OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Narragansett Planning Board Meeting - August 13, 2026

Public Meetings — Thursday, August 13, 2026
BodyNarragansett, Rhode Island
SessionPublic Meetings
DateThursday, August 13, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:44:11

Transcript — Verbatim
5:21

Let's turn that on.

5:23

So I'd like to call the uh Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 meeting of the Narraganset Planning Board in order.

5:33

Heidi, would you please call the role?

5:38

Here.

5:43

No words.

5:45

Here.

5:47

Absent with clause.

5:50

Here.

5:54

Thank you.

5:55

First order of business will be if there are.

5:58

I don't have any administrative matters.

6:00

Jill, do you have any that need to be announced at this point in time?

6:04

No, Mr.

6:05

Chairman.

6:05

Okay.

6:12

Two.

6:19

Right.

6:19

Okay.

6:19

So have uh the approval of the minutes for June 8th and June 16th.

6:24

Any suggested changes.

6:30

Is there a second?

6:31

Second.

6:31

All in favor?

6:32

Aye.

6:33

Motion for the eighth and the sixteenth is approved.

6:36

Uh do we need a motion to hold the twenty-first to the next meeting?

6:40

Or just yes.

6:46

Okay, so we'll continue.

6:48

Uh motion to continue be moved.

6:50

Second?

6:51

Second.

6:51

All in favor?

6:53

Okay.

6:54

Moving on.

6:55

Uh we'll uh to site reviews.

6:56

C1, Hamlin, Hanland, excuse me.

7:00

N S lot five eight nine three oh four, Colonel Gardner Road.

7:06

Mr.

7:07

Sorrett is here.

7:09

Is that correct?

7:10

Yes.

7:11

All right.

7:12

So just for some background for I guess those who are watching at home.

7:18

Um this is an application to the request of the demolition of an existing side yard shed and to construct in its place a cabana with an associated plunge pool and stone patio.

7:33

Project requires a variance and a special use permit from the coastal resources overlay district, section four point four.

7:40

This project also required a variance or requires a variance from the dimensional regulation section six point four uh six point four.

7:48

Um the proposed improvements are a demolition of the existing shed, construction of a nine by nineteen nine foot by nineteen foot driveway expansion, construction of a fifteen foot by twenty-two-foot cabana and a seven foot by thirteen foot plunge pool with an associated eighteen foot by twenty-two-foot stone patio.

8:08

Proposed building coverage, lot coverage would be approximately three thousand, almost four thousand square feet, thirteen point three percent compared to twelve percent as it currently stands.

8:20

Project does not comply with the dimensional regulations of section six point four because the right side setback proposed is twelve feet eight inches where 24 inches is required.

8:35

R I M uh RIDEM is issued a permit uh for four-bedroom OWTS system for the property, property service by Viola Water.

8:45

Properties also located uh excuse me.

8:48

The existing dwelling in all proposed construction is located outside the special flood hazard area.

8:55

And the future land use designation for this property is residential height to moderate density.

9:00

The project as proposed appears to comply with the land use proport com component of the comprehensive plan.

9:13

Is that on?

9:14

Is your microphone on?

9:17

No, but the the green light.

9:19

Oh the green view.

9:21

Thank you, Mr.

9:22

Chairman, members of the board.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████████████████████████████67%
Affordable Housing███████10%
Public Safety█████8%
Procedural█████7%
Community Engagement███4%
Pending Litigation█2%
Capital Improvement Planning█2%
Summary of Proceedings

Narragansett Planning Board Meeting - August 13, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, but the provided metadata states the meeting took place on August 13, 2026. This summary uses the specified date of August 13, 2026.

The Narragansett Planning Board met to review several site plan applications, discuss new business, and receive updates. The board approved minutes from June 8 and June 16, 2026, and continued the minutes from June 21, 2026, to the next meeting. Key actions included votes on four site plan reviews, with split decisions on two applications.

