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The Town of South Kingstown extends its warmest wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. We are excited to continue fostering community growth, connection, and collective accomplishments in the year ahead.
| | Upcoming Holidays and Closures | |
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Town Facilities and
Rose Hill Transfer Station
Will be Closed in Observance of
Martin Luther King Day on
Monday, January 19th
| | | Community Resources & Support Services | |
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The Town of South Kingstown is committed to supporting residents by providing access to a wide range of community resources and services, including assistance with housing, healthcare, food access, and education. Residents are encouraged to explore these programs and connect with the services that best meet their needs. Full details and contact information are provided below.
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Jonnycake Center for Hope (401-789-1559) Providing food pantry services, financial assistance, and support programs for South Kingstown residents.
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SNAPsupport.ri.gov – An online hub for updates and resources, especially during the current federal SNAP shutdown.
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South Kingstown
Project Updates!
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December 2025
The Town of South Kingstown is pleased to report continued progress on the new SK EMS Station in Perryville. Recent milestones include installation of the station’s new sign, interior sheetrock work, and significant exterior upgrades such as the cupola, ambulance bay doors, and near-completion of siding. These improvements move the project closer to delivering enhanced emergency medical services to the community. The station remains on schedule with an anticipated operational date of Spring 2026.
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January 2026
Construction Update: Foundations and Utilities
Work continues on site grading and excavation for foundations. Crews are installing underground utilities and drainage systems and temporary power and low-voltage conduits are being placed, with backfilling underway once installation is complete. Previously poured footings and walls are being stripped of forms, insulated, and backfille and foundation formwork and rebar installation are also ongoing as the project progresses.
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January 2026
The Peace Dale Library will close beginning Monday, January 5, 2026 for approximately 2–3 months as construction enters the most intensive phase of renovations for the new Community Learning Center.
The project will create modern meeting rooms, private study spaces, a flexible classroom, and major technology and building upgrades.
During the closure, outdoor Wi-Fi will remain available, but the book drop will be closed. Library services, holds, returns, and programs will be available at Kingston Free Library and Robert Beverly Hale Library, both offering extended hours.
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In addition, a temporary computer lab has been set up at the Peace Dale Office Building, with available parking streetsied or behind the building.
Resources Available:
- 4 Internet Connected Computers
- Access to document editing software
- Black & White printing for $0.15/page
Books:
- A small collection for browsing and borrowing
Assistance:
- A reference librarian will be available
Hours:
- Monday-Friday 10am to 4pm
- Closed Saturday and Sunday
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South Kingstown
Community Highlights
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December 2025
The Annual Tree Lighting on the Village Green took place on Friday, December 5, featuring performances by the Peace Dale Elementary School Choir and the Wakefield Concert Band. Community members enjoyed live pottery demonstrations, handmade items for purchase, and hot chocolate provided by Old Mountain Lanes. With more than 200 attendees and a special visit from Santa, escorted by the Union Fire District (Tuckertown), it was a festive and memorable evening despite the chilly weather.
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December 2025
Mitten Tree:
Donations were collected at the Neighborhood Guild to help fill the Mitten Tree between November 10th- December 12th.
This year the Parks and Recreation Department collected 168 items including scarves, hats, gloves, and blankets. These items have been donated to the Welcome House of South County and the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County to help those in need. A huge thank you to the South Kingstown Community for their help this season!
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December 2025
Thank You, South Kingstown!
The Town of South Kingstown thanks all employees and residents who participated in the RI Blood Center donation event on December 9. Your generosity and strong turnout helped support local hospitals and patients across Rhode Island. Whether you donated, encouraged others, or helped spread the word, your efforts made a meaningful difference. Together, South Kingstown once again showed the power of community—every drop truly counts.
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February 2025
Swap It Event
Location: The Neighborhood Guild
Date: Saturday, February 7th
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Get an early jump on spring cleaning and start gathering items now! We will be accepting gently used children’s books, DVDs, puzzles, games, & toys!
