To the Editor,

 Does anyone own Oakland Beach, and if so, who? Or do certain people  just think they own Oakland Beach? I know it was my grandfather who was President of the Warwick City Council, who is responsible for getting the wall constructed in Oakland Beach and beautifying it. But I don't think I own it.

 However, there has been a new development down there on car show Tuesday nights. There are a few  food trucks now sponsored by the Warwick Lions Club. Since the inception of these food trucks, suddenly after many many years; parking on the street around the circle of the  car show and food trucks, is prohibited.

Why is this and who is responsible? When I first saw it I called the Warwick Police department 3 days in a row to ask them why they did that and they said they'd get back but never did. I suspect they're doing that for certain taxpayers benefits. Especially since now suddenly Iggy's and Boardwalk have valet parking.

 I suspect they don't like the competition of the few measly food trucks that are trying to eke out a little business during car show night. Also, I'm not one to think everything is racist; but I think this is not only very greedy, but it is very racist.

The reason it's greedy is obvious. These restaurant businesses don't want competition. But I also think it's racist because who comes to enjoy the benefits of Oakland Beach's cool breeze on a hot summer night? They come from northern Rhode Island- from Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Providence and it's usually the minorities who come. Can they afford Top of the Bay or Boardwalk or even Iggy's these days? No, they cannot. But they might be able to afford an inexpensive hamburger or pizza from the food trucks. So it is racist to keep them away.

The parking spaces that have been blocked coming around the corner from the greens at Oakland Beach consist of probably 25 spots that would be turned over for the 4 hours of the car show or 100 people that are blocked every Tuesday night due to greed and racism.

 Bring back those spots so more people can enjoy Oakland Beach. It's only fair. After all no one owns Oakland Beach.

Peggy Porter

Warwick