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Planning Board Special Meeting- Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Westerly Town Hall | Town Council Chambers
45 Broad Street, Westerly, RI 02891
A. CALL TO ORDER - Mr. O’Neil called the meeting to order at 6:01 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: James Nicholas, Perry Kellogg, and Alternate: Derek Lombard
Absent: Members Maurice Devine and Jean Gagnier
Town Staff: Solicitor for Planning and Zoning: James Murphy, Administrative
Officer/Town Planner: Nancy Letendre, Minute Taker: Chloe Chenot, and
Information Technology: Lanny Fuller
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – There were no minutes to approve
D. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA - There were no changes to the agenda
E. OLD BUSINESS – There was no discussion
F. NEW BUSINESS –
1. Route One Corridor Working Session – Economic Development Commission
Chairman of the EDC, Douglas Brockway, called the Economic Development Commission Special Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Mr. Brockway introduced all members present, which included: Vice Chairman James Kane, Secretary Ken Julian, Members: Ralph Abruzzese, Michael Doherty, Ali Noel, Chris Wright, and Alternate Rhys Johnstone. Town Council Liaisons Michael Niemeyer and Rose VanDover were also present.
Mr. Brockway provided a summary of the Commission’s efforts and discussion of this item, leading up to the working session. Board members then reviewed a document titled: EDC Recommended Goals, Policies, and Actions – Route One Corridor, prepared by the members of the Economic Development Commission. Mr. Kane, Mr. Doherty, and Ms. Noel presented each goal, explained the policies, and detailed actions that could be taken to support them. Discussion topics and questions posed involved subjects such as ordinance changes, aesthetics, landscaping, signage, grant funding, permit pricing and assistance, mixed use, business owner involvement, underdeveloped properties, traffic flow improvements, and parking adjustments, in addition to other aspects. Ms. Letendre added that present topics of discussion were consistent with previous Route One Corridor sessions from 2022, and that the three supporting goals of the EDC’s recommendation are already being addressed with the Department of Transportation and Comprehensive Plan Amendment revisions. To allow the various boards to continue sharing ideas and perspectives of the Route One Corridor, Mr. Lawlor suggested the creation of a working group, with members from the Planning Board, Economic Development Commission, and the Architectural Review Board. The potential committee was further discussed.
Town Councilors Michael Niemeyer, Rose VanDover, and Dylan LaPietra, spoke on this item. Mr. Niemeyer expressed his appreciation for EDC’s work on the project, and that the goals and policies described were excellent. Ms. VanDover stated that the creation of a subcommittee required Town Council approval. Ms. VanDover provided additional insights and raised questions on several topics, such as government involvement with vacant properties, current zoning regulations and continuing education, grants, incentive effects on taxpayers, mixed use properties, and small businesses. Mr. LaPietra inquired about retroactive payments for vacant properties, in relation to potential incentives discussed. Mr. Murphy and Mr. O’Neil addressed public comments.
Upon no further discussion, Mr. Brockway entertained a motion to close the EDC meeting at 8:27 p.m. Mr. Doherty moved the motion, and Ms. Noel seconded. All board members were in favor, and the EDC meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
G. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
1. Agenda Referral – Discussion on EV Storage - This item will be discussed at the next meeting
H. ASSISTANT SOLICITOR FOR PLANNING AND ZONING’S REPORT- There was no discussion
I. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND BOARD QUESTIONS
There were no future agenda items suggested. Mr. O’Neil reminded the board to inform Ms. Letendre if they were interested in participating in the working group.
J. CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM FOR NEXT MEETINGS
1. June 17th, 2025, Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. – It was noted that Mr. Gagnier would not be present. All other members can attend.
K. ADJOURNMENT- Mr. Nicholas motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m., and Mr. Lawlor seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting- June 17th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY CHLOE CHENOT ON 7/2/2025.
APPROVED BY VOTE OF THE BOARD ON 8/19/2025.