It’s been a busy few months and I wanted to share several important updates on projects and initiatives that will benefit our community for years to come.
Building a More Resilient Richmond
As severe storms and flooding become more frequent, Richmond is taking proactive steps to prepare.
On June 16, the Town Council unanimously approved the creation of the Richmond Environmental Hazard and Resiliency Commission. The Commission will study environmental hazards, review Richmond’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, recommend strategies to reduce future risks, and help educate residents about resiliency efforts.
We’re now accepting applications for the five-member Commission, with preference for applicants who have scientific, technical, engineering, or environmental expertise. If you’re interested in helping Richmond prepare for future challenges, I encourage you to apply.
Richmond Launches a No-Knock Registry
The Town Council has established a new No-Knock Registry to give residents greater control over door-to-door solicitation.
Residents who register may not be contacted by licensed door-to-door salespeople. The registry does not apply to nonprofit, religious, or political canvassers.
Licensed solicitors will receive the registry when they obtain their license and updated lists throughout the year. The registry is updated on January 1, April 1, July 1, and September 1.
To join the registry, simply submit a request form to the Town Clerk’s Office.
Richmond Commons Moves Forward
After years of planning, the Town Council unanimously approved zoning amendments for the Richmond Commons property. These changes provide greater flexibility for future mixed-use development while ensuring any specific proposals continue through Richmond’s normal development review and approval process.
This action helps move a long-vacant property one step closer to productive use while maintaining appropriate oversight as development plans move forward.
Transfer Station Agreement with Hopkinton
Richmond and Hopkinton have a long history of working together, from joint rabies clinics and senior programs to first-responder support and infrastructure projects. These partnerships benefit both communities.
This week, the two Town Councils met to discuss Richmond’s transfer station and Hopkinton residents’ continued use of this town resource.
In 2022, after Hopkinton could no longer use Westerly’s transfer station, Richmond stepped up and welcomed Hopkinton residents under a flat-fee agreement. Since then, Richmond has expanded transfer station hours, updated tipping fees, and increased staffing as part of broader efforts to improve efficiency.
After months of discussion, the councils worked collaboratively to reach a compromise. Both councils directed their Town Solicitors to draft a new agreement that includes an updated annual fee, a Memorandum of Understanding, and a commitment to review the agreement each February. The MOU will return to both councils for approval.
This agreement reflects the value of continued cooperation and a shared commitment to finding solutions that work for both communities.
Richmond Holds Its First Municipal Court Session
Richmond held its first Municipal Court session.
The Municipal Court creates a more convenient and efficient process for handling local zoning and ordinance matters. Instead of requiring cases to be heard in Superior Court, many issues can now be resolved locally, saving residents time while reducing legal costs and staff time for taxpayers.
The path to creating the Municipal Court has been several years in the making. In 2022, voters approved a charter amendment authorizing the Town Council to establish the court.
During my first term on the Council, we adopted the ordinances necessary to create the Municipal Court. Although implementation was delayed during the 2024 election cycle, the project moved forward once the new Council was seated. Since then, we’ve approved the necessary software, appointed a Municipal Court Judge and Clerk, and worked with staff to develop procedures by studying successful municipal courts in neighboring communities, including Hopkinton.
I’m grateful to our dedicated Town staff for their hard work in making this possible. I’d also like to thank former Council Presidents Trimmer and Nassaney for helping lay the groundwork, as well as my current Council colleagues for continuing to support and implement this important initiative.
Stay Connected
To stay informed about town news, events, recreation programs, and community services, be sure to sign up for Richmond’s employee driven town newsletter through the Senior Center, Human Services Department, and Recreation Commission.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community. As always, if you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
