The Cranston Planning Commission met on September 2, 2025, to address a range of items including approval of previous minutes, appointment of a planning technician, an update on parks and recreation, a public hearing on comprehensive plan amendments, a continuance request for a development proposal on Vaughn Lane, a zone change for Cranston Street, and several zoning board review recommendations. The meeting included extensive public comment, particularly regarding the comprehensive plan and the Vaughn Lane project.
I'll call the meeting to order. First item in the agenda is approval of the minutes. So first we have the August fifth, twenty twenty-five minutes. I believe Commissioner Lampier, you handed out some proposed edits. Yes, thank you, Mr. President. Um a proposed amendment at the bottom of page five and continuing to page six. Um it was with regard to my comments. Um and I changed it to read Commissioner Lanfier reminded the public that the master plan stage doesn't require addressing every possible concern. She said that proof of access is a primary concern for which the applicant bears the burden of proof. She asked that the applicant provide probative and reliable evidence regarding right of way ownership well in advance of the next meeting to afford the commission adequate opportunity to review the information. Seconded by Mr. Barberi. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye. Okay. All those opposed? Ayes have it. And now for the minutes as amended. Seeing none, now it'd be the time for a motion. Motion made by Commissioner Renzuli for approval of the amended minutes seconded by Commissioner Exter. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All those opposed saying. Next on the agenda agenda is appointment of administrative officer, planning technician, James Ray. Uh Director Ashman, uh could you just uh explain what this is? I uh sure. So each member of the planning department's staff is appointed as an administrative officer, which gives them the authority to carry out their duties. Um after being appointed, Jay James will be able to sign his own recommendations to the commission. And okay, Mr. Ray was uh hired by the uh recently hired, he's the plan technician. So um is there any further discussion? Otherwise, we can make a motion to approve. So move uh moved by uh director Corrello, seconded by Commissioner Coop. Uh all those in favor signify by saying aye. All those opposed say nay. Ayes have it. Congratulations, Mr. Ray. Welcome to Cranston. And uh you've you've been enjoying these meetings, I assume, and taking minutes of it. All right, next update on parks and rec. So this is I believe uh director Pisca. I'm gonna mispronounce your name. Piscapello. Oh, yes, okay. Um this is really in relation to the comprehensive plan, but we're just doing it separately because you're a director. Go ahead. Thank you, Mr. President, members of the commission. Uh, thank you for the opportunity to come here tonight and and just uh state my uh case in regards to the comprehensive plan after reviewing it.