Leftover items will be donated to Books are Wings & other organizations.
Drop-offs will be accepted:
Monday, January 26th through Friday, February 6th
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Weekday Drop-Offs:
The Neighborhood Guild
325 Columbia Street
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
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Weekend Drop-Offs:
South Kingstown Rec Center
30 St. Dominic Road
Saturday: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
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Want to be first to the Swap-It event?
Drop off any number of non-perishable food items and receive entry into a raffle with the chance to win early entry into the Swap it event!
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Winter 2026
Learn, Create, and Connect at the SK Neighborhood Guild!
Looking for a place to spark your creativity, learn something new, or meet neighbors of all ages? The SK Neighborhood Guild offers classes for everyone—from art and pottery to yoga, fitness, technology, and lifelong learning. Whether you’re trying something new or building a skill, our programs foster creativity, connection, and community. Explore the Winter Brochure and find the perfect class for you!
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WebCOOS, South Kingstown Town Beach
A new live coastal webcam has been installed at South Kingstown Town Beach as part of the Webcam Coastal Observation System (WebCOOS), a NOAA-funded project led by SECOORA and its partners. The camera allows residents to view real-time beach conditions and track changes over time, while also providing valuable data to help staff monitor coastal storms and significant weather events. Residents can explore conditions at Town Beach and throughout the broader coastal camera network by visiting the Live Town Beach Camera and the SECOORA website for more information.
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Past
The South Kingstown Senior Center
Assisted a Total of 319 Community Members
During the Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15–December 7, 2025), the Town provided Medicare counseling to help residents review and update their coverage for 2026. Jill Cogean, the Town’s Information Specialist, assisted 217 individuals, with additional support from two part-time volunteers who helped 102 more residents. This effort reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to helping residents make informed healthcare decisions.
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Future
Kingston Train Station Parking Lot Expansion
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has begun the Kingston Station Parking Lot Extension Project. Clearing and tree removal for the new parking lot will start on December 9th. Parking lot construction will begin in the Spring of 2026. As part of this project,129 parking spaces will be added. Re-landscaping around the bike path and parking lot will occur in the fall of 2026.
Please note parking in construction areas is prohibited. Vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense.
Visit RIDOT South County Projects for information on other projects.
| | Upcoming Budget Schedule Fiscal Year 2026-27 | |
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Winter/Spring 2026
South Kingstown Annual Budget Process
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Initial Budget Hearings: The Town Council holds a public hearing to discuss general goals and objectives of the upcoming year’s budget.
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Town Manager’s Proposed Budget: The Town Manager submits the proposed budget along with an explanatory message.
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Preliminary Budget: The Council reviews the proposed budget in public workshops and adopts a Preliminary Budget.
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Public Hearings: Two hearings are held on separate days for the municipal and school budgets, with School Committee representation.
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Petitions to the Council: Qualified residents may petition to increase, decrease, or add budget items. Petitions with at least 25 valid signatures are considered by the Council before final approval.
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Final Town Council Approval: The Council completes its review, considers petitions, and gives final approval to the budget.
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Referendum Petitions: Residents may petition for a referendum on the general fund or school fund appropriations. Petitions must be verified by the Town Clerk by May 16.
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Budget Referendum: If petitions meet the signature (200+) and amount ($250,000+) thresholds, a referendum is held on the Tuesday following the first Saturday in June.
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Town of South Kingstown Tentative Budget Schedule
Meetings are subject to change, please take notice of Agendas posted at the Town Hall, Peace Dale Library and Town Calendar
| | South Kingstown Police Department | |
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For up to date information follow SKPD on Facebook:
SKPD Facebook
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Winter 2026
Winter Parking Ban Advisories
Please remember when snow is in the forecast, that a parking ban may be in effect throughout South Kingstown so the public works team can treat the roads and clear the snow.
During an active parking ban no parking is allowed on any public roadway, municipal parking lot, or municipally owned parking areas.
