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TOWN OF WESTERLY
Zoning Board Regular Meeting- Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 14th, 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, Jeffrey Russo, Alan Martone, Lori Moore (Alternate), and Leonard Saponare (2nd Alternate)
Absent: Minute Taker Chloe Chenot
Staff Present: Administrative Zoning Official Martin Loiselle, Solicitor for Planning and Zoning Scott Levesque, and Information Technology Lanny Fuller
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:
Mr. Cioppa stated that he would not be voting on the minutes from April 9th, as he was not present at the April 9th meeting. Ms. Moore would be taking his place in the vote. The board reviewed the minutes from the April 9th meeting. There were no further revisions to the draft minutes. Mr. Saponare moved a motion to approve the minutes as presented, and Ms. Robinson seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the minutes passed
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)
Mr. Cioppa entertained a motion to move the Shelter Harbor Holdings LLC discussion to the June 11th meeting, and Ms. Robinson seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Michele 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.
Ms. Robinson motioned to open the public hearing of this matter at 6:06 p.m., and Mr. Burns seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the public hearing was opened.
Administrative Officer Loiselle provided a summary of this item, and
stated that the Zoning Department supports the application. Ms. Robinson posed a question regarding the proposed location of the garage, and Mr. Loiselle addressed her inquiry.
The board then engaged in discussion with the applicant, Michele Levy, of 6 Mockingbird Lane, Westerly, RI, 02891, who was present to speak on this application. Ms. Levy gave a brief overview of the property and its history, before detailing the variance requested. Ms. Levy emphasized that she has not had a garage since the property was purchased, and that having one would provide an additional entryway into the home. It was stated by Ms. Levy that the garage would also increase safety, as it provides cover from hazardous weather conditions when entering and exiting. Neighbors surrounding the property were also notified of the proposed renovations and are in favor.
No members of the public were present to speak on this matter. Mr. Cioppa motioned to close the public hearing at 6:16 p.m. The board was all in favor, and the motion passed. The public hearing was closed.
Upon no further comment from the public or board members, Ms. Robinson provided a summary of the application and discussion from the public hearing. The board granted administrative authority to the Zoning Official to approve further nonmaterial modifications to the approved plans.
Ms. Robinson motioned to approve a 7.8’ side yard setback variance for a one car garage, and dining room addition at 6 Mockingbird Lane, pursuant to section §260-33 “Variances”, and section §260 attachment-10 “Schedule of Dimensional Regulations” of the Town of Westerly Zoning Ordinance, with no conditions. Mr. Russo seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the motion carried unanimously.
E. APPLICATIONS DECLARED COMPLETE: Waivers granted and scheduled for public hearing. Informational only, no action to be taken
1. Cameron Banks, 53 Pleasant St, AP ‘46’ Lot ‘114’, is seeking a front yard setback request to construct a 22’x31.5’ second story to the existing garage to accommodate for a two bedroom accessory dwelling unit pursuant to RIGL 45-24-37(e), and (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
2. Brian Busconi, 30 George St, AP ‘77’ Lot ‘138’, is seeking a .61’ side yard setback request to construct a second floor to the existing single-family residence. (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
3. Graeme Bennie, 31 Cove Road, AP ‘143’ Lot ‘72’, is seeking a 3’ front yard setback and 11.3’ corner-side yard request to remove the existing wooden deck and replace with an enclosed addition (14’x30’) to the principal dwelling. (§260-33) Dimensional Variance
F. STAFF COMMENTS:
Mr. Loiselle reminded the board that there will be a full agenda for the next meeting, and confirmed attendance, to ensure a quorum.
G. ADJOURNMENT:Mr. Cioppa moved a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:23 p.m., and Ms. Robinson seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m .
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting- June 11th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by Chloe Chenot on 5/30/2025