Site Plan Review: Hamlin/Hanland – Colonel Gardner Road

  • Applicant: Stephen Certett representing the owner.
  • Proposal: Demolish an existing shed and construct a cabana (15 ft x 22 ft), a plunge pool (7 ft x 13 ft), a stone patio (18 ft x 22 ft), and a driveway expansion (9 ft x 19 ft).
  • Variances Required: Coastal resources overlay district (special use permit) and dimensional regulation (section 6.4) for a right side setback of 12 ft 8 in where 24 in is required (as stated in the transcript).
  • Discussion: The board noted the cabana will have no living accommodations. The applicant stated neighbors were consulted and no objections were raised. Lot coverage would increase from 12% to 13.3%.
  • Outcome: Motion for completeness and consistency with the comprehensive plan passed unanimously. A favorable motion (including conditions 1–7 and findings under section 18.5) passed unanimously.

Site Plan Review: Two Floors Up LLC – Additional Bedroom

  • Applicant: Laura Kriquarian, architect, for owner Kathy Horst.
  • Proposal: Permit a fifth bedroom in an existing office space on the lowest level of a single-family dwelling. No new construction; only adding a door.
  • Variances Required: Special use permit for homes exceeding four bedrooms (section 12.23).
  • Discussion: The lot is 35,478 sq ft. The applicant demonstrated compliance with zoning standards, including parking (3,206 sq ft driveway plus garage). The board noted the application was straightforward and appreciated the proactive approach.
  • Outcome: Motion for completeness and consistency passed unanimously. A favorable motion (citing policies LU 1.1, LU 2.2, LU 2.8, and H 1.4, and findings under section 18.5) passed unanimously.

Site Plan Review: Ferretta – 48 Leonard Bodwell Road

  • Applicant: Steven Marisella for Nadine Ferretta; architect Amy Saunders.
  • Proposal: Construct a two-story addition above an existing garage (8 ft x 11 ft), a left side yard stairway (4 ft x 16 ft), and a second-story deck connection to the main dwelling.
  • Variances Required: Dimensional regulations (section 6.4) for a substandard lot (6,426 sq ft): left side yard setback of 1.1 ft (required 6.43 ft, relief of 5.2 ft) and a garage corner setback of 1.43 ft.
  • Discussion: The board split on the stairway. Concerns were raised about the 1.1 ft setback conflicting with new fire access regulations (Chapter 1154, Section 1.6.5B requiring 5 ft). The applicant argued that existing access between the house and garage provides sufficient room. The board voted separately on the garage and stairway variances.
  • Outcome:
    • Garage addition: Motion for completeness and consistency passed (3-1). A favorable motion (citing policies LU 1.1 and LU 2.2, and findings under section 18.5) passed 3-1, with one member dissenting.
    • Stairway: Motion for completeness and consistency passed (3-1). A negative motion (finding violation of fire access regulations and lack of evidence that other options were considered) passed 3-1, with one member voting against disapproval. The board recommends denial of the stairway variance.

Site Plan Review: San Martino – 0 Treasure Road

  • Applicant: Jack McGreen for Rocco San Martino; architects Gran Billings and Elizabeth San Martino.
  • Proposal: Construct a single-family dwelling (45 ft x 70 ft) with attached garage, porches, deck, and pervious driveway on a 9,900 sq ft lot.
  • Variances Required: Building height (34.5 ft vs 30 ft max), lot coverage (40.2% vs 30% max), floor area ratio (0.35 vs 0.31 max), and hardscape (54% vs 35% max).
  • Discussion: The applicant argued the house is modest and fits the neighborhood. The board debated the significant relief requested. A motion for completeness and consistency passed unanimously. A motion for a favorable recommendation failed 2-2 (with members Doc and the chairman opposed). The board did not pass an unfavorable motion, so the application proceeds to the zoning board without a recommendation.

