Cranston City Works Committee and Council Meeting - July 1, 2026

The meeting began at 6:11 PM with the Works Committee and concluded at 9:09 PM after the Ordinance meeting. Discussions covered a range of items including a petition from Verizon, the Knightsville fountain project, pool rentals, a Shriner's LED sign, fire pit regulations, and zoning amendments. Public comment was heated, particularly around the fountain expenditure and the Verizon grant.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Ferry (2426 Cranston St) spoke against the city spending $173,000 on a fountain at St. Mary's Church, calling it "frivolous wasteful spending" and urging council members to oppose it.
• John Paglarini (7 Camden Lane) argued that the Verizon project notice was defective (missing meeting date/time) and that the federal grant intended for underserved areas was being misused on a street of million-dollar homes already served by Cox and T-Mobile.
• Thomas Wojk (Levin Hall Pl) criticized the fountain expenditure given the city's budget crisis, tax increases, and recent cuts to services, stating the council's "silence is very loud."
• Ryan Mean Wright (31 Cedarwood Dr) expressed outrage over using tax dollars for a fountain during a financial crisis, urging accountability.
• Jared Goodwin (40 Horizon Dr, online) commented on pool rental concerns, questioning how to police pool usage and suggesting it be left to law enforcement.

Discussion Items

• Verizon Petition (7A Y2G): A request to replace conduit and handholes on Camden Lane and Kendall Court. Public speakers raised concerns about defective notice (missing meeting date), misuse of a federal broadband grant intended for low-income areas, inaccurate construction plans, lack of erosion controls, and traffic management issues. Council Vice President Heroyan argued the grant was for low-income areas, not a neighborhood with homes appraised near $600,000. Councilman Bonano suggested a community meeting, but a motion to deny prevailed after the solicitor clarified the council only permits work, not funding. The motion to deny passed 7-0.
• Cemetery Permit (RIDOT): A request to allow construction within 25 feet of State Farm Cemetery #1. The solicitor noted substantial legal requirements (archaeological survey, historical commission rules). Director Crayo confirmed the boundaries are unclear. The committee voted 7-0 to continue pending a legal opinion and more information.
• Fountain at 1525 Cranston St (Communication): Council President Wall and Councilwoman Graziano brought this item after public outcry. Wall outlined the project's history: part of Phase III of the Knightsville revitalization, funded by a $1.9 million federal grant and $2.8 million in city bonds, with a $3.5 million contract awarded in July 2025. The fountain itself was not a separate line item; Director Crayo explained that an unbalanced bid made the $173,000 figure misleading—it includes profit and other items. He also cited safety hazards (trip/fall, exposed wiring) as reasons for replacement. Councilman Bonano shared personal knowledge that the fountain was donated to the church, not the city. The solicitor indicated the council likely cannot stop the project administratively but could consider gift back to church. The item was continued for further research on ownership, easements, and potential change orders.
• Residential Pool Rentals: Councilman Ritz discussed complaints about private pools rented via apps (e.g., Swimly) causing noise, traffic, and parties. The solicitor noted this likely violates zoning (commercial use in residential zone) and may require Department of Health licensing. Councilman Bonano volunteered to gather evidence. The item was continued.
• Shriner's LED Sign Update: Councilwoman Graziano reported that the zoning enforcement officer issued a citation after two notices, and a municipal court summons was filed. The solicitor noted the city could seek an injunction in Superior Court if needed. Councilman Ritz described the sign as very bright, reflecting in residents' windows. The update was received; no vote.
• Fire Pit Ordinance (5-2601): Sponsored by Vice President Heroyan, this ordinance requires inspection of propane, natural gas, and outdoor fire pits for restaurant and public safety. It was approved 7-0 with multiple council members adding as co-sponsors.
• Unmerged Lot Ordinance (4-2603): Councilman Anduhar's proposal to allow unmerging lots on 3,200 sq ft (for single-family) and 4,000 sq ft (for two-family) by right to generate revenue. Public comment from Stephen Price (Plan Commission chair) and Robert Murray (land use attorney) opposed, citing parking, stormwater, and fiscal concerns. Anduhar attempted to amend to apply only to Ward 3 but was told zoning must be citywide. He presented a fiscal estimate: $1.7 million in fees and permits for the ward, but the solicitor noted a fiscal note is difficult because lot sizes and building values vary. The item was continued 7-0 pending development of an overlay district and more data.
• Lot Size Ordinance (4-2604): Similar to the above, reducing minimum lot sizes citywide. Continued 7-0 for the same reasons.
• Right Turn on Red (6-1501): Councilman Bonano proposed amending a previous no-right-turn-on-red at Cranston St & Agansett Ave to restrict only during school hours (7-8:30 AM and 2-3:30 PM) to balance safety and traffic flow. An amendment added "on school days only," approved 7-0, and the main motion was then approved as amended.
• Stop Sign at Armington & Marcy (6-1502): Councilwoman Graziano requested a stop sign due to pedestrian safety concerns near Edgewood Highland Elementary. After reviewing traffic studies showing low speeds and the proximity of an existing stop sign, she asked for a continuance to further evaluate. Motion passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Denied: Verizon petition (7-0).
• Continued: Cemetery permit, fountain communication, pool rentals, unmerged lot ordinance, lot size ordinance, Armington stop sign.
• Approved: Fire pit ordinance (7-0), Right-turn-on-red amendment and main motion (7-0 each).
• No Vote: Shriner's sign update received as information.