| | Town of Smithfield Planning Board 64 FARNUM PIKE ESMOND, RHODE ISLAND 02917 February 15, 2024 Virtual Meeting Minutes |
Members Present: Angelica Bovis, Charles Boyd, James D’Ambra, Catherine Lynn, Michael Moan, Al Nani, Joseph Rotella, John Yoakum
Members Absent: Richard Colavecchio (excused)
Others Present: Greg Schadone, Assistant Town Solicitor
Chairman James D’Ambra opened the February 15, 2024 meeting of the Smithfield Planning Board at 6:00 p.m.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND HEALTH NOTIFICATION
Chairman James D’Ambra read the Emergency Evacuation and Health Notification.
MINUTES: Discuss and approve the January 18, 2024 meeting minutes.
Joseph Rotella made a motion, seconded by John Yoakum, to approve the Planning Board meeting minutes for January 18, 2024. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
REGULAR AGENDA
a. The Board will discuss the legislative amendments with staff and the Town’s planning consultant.
b. The Board may vote on certain aspects of the proposed amendments.
c. The Board may continue the matter for further discussion at a future meeting.
Angelica Bovis made a motion, seconded by Al Nani, to table this agenda item. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
Minor Land Development – Pre-Application/Concept Review
AP 48/Lot 49 – 365 George Washington Highway
1.65 Acres (approx.)/Zone: Light Industrial/Economic Growth Overlay
Applicant/Owner: 365 George Washington Highway, LLC
Engineer: Verdantas
a. The Board will review the submission with the applicant and provide input for future review stages.
Town Planner Michael Phillips stated this is a minor land development project seeking a pre-application/concept review.
Jared Nunes, 10 Kristen Drive, represented the applicant and stated that there are a lot of development constraints due to the topography and wetlands on the property which makes it difficult to fit any use. Mr. Nunes stated that he is asking for relief from front and side setbacks and the intent is for an office/warehouse business for himself.
James D’Ambra questioned the size of the structure and Mr. Nunes replied he has a need for storage for his construction business and this is the minimum size that he could use.
Angelica Bovis questioned where the business is currently located and Mr. Nunes replied it is in West Warwick.
Charles Boyd stated his concern with the legality of giving a variance over State property on George Washington Highway. Assistant Solicitor Greg Schadone replied that he does not see an issue with this.
Michael Moan questioned when the applicant will apply to the State for wetlands and physical alteration permits and Mr. Nunes replied that the formal application is pending this Board’s feedback.
Angelica Bovis stated she does not see the need to require this setback and that it sounds like a convenience for the applicant to be closer to his house. Mr. Nunes noted that his other partners want to sell the existing location.
Michael Moan questioned whether the applicant is divesting the business in West Warwick and bringing it to Smithfield and Mr. Nunes replied that is correct.
Michael Phillips stated that submittal of a preliminary plan is the next stage and that checklist requires having permits in hand but he will review the checklist to see if there is a way for the Board to approve the application subject to receipt of those permits. Joseph Rotella suggested having the Board grant a conditional approval at the preliminary stage.
AP 49 / Lot 60 – Mowry Farms Lane
Owner/Applicant: Frank Simonelli
a. Review and discuss the proposed request.
b. The Board may approve the request as submitted, approve with changes, deny the request, or continue the item to a future date.
Town Planner Michael Phillips stated that the Mowry Farms subdivision was mostly completed in 2013 and both the Public Works Director and Town Engineer have authorized the project to go forward to the Town Council for the Town to accept the roadway.
Angelica Bovis made a motion, seconded by Al Nani, to recommend the Town Council accept all public improvements. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
Al Nani made a motion, seconded by Joseph Rotella, to release the performance bond and set a maintenance bond in the amount of $5,000. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
Michael Moan made a motion, seconded by Angelica Bovis, to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m. The vote on the motion was all in favor and the motion carried.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna A. Corrao, Recording Secretary