New Shoreham Town Council Meeting and

Board of License Commissioners Meeting

Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island

Monday, April 7, 2025

7:00 PM

 

 

Present: First Warden Keith Stover, Second Warden Nancy Dodge, Town Council members Molly O’Neill, William McCombe, and Tristan Payne.  Also present were Interim Town Manager Amy Land, and via Zoom, Town Solicitor Nick Solitro.  Town Clerk Millicent Highet was present for the recording of minutes. 

 

First Warden Stover called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

 

Board of License Commissioners

1.      Discuss and act on request for relief from 585 Hospitality, LLC, d/b/a Spring House in New Harbor for application of a new Class BH Beverage License under New Shoreham Liquor License Rules and Regulations, Section II (E) New License Applications, Relief.  Relief is sought for:

                   I.            General Regulations (A): License cap

                II.            New License Applications (A) Applications (2): Application filing time

Mr. Stover moved to convene the Board of License Commissioners at 7:01.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

Attorney Mario Martone and Frank DiBiase, III were present representing 585 Hospitality, LLC.  Attorney Martone explained that 585 Hospitality was applying for relief under Section II(E) of the New Shoreham Liquor Rules and Regulations, seeking relief from setting the licensing cap in November and filing the application out of time.  He noted that during the licensing period in September the applicant filed a BV liquor license and after consideration and the receipt of feedback, that application was withdrawn.  He noted a less intensive license was filed as a replacement.

 

Mr. Martone explained that the community would benefit for the following reasons: the old building was in disrepair and is being replaced by a brand new inn; the luxury inn will bring an increase to the tax rolls; the inn will have an improved reputational impact to the island; and the inn would elevate the standard of service on Block Island.  He further noted that the original application filed for the inn was filed timely but was subsequently withdrawn to resubmit a lower impact license application. 

 

Karen Augeri Benson was present representing abutters Robb and Lynn Roach.  She stated that they were objecting, as the application was not submitted in a timely manner, there is no license available and the license will bring no public benefit to the Island.  She explained the license would be appropriate to file in September after proving whether they will be good neighbors.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the request for relief of 585 Hospitality, LLC, d/b/a Spring House in New Harbor for an application of a new Class BH Beverage License.  Relief is sought from: New Shoreham Liquor Rules and Regulations I. General Regulations (A): raising the BH License cap to two (2) and New License Applications (A) Applications (2): Application filing time to open the discussion.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Stover.  Following discussion, Mr. Stover withdrew his second.

 

Paul Filippi spoke in favor of granting relief.

 

Eric Nelson, representing trustees of abutting property Plat 5, Lot 89, spoke in opposition of granting relief. 

 

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the request for relief of 585 Hospitality, LLC, d/b/a Spring House in New Harbor, granting relief from New Shoreham Liquor Rules and Regulations I. General Regulations (A): raising the BH License cap to two (2) and New License Applications (A) Applications (2): Application filing time.  The relief is granted as there was an original application filed on time; the building that has not yet opened and is now ready to open; another application was just granted relief for filing out of time; and the BH license is a very limited license, which would not bring any further traffic to the inn.  It would benefit the community at large, as it is a brand-new beautiful establishment that would bring a benefit to the community as one more aspect of what they are going to be presenting on the property.  Mr. Stover seconded the motion.

            Ayes: 3 (Stover, Dodge, McCombe)              Nays: 2 (Payne, O’Neill)

 

2.      Hold Public Hearing, discuss and act on New Beverage License: Class BH Beverage License for 585 Hospitality, LLC, Stockholder: Frank DiBiase Jr, d/b/a Spring House in New Harbor, 585 Beach Avenue, Plat 5, Lot 92

Mr. Payne moved to open the public hearing for the license application of 585 Hospitality, LLC, d/b/a Spring House in New Harbor, 585 Beach Avenue, Plat 5, Lot 92 for a new Class BH Beverage License.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

Attorney Martone representing the 585 Hospitality explained that they were applying for a Class BH license for the Spring House in New Harbor to allow them to place minibars in the inn’s rooms.  He explained that they originally filed for a Class BV license and withdrew the application to instead apply for a lower impact license.  He noted the fitness of the potential license holder is impeccable; the owners have held and do hold several licenses very responsibly; and the applicants are very well equipped to run a responsible business.

