CPAC MINUTES 

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Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Minutes

- Meeting #8

 

 

3/30/2023  6:30 P.M. Exeter Public Library

773 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI 02822

MINUTES APPROVED: July 11, 2023

 

CPAC Members		Member Present Y – Yes N – No	PB Members	Member Present Y – Yes N – No	Other Staff/Consultant
Christopher	Ausura	Y			Larissa Brown William DePasquale
Tom	McMillan	Y			M. Dixie Foisy, Clerk
			Scott Millar	N	Olivia DeFrancesco, Council Liaison
Ben	Coerper	N	Michael P. DeFrancesco	N
Rachael	Slattery	N	Bill Haas	N
Robert	Corriea	Y	Gina Thurn	Y
Jenna	Cragan	N	Donna Di Donato	N
Jess	DeMartino	Y	Michael Viveiros	N
			Joseph St Lawrence	N
Charles	Franklin	N
Tracy	Hartman	Y
Maggie	LaPrise	N
Ray	Morrissey	Y
Ted	Nataly	N
Noah	Thurn	Y
Paul	Ward	N

 

1.     CPAC CALL TO ORDER – William DePasquale, Town Planner, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and roll call was taken by the Planning Board Clerk. 

 

2.     Town Planner William DePasquale called for a voice vote to approve the meeting minutes of March 14, 2023. A vote was taken and the minutes were approved as submitted.

 

At this time, William DePasquale turned the meeting over to Ms. Larissa Brown.  Ms. Brown stated that the group will be reviewing draft section II: Natural and Cultural Resources.  She then introduced Jack Sweeney-Taylor (JST) of Dodson & Flinker, Inc., Landscape Architecture & Planning out of Florence, MA, who gave a twenty-minute presentation reviewing Exeter’s natural resources and conservation from the proposed 2044 Town of Exeter’s Comprehensive Plan: Draft Section II -- Natural and Cultural Resources. The following covers only a small portion of the actual draft proposal.

 

ELEMENT 4. NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

 

Exeter’s wealth of natural resources, valued for its ecological integrity, retains some gaps that require additional planning and protection, while its exceptional groundwater is vulnerable to contamination by erosion or stormwater. Exeter can address these needs by reestablishing a Conservation Commission that guides and helps enforce conservation policies; strengthening its provisions for groundwater protection; and drawing on collective knowledge and commitment to responsible land stewardship.

 

Natural Resources in the Exeter 2044 Vision

…Residents cherish its forests, fields, and wildlife, streams and ponds, historic places, and the conservation lands and working lands—farm and forest enterprises--that anchor the town’s rural character…We protect environmentally sensitive places, wildlife corridors, and our clean water sources…We contribute to sustainability and climate change resilience and a transition to renewable energy by fostering excellent ecosystem management, adapting to extreme weather events.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor reviewed the town’s findings, challenges and opportunities.

Findings:

Exeter has a wealth of natural resources, including some of the most environmentally significant resources in Rhode Island; Unfragmented forest blocks greater than 500 acres make up about half of Exeter’s land; Nearly 2,000 acres are designated as “Better” or “Best” for ecological diversity, according to ecological land unit; Thirteen Natural Heritage areas in Exeter are believed to be good habitat for 24 animals and 48 plants that are of concern, threatened, or endangered in Rhode Island; Exeter’s streams and other surface waters provide important wildlife corridors; The Wood, Queen, and Beaver Rivers contribute to the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed, designated as a National Wild & Scenic River in 2019; The state gives the highest rating to Exeter’s groundwater resources; Exeter’s glaciated landscape means rolling hills and shallow riverbeds, which can be good for farming but leave shallow groundwater susceptible to contamination; Approximately 15% of Exeter’s land is wetlands, a significant portion of which is within groundwater aquifer/recharge areas; The US Soil Conservation Service rates about 14% of Exeter land as “Prime Farmland; Spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) and subsequent infestations of forests (especially 2016-2019) have damaged Exeter’s forests, resulting in concerns about wildfire risk.

 

      Challenges:

      The town’s geology, soils, and wetland conditions constrain development and onsite wastewater systems, which

      threaten contamination of the groundwater supply; State resources for forest management in Arcadia Management

      Area have declined in recent years, though efforts by RIDEM to partner with nonprofit organizations to

      Improvement management are underway.

 

       Opportunities:

Several key areas with high ecological value, such as unfragmented forest blocks or river corridors, remain unprotected; The Town’s Rural Land Preservation Trust, formed in 2017, uses procedures for identifying and evaluating land for potential conservation by the Town. The Town has yet to acquire any land or development rights for conservation; Exeter’s membership in the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council may qualify conservation projects in Exeter for funding and resources; Exeter’s large portion of land enrolled in the Rhode Island Farm, Forest, and Open Space Program includes areas with high ecological value and may be an important part of future protected land.

