D.    CHANGES TO THE AGENDA – There were no changes voted upon

1)      2026-UMJLD-01 – Master Plan Review – Unified Major Land Development & Variance Request – Misquamicut Fire Station Expansion (65 Crandall Avenue | Assessor’s Map 164, Lot 214)

Mr. Martin opened discussion by providing an overview of the application, and summarizing the proposed building, structural improvements, and required variances. Mr. Murphy gave a brief description of Rhode Island General Law 45-24-41 General Provisions - Variances, which describes Zoning procedures for dimensional variances under unified plan review, as it relates to the proposed application. Board members asked questions, and Mr. Murphy provided feedback

Anthony Nenna, of On-Site Engineering Inc, 3 Crestview Drive, Westerly, RI 02891, was present to represent this application. Mr. Nenna introduced Paul Azzinaro, Project Architect, Misquamicut Fire Chief, Todd Findeisen, and Misquamicut Tax Assessor Leon Donfrey, also present to provide additional comments. Mr. Nenna began the presentation by describing the current site conditions and reviewing the site plans. Site details discussed included: septic system and stormwater updates, structural additions, parking, variances, trash removal, and impervious surface, in addition to other topics. Mr. Azzinaro then outlined the architectural plans. Building accessibility, heights, structural history, storage and supplies, square footage, elevation, and lighting were covered. Mr. Nenna distributed for the board’s review images of the fire station heights in relation to the neighboring Saint Clare’s Church, 4 Saint Clare Way, Westerly, RI 02891.

Upon no further comment, Mr. Nicholas motioned to open the public hearing of this item at 6:46 p.m. Mr. Russo seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the motion carried unanimously. The public hearing was opened at 6:46 p.m. Leon Donofrio and Todd Findeisen of Crandall Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891, provided comment on the historical changes of the building, funding for the project, current building issues, equipment, volunteer retention, support for surrounding districts, recruitment, and sleeping accommodations. Board members asked questions in response to the presentation, surrounding topics such as utilities storage, vehicle sizes, ceiling heights, the parking agreement with St. Clare’s Church, fuel storage, decontamination, a landscape plan waiver, and drainage. Upon no further comment, Mr. Nicholas motioned to close the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Mr. Gagnier seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the hearing was closed at 7:48 p.m. Members were then polled at 7:48 p.m. to discuss action on the matter.

Mr. O’Neil reviewed the variance requests individually, and discussion ensued. Board members were all in favor of the parking, side yard, corner side yard, and front yard setback variance requests. Mr. Devine was conflicted with the Max Building Height and Max Impervious Surface requests, but all other members were in favor. Mr. Nicholas then moved the motion to approve the variances, referencing the motion included in the Administrative Officer’s Memorandum Dated May 14^th, 2026, for the meeting May 19th, 2026, and Mr. Russo seconded the motion. Mr. Russo, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Gagnier, Mr. O’Neil, Mr. Lombard, and Ms. Kellogg were in favor. Mr. Devine was opposed. The motion passed 6-1. The board was polled at 8:20 p.m. to discuss the land development application. It was suggested that the landscaping plan be added as a condition of approval. Mr. Nicholas then moved the motion to approve the preliminary plan application, referencing the motion as written in the Administrative Officer’s Memorandum Dated May 14th, 2026, for the meeting May 19th, 2026, with a condition of lighting and landscape plans. Mr. Russo seconded the motion. Mr. Russo, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Gagnier, Mr. O’Neil, Mr. Lombard, and Ms. Kellogg were in favor. Mr. Devine was opposed. The motion passed 6-1

G.    ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S REPORT –

1)      Future Agenda & Monthly Report Matrix

Board members reviewed the revised document provided by Planning Department staff. Mr. Martin shared that there were no major updates from the previous month

2)      Advisory to Town Council – Bus Garage Alternative Sites

Board members reviewed the memorandum from the Town Clerk and accompanying attached materials regarding potential alternative locations of the bus garage, provided by the Pare Corporation. Potential sites and risks of each location were discussed. It was suggested by Mr. O’Neil that the schools within the Westerly Public School district be added to the map, and that transportation staff are contacted to provide further insight

3)      Affordable Housing Discussion (with Housing Committee)

Mr. O’Neil shared a memorandum from Assistant Town Manager Melissa Davy, which outlined differences of the Westerly Affordable Housing Committee to similar boards or committees of other municipalities. Mr. Devine called a point of order at 9:26 p.m., to confirm the meeting cutoff time. Mr. O’Neil confirmed the need for an extension would be determined once 10:00 p.m. is reached. Members discussed communication between the Housing Committee and Planning board, responsibilities, and upcoming joint meeting sessions. It was suggested that a Planning Board member attends the Affordable Housing Committee meetings not to report, but to facilitate communication, and Mr. Gagnier inquired if the Chairman could appoint a Liaison

I.       FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS & BOARD QUESTIONS –

Mr. O’Neil informed members of communication shared by Mr. Devine regarding the timing and receiving of meeting materials, and discussion followed. Mr. O’Neil suggested that the Atlantic Avenue property Advisory to the Town Council be added as a future agenda item

J.      CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM FOR NEXT MEETINGS –

1)      June 16^th, 2026, Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. - All board members will be present

K.    ADJOURNMENT –Mr. Nicholas motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:49 p.m. and Mr. Gagnier seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.

Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – June 16^th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Submitted by Chloe Chenot on 6/2/2026

Approved by Board Vote on 6/16/2026