North Kingstown Planning Commission Meeting - November 4, 2025

The North Kingstown Planning Commission met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Town Hall, 80 Boston Neck Rd. The meeting began with notice having been posted on the Secretary of State's website pursuant to RIGL 42-46-6(c). Commissioners considered a master plan decision for Franklin Commons, a development plan review waiver for Firehouse Subs, a continuance request for Harbor View, an administrative actions report, and minutes. The meeting adjourned after about 14 minutes.

Franklin Commons Master Plan Decision

• The Commission approved the Master Plan / Comprehensive Permit Major Land Development application of Franklin Commons LP for Franklin Commons, a 66-unit residential project proposed in one building at 7259 Post Road (Assessors Plat 136, Lot 170), zoned Post Road (PR) and in the groundwater recharge overlay district. The matter had been continued from October 7, 2025.
• The applicant noted the agenda listed the entity as 'LLP,' but the correct name is 'LP' and the decision document reflects that.
• Conservation commission comments were summarized: dark-sky-compliant lighting is already required; color suggestions are not normally a board consideration; and the applicant must show any specimen trees per subdivision regulations.
• A commissioner identified a typo on page 15, item 6D ('the planning commission finds').
• In response to a question, the applicant said they had not yet reached out to the neighboring Post Road apartments about shared access but intended to do so.
• The Commission voted 5-0-1 (five ayes, one abstention) to approve the master plan with the typo corrected. The abstention was from a commissioner who had not attended the previous session.

Firehouse Subs Development Plan Review Waiver

• Bey Corp D/B/A Firehouse Subs requested a waiver of development plan review to establish a fast-food restaurant at 1051 Ten Rod Road, within the Wickford Junction Plaza, zoned Wickford Junction District (WJD) and located in the groundwater recharge area.
• The space occupies the other half of the building previously reviewed for the computer museum; no extensive exterior work is proposed beyond signage and typical alterations.
• Because it is a food use, the applicant must obtain a system suitability determination (SSD) from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for the shared package septic system serving the plaza, proposed condominiums, PECCO, Walmart, and other uses.
• Staff supported the waiver on the condition that the SSD be submitted; if the SSD is not satisfactory, the waiver would need further discussion.
• The Commission unanimously approved the waiver, adding the condition that the septic suitability determination from DEM be obtained before staff approval.

Harbor View Modification Continuance

• The Commission considered a request to continue discussion of a potential modification to the approved Harbor View plan for property off Bowline Drive to December 16, 2025.
• The applicant's engineer, Mr. Carrigan, is expected to attend that meeting. The applicant was asked to provide documentation, data, and scientific information about the wall in advance so that staff (Allie) could review it and make recommendations.
• Commissioners expressed concern about the prolonged back-and-forth and about the town's potential liability if the wall modification were approved without sufficient evidence, particularly if a dispute later arose between the homeowners association and the developer.
• Staff indicated that if the applicant does not provide adequate information, the modification can be denied.
• The Commission voted unanimously to continue the matter to December 16, 2025.

Administrative Actions Report

• Staff reported sign-offs on several plans: the Allen property minor subdivision on Essex Road; a Quonset plan that merged and cleaned up property lines with the railroad; and certificates of occupancy for Pinewood, which now has its first tenants (a model and online tour are available).
• Staff also discussed an administrative subdivision on South Road near the East Greenwich/West Greenwich town line. The submitted survey reflected the correct town line, although the property had previously been taxed in East Greenwich; as a result, the property will be placed on North Kingstown's tax rolls. The GIS had been incorrect.
• A satisfactory nitrate-loading calculation was received for an unnamed project, allowing it to move forward.

Minutes Approval

• The September 25, 2025 site visit minutes for Franklin Commons were approved, with an amendment to add Commissioner Pat Roach, who had attended (and gotten soaked).
• The October 7, 2025 meeting minutes were approved. A commissioner who had not been present initially offered to recuse, but recusal was not required for the minutes vote.

Key Outcomes

• Franklin Commons master plan approved 5-0-1 with typo correction.
• Firehouse Subs development plan review waiver approved unanimously with DEM septic suitability condition.
• Harbor View modification continued to December 16, 2025, unanimously.
• September 25 and October 7 minutes approved.
• Meeting adjourned after approximately 14 minutes.