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Zoning Board Regular Meeting- Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
Westerly Town Hall | Town Council Chambers
45 Broad Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Members Present: Chair Larry Cioppa, Vice Chair Dawn Robinson,
Members: Larry Burns, Alan Martone, and
Alternates: Lori Moore and Leonard Saponare
Absent: Member: Jeffrey Russo
Staff Present: Administrative Zoning Official Martin Loiselle, Solicitor for Planning and Zoning Scott Levesque,
A. CALL TO ORDER - Mr. Cioppa called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL -
1. Mr. Cioppa introduced the board and read the Zoning Rules of Procedure into record
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -
The board reviewed the minutes from the July 9th meeting. There were no further revisions to the draft minutes. Ms. Robinson moved a motion to approve the minutes from July 9th as submitted, and Mr. Martone seconded the 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. NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS - consider, discuss, and act upon
1. Martin Green, 2 Egret Lane, AP ‘142’ Lot ‘20’, is seeking a 10.4’ front yard setback variance to construct an attached 14’x26.9’ (approximately 377 square foot) garage within the front yard setback. (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
Mr. Loiselle read the narrative and stated that the zoning department supports the application. There were no questions of the narrative from board members.
Mr. Cioppa swore in representatives of the application for testimony: Martin Greene, of 2 Egret Lane, Westerly, RI 02891, applicant, and property owner. It was explained that the proposed variance would allow the applicant to construct a garage behind the property for vehicle storage, to move utilities out of the flood zone, and to have a covered entrance to the home in the case of inclement weather. Ms. Robinson inquired further about property runoff, and Mr. Greene addressed the inquiry. No members of the public were present to provide comments.
The board was polled at 6:09 p.m. for discussion. It was decided that members did not need any additional information on this matter. Mr. Martone then motioned to close the public hearing at 6:10 p.m., and Mr. Burns seconded the motion. The public hearing was closed.
Ms. Robinson then provided a summary of the application and discussion from the public hearing. The board granted administrative authority to the Zoning Official to approve further non-material modifications to the approved plans. Ms. Robinson motioned to approve a 10.4’ front yard setback variance to construct a 14’x26.9’ single-story 1-car garage at 2 Egret Lane, pursuant to Section §260-33 “Variances” and §260 Attachment-10 “Schedule of Dimensional Regulations” of the Town of Westerly Zoning Ordinance, with no conditions. Mr. Burns seconded the motion, and the variance was granted
2. Desiree Cika, 106 Atlantic Ave., AP ‘176’ Lot ‘14’, is seeking a 0.3’ right side yard setback and 6.55’ left side yard setback request to remove the existing sunroom from the attached primary residence and construction of a 240 square foot single story addition for a kitchen and expansion of existing deck addition, and proposed restructuring of second floor roof. (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
Mr. Loiselle read the narrative and stated that the zoning department supports the application. There were no questions of the narrative from board members.
Mr. Cioppa swore in project architect Steve Madeiros, and property owner, Desiree Cika, for testimony. It was explained by Mr. Madeiros that this home was inherited by his client, and due to the property’s current conditions, the applicant is looking to make more modern improvements, which include: the construction of a 1st floor master bedroom, kitchen expansion, 2nd floor roof modifications, and a rear deck expansion. Ms. Cika stated that she is trying to increase overall living space and added that she has not had a dining table since owning the property. Mr. Martone asked for clarification on the current state of the existing kitchen, and Mr. Madeiros addressed his inquiry.
After hearing all application materials, the board discussed approval of this item. Members did not have any questions for the applicants and were satisfied with the material as presented. Mr. Martone then motioned to close the public hearing, and Ms. Robinson seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the public hearing was closed at 6:27 p.m.
Mr. Martone provided a summary of the application and discussion from the public hearing. The board granted administrative authority to the Zoning Official to approve further non-material modifications to the approved plans. Mr. Martone motioned to approve a 6.55’ left side setback variance and a 0.3’ right side yard setback variance, to remove an existing sunroom from the primary residence and construct a 240 square foot single-story addition for a kitchen, and expansion of a rear deck once the construction is completed, and a proposed restructuring of the second floor roof, at 106 Atlantic Avenue, pursuant to Section §260-33 “Variances” and §260 Attachment-10 “Schedule of Dimensional Regulations” of the Town of Westerly Zoning Ordinance, with no conditions. Ms. Robinson seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the variance was granted
A recess was called at 6:36 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 6:40 p.m.
