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TOWN OF WESTERLY
Zoning Board Regular Meeting- Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
Westerly Town Hall | Town Council Chambers
45 Broad Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Members Present: Vice Chair Dawn Robinson (acting as Chair),
Members: Larry Burns, Jeffrey Russo, Alan Martone, Lori Moore (Alternate), and Leonard Saponare (2nd Alternate)
Absent: Chair Larry Cioppa, and Administrative Zoning Official Martin Loiselle
Staff Present: Solicitor for Planning and Zoning Scott Levesque, Minute Taker Chloe Chenot, and Information Technology Lanny Fuller
A. CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL:
1. Ms. Robinson introduced the board and read the Zoning Rules of Procedure into record. There were no changes to the agenda
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 12th, 2025
1. Mr. Martone moved a motion to approve the minutes from the February 12th meeting as presented, and Ms. Moore seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the minutes passed unanimously
D. NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Shelter Harbor Holdings, LLC, 10 Wagner Road, AP '125' Lot '042', is seeking a Special Use Permit to expand a legally non-conforming use to construct a 557 square foot addition to the existing structure to create additional space for the existing dining area. Pursuant to (§260-34) Special Use Permits, and (§260-32 (D) Nonconformance)
Ms. Robinson entertained a motion to move the Shelter Harbor Holdings LLC discussion to the May 14th meeting. Mr. Russo moved the motion, and Mr. Burns seconded. The board was all in favor, and the motion carried unanimously
2. Micheal and Julia Dailey, 14 Ninigret Ave, AP '180' Lot '8', is seeking a 26'-7" rear yard setback variance for the construction of an addition to the existing residence. Pursuant to (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
Mr. Martone motioned to open the public hearing at 6:05 p.m. and was seconded by Mr. Burns. The board was all in favor, and the motion carried unanimously. The public hearing was open.
Attorney Daryll Justin Finizio, of Urso, Liguori, and Micklich, Westerly, RI 02891, was present to speak on behalf of the applicants. Mr. Finizio introduced members of the project: Attorney Matthew Lumberg, Attorney Tom Liguori, project architect Jay Valade of Mark P Findlay Architects, environmental consultant Joe Klinger, and engineer and surveyor of the property, Theresa Mulford of Cherenzia and Associates. Ms. Robinson swore in Mr. Klinger, Ms. Mulford, and Mr. Valade, for testimony.
Mr. Levesque read the narrative of the project provided by Zoning Official Loiselle, which stated that the Zoning Department supports this application. It was highlighted that the proposed renovations would improve the appearance and overall functionality of the property.
Mr. Valade began discussion by describing the existing site conditions. It was explained by Mr. Valade that the proposed project would make the home more compliant, as various non-confirming additions made to the home over the years would be removed. Upon construction, the house would have thirty square feet of additional space, and the existing setback infringement would change from 4.6 feet to 6.5 feet. Mr. Valade shared that the applicants provided historical photographs of the property, to assist in designing modifications to the home that reflect the historical aspects of the neighborhood and preserve the original architecture from 1897.
Upon no further questions for the applicants, Ms. Robinson opened the discussion to public comment. No members of the public were present to speak for, against, or in opposition of this item. Ms. Robinson then polled the board to discuss. All members were in favor of granting the variance. Mr. Russo motioned to close the public hearing at 6:18 p.m., and Mr. Burns seconded the motion. All board members were in favor, and the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Saponare summarized the application and public hearing discussion. The board granted administrative authority to the Zoning Official to approve further nonmaterial modifications to the approved plans. Mr. Sapnoare then moved a motion to approve the 26'-7" rear yard setback variance for addition and renovations at 14 Ninigret Avenue, pursuant to section §260-33 “Variances” and §260 attachment-10 "Schedule of Dimensional Regulations" of the Town of Westerly Zoning Ordinance, without conditions. The board was all in favor, and the motion carried unanimously. The variance was granted.
3. Charles Royce, 8 Larkin Road, AP '185' Lot '27A', is seeking a 17'-6" side yard setback variance to enclose an existing porch for a proposed pantry area. Pursuant to (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
Ms. Robinson entertained a motion to open the public hearing about this matter. Mr. Russo motioned to open the public hearing at 6:28 p.m., and Mr. Burns seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the public hearing was open.
Mr. Levesque provided a summary of this item, referring to the narrative provided by Zoning Official Loiselle. It was explained in the narrative that the variance proposed is necessary to accommodate additional kitchen storage.
Attorney Thomas Liguori, Project Architect Meg Lyons, and Theresa Mulford of Cherenzia and Associates were present to speak on behalf of this application. Ms. Lyons was sworn in by Ms. Robinson to provide testimony. Ms. Lyons explained that the proposed relief would allow for the growing extended family to accommodate additional storage. This will be achieved by remodeling the existing porch into an interior pantry space. The board reviewed the design plans, and Ms. Lyons provided feedback on the questions posed.
Ms. Robinson opened the meeting to public comment at 6:37 p.m., to which there was none. The board was then polled to discuss. Mr. Russo moved a motion to close the public hearing at 6:38 p.m., and Mr. Saponare seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Burns provided a summary of this application and discussion of the public hearing. The board granted administrative authority to the Zoning Official to approve further nonmaterial modifications to the approved plans. Mr. Burns motioned to approve the: 6" side yard setback variance to enclose an existing porch for a proposed pantry area, pursuant to section §260-33- “Dimensional Variance”, of the Town of Westerly Zoning Ordinance, with no conditions. The board was all in favor, and the motion carried unanimously. The variance was granted.
E. APPLICATIONS DECLARED COMPLETE: Waivers granted and scheduled for public hearing. Informational only, no action to be taken
1. Michelle Levy, 6 Mockingbird Lane, AP *97' Lot '158', is seeking a 7.8' dimensional variance to construct an attached one car garage, and addition at rear to accommodate an extension of the kitchen and dining room. Pursuant to (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
Mr. Levesque shared that this item would be coming to the board for a dimensional variance at the May meeting. All board members will be attending the May 14th meeting.
F. STAFF COMMENTS: There was no discussion
G. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Burns moved a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m., and Mr. Martone seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting- May 14th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by Chloe Chenot on 4/28/2025