Liquor Store Adopts a Nearby Spot

Grapes & Grains liquor store has adopted a spot in Barrington -- the intersection of Bosworth Street and Rumstick Road.

"I look at it three, four, five times a day," said owner Matthew Amaral, whose liquor store sits just west of this spot on Bosworth Street."It was so unkept."

The before photo shows what the spot looked like before Amaral adopted it. The after photo shows what the spot looks like now.

"I talked to the president of the garden club first," Amaral said. "I was told the spot was owned by the state. The club couldn't garden it."

Amaral's next step was talking to Alan Corvi, Barrington's public works director. He explained the process of getting involved in the RI Department of Transportation's adopt-a-spot program.

Amaral applied to adopt the spot about five weeks ago. He got the approval last week. He called a landscape architect right away.

"I got the opportunity and I went for it," said Amaral. "I hope it adds a little bit to the character of Barrington and how we maintain our town, our community."

Amaral expects to receive via UPS a sign that will mark Grapes & Grains' dopted spot Thursday afternoon.

"It's a sign that just sticks in the ground," he said. "As soon as I get it, it will be in the ground."