 

Mr. Stover raised his concern that there could be three potential similar licenses in the area, as there are two other inns in close proximity.  He additionally noted that this is an area that does not have any liquor service establishments.

 

Attorney Martone explained that the inn has only 10 rooms, will have adequate staff and the limited license will not bring any additional people to the property.

 

Mr. McCombe questioned whether the license only allows liquor service in the room.  It was noted that yes, sales are only permitted through a mini-bar in the room, though it can be consumed on the property.

 

Attorney Benson, representing abutters Robb and Lynn Roach, spoke in opposition to granting the application, as the BH license is only to be issued to a licensed hotel and the Spring House is an inn.  Additionally, she noted that peace and quiet and safety are key.  She stated that it is a slippery slope, there is no supervision and there is nothing to prevent a party outside all night long which would impact the neighbors.  Lastly, she stated that alcohol increases liability, and if a drunk person from the inn goes on to a neighbor’s property and gets injured that becomes a liability to the neighbor.  She asked the Board to deny the application.

 

Ms. O’Neill explained that she spoke with the RI Department of Business Regulation Liquor Division, and they consider hotels, motels, inns, etc. as the same business entity and all are eligible to obtain a Class BH liquor license.  Town Attorney Nick Solitro noted that there is no separate definition in state law for inns or hotels and that the name is synonymous between the two. 

 

Frank DiBaise, III spoke stating that they will make sure guests are respectful at all times.  He sees the license as a hospitality amenity for upscale clientele, not a business venture.  He noted that someone within the operation will be available 24 hours per day.  Following the question, he stated that the fire pit will be turned off at a specific hour at night. 

 

Mr. Stover suggested taking two weeks to work with the neighbors to come up with mutual agreeable solutions.  Additionally, he suggested issuing a license for a specific period and have the applicant return for review.  Ms. Dodge stated that she does not see the inn clientele as a rowdy crowd and the license will have no larger impact then someone having a glass of wine in their house.  Ms. O’Neill stated she feels for the neighbors.  She noted that the positive thing about the license is that it will not increase the traffic to the location.   Mr. McCombe stated that he saw the BH license is a comprise license.

 

Abutter Charlotte Herring stated she believes that hotels and inns should be seen as different, as they are treated differently in zoning.  She shared her concern that granting the application would be precedent setting, as there are other inns in the direct vicinity. 

 

Mr. Stover moved to conditionally grant the BH Liquor license to 585 Hospitality, LLC, d/b/a Spring House in New Harbor, 585 Beach Avenue, Plat 5, Lot 92 subject to supplying the Town Clerk with a point of contact, quiet hours beginning at 9:00 p.m., a 45 day review (once the inn is open) and at that review, applying new application standards and continuing the review to July 16, 2025 at Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Mr. McCombe and carried.

            Ayes: 4 (Stover, Dodge, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 1 (Payne)

 

Mr. Payne noted that, although he was a “no vote,” the grace period gives the applicant time to demonstrate the public good and the neighbors will be afforded the opportunity to return if any issues were to arise.

 

3.      Discuss and act on an application for an F1 liquor license for ConserFest on June 22, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Southeast Lighthouse, Plat 8, Lot 1

Mr. Payne stated that he would like to see the event take place without alcohol.

 

Camron Greenlee was present representing Conserfest.  He explained that Conserfest, a conservation fundraising concert, was planned for June 22^nd at the Southeast Light.  He noted that there will be a fenced-in beer garden with security checking ID’s and issuing wristbands, and all servers will be TIPS certified.  He further confirmed that no one under the age of 21 will be allowed in the beer garden.

 

Mr. Payne moved to deny the Class F1 liquor license for Conserfest.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge.

