1.         Approval of Minutes

Major Land Development – Master Plan with Informational Public Hearing to Reconstruct the Existing Genesis Auto Dealership of West Warwick, Variance request and Administrative Subdivision

Applicant:              BAR RI2 LLC

Location:               405 -509 Quaker Lane

Assessor’s Plat:     29

Lots:                      30-32, 40, 41, 382 & 383

Zoning District:     B (Business District)

Engineers:              Cross Engineering             

Attorney:               Joseph Shekarchi    

Joseph Shekarchi, Esq. opened the meeting explaining the proposed three (3) phase development for the new Genesis Car Dealership on Quaker Lane in West Warwick.  Mr. Shekarchi stated that the applicant will be seeking three (3) variances from the Zoning Board of review for rear fence height, and front and rear setback requirements.  He stated that Phase 1 will be the demolition of the existing gas station and Oil Express and construction of a new Genesis Dealership that will have an aligned curb cut at the traffic signal at Lowe’s.  Phase 2 will be the replacement of the existing Honda dealership with a new facility, and Phase 3 conceptually will be a new car wash and gas pumps.  The existing Genesis dealership will remain until Phase 3.  He then handed the meeting over to Steve Cabral, P.E. from Crossman Engineering.

Mr.  Carbral was sworn in as an expert witness by Al DiFiore, legal counsel.  A motion to approve the expert testimony was made by Mr. Malloy and seconded by Mr. Villa.  Expert testimony was given by Mr. Cabral, P.E. regarding the site layout, the three (3) phases, parking, circulation, RIPDES Permit and the reconfigured intersection on Cowesett Avenue.  Mr. Cabral stated that the RIDEM permits and the RIDOT curb cut permits will be available by Final Plan approval.  Mr. Carbral also stated that an Administrative Subdivision will be needed to merge the existing seven (7) lots.

The next expert witness, Elizabeth McChesney, P.E., traffic engineer from Crossman Engineering was sworn in by Al DiFiore, legal counsel. A motion to approve the expert testimony was made by Mr. Malloy and seconded by M. Villa.  Ms. McChesney P.E. of Crossman Engineers gave expert testimony regarding the traffic study and level of service for the full build of the project.  She stated that there will be no change in the level of service from pre to post construction. 

After the conclusion of the expert Testimony the Informational Public Hearing was opened.      

Public Comment:

Richard Nardello, 86 Shady Hill Drive, West Warwick is an abutter to the project and wanted to include comments regarding the lighting and its impact on the neighboring residential properties as well as the retaining wall that is in disrepair.  Mr.  Cabral stated that all the lighting will be Dark Sky Compliant and would not negatively impact the neighbors.  He also stated that the applicant has had 3 meetings with the neighbors regarding the lighting and the wall.  Mr. Nardello stated that he was not aware of the neighborhood meetings.  He was reassured that he would be noticed and included with future neighborhood meetings.    

After discussion and questions by the Board a motion was made by Mr. Villa and seconded by Mr. Malloy to close the public hearing.  A motion was made by Mr. Villa and seconded by Mr. Malloy to approve the three (3) Phase Master Plan and that the Preliminary Plan would return to the Planning Board for review and approval, and that they render a favorable advisory for the requested variances from the Zoning Board of Review.  A motion was made by Mr. Malloy and seconded by Mr. Villa. The vote was unanimous.

                                    Felix Appolonia  Yes

                                    Paul Villa            Yes

                                    William Malloy   Yes

3.         Discussion:   The Planning Board members thanked the applicant for his continued support within and for the Town and are pleased that they will remain in West Warwick.

4.         Adjournment

Motion to adjourn at 7:00 PM by Mr. Villa seconded by Mr. Malloy. The vote was unanimous.