April vacation
With students on April break this week, Cub Scout Pack 7 is offering some free community activities to help keep the kids busy. Tonight, Monday, April 14, is Movie Night at Scouter’s Hall starting at 6 p.m. On Saturday, April 19 the Pack will offer a hike at Booth Pond Conservation Area starting at 9 a.m. For more information contact [email protected].
North Smithfield Library also has programs throughout the week including art sessions and activities. To learn more visit https://www.nspl.info/
Flushing delay
Due to the unexpected cold temperatures last week, hydrant flushing, originally scheduled to run through Friday, April 11, has been extended to April 14-16. The North Smithfield Water Department will conduct hydrant flushing in the Slatersville, Forestdale, Great Road, Mendon Road, and Industrial Park areas, with some flushings to possibly occur overnight.
Water flushing enhances the water quality for area residents and businesses according to a release from the department. The process may cause a temporary reduction in water pressure and some discoloration, but water officials note it is not harmful.
Residents are asked to limit water use during the flushing operation, including using water to wash clothes and dishes. If water is discolored, residents are advised to run the cold water until it clears.
Lane shift
A part of improvements to Route 146 in North Smithfield, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is implementing changes to the traffic patterns – including one scheduled for last week that has been postponed to Thursday, April 17. Starting Thursday, a lane shift will occur to provide one lane southbound on the flyover. This was postponed from April 11 because of inclement weather.
A final configuration will be one lane in each direction at the flyover and at ground level. The traffic signal will be adjusted to ensure that the intersection functions at maximum efficiency. These changes will be in place until the end of the year
The Route 146 improvement project will replace multiple bridges, repave eight miles of road and eliminate congestion at the intersection of Sayles Hill Road and Route 146. Approximately 171,000 vehicles use Route 146 daily.
Egg hunt
Last week’s cold, wet weather also led to cancellation of the town’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, now scheduled take place in the fields at Pacheco Park starting at noon on Saturday, April 19. The event is open to children ages 2 to 8 and their families, and will include a visit from the Easter bunny. Families are advised to arrive on time and to bring a basket or bag to collect eggs.
CERT class change
There is still time to sign up for the latest round of North Smithfield Emergency Management Agency’s Community Emergency Response Training due to a change in scheduling. Classes, originally slated to begin on Tuesday, April 8, have been moved to Tuesday, April 22, and will take place on Tuesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. through June 17. The classes are open to all area residents over the age of 18.
To register, contact instructor Capt. Jay Leveson at (401) 230-9327, call the EMA office at (401) 767-2206 or visit https://northernrireact.org/classes.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Sewer Commission will hold a meeting on Wednesday, April 16 starting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The Halliwell Multi-Generational Building Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 17 starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Budget Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 17 starting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The Economic Development Commission will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 17 starting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