            Ayes: 1 (Payne)           Nays: 4 (Stover, Dodge, McCombe, O’Neill)

 

Ms. O’Neill stated that she had no problem with the event, limiting the service time to 7:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Stover moved to approve the application for an F1 liquor license for ConserFest on June 22, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Southeast Lighthouse, Plat 8, Lot 1 subject to the approval of a safety and security plan by Police Chief Paul Deane.  Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Stover moved to amend the motion to: approve the application for an F1 liquor license for ConserFest on June 22, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Southeast Lighthouse, Plat 8, Lot 1 subject to the approval of a safety and security plan by Police Chief Paul Deane.  Ms. O’Neill seconded the motion.

            Ayes: 4 (Stover, Dodge, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 1 (Payne)

 

 Town Council Agenda

4.      Public Comment

There was no public comment presented.

 

5.      Consent Agenda:

a.      Approval of Minutes: March 12, 2025; March 19, 2025 open and closed; March 26, 2025; March 27, 2025; April 2, 2025 and April 3, 2025

b.      Act to authorize application for Development Plan Review by Block Island Health Services for ground mounted solar array in the MC Zone

c.       Approval of a new Island Cemetery fee for Shared Memorial Carving at $400 for each name

d.      Receive Correspondence:

                                                  i.      RI Department of Environmental Management re: Notice of a Freshwater Wetlands Permit for 1550 Lakeside Drive (Plat 9, Lot 36-2) Accessory Dwelling Unit

                                                ii.      Letter of the Office of the Auditor General approving the extension for submission of the Town of New Shoreham audited financial statements to April 30, 2025

                                              iii.      Block Island Utility District Application for Borrowing Authority submitted to the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers on March 28, 2025

Mr. Payne moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

6.      Discuss and act on Board, Commission and Committees:

a.      Appointments:

                                            i.            Board of Canvassers: Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 3/2026)

Mr. Payne moved to appoint Zena Clark and Danielle Bates as Alternates to the Board of Canvassers with term expiring 3/2026.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

b.      Announce vacancies:

                                            i.            Commission on Motor Vehicles for Hire: One (not MVFH licensee) (term exp. 12/2026)

                                          ii.            Sewer District Commission: One full member (term exp. 4/2030); Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 4/2026)

                                        iii.            Water District Commission: One full member (term exp. 4/2030); Two Alternate positions (1-year terms exp. 4/2026)

The vacancies were announced.

 

7.      Hold a public hearing for the Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan

Mr. Payne moved to open the public hearing for the Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan (HM&FMP).  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

Mr. Stover thanked Consultant Kim Jacobs and Shirlyne Gobern for all their work on the Hazard Mitigation project.

 

HM&FMP Consultant Kim Jacobs was present.  She stated that the committee she worked with was amazing and she thanked the Co-Chairs Shirlyne Gobern and Alison Ring, the committee volunteers and staff who participated in giving input and building the plan.

 

No further public comments were offered.

Mr. Payne moved to close the public hearing.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

8.      Discuss and act on approval of and a Resolution Adopting the Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan

Ms. Dodge moved to approve the Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan as presented and adopt the Resolution Adopting the Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Payne and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0

 

9.      Discuss and act to adopt a Resolution in Honor of Adrian Mitchell

This item will be discussed at a future meeting.

 

10.  Discuss and act on a request of Interstate Navigation to reconsider the Town’s position on the Order and Motion to Reconsider in In Re: Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc. (Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, Docket No. D-13-51)

Mr. McCombe recused himself.

 

It was noted that the Rhode Island Fast Ferry’s (RIFF) order allowing them to bring a ferry into Old Harbor has expired and RIFF has filed a motion requesting reconsideration and relief from the order. 

 

From the audience, Judy Gray, David Lewis and Kim Gaffett stated that they were in favor of the Town joining Interstate in opposition to the Rhode Island Fast Ferry’s Motion to Reconsider.

