Tourism fuels the economy of Block Island, Rhode Island, but residents worry visitors seeking refuge from the pandemic could strain the town's limited resources.
Tourism fuels the economy of Block Island, Rhode Island, but residents worry visitors seeking refuge from the pandemic could strain the town's limited resources.About 10 miles off the coast of mainland Rhode Island, nestled in between Montauk and Martha’s Vineyard, lies the tiny porkchop-shaped jewel of Block Island.
Tensions have come to a head in recent weeks as residents, many of whom are older and more vulnerable to COVID-19, debate the best path forward for keeping the island virus-free for as long as possible. On Monday, the town council But while some residents fight to keep visitors away during the pandemic, some are still turning up anyway, likely eager to escape to a more remote location as major metropolitan areas within driving distance face outbreaks.
In the summer, the island’s population balloons to roughly 20,000 and the grocery store stocks up to meet the demand. But in the quiet winter months, orders are less frequent, and residents are concerned outsiders will snatch up the supply. “We don’t have any medical resources and if the ferry’s not running because the weather’s bad, people getting sick here can’t get to a hospital,” said Sue Black, who has lived on the island for over 40 years. “If it’s really windy, the boat can’t run. If it’s foggy, the planes can’t fly.”
Persephone Brown, a local business owner, was one of the first year-round residents to pressure the town council to take action weeks ago. She said she had wanted the ferry shut down completely, but quickly realized it was out of the council’s hands and may not have been the best solution anyway. “They have every right to be here just like everyone else does,” said Cariona Davis, a year-round resident who owns Block Island Accommodations, a boutique hotel and bed and breakfast management firm.
“There’s definitely a group of people out here who are kind of panic-stricken about how are they going to support their families,” she said. “Many construction workers are sole breadwinners. ... These are some tough men who are feeling kind of helpless.” Boudreau, the town council’s second warden, said he recognizes the sacrifices made on everyone’s part but had little choice.
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