 

This is what the community said in response to the question, “What characteristics of Exeter are most important to preserve?” the most common themes included “open space,” “rural,” and “forests,” and “nature” was also frequently mentioned.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor reviewed with the committee members the following three Strategies and Actions to Achieve the Goals:

 

GOAL 4.1: Exeter maintains the integrity of its ecological systems, including its surface waters, wetlands, forests, fields, and wildlife habitat.

 

GOAL 4.2: Exeter protects and stewards its groundwater resources and maintains the excellent quality of its water supply.

 

GOAL 4.3: Exeter’s residents and businesses support and participate in townwide efforts to protect natural resources.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor then asked for questions and comments from committee members and the public regarding his presentation and the recommended three goals.

 

Ray Morrissey, CPAC member, asked about certain terminology pertaining to water quality as a “category 5 rating”. Mr. Sweeney-Taylor noted that water monitoring in the State is listed from one to five. One is the highest and five the lowest, meaning impaired.  He also noted that there are no category ones for surface waters in the State, category 5 usually means high bacterial levels due to runoff or possibly acid rain.  Mr. Morrissey also asked to have the term “headwaters” explained. Mr. Sweeney-Taylor explained that this term indicates the source of the river—referencing where Beaver River starts and then feeds into the Pawtuxet River.

 

Asa Davis, resident and landowner, asked a question regarding the “Ringed Boghunter Dragonfly” species (a state endangered dragonfly) noted on one of the presentation maps. He stated that when he was proposing some development projects, a couple of years ago, on his property, he actually had to do some research regarding this species.  He stated that what they found out was that this protected habitat for the ringed boghunter dragonfly was based only on a projected sighting back in 1970. He asked if the protected area would be verified with regards to whether or not this dragonfly actually exists.  He also asked about stewardship of water quality and how would this Comp Plan assure water quality and would there be any enforcement mechanisms?

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor felt that while all the information will be included in the plan, some information will be more valuable than other.  With regards to the water quality question Ms. Brown indicated that the State has told the Town that they need a storm water management plan and that it has been budgeted to do just that. Planner DePasquale also noted that the whole reason to have a Comp Plan is to have a consistency of idea and objective. So that you don’t have a town or city that from year to year decides to do something against an element of the Comp Plan. It’s a stamp on where we are now and where we want to be in the future. The Comp Plan is the basic foundational elements that are important to the community.

 

Christopher Ausura, CPAC member, asked if there are other municipalities in Rhode Island or within New England that have this much density of land mass that is protected or suggested to be protected and how are they managing that? With as much land that is “protected” it doesn’t leave much Town left that is not protected land. The Town is basically a giant conservation easement. Is there an economic model to support that? 

 

Ms. Brown indicated that the information is there for the Town of Exeter to consider opportunities for conservation. Ms. Brown noted that they are not saying that all the areas should be permanently conserved from development but simply showing those areas that have ecological value. 

 

Planner DePasquale stated that it helps to identify those areas that may need additional review and performance measures.

 

ELEMENT 5. OPEN SPACE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

 

Exeter’s substantial protected open space, girded by Arcadia Management Area in the west and The Nature Conservancy and Audubon Society of Rhode Island properties in the east, provides a wealth of options for outdoor recreation. Nevertheless, many locally-conserved areas have limited public access, and Arcadia remains accessible mostly only by car, limiting options for bicycling and trail connections. The town’s limited public recreational facilities provide few options and require further investment for increased accessibility for people of all abilities and interests. Increased civic engagement can help identify future stewardship of open space that addresses recreational priorities in tandem with ecological and cultural goals.

 

Outdoor Recreation and Open Space in the Exeter 2044 Vision

…There are expanded opportunities for safe bicycling, walking, and hiking in Exeter. Greenways link wildlife habitat and recreation sites in a continuous network, preserving the health of the entire ecosystem and enhancing outdoor recreation.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor reviewed the town’s findings, challenges and opportunities.

