| | Town of Smithfield Planning Board 64 FARNUM PIKE ESMOND, RHODE ISLAND 02917 September 21, 2023 Virtual Meeting Minutes |
Members Present: Charles Boyd, Richard Colavecchio, James D’Ambra, Catherine Lynn, Michael Moan, Al Nani, Joseph Rotella
Members Absent: John Yoakum (excused)
Others Present: Michael Phillips, Town Planner, David Ursillo, Assistant Town Solicitor
Secretary Richard Colavecchio opened the September 21, 2023 meeting of the Smithfield Planning Board at 6:02 p.m.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND HEALTH NOTIFICATION
James D’Ambra read the Emergency Evacuation and Health Notification.
MINUTES: Discuss and approve the August 31, 2023 meeting minutes.
Catherine Lynn requested a change be made to the minutes wherein it states “Board Member Michael Moan read the Emergency Evacuation and Health Notification” and that Michael Moan should be changed to Al Gizzarelli.
James D’Ambra made a motion, seconded by Catherine Lynn, to approve the Planning Board meeting minutes for August 31, 2023 as amended. The vote on the motion was as follows:
Voting In Favor: Members Boyd, Colavecchio, D’Ambra, Lynn, Moan, and Rotella
Voting In Opposition: None
Abstaining: Members Nani
The vote on the motion being six in favor with one abstention, the motion carried.
REGULAR AGENDA
Major Subdivision – Master Plan Review
AP 42 / Lot 64 – 332 Douglas Pike
8.2 Acres (approx.)/4 Lots/Zone: R-80
Applicant/Owner: DRG Realty, LLC
Engineer: Garofalo & Associates, Inc
a. The Board will review and discuss the proposed submission with the project proponent.
b. The Board will conduct a public informational hearing to receive input on the proposed project.
c. The Board may schedule a site visit or waive the requirement.
d. The Board may approve the Master Plan as submitted, approve with changes and/or conditions, deny the application or continue the meeting to a future date.
e. The Board may make a recommendation to the Town Council on the requested zone change.
f. The Board may make a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Review on the requested dimensional relief.
g. The Board may authorize the Town Planner to prepare a written decision consistent with the Board’s findings of fact and motion for signature by the Chair and subsequent recording.
Planner Michael Phillips stated that the plan set that was sent out in the Board’s packet has been revised to a plan that removes the need for a zone change. Mr. Phillips stated that all four lots still need frontage relief from the Zoning Board.
Attorney John Shekarchi represented the applicant stating the engineers developed an alternate plan which was delivered after the Board packets went out. Attorney Shekarchi stated that he understands if the Board needs more time to review the plan set and, if so, would request a continuance to the October meeting.
Michael Moan made a motion, seconded by Al Nani, to continue the application to the October 19, 2023 meeting. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
Major Land Development – Master Plan Review
AP 42 / Lot 138 – 80 Douglas Pike
7,464 sq. ft. (approx.) Building Addition / Zone: PD
Applicant/Owner: Heritage Hills Property, LLC
Engineer: D’Amico Engineering Technology, Inc.
a. The Board will review and discuss the proposed submission with the project proponent.
b. The Board will conduct a public informational hearing to receive input on the proposed project.
c. The Board may schedule a site visit or waive the requirement.
d. The Board may make a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Review on the special use permit required for the project.
e. The Board may approve the Master Plan as submitted, approve with changes and/or conditions, deny the application or continue the meeting to a future date.
f. The Board may authorize the Town Planner to prepare a written decision consistent with the Board’s findings of fact and motion for signature by the Chair and subsequent recording.
Attorney Tim Kane, having offices at 692 Putnam Pike, represented the applicant on this request for a 2-story addition on the Heritage Hills Nursing Center. Attorney Kane stated that the applicant is also seeking an advisory recommendation to the Zoning Board on a variance and special use permit.
David D’Amico, Professional Engineer with D’Amico Engineering Technology, Inc., stated the nursing home is not changing the number of beds so they are able to use the existing leach field, but they will have to relocate 1 or 2 tanks which will require an application to RIDEM for that change.
Catherine Lynn questioned whether the applicant has received RI Board of Health approval and Matt Wendorf, with RGB Architects, stated that they will submit to the RI Department of Health once they get this Board’s and the Zoning Board’s approval.
At 6:24 p.m. the public informational meeting was opened and there being no one present to speak to this application was promptly closed.
Town Planner Michael Phillips stated that one of the abutters to the project visited his office indicating there is a drainage issue along the driveway which impacts their property. David D’Amico stated that the addition will not have an impact on that.
James D’Ambra made a motion, seconded by Michael Moan, to approve the Master Plan with the Planner’s memorandum dated October 14, 2023 being marked as Exhibit A, the Findings of Fact marked as Exhibit B, and recommending that the Zoning Board grant requested the variance and special use permit. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
Major Subdivision – Master Plan Review
AP 42 / Lot 12 – 170 Whipple Road
40.91 Acres (approx.) / 9 Lots / Zone: R-80 (Conservation)
Applicant/Owner: Louie Capital LLC & MAS Capital LLC; CAS Capital LLC & ERS Capital LLC Engineer: Jeffrey C. Hanson, P.E. – Millstone Engineering, PC
a. The Board will conduct the project’s annual review.
b. The Board will vote to approve or deny the extension.
Town Planner Michael Phillips stated that the applicant submitted this request for extension in error and that the applicant does not need to request an extension for another year.
Nominate and vote upon the election of the following officers:
a. Chair
b. Vice Chair
c. Secretary
Michael Moan made a motion, seconded by James D’Ambra, to continue the Election of Officers due to the absence of two Board members. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
Catherine Lynn made a motion, seconded by James D’Ambra, to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna A. Corrao, Recording Secretary