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| CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS |
| COMBINED PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD |
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The Bessette Building (DPW), 1280 High St, Central Falls, RI
MINUTES
I. Call to Order
Chair Marenzana called the meeting to order at 6:20 PM.
II. Roll Call
Chair Marenzana asked those members present to state their names for the roll call, and present were the following: Hugo Figueroa, Ann Peckham, Dan Klotz, and John Marenzana. Board member Kevin Marchand was absent. Also in attendance: Dane Ardente, Legal Counsel; Jim Vandermillen, Planning Director; and Joshua B. Magnone, Planning Principal Deputy Director.
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Marenzana led the Board in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. Approval of Minutes
Consideration of the minutes was postponed until the next meeting. There was no objection.
V. New Business
a. Discussion and possible vote on the adoption of new Combined Board Bylaws.
Discussion between the Board and Mr. Magnone ensued regarding the development of bylaws. No action was taken.
b. Pursuant to its local and statutory authority as the Planning Board, discussion and possible vote on Findings and Recommendations regarding proposed amendments to Appendix A (Zoning) of The Code of Ordinances, Adopted February 10, 2025, for transmittal to the City Council.
Mr. Vandermillen presented the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including a memo detailing the proposed amendments’ consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Vandermillen answered questions from the Board relative to the proposed amendments.
Chair Marenzana entertained a motion to make a positive recommendation to the City Council. Ms. Peckham moved the motion, seconded by Mr. Figueroa. The vote was taken by roll call, all members voted in the affirmative. There was no objection, the motion passed unanimously.
VI. Administrative Report
a. Discussion regarding ongoing efforts to update the Comprehensive Plan, including scheduling workshops hosted by the Board to receive public comments and invite public participation.
Mr. Magnone presented on ongoing public outreach efforts related to the Comprehensive Plan update, particularly regarding the Board hosting public workshops to solicit community feedback.
Discussion ensued between the Board and Mr. Magnone. No action was taken.
VII. Adjournment
Chair Marenzana entertained a motion to adjourn. The motion was moved by Mr. Figueroa, seconded by Ms. Peckham. A voice vote was taken, all members voted in the affirmative. There was no objection, the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 PM.
[Approved by the City of Central Falls Combined Planning and Zoning Board on October 8, 2025]
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 42-46-4, the Board reserves the right to convene in executive session on any of the aforementioned items for one or more of the purposes listed in Rhode Island General Laws § 42-46-5(1)-(10).
To view an electronic version of the agenda with supporting documentation, click the following link: https://clerkshq.com/centralfalls-ri
The City of Central Falls is an equal opportunity employer. ADA/EOE. TDD/TTY 401-727-7450. This notice is posted at City Hall, the Department of Public Works, and with the Secretary of State’s website pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws. To review Notice of Citizen’s Rights, visit the Attorney General’s webpage at www.riag.ri.gov