City of Central Falls
Planning Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 6:00 PM
The Bessette Building (DPW), 1280 High Street, Central Falls, RI 02863
MINUTES
Acting Chair John Marenzana called the meeting to order at 6:18 PM.
Planning Director Jim Vandermillen called out roll call and present were the following Board members: John Marenzana, Erika Vallejo, Gerard Levesque, and Hugo Figueroa. Board member John Burkhardt was absent. Also in attendance: Dane Ardente, Legal Counsel; and Joshua B. Magnone, Planning Principal Deputy Director.
Acting Chair Marenzana led the Board in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
On a motion by Mr. Levesque, seconded by Mr. Figueroa, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the meeting minutes of July 24, 2024.
a. Updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan – Status Update
i. Presentation by Joshua B. Magnone, Principal Deputy Director, Planning & Economic Development
Mr. Magnone discussed the initial steps for updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Primarily, community outreach to gather residents ideas for the future of the City.
Mr. Magnone also described meeting the consultants hired to assist with developing the Plan.
He discussed the highlights of said meeting and the qualifications of the consultants.
Mr. Magnone informed the Board that he will continue to provide updates on the
Comprehensive Plan at future Board meetings.
b. Review of Proposed Program Year 2023 Community Development Block Grant Applications
Director Vandermillen presented an overview of the items to be discussed and considered,
including public hearing requirements to receive CDBG funds.
i. Presentation of proposed activities
• Proposed Affordable Housing Activities
• Proposed Public Facilities and Improvements Activities
• Proposed Public Services Activities
Referring to the document provided to the Board, entitled “CDBG PY2023 Application –
Description of Proposals by Category.” Director Vandermillen read aloud descriptions of
each of the proposed activities from said document, occasionally providing commentary.
Regarding proposed improvements to 6 School Street, Ms. Vallejo asked what happens to
funds if they are not used for the proposed project within a certain period of time.
Director Vandermillen responded, stating that funds would get returned to the State, however,
sometimes funds can be repurposed for other projects.
Regarding proposed improvements to Jenks Park, Acting Chair Marenzana inquired as to
whether any nearby parking is planned. Director Vandermillen responded by citing that
the Park is on the National Register of Historic Places, therefore, inclusion of parking is
unlikely.
Ms. Vallejo asked whether the City has considered seeking funding to address flooding in the
area near the Bessette Building. Director Vandermillen answered in the affirmative, citing
conversations with RIEMA and FEMA, and a program which addresses stormwater and
flood mitigation.
ii. Review of proposed activities to determine compliance with City’s Comprehensive Plan
and Development Ordinances and Regulations
Referring to the memorandum provided to the Board, regarding “CDBG PY2023
Applications – Proposed Activities’ Compliance with Comprehensive Plan.” Director
Vandermillen read aloud from the memorandum, citing how each of the twelve
proposed activities are in compliance with City and State goals.
Regarding the proposed Dexter Street Resilience improvements, Acting Chair Marenzana
asked Director Vandermillen to define “innovative development regulations and techniques.”
Discussion between Acting Chair Marenzana and Director Vandermillen ensued regarding the
use of renewable products and sustainability as part of future planned projects.
Director Vandermillen stated that, in the opinion of staff, the proposed applications align with
the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the State Plan.
iii. Consideration and possible action with respect to certification of compliance with City’s
Comprehensive Plan and Development Ordinances and Regulations
Acting Chair Marenzana entertained a motion to acknowledge certify that the twelve activities proposed for inclusion in the City’s Community Development Block Grant funding applications for Program Year 2023 are in compliance with the City of Central Falls’ Comprehensive Community Plan and the State Plan.
Mr. Figueroa motioned to approve, seconded by Ms. Vallejo. Director Vandermillen called a roll-call vote, and votes were as follows: Acting Chair Marenzana voted yes to approve; Ms. Vallejo voted yes to approve; Mr. Figueroa voted yes to approve; and Mr. Levesque voted yes to approve. The board voted 4-0 to approve the motion.
Director Vandermillen requested to amend the motion to strike the word “acknowledge” and to replace with “certify.”
Acting Chair Marenzana proposed to entertain Director Vandermillen’s request. Mr. Figueroa motioned to approve, seconded by Ms. Vallejo. Director Vandermillen called a roll-call vote, and votes were as follows: Acting Chair Marenzana voted yes to approve; Ms. Vallejo voted yes to approve; Mr. Figueroa voted yes to approve; and Mr. Levesque voted yes to approve. The board voted 4-0 to approve the amendment to strike the word “acknowledge” and to replace with “certify.”
Director Vandermillen advised the Board that the Planning Department is currently reviewing development applications. In addition, next month’s regularly scheduled meeting will take place on November 20, 2024, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
On a motion by Mr. Levesque, seconded by Ms. Vallejo, the Board voted 4-0 to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM.
[Approved by the City of Central Falls Planning Board on November 20, 2024]
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/default.ashx?clientsite=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