Findings:

Over one third of land in Exeter is permanently protected from development, of which three-quarters is state-managed, mostly in the Arcadia Management Area, and one-quarter is managed by nonprofit conservation organizations; Another 40% of land is enrolled in the Farm, Forest, and Open Space Program, which provides tax incentives to property owners who temporarily protect their land. Acres of land enrolled in the FFOS Program in Exeter increased by 83% between 1998 and 2015; The Town does not own any conservation land; Arcadia Management Area land features many forms of outdoor recreation: Over 99% of land in Arcadia allows public access; About 95% of land allows hunting and fishing; many of the rivers and streams are stocked with trout; Hiking trails total about 60 miles, not including 6 miles along the North-South Trail; some trails allow mountain biking; Boating access is allowed along the Wood River and Roaring Brook Pond; Locally-managed conservation areas tend to provide less public access than state land: 39% of locally-conserved land is not publicly accessible; about half of the remaining 61% has limited public access, leaving less than one-third with full public access; Fisherville Brook Conservation Area (ASRI) and the Queen’s River Preserve and Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve (TNC) provide public access and trails; The Queen’s River and Cuttyhunk Brook Preserves also allow hunting (restricted to archery in some areas); Other outdoor recreation opportunities are available on privately managed lands, such as the Warwick Sportsman’s Association, Canonicus Camp & Conference Center, Yawgoo Valley Ski Area and Water Park, and the Exeter Country Club; Town-owned public spaces are maintained by the Department of Public Work; The Town maintains playing fields at Wawaloam Elementary School and Reynolds Field, and a playground at Chelsea Park near the Library.

 

Challenges:

Publicly accessible open space is concentrated in Arcadia Management Area, while eastern Exeter lacks many dedicated areas for hiking, hunting, or fishing; The town lacks a recreation department to program and manage public parks and facilities, and also lacks a conservation commission to guide open space preservation; Town staff noted that a lack of outdoor facilities was a limitation for adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic; The town has no open space and recreation plan to advance outdoor recreation goals.

 

Opportunities:

Public use of state and local conservation and recreation areas may be improved with better signage and accessibility; Several areas have overlapping qualities of ecological, cultural, and recreational value; Mapping and discussing these qualities together may help the town identify priorities for open space conservation; Publicly available maps and inventories of trails are primarily for state lands; the town may wish to make and publicize an inventory of trails on non-state lands; The 1994 Rhode Island Greenspace and Greenways Plan includes a proposed bike route connecting the New London Turnpike with Rt 102 running east and Arcadia Management Area running west along Rt 165; Other RIDOT bike routes along Rt 3 and Rt 2 remain underbuilt; The town may wish to pursue developing these routes and/or adopting other biking and trail connections eligible for state funding; State-owned open space at the Ladd Center remains underutilized; In 2022, efforts to secure State grant funding to expand Chelsea Park into a multi-use outdoor recreation center were not successful but may be renewed.

 

This is what the community said: Open space and outdoor recreation emerged in the survey as central components of residents’ sense of rural character and quality of life in Exeter. In response to what “rural” means in Exeter, the top selection was “Extensive open space and conservation lands,” while priority town improvements ranked “Trails, paths or routes for safe hiking, walking, or biking” as number one, and a “youth sports facilities” “playgrounds for children” as numbers five and six.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor reviewed with the committee members the following three Strategies and Actions to Achieve the Goals:

 

GOAL 5.1: Exeter maintains a system of protected open space that coordinates ecological, cultural, and recreational goals and values.

 

GOAL 5.2: Exeter’s facilities and trails for walking, hiking, bicycling, boating, and other recreational activities are connected and distributed throughout town.

 

GOAL 5.3: Exeter maintains the accessibility, safety, and visibility of its open space and recreation facilities for all residents.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor then asked for questions and comments from committee members and the public regarding his presentation and the recommended three goals.

 

Gina Thurn, CPA member, was recognized and noted that the track at the high school is accessible to the public, but felt it is not publicized. She also asked if the recreational facilities other than Chelsea Park and Reynolds Field, which include the softball fields and playgrounds at the schools—are they accessible to the residents of Exeter, outside of school hours, and if not, can they be?

 

Planner DePasquale stated it’s “programming” noting that it comes down to municipally owned, or at least owned by a school department, who maintains the fields to a certain standard required by the sports programs.  Recreational opportunities continued to be discussed with the hopes of creating additional opportunities in the Town. Permits are required in certain situations.

 

Jessica DeMartino, CPAC member, suggested that improvements at Reynold’s Field would be appropriate in order to add places for parents to sit, such as picnic tables, gazebos, etc. She indicated that families coming in to town are asking to know where there are recreational areas for their children.

 

Larissa Brown noted that Exeter needs a recreational plan and that this is usually addressed in the comp plan. She proposed that a recreational department be added to the plan. Mr. DePasquale stated that adding departments, even in objectives, is something structural government will probably not be acceptable. Planner DePasquale asked to incorporate a “Blue Ways” map to outline recreational areas. Larissa Brown noted that if you want certain things someone has to do the work. Even to make a map, someone has to do it. The Plan has to talk about the priorities. Planner DePasquale suggested submitting a grant, without the need for a whole department, building opportunities going forward. Discussion continued.