 

Ms. Dodge stated that the Town has historically opposed the Rhode Island Fast Ferry.  She stated that she was in support of joining Interstate Navigation in opposing the RIFF, noting the Town does not want another ferry coming into Old Harbor.  She explained that it is important that the Town salvage the relationship between the Town, Interstate Navigation and Intrastate Nav.  She stated the Town’s support would help protect the lifeline ferry.

 

Ms. O’Neill noted how grateful she was for Interstate providing free passage for school trips, and school sports teams, and their work with community members during emergencies.  She stated that the Town Council was threatened by Interstate Navigation last week at the April 2^nd meeting.  She additionally stated that a lot of ferries have been added in the past number of years, all by Interstate Navigation.  She asked for reasons why the Town should change their vote, instead of making threats.

 

Mr. Stover stated that the Town Council received a letter from the Wronowski Family of Intrastate Nav. and he read a portion of the letter speaking on how important open constructive communication between the Town and Interstate Navigation and Intrastate Nav is.   Mr. Stover asked that the Council receive instruction regarding the regulatory landscape.

 

Jessica Wronowski of the Block Island Express and Intrastate Nav. spoke in support of an increased Landing Fee of a $1.00.  She explained that Intrastate Nav. and the Block Island Express are opposing the Rhode Island Fast Ferry.  She noted that a lot of time, energy and money has been spent on opposing the Fast Ferry in lockstep with the Town over the past years.  She stated that she wanted to remind the Town of the benefits and importance of the public-private partnership.  She asked the Town to reconsider their position regarding the RIFF.  Ms. Wronowski closed noting that the Town and the ferry companies should come together and work together.

 

Charlie Donotio, owner of the Rhode Island Fast Ferry, reviewed the history of his company.  He noted that the seasonal influx of tourists helps the Island.  He stated that the PUC has rejected doomsday predictions to the lifeline service purported by Interstate Navigation.

 

Paul Filippi spoke in support of Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc.  A heated discussion ensued.

 

Ms. Dodge moved to reconsider the Councils’ position and support the request of Interstate Navigation to oppose the Order and Motion to Reconsider in re: Rhode Island Fast Ferry, Inc. PUC Docket # D-13-51.  The motion was not seconded.

 

11.  Receive a legislative update from the Interim Town Manager

Mr. McCombe returned to the table.

 

Interim Town Manager Amy Land reported the following regarding legislation of interest:

·         Water Resources Management – The bill has been introduced in the house and senate.  This bill limits the obligation to provide water to those within the Water District only, and not the entire township

·         School Bonds – The bill has passed the senate.  The house bill has been held for consideration.  This bill allows for school bonding.

·         Tax Classification Plan – The bill has been introduced in house but not senate.  This bill offers property tax relief to those who provide long-term rental housing.

·         Non-Owner-Occupied Property Tax Act – The bill proposes a state property tax on non-owner-occupied properties, which would add a property tax to benefit the state.  She noted it was submitted in part by the Towns’ legislators. The Council requested communication with our legislators who co-sponsored the bill which clearly impacts the Town without any contact with our Manager.

·         Houseboat Definition – This bill defines and regulates houseboats.  Our local ordinances cover houseboats and live-a-boards thoroughly.  If the taskforce is created, the Town will lobby to have the Town’s Harbormaster appointed as a member of the taskforce.

 

12.  Receive update from Town Solicitors regarding the stonewall constructed on Town Property (Plat 3, Lot 128)

Town Solicitor Nick Solitro reported that the property owner that built the stonewall on Town property has reached out once again to try to negotiate a plan to keep the wall as built.  It was noted that the Council acted on December 18, 2025, to authorize litigation against the property owner.  As a result, the attorneys have filed a suit seeking an injunction to remove the wall.

 

13.  Raise items for future agendas

There were no items raised.

 

Mr. Payne moved to adjourn at 9:56 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Dodge and carried.

            Ayes: 5 (Stover, Dodge, Payne, McCombe, O’Neill)                        Nays: 0           

 

 

Millicent Highet, MMC

Town Clerk    

 

Date Approved: 4/16/2025