Narragansett Planning Board Special Meeting: Comprehensive Plan Update Kickoff – June 4, 2026 (Note: Agenda and minutes list the meeting date as June 8, 2026; the provided date is used per instruction despite this discrepancy.)

The Narragansett Planning Board held a special meeting on June 4, 2026 (agenda and minutes show June 8), to officially launch the state‑mandated update of the town’s Comprehensive Plan. The board heard an initial presentation from Weston & Sampson, the consulting firm engaged to lead the update. The consultants reviewed preliminary demographic, housing, and economic data and outlined an aggressive schedule culminating in local approval by January 2027. Board members discussed data challenges, particularly around seasonal population and student impacts, and identified the need for deeper engagement with the University of Rhode Island (URI), the Economic Development Commission (EDC), and the public.

Discussion Items

A.1 Introduction of the Comprehensive Plan Update

• Presenters: Sue Mara and Jason Parker (Weston & Sampson) described the scope of the update, referencing the 2017 plan and state requirements. They noted that the state requires updates every 10 years and that the current plan must be replaced by 2029 to remain legally operative.
• Schedule: The consultants presented an “aggressive” bubble schedule aiming for local Planning Board approval and Town Council adoption in January 2027. Monthly meetings with the Planning Board are planned to review each chapter. Stakeholder groups (e.g., housing, natural resources, economic development) will be formed, and at least two public workshops are scheduled (first tentatively July 13, 2026).
• Public Survey: A public survey will be released via SurveyMonkey and promoted through email blasts, social media, postcards at local businesses, and the town website. A QR code will be provided for easy access.

A.2 Review of Preliminary Data

• Demographics: The consultants showed that Narragansett is the most densely populated town in Washington County but the only one showing population decline. The median age is increasing, school enrollment is falling, and household size is decreasing. Board members noted that seasonal population and student rentals likely skew poverty and vacancy data.
  • Board Comments:
    • James Grundy questioned whether Washington County municipalities can fairly be compared to Narragansett, given its unique coastal/tourism character. The consultants agreed to explore comparisons with communities like Jamestown.
    • Stephen DeSimone observed that trends are clear: fewer homes are being built, and little new construction occurred in the past decade.
    • Rupert Friday emphasized the need to distinguish local from out‑of‑town students in enrollment data.
    • Joseph O’Neill noted many vacant living units in his neighborhood and that birthrates are declining nationwide, affecting housing demand and school consolidation.
    • Thomas Callahan described a trend of single‑family homes being purchased or converted to second homes or retiree residences, often very large but occasionally occupied, skewing data.
• Housing Stock: Narragansett’s housing is dominated by large single‑family homes (3–4 bedrooms). Over one‑third of housing units are classified as vacant, but 90% of those are seasonal/recreational. Board members discussed that these units are used only part‑time, creating infrastructure peaks. The consultants noted that the “missing middle” (2–4 unit structures) is largely absent.
• Affordability: The town has about 4.5% low‑ and moderate‑income (LMI) housing (after recent state law changes counting vouchers and mobile homes), well below the 10% threshold, making Narragansett vulnerable to “comprehensive permit” (40B‑type) applications. Board members discussed the difficulty of producing affordable units given high land costs and the need for density.
• Economic Data: The consultants reviewed employment centers (URI, Starr Industrial Park, Wakefield, Point Judith), fishing/aquaculture, and seasonality. Board members urged better data on URI’s comprehensive impact (housing, transportation, infrastructure, economy). They also stressed the importance of engaging the local Chamber of Commerce, the EDC, and the South County Tourism Council.

A.3 Upcoming Meetings Discussion

• The board agreed to a joint work session with the Town Council on July 8, 2026, to brief council members on the Comprehensive Plan process.
• The first public workshop is tentatively set for July 13, 2026, at the Narragansett Community Center (pending clarification on televising requirements).
• Chair Callahan requested that board members respond to Jill Sabo regarding availability for monthly special meetings scheduled through the process.
• A separate work session on urban renewal integration into the zoning ordinance is proposed for July 6, 2026, pending Town Council confirmation.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on the Comprehensive Plan content; the meeting was informational.
• Board members provided extensive feedback on data methodology, comparisons, and local nuances. Weston & Sampson will revise the community profile slides and share them with the board for further comment.
• The board directed staff to work with the Planning Department to arrange the July 8 work session with the Town Council and the July 13 public workshop.
• A motion to adjourn (made by Dr. O’Neill, seconded by S. DeSimone) passed 5‑0 at 7:46 PM.