Cranston Special City Council Meeting: Appointment, Rat Infestation, Pool Update, and Zoning Change - September 11, 2025

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting on September 11, 2025, followed by the Works Committee and Ordinance Committee. The meeting included the appointment of a new citywide councilmember, discussions on a persistent rodent infestation at a Poplar Drive apartment complex, an update on the Budlong pool renovation, and a zoning change for a proposed residential development in Knightsville.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the agenda taken out of order (unanimous).
• Approval of the appointment of Amelia Vizeri to fill the vacant citywide council seat (unanimous, 8-0). Council members offered supportive remarks, praising her community involvement and public service.
• Approval of the Works Committee meeting minutes from August 14, 2025 (unanimous).
• Approval of the Ordinance Committee meeting minutes from August 14, 2025 (unanimous).
• A petition for new utility poles on Wellington Ave. was noted as already approved on August 14, 2025; no further action taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Appointment of Amelia Vizeri: A resident (73-year-old independent voter) spoke in support, citing her character as an athlete and coach. Mayor Kenneth Hopkins also welcomed her, calling her a great addition.
• Housing Court Ordinance (25-01): Nicole Renzuli, a planning commissioner, spoke in support of the proposed housing court, stating it would streamline enforcement and reduce burden on the general court system. She noted that refinements are needed to align with state law and ensure fiscal transparency.
• Zoning Change (7-25-06): Representative Chris Papelaskis (District 15) spoke in favor, highlighting the need for housing and the project's fit with the Knightsville neighborhood.
• Rat Infestation Ordinance (25-02): No public comment was received on this item.

Discussion Items

• Rat Infestation at 45 Poplar Drive: Council President Wall and Councilman Bonano led a discussion on ongoing rodent issues at two apartment buildings. Inspections Director Anna Marie Marquetti and DPW Director Frank Corallo reported that a pest control company has been hired and bait stations placed. However, Council members expressed frustration that the management company has not replaced a cracked plastic dumpster after three weeks, and that rat holes remain visible. Councilwoman Graziano suggested using green infrastructure and native landscaping. The Council urged stronger enforcement and faster compliance, especially for commercial properties.
• Budlong Pool Renovation Update: Director of Public Works Corallo reported that interior work (toilets, partitions, painting, flooring) is nearly complete, with the building expected to be finished by end of September. Exterior excavation encountered a layer of peat (4–8 inches) at the deep end, requiring additional soil removal and backfill. Change orders total approximately $400,000 (8% over budget), and additional funding may be needed. The pool is still on track for a July 1, 2026 opening. ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2026. A splash pad at the pool site is planned, with $250,000 in ARPA funds and $125,000 already spent on equipment. A public outreach meeting showed strong support for the splash pad.
• Zoning Change for 1746 Cranston Street (7-25-06): Attorney Robert Murray and architect Eric Zwaina presented a proposal to rezone 2.1 acres from C5 (heavy business) to C2 (neighborhood business) to allow construction of up to 36 condominium units (including an existing 4-unit building). The project includes 15% affordable housing, two parking spaces per unit, and use of C3 dimensional standards. The planning commission gave a positive recommendation. Council members expressed strong support, citing the need for housing and the project's fit with the Knightsville area. Councilwoman Graziano requested stormwater management plans and green infrastructure.
• Rat Infestation Fines Ordinance (25-02): Council President Wall proposed amending the current code to increase fines from a one-time $50 to $50 per day until the property is rat-proof, and to allow municipal court to impose fines up to $500 per violation. Councilwoman Graziano noted that the language should be consistent between "rat-proof condition" and "eradication" to avoid a legal defense. The item was continued to the next meeting for refinement.
• Housing Court Ordinance (25-01): The sponsor moved to continue this item to the next Ordinance Committee meeting (tentatively September 22) to allow Judge Coya to provide input and to address outstanding issues.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment of Amelia Vizeri: Approved unanimously (8-0). She was sworn in immediately and assigned to all five committees.
• Rat Infestation Issues: The Council directed the administration to provide stronger enforcement deadlines and to consider a new ordinance with higher fines. The item on fines was continued for language cleanup.
• Zoning Change (7-25-06): Approved unanimously (8-0) by the Ordinance Committee, sending a positive recommendation to the full City Council.
• Housing Court Ordinance (25-01): Continued to the next Ordinance Committee meeting (tentatively September 22, 2025) for further discussion.
• Rat Infestation Fines Ordinance (25-02): Continued to the next Ordinance Committee meeting for language refinement, with the goal of ensuring consistency between definitions and enforcement mechanisms.
• Budlong Pool: The administration will work with the finance director to identify additional funding for change orders and will keep the Council informed. The splash pad is moving forward as an adjunct to the pool.

All motions were passed with unanimous votes unless otherwise noted.