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Zoning Board Regular Meeting- Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 10th, 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, Alan Martone, and
Alternates: Lori Moore (Acting as Full-Member) and Leonard Saponare (Acting as Full-Member)
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
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -
The board reviewed the minutes from the August 13th meeting. There were no further revisions to the draft minutes. Mr. Martone moved a motion to approve the minutes from August 13th as submitted, and Mr. Burns 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. Eric and Kayla Schroder, 6 Voltage Street, Westerly, R.I., 02891, Plat ‘36’ Lot ‘61’, 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
Mr. Martone motioned to open the public hearing of this item, and Ms. Moore seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the public hearing was opened at 6:04 p.m.
Ms. Robinson swore in applicant and property owner Eric Schroder, for testimony. Mr. Levesque read the narrative and stated that the zoning department supports the application. There were no questions of the narrative from board members. Mr. Schroder explained during testimony that the intent of this application is to enhance the property’s functionality. The applicants have not had a garage since owning the home, and the proposed additional space would accommodate the applicant’s growing family and storage needs. There were no members of the public present to provide comments.
The board was polled for discussion at 6:08 p.m. Members were in support of the project and did not need any additional information. Mr. Martone motioned to close the public hearing at 6:10 p.m., and Mr. Burns seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the hearing was closed at 6:10 p.m.
Mr. Saponare 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. Mr. Saponare motioned to approve a 5.9’ left side yard setback variance to construct an attached 24’ x 28’ two-car garage addition with a second-floor storage area, at 6-Voltage Street, 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. 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
Ms. Robinson motioned to open the public hearing of this item, and Mr. Burns seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the public hearing was
opened at 6:21 p.m. Ms. Robinson swore in applicants Rebecca Spustek and Josh Osmanski, for testimony.
Mr. Levesque read the narrative and stated that the zoning department supports the application. There were no questions of the narrative from board members. Ms. Spustek explained during testimony that the modification of this permit would allow the business to be maintained and further preserve the historical landmark. Ms. Spustek added that the proposed events would support community well-being, create memorable experiences, and draw more people to Town. Images were presented for board members to review, which displayed event parking, traffic flows of Shore and Langworthy Roads, and outdoor event placement. Board members inquired further about septic system flows, parking, noise, signage, lighting, and permitting. The applicants addressed the inquiries.
After hearing all application materials, the board was polled to discuss approval of this item at 6:39 p.m. Members did not have any further questions for the applicants and were satisfied with the material as presented. Mr. Martone then motioned to close the public hearing at 6:40 p.m., and Ms. Moore seconded the proposed motion. The board was all in favor, and the public hearing of this item was closed at 6:40 p.m.
Mr. Burns 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. Burns motioned to approve the Special Use Permit application, which proposes to amend the 2004 Special Use Permit to operate a former winery, in conjunction with the existing Bed and Breakfast facility at 308 Shore Road, in order to add indoor and outdoor entertainment, including live music, yoga classes, trivia events, and Sip and Paint charcutuerie workshops, pursuant to Section §260-34 “Special Use Permits” of the Town of Westerly Zoning Ordinance, with no conditions. Mr. Martone seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the motion passed unanimously.
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. RJS & T LLC, 3 Crown Street, AP ‘78’ Lot ‘100’, is seeking a 10’ front yard setback request to construct an attached 216 square foot covered front porch pursuant to (§260-33) Dimensional Variance.
H. STAFF COMMENTS – There was no discussion
I. ADJOURNMENT – Ms. Robinson entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m., and Mr. Burns seconded the motion. The board was all in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – October 8th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by Chloe Chenot on 9/25/2025