New Business: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Planning Board Authority

  • Staff (Jill) updated the board on discussions with the town manager and finance director regarding the board's role in reviewing the CIP. The CIP process begins in the fall. The board will receive further guidance before the next cycle.

New Business: Recodification of Zoning and Subdivision Regulations

  • The board discussed a memo from staff recommending a recodification of the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. The board agreed to develop a complete package for the town council. Staff will aim to present a draft by the September meeting to allow for potential inclusion in the next CIP. The board emphasized the need to address outstanding changes from 2024–2026 state legislation.

Liaison Updates

  • Coastal Access: No report (Rupert absent).
  • Land Conservancy Trust: Steve reported on upcoming Gansett Days (September 19) and a community garden initiative at Sunset Farm.

Legislative Updates

  • Staff reviewed state legislation passed in 2026. A chart of required changes to the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations is being prepared. The board directed Scott (town solicitor) to draft amendments incorporating all outstanding legislative changes from 2024–2026.

Comprehensive Plan Update

  • The first stakeholder meeting (historical, cultural, scenic resources) is scheduled for August 25 (virtual). The next planning board special meeting on the comprehensive plan will be September 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Housing and land use elements will be introduced.

Petition for Text Amendment: Boone Street Special Planning District

  • A petition was received late in the week. The board will forward it to the town council for scheduling. The board's recommendation is due within 45 days. The item will be placed on the September 15 agenda for formal action.

Key Outcomes

  • Minutes: Approved for June 8 and June 16; continued for June 21.
  • Hamlin/Hanland: Approved unanimously.
  • Two Floors Up: Approved unanimously.
  • Ferretta: Garage addition approved (3-1); stairway variance denied (3-1).
  • San Martino: No recommendation due to tie vote (2-2).
  • Recodification: Draft package to be presented in September.
  • Legislative updates: Scott to draft amendments.
  • Comprehensive plan: Special meeting set for September 10.
  • Boone Street petition: To be considered at September 15 meeting.

Meeting Transcript

Let's turn that on. So I'd like to call the uh Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 meeting of the Narraganset Planning Board in order. Heidi, would you please call the role? Here. No words. Here. Absent with clause. Here. Thank you. First order of business will be if there are. I don't have any administrative matters. Jill, do you have any that need to be announced at this point in time? No, Mr. Chairman. Okay. Two. Right. Okay. So have uh the approval of the minutes for June 8th and June 16th. Any suggested changes. Is there a second? Second. All in favor? Aye. Motion for the eighth and the sixteenth is approved. Uh do we need a motion to hold the twenty-first to the next meeting? Or just yes. Okay, so we'll continue. Uh motion to continue be moved. Second? Second. All in favor? Okay. Moving on. Uh we'll uh to site reviews. C1, Hamlin, Hanland, excuse me. N S lot five eight nine three oh four, Colonel Gardner Road. Mr. Sorrett is here. Is that correct? Yes. All right. So just for some background for I guess those who are watching at home. Um this is an application to the request of the demolition of an existing side yard shed and to construct in its place a cabana with an associated plunge pool and stone patio. Project requires a variance and a special use permit from the coastal resources overlay district, section four point four. This project also required a variance or requires a variance from the dimensional regulation section six point four uh six point four. Um the proposed improvements are a demolition of the existing shed, construction of a nine by nineteen nine foot by nineteen foot driveway expansion, construction of a fifteen foot by twenty-two-foot cabana and a seven foot by thirteen foot plunge pool with an associated eighteen foot by twenty-two-foot stone patio. Proposed building coverage, lot coverage would be approximately three thousand, almost four thousand square feet, thirteen point three percent compared to twelve percent as it currently stands. Project does not comply with the dimensional regulations of section six point four because the right side setback proposed is twelve feet eight inches where 24 inches is required. R I M uh RIDEM is issued a permit uh for four-bedroom OWTS system for the property, property service by Viola Water.

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