Planning Board Special Meeting- Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, 6:00 p.m.

Westerly Town Hall | Town Council Chambers

45 Broad Street, Westerly, RI 02891

 

A.    CALL TO ORDER - Chairman O’Neil called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

B.     ROLL CALL AND ATTENDANCE - Mr. O’Neil recognized all board members and staff present

 

                        Present: Chairman: Matthew O’Neil, Vice Chairman: Christopher Lawlor,

Secretary: Andrew Delisio, Members: Jean Gagnier, James

Nicholas, Perry Kellogg, and Alternate: Maurice Divine

 

Town Staff: Solicitor for Planning and Zoning: Scott Levesque,

Administrative Officer/Town Planner: Nancy Letendre, Minute Taker: Chloe

Chenot, and Information Technology: Lanny Fuller

 

C.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. March 4th, 2025- Mr. Gagnier moved a motion to approve the minutes from the March 4th meeting as presented, and Mr. Lawlor seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the minutes passed unanimously

 

D.    CHANGES TO THE AGENDA - There were no changes to the agenda

 

E.     OLD BUSINESS

 

1.      Zoning Ordinance Provisions

 

The board reviewed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance provisions. It was noted by the Town Planner that the Ordinance would be updated to reflect State Legislation, consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, and additional regulations of the Town Planning and Zoning Offices. Led by Ms. Letendre, the board examined various articles of the current ordinance, which included: I- General Provisions, II- Definitions, III- District Regulations and Maps, VI- Administration and Enforcement, and VIII- Appeals. Proposed amendments include verbiage specifying considerations for current residents and future generations, wetland classification, public health and general welfare, protection of drinking water sources, rural residential zoning, and development suitability, in addition to other changes. Ms. Letendre informed the board that the Planning Department is dependent on pending legislation to finalize certain recommendation changes. Mr. Levesque provided a brief summary of pending litigation and confirmed that three appeals of Planning and Zoning decisions were upheld. Mr. O’Neil added to discussion that the draft ordinance amendments will be submitted to the Town Council for review and then returned to the board for further consideration. The board asked questions and received feedback from Ms. Letendre on this item. Questions posed covered topics such as: use codes, aqua impacted sewer districts, historical properties, combining of Planning and Zoning boards, and district overlays, in addition to other topics.

 

F.     NEW BUSINESS

 

1.      Resolution for Fair Housing Month - April 2025

 

      Ms. Letendre provided an overview of this item. The Town Planner explained that this process is completed annually and involves action each year to encourage fair housing practices. Ms. Letendre noted that a memo was prepared to outline fair housing initiatives, including a resolution that recognizes fair housing month. This resolution would be signed by the Chair and motioned for the board’s approval. Mr. O’Neil brought to attention that the date listed in the memo reads: “... recognize the month of April 2024.” and should be amended to “...recognize the month of April 2025”. Mr. Gagnier motioned to approve the resolution, referring to the April 2025 memo, as modified. Mr. Lawlor seconded the motion. Mr. Divine abstained. The motion passed 5-1

      Ms. Letendre shared a presentation prepared by Planning Specialist Diego Martin, titled: Westerly Opportunity Sites: Existing Conditions. It outlined the project’s goal of providing an understanding of 5 town owned properties and their current site conditions. 8 & 18 Springbrook Road, 107 & 109 White Rock Road, and Off-White Rock Road, were the locations reviewed. The report provided insight into zoning types, environmental considerations, acreage, and existing uses, in addition to other key information. During discussion of this item, Mr. Gagnier recommended the Council examine electric vehicle use within the aqua protection zone. Mr. Levesque stated that the verbiage of the agenda did not allow such action. Mr. Gagnier then motioned to table the report until it can be properly discussed and included in the agenda. Mr. Lawlor seconded this item for discussion. Mr. O’Neil addressed Mr. Gagnier’s concern.

 

A recess was called at 8:10 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:14 p.m.

 

            The board resumed dialogue of this item, and Mr. Gagnier withdrew his motion. The board agreed to create an agenda item of electric vehicle use and the aqua protection zone, to be discussed at the next meeting. Questions were posed and feedback was provided on: potential funding sources, bids, distribution of the report, and identification of the properties.

 

G.    ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S REPORT- There was no discussion

 

H.    ASSISTANT SOLICITOR FOR PLANNING AND ZONING’S REPORT- There was no discussion

 

I.       FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND BOARD QUESTIONS

           

Ms. Letendre would provide further insight into Mr. Gagnier’s inquiry of 8 Springbrook Road at the next meeting. Mr. Gagnier proposed creating a future agenda item for the best use of property in commercial and residential areas.

 

J.      CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM FOR NEXT MEETINGS

 

1.      April 15th, 2025, Meeting at 6:00 p.m. - Mr. Delisio inquired about the Town Engineer’s attendance at the meeting, and Mr. O’Neil addressed his concern. Additionally, Mr. Delisio posed a question about the open seat on the Planning Board. Town Councilor Rose VanDover addressed his question. Mr. O’Neil and Mr. Lawlor will not be present at this meeting. All the other board members will be present.

 

2.      May 6th, 2025, Meeting at 6:00 p.m. - All board members will be present.

           

 

K.    ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gagnier motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m., and Mr. Lawlor seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

 

Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting - April 15th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

 

 

 

SUBMITTED BY CHLOE CHENOT ON 4/29/2025.

  APPROVED BY VOTE OF THE BOARD ON 05/20/2025.