Cranston City Council Public Works Committee Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Cranston City Council Public Works Committee met on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The committee addressed several items including approval of two intersection polls, an update on the Cranston Ice Rink, a zone change for a new Dunkin' Donuts development, a traffic restriction ordinance for Chiswick Road, and a resolution to change the September primary election date. All items were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Essington (60 Chiswick Road) spoke in favor of the ordinance to designate Chiswick Road as local traffic only. He cited three traffic studies (2020, 2022, 2024) showing up to 1,100 cars per day, with roughly 20 drivers daily exceeding 40 mph (a pedestrian mortality threshold). He noted that navigation apps send drivers through the narrow 25-foot-wide street, saving only 180 seconds, and that 11 out of 12 out-of-state drivers observed used the cut-through. He urged adoption as a low-cost safety measure.
• Nancy Conklin Stone (70 Chiswick Road) described safety hazards, including a near-miss where a child escaped a car and was nearly struck by a turning vehicle. She supported the ordinance to prevent accidents.
• Adam Crawley (77 Chiswick Road), a public health epidemiologist, endorsed the ordinance as a low-cost public health and safety measure, noting his experience with built environment and traffic calming.
• Nicholas Lima (Director of Elections) provided testimony on the resolution to move the September primary election date due to Labor Day conflicts, noting the bill was already heard in the House and expected to move quickly.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Polls P51-50 and P51-51 – Director Correo recommended approval for two polls at the Plainfield Pike intersection along Comstock Parkway. The committee voted unanimously to approve.
• Cranston Ice Rink Update – Ms. Renzuli reported that changes were made immediately after a prior meeting. Updates included: cleaned locker rooms (cleaned and locked after morning skates on game days), removed unneeded items from the ladies' locker room, new handicap signage ordered, front door kept unlocked during events, new staff jackets for identification, repaired sound system (a direct parent request), and four staff assigned during games. Discussion included the need for a police detail at high school games and potential funding sources. Council members expressed appreciation and noted visible improvements.
• Ordinance 1225-2 – Zone Change at 0 Plainfield Pike – Attorney Joseph Shikachi presented a proposal to change the zone from M2 to M2 with conditions for a multi-use commercial building anchored by a Dunkin' Donuts with a drive-through. Planning commission recommended approval unanimously. Parking exceeds requirements. Councilwoman Graziano encouraged higher stormwater management standards (NOAA Atlas 14+). An amendment corrected a typo ("IO" to "in") and was approved. The ordinance was then approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 12601 – Chiswick Road Traffic Restriction – Councilwoman Graziano introduced the ordinance to designate Chiswick Road as local traffic only. She noted that the traffic engineer had not responded to multiple requests since November 2024. The city attorney clarified that after 60 days from submission (December 19, 2025), the council can act without a recommendation. Amendments corrected spelling ("Narragansett" and "Chiswick Road") and were approved. The committee voted unanimously to recommend passage. Council members discussed additional measures such as signage and potential speed bumps.
• Resolution – Primary Election Date Change – Sponsored by President Wall and Councilman Campobiano, the resolution requests General Assembly action to move the September primary due to Labor Day. Director Lima explained logistical problems. The committee approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Polls P51-50 and P51-51: Approved unanimously.
• Cranston Ice Rink: Update noted; no formal vote.
• Zone Change (0 Plainfield Pike): Approved unanimously after amendment.
• Chiswick Road Ordinance: Recommended to full council with unanimous vote (passed out of committee).
• Primary Election Date Resolution: Approved unanimously.

All actions were taken by voice or roll call votes with no opposition.