I.                   NEW BUSINESS

A.                 The application of Adam C. and Erin M. Giuliano applicants and owners of property located at 23 Ridge Drive, Exeter, RI; Zoned RU-3 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 22 Block 2 Lot 47; a request for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Article II Section 2.4.2-5 to erect a 25’x45’ steel storage shed on a gravel base

Vice Chair McMillan announced this agenda item will be heard at the December 11, 2025 Zoning Board of Review Meeting due to an issue with the legal advertisement.

Vice Chair McMillan announced an old version of the Notice to Abutters on the Town website was used that reflected the meeting would begin at 7:30 p.m. rather than 7:00 p.m. As a result, Item I. B. cannot be heard until 7:30 p.m.

II.                ADMINISTRATIVE

A.                Approval of Invoices: Southern RI Newspapers, Ron Ronzio, Stenographer and Solicitor Peter D. Ruggiero, Esq.

A motion was made by Member Andrews with second by Member Robertson to approve all three invoices for the Standard Times, Stenographer Ron Ronzio and Solicitor Ruggiero.  Member Andrews, Aye; Member Robertson, Aye; Chair Booth, Absent; Vice Chair McMillan, Aye; Member Quattromani, Aye; Member Sovet, Aye; and Susan Franco-Towell, Aye.

B.                 Town Solicitor’s Report:  Peter D. Ruggiero. None.

C.                 Approval of Meeting Minutes: May 8, 2025 (continued) and June 12, 2025.  Member  

Robertson stated he was not present at the May 8, 2025 meeting and therefore will not vote on the May 8, 2025 Minutes. Discussion ensued of the Minutes and the length of the meeting. 

A motion was made by Member Andrews with second by Member Sovet to approve the Minutes of May 8, 2025 Meeting.

Discussion.  The agenda items on appeal were noted and reviewed, including the number of items appealed and continued, the Appellant, and clarification of an address (the Appellant’s home address).

Back to the vote on the motion.  Member Andrews, Aye; Member Robertson, Abstain; Chair Booth, Absent; Vice Chair McMillan, Aye; Member Quattromani, Aye; Member Sovet, Aye; Member Towell-Franco, arriving late. Motion passes by a majority vote of the members present: four in the affirmative, one abstention, one absent, and one member arriving late.   

Approval of Meeting Minutes: June 12, 2025

A motion was made by Member Andrews with second by Member Robertson to approve the Minutes of June 12, 2025.

Discussion.  Member Quattromani requests language be added to the motion regarding Agenda Item No 4. Appeal that he voted no on the motion as Mr. Davis did not receive a response within the time frame required. 

Vice Chair McMillan asks for a vote to approve the Minutes as amended.  Member Andrews, Aye; Member Robertson, Aye; Chair Booth, Absent; Vice Chair McMillan, Aye; Member Quattromani, Aye; Member Sovet, Aye; Member Franco-Towell, arriving late. Motion passes by a majority vote of the members present:  Five in the affirmative, one abstention, and one arriving late.  

Member Susan Franco-Towell arrives at 7:18 p.m. Review of the meeting discussion, procedures and actions ensued for Member Franco-Towell.

D. Future Meeting: December 11, 2025.  Vice Chair McMillan acknowledged that there will be a meeting on that date. 

A motion was made by Member Quattromani with second by Member Robertson to recess the meeting and reconvene at 7:30 p.m. Member Andrews, Aye; Member Robertson, Aye; Chair Booth, Absent; Vice Chair McMillan, Aye; Member Quattromani, Aye; Member Sovet, Aye; Member Franco-Towell; Aye. Motion passes by a unanimous vote of the members present: Six in the affirmative, one absent.

The meeting reconvenes at 7:30 p.m.

III.             NEW BUSINESS

B.      Application of Derek W. and Lauren E. Foster applicants and owners of property located at 74 Black Plain Road, Exeter, RI: Zoned RE-2 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 20 Block 3 Lot 63; request for a dimensional variance to construct an addition to an existing structure and an attached two (2) car garage.

Stenographer Ron Ronzio swears in applicant Derek Foster to give testimony.  Mr. Foster explains the home was purchased by him seven years ago.  Originally the structure was a two-car garage on the neighboring property that was subdivided, and converted to a home with one bedroom, one bathroom, and kitchen and living area. He and Lauren were married and they reside in the home. With two people and a baby expected in early 2026 they realized more room was needed.  They propose to add (one or two?) bedrooms, a bathroom and a two-car garage to accommodate their expanding family. Vice Chair McMillan noted the items in the application packet, including the OWTS plan, abutters map and list, and plan for the addition. Mr. Foster explained he designed the house expansion. He is requesting a variance on the right side of the property as it is the most feasible.

Questions and comments from the Board ensued. Vice Chair McMillan noted the property frontage is 93 feet not 60 feet, and the depth should be 400 feet not 340 feet, as listed in the Application. The lot is unusually shaped and the majority of the property lies behind the house. The location of the new OWTS was noted, 100 feet is required from the well, and it makes more sense aesthetically.  The building noted as the “barn” is used for storage and is not suitable for a garage. The addition proposed gives the Fosters the opportunity to remain in the home, neighborhood and Town they love. Vice Chair McMillan commented the home would not be out of character for the neighborhood.  Member Andrews commented the variance is needed for the proposed addition due to the location of the well and septic. The front and left side conform to the setbacks, but the right side does not. It was noted the property is kept up and the landscaping is well done. Member Robertson asked if neighboring property owners voiced objections. Mr. Foster noted the only property affected would be on the right side, the former owners who subdivided the property, and they have no objections. Vice Chair McMillan noted there is vegetation between the properties and the architecture is consistent. 

Discussion of the storage shed and Mr. Foster’s profession as a full-time auto detailer ensued, and the Board was assured his work is done at his place of employment and not his residence.  There are no further questions/comments from the Board.

Solicitor Ruggiero asked about the setback changes with the new garage, noting the figures are off on the side at 6 feet where the requirement is 24 feet, and 64 feet is required and 46 feet is requested from the back, needing a 14-foot variance.  Only the right-side setback requires a variance. 

There were no objections from meeting attendees. 

A motion was made by Member Robertson with second by Member Andrews to close the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. Member Andrews, Aye; Member Robertson, Aye; Chair Booth, Absent, Vice Chair McMillan, Aye; Member Quattromani, Aye; Member Sovet, Aye; Member Franco-Towell, Aye.  Motion passes by a unanimous vote of the members present: six affirmative and one absent. 

Board members commented they were happy with the placement of the house on the lot, noted they were ok with the design, and this was the only way to go. 

A motion was made by Member Robertson with second by Member Andrews to approve the application for a variance by Derek and Lauren Foster for the property located at 74 Black Plain Road, described as Plat 20 Block 3 Lot 63 as listed and depicted in the drawings, and grant relief of 24 feet and 6 feet from the property next door, and no other setback relief is needed. Member Andrews, Aye; Member Robertson, Aye. Chair Booth, Absent; Vice Chair McMillan, Aye; Member Quattromani, Aye; Member Sovet, Aye; Member Franco-Towell, Aye. Motion passes by a unanimous vote of the members present: six affirmative and one absent.    

Attest:

Cheryl A. Fernstrom

Building/Zoning Clerk