Town of Exeter, Rhode Island
PLANNING BOARD
675 Ten Rod Road
Exeter, R.I. 02822
401-294-2612
401-294-2592
Meeting Minutes
November 23, 2021
Approved: February 22, 2022
Members present: Scott Millar, Michael DeFrancesco, William Haas, Gina Thurn and Joe St. Lawrence
Members Absent: Michael Viveiros and Donna Di Donato
Staff present: Stephen Sypole, Solicitor, William DePasquale, Planner and Dixie Foisy, Clerk
Chair Scott Millar called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
None
A. Development Plan Review for Building “C” and Associated Parking: Gashy Dowlatshashi, Owner and Applicant for Pine Ridge Industrial Park, building “C”, property located at 560 South County Trail, Exeter, RI; Zoned B and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 10 for the construction of Building “C” and parking as part of the previously approved Pine Ridge Industrial Park.
Chair Scott Millar introduced this petition and asked if someone was present to speak on behalf of the Development Plan for Building “C”.
Mr. Gashy Dowlatshashi introduced himself and gave a brief review of the ongoing workplan for Building “C”. He indicated that required approvals from RIDEM, ISDS, and federal permits had been received.
Mr. Patrick Freeman of American Engineering, Inc., introduced himself and updated the Planning Board on the upgrades to the drainage system (stormwater) at the site. He assured the Board that minor modifications had been completed as required.
Town Planner William DePasquale, Jr., reviewed his memo and offered the following conditions for preliminary approval for consideration:
1. The application adheres to the provisions of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance for the use proposed including but not limited to further DPR review should the propose uses require such a review for parking, operations, water usage, security and any additional siting requirements necessary as part of an approved license from the state and or federal government.
2. Use and/or uses for building “C” comply with the zoning ordinance parking requirements.
3. The applicant will comply with the most up-to-date approvals from RIDEM for stormwater and OWTS.
4. The applicant will obtain all local, state and federal permits and approvals.
5. At final, provide an updated verification that RIDEM and RIPDES has been satisfied.
6. Applicant shall submit all approvals from RIDEM that the OWTS is sufficient for use of the new Building “C”.
7. Lighting shall face downward and is dark sky compliant (depict on plan).
8. Requires fire marshal review.
9. Landscaping improvements along the south county trail, in addition to depicting the proposed signage.
Mr. Dowlatshahi noted that appropriate landscaping is in place and is regularly maintained.
Mr. Michael DeFrancesco discussed how potential new tenants should be approved. The general consensus was that Mr. Dowlatshahi should seek compatible use through the Administrative Officer (William DePasquale, Town Planner).
Mr. DeFrancesco also requested that copies of any final approvals granted by RIDEM for Building “C”, be sent to the Planner’s office for their records.
Mr. Patrick Freeman wanted the Board to note that RIDEM is expected to make regulation changes and that this project’s approval has grandfathered rights for the next 5 years.
Chair Scott Millar asked if there were any other questions; hearing none he asked for a motion.
Mr. Michael DeFrancesco made a motion to grant preliminary approval with conditions as listed in the planner’s memo of November 17, 2021, with one additional approval noted and added as Number 10.
10. Mr. Dowlatshahi will seek approval through the Administrative Officer of the Town of Exeter when considering new tenants to Building “C” for compatible use, in lieu of coming in front of the entire Board.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Joseph St. Lawrence, the Chair asked for any additional discussion, hearing none, all in favor and the motion was passed.
A. Zoning Board of Review: Original meeting date of December 9, 2021 tentatively changed to December 16, 2021 due to a notification issue. The Clerk noted there are (2) applications pending: Ecogy Energy at Carousel Industries for a medium scale rooftop solar project requesting a special use permit. The other is an appeal on a cease-and-desist order on another project.
B. Planner’s Report: Comp Plan Update: William DePasquale noted that we have received three submissions for the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. He noted that all three plans appear to be very well thought out. The Planner asked that you please review each of the proposals and submit your feedback. The Chair has a scoring sheet.
Chair Scott Millar stated he would like for all members to participate in the scoring process.
The Planner noted that the Town Council is also looking at each of the proposals and will send their feedback.
It was determined that the December 14th meeting would be a good time for the entire Board to review each of the proposals. Each member will receive a scoring sheet.
The potential consultants include: Larissa Brown & Associates, Weston & Sampson, and SLR International Corporation.
Town Planner William DePasquale noted that although no Rhode Island companies had submitted proposals he felt confident that both the Connecticut and Massachusetts firms had strong backgrounds in rural economics.
C. Correspondence: Chairman Scott Millar noted that correspondence was received from the Town Clerk, (Memorandum dated November 10, 2021). A motion was made by Councilman Ellis to forward the Town of Charlestown’s Dark Sky ordinance to the Planning Board and ask the Planning Board to consider its contents relative to Exeter’s current regulations.
Chairman Scott Millar asked if the Town Council was looking for an advisory opinion from the Planning Board.
Town Planner William DePasquale noted that a Dark Sky ordinance can mean many different things from one community to the next, and the costs associated with retro fitting current businesses and residential properties. The Planner did note that Dark Sky considerations are taken into account with DPR land developments.
Chairman Scott Millar noted that many communities are moving in this direction. He noted that applicants just want to know what regulations they need to comply with.
William DePasquale stated that it’s generally a lighting plan with baseline conditions and we are not at zero, and that standards are the key.
Solicitor Steve Sypole asked the Chairman to continue this discussion at a future meeting. He noted that this item should be placed on a future agenda so that anyone from the public that wants to way in could attend.
Chairman Scott Millar asked that the Dark Sky item be added to the December 14th agenda.
D. Future Meeting: December 14, 2021
Items discussed for the agenda are: Comprehensive Plan/RFP for Consultants, a pre-application, and review of Calendar 2022 for approval.
Motion by Bill Haas to adjourn, seconded by Joe St. Lawrence; voted all in favor. MOTION PASSED. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Lukowicz
M. Dixie Foisy
Planning Board Clerk