This page will contain local news reports, articles and letters from the public.

Editorial that was featured in the Providence Journal, July 14, 2007 

Thursday, April 12, the Sakonnet Times printed “Portsmouth Residents Taking Aim at Target” and you can read it by clicking here.

Some members of Preserve Portsmouth in front of the propsed site for Target

The Newport Daily News printed a front page story on Monday April 9th about Preserve Portsmouth. You can view it on the Newport Daily News site here

Letter to the Editor – Target in Portsmouth

I was born and raised on Aquidneck Island, growing up in Middletown, living in Newport for 15 years and now living in Portsmouth for 5 years. I own property in all three towns. I have witnessed a lot of growth and changes on this island, both good and bad. I am not against change and growth for this community, but in order for Portsmouth to retain the quality of life people enjoy here, the businesses coming in to Portsmouth need to be controlled properly.

Target does not belong here. The impact it would create on the traffic, safety, noise and environmental issues would be tremendous. People, not only from Aquidneck Island, but also from Tiverton, Little Compton, Fall River, Bristol, etc. all will be driving to this island to shop at the closest Target. There will be large delivery trucks on East and West Main Roads possibly turning into Union Street to deliver to Target. Students walking to and from the Middle School will have to contend with increased traffic from cars and trucks. There are no sidewalks on Union Street and people walk on the side of the road.

And let us consider Baileys Brook, which runs very close to the proposed Target site. What environmental issues will that create now and in the future if a large box store is allowed at that location ? And also water run-off into existing neighborhoods created by the Target building and parking lot ?

“If You Build It They Will Come.” If Target is allowed here other large chain stores will follow. What will happen to the small independently owned businesses ? Sadly, they will not be able to compete with Target and eventually will close. Portsmouth will never be the same. And there goes the small town life people here cherish. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

Target does not belong here.

Lisa Hassett Silvia
Portsmouth, R. I.