Conjuring House drama
and
an ongoing turf war
among top Burrillville stories
BURRILLVILLE – Like many Rhode Island communities, Burrillville faced relatable problems regarding financing education and affordable housing, but many of its biggest stories are uniquely Burrillville.
A turf field almost a decade in the making was nearing completion when local advocates put a stop to the project through legal means, and it’s unclear if the project will be completed.
The year was also riddled with one controversy after another at the Conjuring House, a famous haunted landmark in town where these days, supposedly-malevolent spirits are not the biggest things to worry about.
Here’s a look at these and some of the other biggest stories in Burrillville from 2024.
Dark spirits at the Conjuring House
Few stories captured public attention as much as the ongoing saga of the Conjuring House, a historical haunted attraction that inspired an entire movie franchise based on real-life reports of ghosts and spirits, did. Throughout the past year, the business operation, which include guided tours and overnight stays, has been in a state of turmoil.
Trouble began last December, when a fire broke out in the barn during renovations to create a paranormal museum. Owner Jacqueline Nuñez, who purchased the property for $1.5 million in May 2022, blamed improperly disposed rags for the fire, which destroyed much of the progress. Paranormal investigators Cody DesBiens and Satori Hawes, who had collaborated with Nuñez on the project, claimed losses of $7,394 in equipment and later severed ties with the Conjuring House after Nuñez refused to recoup their losses.
By mid-2024, tensions escalated between Nuñez and her staff. In June, seven of the eight staff members resigned, citing “negative experiences within that work environment.” The sole remaining employee, Brian Dansereau, was promoted to the full-time position of Vice President of Operations in May. But then Nuñez fired him in July, claiming that the ghost of John Arnold, who died in 1839, told her that Dansereau had been stealing from the business. Dansereau disputed the claims and filed a restraining order against Nuñez, citing ongoing harassment.
Dansereau and several others formerly associated with the business said that Nuñez was repeatedly harassing them in the months that followed.
In October, Nuñez was arrested for DUI after evading police on a chase through town, and she reportedly refused a breathalyzer. Shortly thereafter, the Burrillville Town Council denied the renewal of her business license, citing concerns about “erratic behavior.” The Conjuring House officially ceased operations in late November after a stop-work order from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
Earlier this month, police issued additional citations after reports that the property was still operating without a business license. Nuñez was charged but failed to appear in court earlier this month to face the charge.
Currently, the Conjuring House has suspended all operations, and unless Nuñez is able to reacquire a business license, it will remain inactive until further notice.
Turf field
A turf field of some kind to support Burrillville sports has been in development since 2015, spearheaded largely by Town Council President Donald Fox. But it wasn’t until earlier this year that the project drew the attention of a vocal contingent of anti-turf residents in town. Critics have highlighted the potential dangers posed by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in synthetic turf materials, particularly given the field’s proximity to the Clear River and a drinking water aquifer.
Thus far, the Conservation Law Foundation, Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Burrillville Conservation Commission, Blackstone River Watershed Council, and Burrillville Land Trust have all submitted letters of opposition to the project.
Save The Bay was the latest to join that lineup on Dec. 3, issuing a formal letter opposing the project. In the letter, Director of Advocacy Jed Thorp wrote, “Even ‘negligible’ levels of PFAS pose a serious threat to drinking water supplies and the environment.”
Local conservationist Roberta Lacey filed a complaint in Rhode Island Superior Court in September about the project, leading to a temporary restraining order that was put in place in October. The ensuing legal battle remains ongoing despite the town’s insistence that based on testing conducted on the materials, the project would be safe.
Following a series of hearings in recent weeks, Superior Court Associate Justice Melissa Darigan requested written arguments from both sides by Jan. 6. Anti-turf advocate Adam Schatz explained that it’s highly probable that the judge may bring both sides back to court for oral arguments. Some sort of ruling should happen in the coming months.
Education shifts
Burrillville’s education system faced significant challenges in 2024, with funding problems leading to 39 non-renewal notices for teachers and staff. Superintendent Michael Sollitto attributed the cuts to a $400,000 loss in state funding under Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed budget. While school leaders hoped to reinstate many of the affected positions, uncertainty loomed over the district.
Burrillville leaders also passed a joint resolution in March to withdraw from the RISE Prep Mayoral Academy, following North Smithfield, which did the same in January. Officials cited financial burdens as the primary reason. State funding essentially shifts resources from Burrillville schools to support RISE Prep students. Woonsocket was then forced to lift the enrollment cap for RISE Prep students to fill those vacant seats. This move, while financially beneficial for Burrillville schools, put more strain on RISE and Woonsocket as a result.
Affordable housing
Burrillville took significant steps to address the growing demand for affordable housing. Projects like the 60-unit Steere Farm Road development and smaller initiatives on Pleasant Street and Lapham Farm Village aimed to increase the town’s affordable housing stock. Officials also prioritized senior housing, recognizing the need for accessible living options for the aging population.
Land conservation
In a landmark conservation effort, Burrillville secured 942 acres in the Buck Hill area, connecting protected lands across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. This acquisition, facilitated by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, preserved vital forestland and expanded recreational opportunities.
The town also hosted workshops to engage landowners in preservation, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Pour one out for Bravo Brewing
The year ended on a somber note for Bravo Brewing Company, a local brewery in the heart of downtown Pascoag. On Dec. 15, a sprinkler pipe burst that caused severe water damage, destroying much of the brewery’s equipment, supplies, and inventory. Bravo Brewing announced that it would remain closed until further notice, potentially for months, as they assess the full extent of the damage and begin repairs.
Community support quickly poured in to help the brewery during its time of need. Neighboring bar Elayna’s launched an initiative to help sell undamaged Bravo Brewing products, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to the brewery. Elayna’s also organized a liquor basket and gift certificate giveaway, with raffle tickets available through Jan. 5 to raise additional funds. In a Facebook post, Elayna’s described Bravo Brewing as “a huge staple in town” and urged residents to “show their support during this trying time.”
Bravo Brewing owners also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support from the community. In a heartfelt message, the brewery wrote, “This is a tough time of year for the whole staff to be out of a job,” they wrote. “So thank you all, we are so appreciative of all that this town and our supporters are doing for us.”
Bravo’s management promised a return in due time.
“We will be back,” they wrote. “And when we do, we look forward to raising a pint with you and celebrating another victory over adversity.”