 

Robert Corriea, CPAC member, stated that there are also indoor recreational spaces, also in the schools, that would just need to be scheduled.  Obtaining a permit for, Exeter residents, to use the gym for such sports as volleyball, basketball, soccer, etc. Planner DePasquale indicated that they could publish the schedule and show the open slots that are available. Discussion continued.

 

Chris Ausura, CPAC member, suggested placing clauses in future developing contracts to make a public investment in the town a condition.

 

ELEMENT 6. HISTORIC & CULTURAL RESOURCES

 

Exeter’s rural character is reflected in a landscape saturated with historic sites and scenic landscapes. Recognized by state and national inventories, many of Exeter’s historic and scenic resources nevertheless lack permanent protection and are vulnerable to land use change. The Exeter Historical Association, a volunteer-based group, leads the town’s historic preservation efforts but lacks public funding. Furthermore, a gradual loss of village centers has drained public knowledge of community history, and current interest in gathering places is only partially met by the Public Library. Maintaining and improving Exeter’s historic and cultural assets requires strengthening and refreshing the town’s strategies and investments.

 

Historic and Cultural Resources in the Exeter 2044 Vision

… Residents cherish its forests, fields, and wildlife, streams and ponds, historic places, …that anchor the town’s rural character…To strengthen our sense of community for new generations, we have…revived old community traditions, and created new ones to bring people together in community activities

 

      Findings, Challenges, and Opportunities

      Findings:

Exeter has a substantial inventory of archeological and historic resources identified by state agencies, with varying levels of recognition and states of repair: Nine locations on the National Register of Historic Places, and six additional sites on the State Register, demonstrate the town’s rich history of agriculture, Narragansett activity, and rural manufacturing of lumber, textiles, and other goods.  Register status is an honor but does not protect sites from modification or demolition; Nine scenic landscapes identified in RIDEM’s 1990 inventory speak to the beauty of this rural cultural heritage; 191 cemeteries and burial grounds are recorded with the RI Historical Cemetery Commission, marking the graves of the farmers, millworkers, Native Americans, enslaved and free African Americans, and others from Exeter’s history; The Exeter Historical Association (EHA), a volunteer-based group unaffiliated with Town government, is a primary resource for historic preservation in Exeter; The EHA partners with the Public Library and groups such as the Exeter Historical Cemetery Committee and historical associations of neighboring towns to host events and programs; The group has a webpage and an active Facebook account that has 1,400 followers and regular postings of events and resources; The Public Library hosts community activities for children and adults, such as clubs, craft groups and movie nights, in addition to its library programming.

 

Other cultural and historic resources include:

Tilted Barn Brewery, along the border with North Kingstown, which offers local beer and fare and hosts a weekly Farmers Market between June and October; Local farms that sell directly from roadside stores or farmstands; Harry Here Farm cultivates stoneground corn and brings attention to traditional Rhode Island foods like johnnycakes; The Exeter Fall Festival craft fair, an annual fundraiser for the Public Library that has been active for six years at Yawgoo Valley Park; Religious centers, including the Exeter Chapel and Beacon Baptist Church, and historic churches such as Chestnut Hill Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church; The Tomaquag Museum, a national-award-winning museum and educational center featuring local indigenous history, culture, arts, and current issues, which is moving to a new location on the URI campus in 2024.

 

Challenges:

Exeter has no formal process for preserving or maintaining historic resources. In response to a recommendation in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan, the Town declined to form an Historic Preservation Commission and a local Historic District; Many historic cemeteries and other sites have limited visibility or access; The gradual disappearance of village centers has resulted in a lack of historic community centers or community gathering places; Few commercial areas provide local gathering places; Previous gathering places, such as the Exeter Grange or the Blueberry Hill Farm Country Store, are underutilized or inactive.

 

Opportunities:

Pursue opportunities with undergraduate and graduate programs and studios in historic preservation and planning to assist in preparing a historic and cultural action plan for Exeter; Several historic sites, districts, and scenic landscapes lack visibility or places for public gathering and appreciation; Signage and amenities such as information kiosks, picnic tables, or parking, where appropriate, could improve access and appreciation; Fifteen historic sites have been identified by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) as candidates for the National Register, of which only two have been reviewed by the State Review Board; Of the nine scenic landscapes identified by RIDEM, two with the highest classification lack any other historic recognition or open space protections and are vulnerable to land use changes – Philmoney Farm, along Tripps Corner Road, and West Allentown Road Turf Farms, around the junction of Exeter Road and Rt 2/South County Trail; Community resources provided by the Public Library could be further developed and recognized through town-wide communication channels on the town website or social media; Town buildings, like the Old Town Hall and the Clerk’s Office and de facto Town Hall, need rehabilitation and/or expansion; The Exeter Grange participates in the Washington County Fair and hosts fundraisers, but the building’s kitchen no longer meets code and funds are lacking to upgrade it.

