THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM

 

The public was able to view this meeting.

 

 

 1.    5:30 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Co. Pres. Duhamel

                 Co. McCuin

                 Co. Clk. Giordano

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Vice Pres. Giorno

                                            Councilors Cioffi, Ahern

                                           

Absent:    Councilor Aiello (arrived 5:43 p.m.)

                 Councilor Cooke (arrived 5:40 p.m.)

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

                 T. Sol. Conley

                 T. Sgt. Falcone

 

        INVOCATION – Councilor McCuin

 

        SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Council President Duhamel

 

 

2.     Comprehensive Community Plan – 2020-2040 – Discussion And Possible Action

 

Present:   Lisa Pellegrini, Director of Development Services

                 Nancy Letendre, Town Planner

 

Present Remotely:  Scott Levesque, Esq., Assistant Solicitor for Planning

 

     Council President Duhamel explained the process for review of the Comprehensive Plan.  The Council reviewed the following chapters:

 

a.     Review Part I – Community Land Use – Discussion

        1.     Chapter 1 – The Vision

 

     Ms. Pellegrini explained the aforesaid chapter containing twelve values.  She referred to Councilor Ahern's suggestions for Values 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12.

 

     Councilor Ahern's suggestions will be incorporated into the Plan.

 

     Council President Duhamel questioned the omission of the airport in Value 7 of Chapter 1.  Discussion ensued.  Reference to the airport will be included in Value 7.

 

        2.     Chapter 2 – Overview

 

     Ms. Pellegrini and Ms. Letendre explained the contents of each section of the aforesaid chapter.

 

     Ms. Letendre explained "form-based zoning" and "transit-oriented development".

 

     The issue of "form-based zoning" will be addressed at a future review.

 

     The words "in the longer off season" will be removed from Subsection 2-7-1 - Community Makeup and Concerns relating to Route 78.

 

     It was suggested that the glossary of definitions at the end of the Comprehensive Plan be enhanced.

 

     Ms. Letendre explained Subsection 2.7.5 - Westerly Neighborhood along with the maps relating thereto.

 

     It was suggested that the Airport and New Shoreham be referenced in Subsection 2.7.6 - Regional Considerations.

 

     It was suggested that "water access" and "water taxi" be added to Section 2.9 - Long-term Priorities and that the word "Eco-Trail" be removed therefrom and replaced with the language "multi-use path to connect the sidewalk on both ends of the State Beach".

 

     Following discussion, Councilor Ahern's suggestion for the Stormwater category on Page 28 relating to aging lead pipes will not be included in the Plan. Councilor Ahern requested that Utilities Superintendent Beauregard provide a report on the status of aging lead pipes throughout Town.

 

     Ms. Letendre will provide clarification on release of acidic solutions in Subsection 2.7.3 - Sustainable Development.

 

        3.     Chapter 3 – Land Use and Zoning

 

     Ms. Letendre provided an overview of each section of this chapter and explained the future land use map, in particular the conservation lands, the addition of agriculture, and the change in the designation of a property from agriculture to low density residential.

 

     At the request of Councilor Ahern, a larger 24" x 36" future land use map will be provided to the Council.

 

     Assistant Solicitor Levesque explained the mandate of RI General Law regarding what must be discussed in this chapter.

 

     Councilor Ahern noted that the Director of Development Services would like to add new language relating to Weekapaug for Council consideration and requested that the language be made public when this chapter is reviewed.

 

     This Chapter will be reviewed further at a future session,

 

        4.     Chapter 4 – Implementing the Plan (Possible continuance to future meetings for future discussion)

 

     The aforesaid chapter was not reviewed.

 

 

3.     ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:30 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

     Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on video on the Town of Westerly website.