Thank you for your cooperation
| | | Department of Public Works and Utilities | |
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Winter 2026
Sidewalk Snow Removal
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Under a Town ordinance adopted in 2018, property owners who abut a sidewalk are required to clear snow or treat ice within 12 hours after a snow or ice event ends. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action and fines. Properties along priority sidewalks may also be subject to Town performed snow removal at the owner’s expense.
Exemptions are available for residents age 62 or older or those with disabilities. Requests must be submitted each year and can be made by calling (401) 789-9331 ext. 2250 or by completing an Exemption Form and emailing it to SidewalkSnow@SouthKingstownRI.gov. If approved, the Town will handle snow removal for the exempted property.
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The following roads have been designated as priority sidewalks:
- Main Street
- Route 108 (Kingstown Road)
- Old Tower Hill Road
- High Street
- Columbia Street
- Church Street
- Kersey Road
- Broad Rock Road
- Railroad Street (Peace Dale)
- Sweet Fern Lane
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Senior Bus Service Update
The South Kingstown Senior Center welcomes Jennifer Thacher as the new driver for the Senior Bus! Rides for errands, appointments, and trips to the Center are available to help seniors stay connected and independent. To schedule a ride, call 789-0268—our staff will assist with planning your trip and answering any questions.
| | 25 St. Dominic Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 | |
Nutrition Program
The South Kingstown Senior Center offers a daily senior meal program for adults 60 years of age and older, or under 60 with a documented disability.
- Enjoy a hot lunch or sandwich Monday through Friday at 12:00 PM (noon).
- $3 suggested anonymous donation.
- No one eligible to receive meals will be turned away due to the inability to donate.
Advanced reservations are required to ensure a meal is available.
Please call 401-789-0268
| Building and Zoning Department | |
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Winter 2025
Building & Zoning Department Launches
Online Rental Registration
The Building & Zoning Department has officially launched the new Rental Registration Form through OpenGov. This online tool provides rental property owners with a convenient way to register their units in compliance with the Town’s recently adopted Zoning Ordinance.
The rental registration filing period has been extended from December 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
For more information or assistance with the registration process contact the Building & Zoning Department at 401-789-9331 ext. 1224.
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As of October 14, 2025, ALL Residential Rental Units in South Kingstown must be registered to comply with South Kingstown Zoning Ordinance, Article 5.5
•Annual registration is required
•Register online or in person
•Pay online, in person, or by mail
•The failure to timely register your rental unit may result in a fine
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January 2026
New Year Announcements
It's that time of year! With the holiday season wrapping the Assessor's Office is focused on sending reminders for forms and renewals due this month, to ensure timely filing.
Please note the following are due by January 31, 2026
- Farm, Forest and Open Space Renewal
- Statement of Accounts
- Business Annual Returns
- Extension Requests for Business Annual Returns
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January 2026
Job Opportunities
Currently, there are no open positions.
We encourage you to check the link below regularly for updates on future opportunities.
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Winter 2026
Scam Alert
The Town has received reports of fraudulent emails impersonating Town officials, asking applicants to wire money.
What to do:
- Do not respond, click links, open attachments, or send money.
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If you already sent money, contact your bank immediately and the South Kingstown Police Department at 401-783-3321.
How to recognize legitimate Town emails:
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Official emails always come from the @southkingstownri.gov domain.
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When in doubt, call the Town Offices at 401-789-9331.
Stay alert and protect yourself from scams!
Planning Department at x1244
Building & Zoning at x1225
Tax Collection at x1214
Stay vigilant and help protect yourself from fraud.
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South Kingstown Town Council: towncouncil@southkingstownri.gov
Town Manager: townmanager@southkingstownri.gov
Town Hall Phone: 401-789-9331
Town Hall Address:
South Kingstown Town Hall
180 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879
Report a Concern
| | | Town of South KIngstown | 180 High Street | Wakefield, RI 02879 US | | | | |