 

What the Community Said:

In contrast with the frequent mention of open space and natural resources, survey responses less frequently noted Exeter’s historic and cultural resources. A few responses highlighted appreciation of Exeter’s “historic character,” and, more specifically, its “macabre history – Mercy Brown @ Chestnut Hill Cemetery” as well as the town’s “seasonal festivities, parades, and displays.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor reviewed with the committee members the following three Strategies and Actions to Achieve the Goals:

 

GOAL 6.1: Exeter protects and celebrates the historic sites and structures that embody the town’s history.

 

GOAL 6.2: Exeter protects and celebrates its Heritage Landscapes – the network of historic roads, farms, mills, and historic centers that together create its rich rural character and sense of place.

 

GOAL 6.3: Exeter fosters a shared sense of community by cultivating gathering places.

 

Mr. Sweeney-Taylor then asked for questions and comments from committee members and the public regarding his presentation and the recommended three goals.

 

Gina Thurn, CPAC member, asked if the original barn at Tilted Barn is still standing? It was noted that it is still standing. She noted under religious centers that the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church needed to be added and one additional comment with regards to protecting our history and make sure that we don’t forget our history. Making sure that current history is also noted.

 

Planner DePasquale noted that there is quite a bit of rich history that is not celebrated in Exeter. He questioned the amount of energy the town wanted to put into recognizing Exeter’s history. Discussion continued.

 

Christopher Ausura, CPAC member, noted that farming isn’t a mule pulling a tractor anymore. That climate change is affecting farming presently, the future of farming is in greenhouses and climate-controlled spaces to remain viable.

 

Larissa Brown noted that the next meeting will cover agriculture and will offer the committee an opportunity to discuss this further. She also noted that the Historical Association could pay for historical markers to be placed at Exeter’s historic sites.

 

Ray Morrissey, CPAC member, noted that there are a number of events that have gone on in Exeter.  Noting the following: Christmas Tree Lighting; Memorial Day Parade; Boston Cane (Oldest person receives); Animal Shelter—Car Show; Flea Market; Fall Festival at Yawgoo Valley Ski, etc.

 

Larissa Brown asked about the past “Exeter Old Home Days” and how generational transitions of such events need to be encouraged. She felt it was important to encourage more activity that is around the idea of what kind of place is Exeter and what does the town care about going forward.

 

Ms. Brown asked Mr. Sweeney-Taylor to comment on the three Elements of the Comprehensive Plan that have been discussed. She also asked committee members to please comment on what was covered and send her their written comments. Mr. Sweeney-Taylor felt there were some short-term actions that might be really important to long-term success.  Asking what capacity does the town have to identify volunteer groups. An example was maintaining the ecological systems which comes down to where are the most important ecological places in town, this would require reestablishing a conservation commission. Remaining actions related to natural resources also comes down to the “Who” which would be the Conservation Commission.  He mentioned the Rural Land Preservation Trust and Land Trust Council. That the Conservation Commission would be an important extension of the Planning Board in determining future decisions. He noted that Exeter has a Conservation Development Ordinance in place that could be very helpful. Sweeney-Taylor also stated that there are a number of existing resources that are available to the town, such as the Nature Conservancy, Local property owners, etc.  He felt mapping was also very important to guide future development plans.

 

Sweeney-Taylor and Ms. Brown went on to discuss protecting the water supply. The Onsite Wastewater Management Protection District, which the State believes that Exeter has this, but in fact in 2011 Exeter had a study done, but never implemented the program. She suggested that Charlestown has a great program that Exeter could use as a guide. Using, enforcing and strengthening existing town ordinances.

Regards to Community Engagement is a role that business and residents can play, outreach education and best management practices. Identifying and sharing the best management practices. Getting kids involved at an early age.

Once again, the committee and the public were asked to please send any and all comments to the attention of Town Planner DePasquale. 

 

3.     Public Comment: Asa Davis stated he will submit written comments to the Town Planner.

 

4.     ADJOURNMENT:

Ray Morrissey made a motion to adjourn the CPAC meeting; Gina Thurn seconded the motion. The vote was all in favor.  The CPAC meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

 

The next CPAC meeting will be on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.