New Shoreham Planning Board
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
4:00 P.M.
16 Old Town Road, Town Hall
Block Island, RI 02807
MINUTES
The Planning Board convened for a meeting on February 14, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. Present were Mary Anderson, William Rose, Socha Cohen, Christopher Willi and Clair Comings. Absent: Chair Margaret Comings and Vice Chair Gail Ballard Hall. Town Planner Alison Ring and Town Solicitor Kerin Browning were present via Zoom.
Christopher Willi opened the meeting.
1. Capital Improvement Program 2025 -2030. Act on the consistency of the proposed Capital Improvement Program with the New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan.
Town Manager Maryanne Crawford was present. Finance Director Amy Land was present via Zoom.
Ms. Crawford reviewed the Capital Improvement Program for 2025 – 2030.
Highlights for 2025
· Emergency Generator Replacement for Block Island Health Services
· Coast Guard Station House Interior
· Library Interior work
· Police Station Dispatch Renovations
· Shoreline access Graces Cove
· Town Beach Facilities
· North Light Improvements
· Public Safety Complex and Communications
· Fleet Vehicles – Highway and Interdepartmental
· Harbors – Old Harbor and New Harbor
· Highways – construct garage facilities
· Transfer Station
· Pickleball Court
· Corn Neck Road Resiliency
· Town-wide Road Improvement Program
Board members asked several questions and a productive discussion ensued.
It was noted that a narrative would be a helpful for next year’s Capital Plan.
Keith Stover of Beacon Hill Road, spoke regarding the need of a new fire barn and he explained that we are called to provide a public safety infrastructure. Mr. Stover explained that after the Harborside Inn fire it was obvious that a larger facility is required.
Mr. Willi made a motion to give a favorable advisory in accordance with General Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Division 3, Capital Improvements. The Capital Improvement Program is consistent with the 2016 New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan. Provide a narrative with next year’s capital improvement plan.
Motion seconded by Ms. Cohen and the motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
2. Town of New Shoreham and BI Water Company. Plat 9, Lot 12. Fire #426 Sands Pond Lane. PUBLIC HEARING for Development Plan Review for an application by the Block Island Water District for a Special Use Permit under Sections 113 (A)(B)(1) and a Variance from 306(C) for a two-phase project at the Water Treatment site. The first phase will be the addition of a water storage tank that will store 256,000 gallons of treated water. The second phase involves the placement of a new reverse osmosis unit in the lower level of the west side of the building and adding a dormer to the second floor. Advisory to the Zoning Board.
Mr. Willi opened the public hearing.
On behalf of the Block Island Water Company David R. Petrarca, Jr., Esq. was present via Zoom.
Superintendent John Breunig was present on behalf of the Water Company.
Mr. Breunig spoke about the project and the need to plan for emergency situations.
There is a wait list for water allocation in the district and the proposal would alleviate the problem.
Mr. Willi moved to close the public hearing and take the matter under advisement. Motion seconded by
Ms. Cohen and the motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
Mr. Willi moved to grant a favorable advisory to the Zoning Board for an application by the Block Island Water District for a Special Use Permit under Sections 113 (A)(B)(1) and a Variance from 306(C) for a two-phase project at the Water Treatment site.
Findings of fact:
The first phase will be the addition of a water storage tank that will store 256,000 gallons of treated water.
The second phase involves the placement of a new reverse osmosis unit in the lower level of the west side of the building and adding a dormer to the second floor.
Motion seconded by Ms. Cohen and the motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
3. Amendments to the New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance and Land Development and Subdivision Regulations for compliance with State Law. Review draft amendments and make a recommendation to the Town Council including a finding of consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Consultant Weston & Sampson.
Ashley Sweet, Consultant for Weston & Sampson was present via Zoom.
Land Use Town Solicitor was present via Zoom.
Town Planner was present via Zoom.
· Zoning Ordinance. Section 113 Non-Conformance – substandard lots
First Warden Keith Stover spoke from the audience regarding the proposed zoning amendments.
Mr. Willi made a motion to give a favorable recommendation to the Town Council for the amendment to Section 113, 306 and 307 regarding substandard lots. Ms. Cohen seconded the motion and the motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
· Development Plan Review
Tabled until March 13, 2024
· Subdivision Regulations. Section 308 Unified Development Review
Mr. Willi made a motion to set the public hearing for Subdivision Regulations, Section 308 Unified Development Review on April 10, 2024. The motion seconded by Ms. Cohen and passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
· Subdivision Regulations. Article VII – Minor LD and Subdivision
Mr. Willi made a motion to set the public hearing for Subdivision Regulations. Article VII – Minor LD and Subdivision on April 10, 2024. The motion seconded by Ms. Cohen and passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
· Subdivision Regulations. Article VIII – Major LD and Subdivision
Mr. Willi made a motion to set the public hearing for Subdivision Regulations. Article VIII – Major LD and Subdivision on April 10, 2024. The motion seconded by Ms. Cohen and passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
· Subdivision Regulations. Section 502 – TRC
Mr. Willi made a motion to set the public hearing for Subdivision Regulations. Section 502 – TRC on April 10, 2024. The motion seconded by Ms. Cohen and passed with a vote of 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
4. Discussion regarding possible zoning amendment to clarify the language in Section 406(G)(4) regarding second story decks.
Tabled until the March 13, 2024, meeting.
5. Approval of Minutes
Mr. Willi made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting on January 10, 2024.
Socha Cohen seconded the motion, and all were in favor 5-0.
5 Ayes (Anderson, Willi, Rose, Cohen, C. Comings)
Mr. Willi made a motion to adjourn at 6:30 P.M., seconded by Ms. Cohen and the motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenn Brady
Zoning Official
Administrative Officer
Town of New Shoreham