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

                 T. Mgr. Rooney

                 Asst. T. Sol. Scott Levesque, Esq.

                 Co. Clk. Giordano

 

In Attendance Remotely:   Vice Pres. Giorno

                                            Councilors Cioffi, Aiello, Ahern

                                            T. Sol. Conley

 

Absent:    Co. Cooke

                 Co. McCuin

                 T. Sgt. Falcone

 

        INVOCATION – Councilor Aiello

 

        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

                 Scott Levesque, Esq., Assistant Solicitor for Planning

 

     The Council reviewed the Comprehensive Plan as follows:

 

a.      Review of red line revisions from August 13, 2020 Meeting (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

 

     Discussion was held regarding the suggested changes from the August 13th meeting that have been incorporated herein.

 

b.     Review Part I – Community Land Use – Discussion

        1.     Chapter 3 – Land Use and Zoning continued discussion

        a.   Introduction Residential Density and Neighborhood Planning section

        b.   Future Land Use Map FLU-M1

        c.   Future Land Uses Inconsistent with Existing Zoning Map FLU-M2

        2.     Chapter 4 – Implementing the Plan

        (Possible continuance to future meetings for further discussion)

 

     Asst. Sol. Levesque explained the process for review and adoption of the Comprehensive Plan the Future Land Use Map.  He highlighted changes to the land use map, which may require changes to the Zoning Map and notice to property owners.

 

     Town Planner Letendre explained each section of Chapter 3 - Land Use and Zoning.

 

     Councilor Ahern's suggestions for an introductory paragraph will be incorporated into the Plan in Subsection 3.6.2 - Inconsistencies on page 51.

 

     Discussion was held regarding extension of sewer services and the need to be cautious moving forward in this area.  This issue will be discussed further at a future meeting.

 

     Councilor Ahern's suggestions will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan as follows:

 

     Section 1-3 - Vision, Item 10, on page 5, the words "Westerly Library" will be removed;

 

     Section 3.5 - Upgrading Westerly's Regulatory Climate on page 47 will incorporate additional language "What steps can be taken to encourage green industries and businesses in particular to locate and/or to remain in Westerly?" followed by "What steps can be taken to encourage popups, startups and leases that are conducive to such businesses?";

 

     Section 3.6 - Future Land Use on page 48 will incorporate language "while also placing a heavy emphasis on rehabilitating and revitalizing existing buildings in order to preserve open spaces and views to the fullest extent possible."

 

     Town Planner Letendre noted that a new Subsection 3.6.4 – Neighborhood Planning will be added to page 56 of the Comprehensive Plan.

 

     Add staff comment to end of subsection 3.6.3 - Residential Density and Neighborhood Planning on page 56.

 

     Add new subsection 3.6.4 - Neighborhood Planning - and reference to the preservation of Historic Buildings, Neighborhoods, and Villages;

 

     Add to subsection 3.6.5 - Affordable Housing - references to the State's Affordable Housing Laws.

 

     Discussion was held regarding Agriculture as a new zoning category, which is currently zoned ORAT or low density residential.

 

     Discussion was held regarding form-based zoning.  Town Planner Letendre will provide information to the Council regarding form-based zoning.

 

c.     Review Part II – Inventory & Analysis – Discussion

        1.     Chapter 1 – Sustainable Natural Resources

 

    Councilor Ahern's suggestion for the protection of sand dunes in Part II, Chapter 1 - Sustainable Natural Resources as Subsection 1.6.7 Sand Dunes and Dune Grass will be reviewed by staff and discussed at the next meeting.

 

        2.     Chapter 9 – Natural Hazards and Resiliency

 

            The aforesaid matter will be reviewed at a future meeting.

       

 

3.     ADJOURNMENT

 

        7:05 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

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