Editor’s Note :  The following  is a selection of posts Mayor Frank Picozzi  made to his Facebook page over the last week.  Some posts have been edited to include  additional information to give context to the content.

Aug. 24

 I just visited the sight of the water main break on Centreville Rd (117) again. There seems to be at least two breaks. One is at the intersection of Commonwealth (first picture) and another about 150 yards away. It was explained to me that the theory is that the first break created some type of reaction which caused another break further down the line.  Kent County Water Authority has called in construction companies to begin the work of repairing the line. Then RIDOT will repair the road. There is a lot of damage and repairs will be a very lengthy process. I don’t expect the road to be open any time soon. The RIDOT official said that he can’t say for sure at this time, but it may take up to several days.  We’ll hope for the best and plan for the worst. I’ll keep you all updated if any new information comes in.

And later that day….

I just got word that work is wrapping up on Centerville Rd (117) and the road is open. I want to thank the RIDOT, the Kent County Water Authority, and the private contractors and workers for accomplishing this Herculean effort. And a big tip of the hat to the Warwick Police Department for providing the details and strategy to keep traffic flowing throughout the day.

Aug. 25

Today I was honored to attend a special graduation for some Pilgrim and Toll Gate students. For a variety of reasons, they did not have the credits to graduate with their class back in June. But they persevered and worked hard in summer school to complete their high school career and earn their diplomas. Whatever it was that had knocked them down did not keep them down, they got back up and continued fighting. The look of pride in their and their families’ eyes was awe-inspiring. Congratulations graduates, we’re all very proud of you.

Today I cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of The Berry Joint! Bringing fresh Cold-Pressed Juice, Acai Bowls, and Real Fruit Smoothies to Warwick. Making healthy eating easy, delicious and fun, at 2424 West Shore Rd., 401-384-7667

Aug. 28

As we announced several weeks ago, the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be at Rocky Point September 8 thru September 10.

The Warwick Police Department held their backpack giveaway event this past Saturday and it was tremendously successful. Hundreds of students received backpacks that were chock full of school supplies along with many other surprises.  A big shout out to the WPD, Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick, the Warwick Public Library, and Warwick Health Equity Zone, and Warwick Public Schools.

We’ve been getting some questions about the coastline resiliency project being worked on in Oakland Beach. The project should have been completed a few months ago. A significant amount of work has been done. The contractor for the project is Cardi Construction. I’m sure that everyone has seen in the press that they have been having difficulties. They stopped working on many projects including this one.

Cardi just last week assigned a subcontractor to complete the work, the sub was approved by the bonding company. We are waiting for a start date. The city has paid for a portion of the completed work-as per contract- but we owe an amount that far exceeds some of the work that has been completed and still needs to be done. The company is bonded so the city cannot lose money.

I’ll update you when any information comes in.

I went to the Oakland Beach Back to School Bash tonight at Gorton. Yes-at Gorton. Oakland Beach School is going to undergo extensive work this year so the students will be at Gorton for the year. They had a food and ice cream truck and Touch a Truck. The parents and students took a tour of the school. The kids were very happy and excited…. Well - MOST of them were .

Aug. 29

Kim and I saying goodnight to the kids at Hasbro. If anyone ever wants to join us, we come every Tuesday night. We’d love company.