Westerly approves purchase of Bowlin Lane lot to preserve neighborhood basketball court

Westerly Town Council voted unanimously on April 20 to authorize the town manager to enter into a purchase-and-sale agreement with Joy Fellowship Assembly of God, Inc. to acquire 77–79 Bowlin Lane for use as a community basketball court, not to exceed $65,000.

Town staff said the lot is assessed at $109,000 but the seller agreed to a $65,000 sale; the purchase includes an existing drainage easement the town recently reconstructed. The town’s manager said the funding will come from this year’s surplus rather than next year’s budget and that ownership would preserve the neighborhood recreation asset.

Supporters argued the court is heavily used by local children and families and that buying the lot preserves daily recreation access. After a short discussion about timing and the need to suspend rules to act the same night, the council suspended rule 90 for that item, moved to approve the purchase, and recorded a 7–0 vote in favor.

The resolution authorizes the manager to finalize a purchase-and-sale agreement; the council instructed staff to proceed with closing logistics and to return any required documentation for the town record. The council did not approve expansion or redevelopment plans during the meeting; staff noted potential future improvements such as striping and nets.