Town of Exeter, Rhode Island
PLANNING BOARD
675 Ten Rod Road
Exeter, R.I. 02822
401-294-2612
401-294-2592
Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2022
Approved Minutes: January 24, 2023
REGULAR MEETING
Members present: Scott Millar, Michael DeFrancesco, William Haas, Gina Thurn, Joe St. Lawrence, Michael Viveiros
Members absent: Donna Di Donato
Staff present: Steve Sypole, Solicitor, William DePasquale, Town Planner
Chairman Millar called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
None
A. Preliminary Plan-Major Land Development to construct a 3.7±MW Utility Scale Solar Development: (This Project is vested under a former Zoning Ordinance Article XI “Renewable Energy” dated July 16, 2018; the Planning Board issued a Master Plan approval on January 22, 2019). Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten, LLC Applicant, and James Marshall, Owner of property located at 590 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI; zoned RU-4, and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 37, Block 1, Lot 5; including a waiver of the requirement to obtain all state permits prior to the preliminary plan review, a RI PAP is required and currently under review by the RI Department of Transportation.
See complete transcript from Esquire Deposition Solutions, LLC, attached.
A. Final Development Plan Review: Gashy Dowlatshahi, Applicant and Owner of Pine Ridge Industrial Park, property located at 560 South County Trail, Exeter, RI; Zoned B and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 10; a request for approval for a change of use within Building B in the Pine Ridge Industrial Park.
Blake Costa, owner of Plant Based Compassionate Care, Inc. (Sweet Spot), was recognized and reviewed the items that were discussed and required by the Board from the last meeting. Those remarks included the installation of a required water meter, dark sky compliant lighting, parking and traffic concerns.
Chairman Millar recognized William DePasquale, Town Planner. Mr. DePasquale noted it had been a pleasure to work with the applicant and that he had been provided with bound copies of all the requested materials which allowed Mr. DePasquale to do a complete review of their request. The Planner reviewed his Planning Memorandum entitled: Final DPR Building “B”; Previously Approved Pine Ride Industrial Park; DPR Application – Change of Use to Establish a Cannabis Compassion Center – (Plant Based Compassion Care, Inc. Within Building “B” in the Pine Ridge Industrial Park; Dated November 9, 2022. This memo was included in each Board members meeting correspondence for the November 22, 2022 meeting.
The Planner’s Conditions of final approval included:
1. The applicant will supply the Town with a copy of all their approved licenses from RIDBR, once they are obtained.
2. The stop sign at the driveway and South County Trail Route 2 shall be replaced to meet current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices MUTCD design standards and a stop bar line be installed to emphasize the traffic control for the site access driveway.
3. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until Items 1-2 above are provided.
4. The applicant will obtain all local, state and federal permits and approvals.
Board member Michael DeFrancesco inquired about the traffic impact on this business. Mr. Costa noted that the traffic study was revised and is now based on retail sales. Mr. DeFrancesco also asked to explain the differences between strictly recreational and retail included. Mr. Costa reviewed the data they had compiled.
Chairman Millar made a motion to recommend final approval based on the Planner’s Conditions of Final Approval (Page 4) and his Findings of Fact (Pages 4 & 5) from his Planning Memorandum, dated November 9, 2022. Michael DeFrancesco seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried unanimously.
A. Zoning Board of Review: With the clerk’s absence the Zoning update was set aside.
B. Approval of Minutes: With the clerk’s absence the approval of minutes were set aside.
C. Discussion and Action regarding potential recommendations from the RI General Assembly House of Representatives SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY LAND USE, PRESERVATION, DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, ENVIRONMENT AND REGULATION.
Chairman Millar voiced his concerns about the Land Use Commission Housing Work Group. He stated that he is very alarmed with the tone of the group’s suggested recommendations and the proposed legislation which would greatly impact the Town of Exeter. He asked the Board to agree to his sending a letter to the Town Council making them aware of the proposed recommendations and urging them to oppose this legislation. He noted that one of the group’s recommendations was, in order to save money, would be to get rid of public hearings, which the Chairman felt are very important to the Planning Board when making future decisions for the Town of Exeter. Michael DeFrancesco made a motion authorizing the Chairman to pen a letter to the Town Council urging them to express their concerns regarding this legislation. William Haas seconded the motion, Chairman Millar asked if there was any discussion, hearing none, a vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously.
D. Review/Approval of 2023 Planning Board Meeting Schedule
The Chairman made a motion to approve the 2023 Planning Board Meeting Schedule, seconded by William Haas; vote was all in favor. The 2023 Meeting Schedule was approved. (Question regarding the Financial Town Meeting in June).
E. Future Meeting: December 13, 2022 CPAC Meeting and Planning Board Work Session
Motion by William Haas to adjourn, seconded by Gina Thurn; voted all in favor. Motion passed. Chairman Scott Millar adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Lukowicz and
M. Dixie Foisy
Planning Board Clerk