks, shopping, Little Hands Crafts, children’s cosplay costume contest, a performance by the Navy Band, dragon boat, and other activities!

For complete information visit the Japan-American Society of RI website.