3. Michael Lynch, Attorney on Behalf of High Road Dispensary, is seeing a Special Use Permit to establish a Cannabis Retail establishment for property located at 267 Post Road AP ‘112’, Lot ‘28AA’, Unit E3 and portion of Unit E2 pursuant to (§260-87.9) Cannabis Retail and (§260-34) Special Use Permits.
Mr. Loiselle read the narrative and stated that the zoning department supports the application. There were no questions of the narrative from board members.
Attorney Michael Lynch, 117 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891, opened discussion of this item by providing a summary of the application. Mr. Cioppa swore in Joseph H. Deslandis, Jr., for testimony. Mr. Lynch detailed the applicant’s business history, as well as the project’s regulation requirements, security methods, leasing conditions, hours of operation, and revenue impacts, in addition to other aspects. During the hearing, Mr. Lynch distributed a document outlining Mr. Deslandes’ qualifications, education, and experience as a real estate broker and appraiser, titled: “Qualifications of Joseph H. Deslandes Jr.” Mr. Levesque marked the document as “Applicant’s 1”. Mr. Lynch asked a variety of questions to the expert and reviewed application exhibits. Mr. Cioppa swore in Sasha Gorski, 62 Gussler Street, Apartment 3, Providence RI, lease signer and primary application contact, for testimony to address additional comment.
Members of the public were present to speak on this matter. Diane Dechiaro, of 92B Quannicut Road, Westerly, RI 02891, spoke against this application, and expressed concerns of proximity and security to her property, and parking. Mr. Cioppa swore in Ms. Dechiaro for additional testimony, and Ms. Dechiaro utilized the site plan illustrations to demonstrate a walking path behind the subject property in relation to her home. Nina Tuddle, 92 A Quannicut Road, Westerly RI 02891, agreed with Ms. Dechiaro’s concerns, and added comment on property value affects, foot traffic, and security. The applicant addressed the inquiries, and the board consulted Mr. Levesque for legal counsel of the citizens’ concerns.
Upon no further comment from the public, the board was polled at 7:37 p.m. to discuss. Ms. Robinson motioned to close the public hearing at 7:39 p.m., and Mr. Martone seconded the motion. The public hearing was closed.
Ms. Moore provided a summary of the application and discussion from the public hearing. The board granted administrative authority to the Zoning Official to approve further non-material modifications to the approved plans. Ms. Moore then motioned to approve the Special Use Permit application, which proposes to operate a Retail Cannabis dispensary at 267-271 Post Road in Unit E3 and E2, pursuant to §260-34 “Special Use Permits”, and 260 Attachment-11 “Selling District Tables”, of the Town of Westerly Zoning Ordinance, with no conditions. Ms. Robinson seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the permit was granted
F. CONTINUED BUSINESS – There was no discussion
G. APPLICATIONS DECLARED COMPLETE - Waivers granted and scheduled for public hearing. Information only, no action to be taken
1. Eric and Kayla Schroder, 6 Voltage St, Westerly, R.I., 02891, Plat ‘36’ Lot ‘61’, Zone HDR-15, have applied for a 5.9’ dimensional variance of the side yard setback for the construction of an attached 24’x28’ garage addition for two cars and the second story to be utilized for storage pursuant to Section 260-33 Variances, and Rhode Island General Laws § 45-24-41
2. Rebecca Spustek, 308 Shore Road, AP ‘132’ Lot ‘53’, is seeking to amend the approved 2004 Special Use Permit to add additional uses to the existing operation to include indoor and outdoor entertainment such as acoustic performances; outdoor yoga classes; Sip and Paint classes with charcutuerie workshops, and trivia events held indoors. The proposed hours of operation offered are Thursday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 7 p.m. This request is made pursuant to (§260-34) Special Use Permits
H. STAFF COMMENTS –
Ms. Robinson inquired about Ms. Moore’s application to become a full member, and the purchasing of new nameplates for the board
I. ADJOURNMENT –
Mr. Cioppa entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m. Ms. Robinson moved the motion, and Mr. Martone seconded. The board was all in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – September 10th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by Chloe Chenot on 9/2/2025