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| CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS |
| COMBINED PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD |
City of Central Falls
Combined Planning and Zoning Board
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
City Hall, 580 Broad Street, Central Falls, RI – 2nd Floor, Council Chambers
MINUTES
I. Call to Order
Acting Chair John Marenzana called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
II. Roll Call
Acting Chair Marenzana asked those members present to state their names for the roll call, and present were the following: John Marenzana, Hugo Figueroa, Dan Klotz, and Kevin Marchand.
Board member Ann Peckham 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
Acting Chair Marenzana led the Board in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. New Business
a. Introductory message from the Planning Department
i. Speaker - Joshua Magnone, Principal Deputy Director
On behalf of the Planning Department, Mr. Magnone delivered an introductory address to the Board.
b. Nomination and election of 2025 Board Officers
i. Chair
Kevin Marchand nominated John Marenzana for Chair.
Acting Chair Marenzana put the question to a vote. The vote was taken by voice vote; the ayes were unanimous. Mr. Marenzana was declared elected Chair.
ii. Vice Chair
Hugo Figueroa nominated Kevin Marchand for Vice Chair.
Chair Marenzana put the question to a vote. The vote was taken by voice vote; the ayes were unanimous. Mr. Marchand was declared elected Vice Chair.
iii. Secretary
Hugo Figueroa nominated Dan Klotz for Secretary.
Chair Marenzana put the question to a vote. The vote was taken by voice vote; the ayes were unanimous. Mr. Klotz was declared elected Secretary.
c. Consideration and possible vote on 2025 Annual Meeting Calendar
Mr. Magnone provided a summary of the annual meeting calendar presented for the Board’s consideration.
Chair Marenzana asked if there were any comments or questions. None were heard.
d. Pursuant to its local and statutory authority as the Zoning Board, consideration will be given and a vote may be taken in regard to Application PZB-2025-01Z: Hawley Street Realty, LLC, of 1 Williams Street, Pawtucket, RI, owner and applicant of the subject property 9-11 Hawley Street (AP 3, LOT 302), is proposing to develop a 3-unit dwelling on the subject property. In connection therewith, the applicant has requested dimensional variances from minimum side yard requirements (Sec. 401, R-3 zone) and minimum lot area per dwelling unit requirements (Sec. 401, R-3 zone).
On behalf of the Planning Department, Mr. Magnone presented the staff report and opinion regarding the application.
Jean Phillipe Barros, of 1 Williams Street, Pawtucket, RI, appeared on behalf of the applicant and answered questions from the Board.
Chair Marenzana stated the motion to open the meeting to public comment. The motion was moved by Mr. Marchand, seconded by Mr. Figueroa. The vote was taken by voice vote; all responded “Aye,” with no dissent. The motion carried.
David Riseburg, of 25 Hawley Street, Central Falls, RI, appeared before the Board to offer public comment in opposition to the application.
Mr. Barros, on behalf of the applicant, responded to Mr. Riseburg’s public comments, and questions from the Board.
Chair Marenzana stated the motion to close the meeting to public comment. Mr. Marchand moved the motion, seconded by Mr. Klotz. The vote was taken by voice vote; all responded “Aye,” with no dissent. The motion carried.
Chair Marenzana stated the motion to approve the applicant’s request for relief from minimum side yard requirements. Mr. Figueroa moved the motion, seconded by Mr. Klotz. A roll call vote was taken; all members voted in the affirmative, with no dissent. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Marenzana stated the motion to approve the applicant’s request for relief from minimum lot area per dwelling unit requirements. Mr. Marchand moved the motion, seconded by Mr. Figueroa. A roll call vote was taken; all members voted in the affirmative, with no dissent. The motion passed unanimously.
e. Pursuant to its local and statutory authority as the Planning Board, consideration will be given and a vote may be taken in regard to proposed amendments to Appendix A (Zoning) of The Code of Ordinances, Adopted February 10, 2025.
i. Findings and Recommendations to be reported to the City Council.
Planning Director Vanermillen provided a summary of proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Vandermillen answered questions from the Board. No vote was taken.
V. Adjournment
Chair Marenzana stated the motion to adjourn. Mr. Marchand moved the motion, seconded by Mr. Figueroa. The vote was taken by voice vote; the ayes were unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 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