North Kingstown Planning Commission Meeting – January 6, 2026

The North Kingstown Planning Commission met on January 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Town Hall. The meeting addressed two main agenda items: a waiver request for a mini-storage facility development plan checklist requirement and a decision on a unified development review for a hybrid cannabis retail store. The commission also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and adjourned.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of December 16, 2025: Approved unanimously. Commissioner Roach recused himself from the later cannabis item but participated in the minutes vote.

Discussion Items

• 3A – Waiver Request for DPR Checklist Requirement (915 Ten Rod Road): The applicant, 915 TRR, LLC c/o Richard Storti, requested a waiver of the requirement to obtain a Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Permit Application Package (PAP) prior to completeness approval for a proposed development of three 16,000-square-foot mini-storage facilities on a site in the General Business (GB) zone and groundwater recharge overlay district. Planning staff noted that under new state laws, such prior approval is no longer needed for completeness, and they supported the waiver. The waiver does not eliminate the need for a PAP but allows the project to proceed before the planning board while the PAP is processed, given state agency delays. The commission voted unanimously to approve the waiver.
• 3B – Decision on Unified Development Review for Hybrid Cannabis Retail Store (6670 Post Road): The commission considered a draft decision for Alternative Options, LLC/Bonsai Buds/Jason Calderon to operate a hybrid cannabis retail store in the Post Road (PR) zone. The draft decision included findings and conditions. Commissioner McCue raised concerns about potential impacts and had requested information from the Warwick Police Department regarding their experience with similar cannabis stores. She stated she ultimately contacted Warwick herself and learned there were no issues with loitering or public safety. A heated exchange occurred between Commissioner McCue and applicant’s attorney Michael Resnick over the handling of that inquiry. Chief Urban of the North Kingstown Police Department had previously indicated no objection to the application. Commissioner Donohoe noted his own prosecutorial experience and opined that cannabis-related incidents are not a significant public safety concern. The commission then voted on two separate motions.

Key Outcomes

• Special Use Permit (Zoning Relief) for Cannabis Store: Motion made and seconded to grant the special use permit. The motion passed with 4 in favor and 1 opposed (Commissioner McCue voting no).
• Preliminary and Final Development Plan Approval with Conditions: The commission approved the combined preliminary and final development plan subject to five conditions:
  1. The applicant must submit a response from RIDOT regarding the submitted letter of applicability prior to obtaining any change-of-tenancy or building permits; if RIDOT requires a PAP, it must be addressed.
  2. The applicant shall work with the fire department to establish safe and adequate access consistent with the lockbox key card access system.
  3. Lighting fixtures must comply with Section 14.3 of the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations (Post Road District Standards and Guidelines); the proposed fixtures shall be reviewed and approved administratively by the planning department before permits are issued.
  4. A parking plan in conjunction with other businesses on the site must be submitted to the planning department to ensure consistent availability, including designated parking spots and identification of a loading space, prior to permits.
  5. The applicant shall meet with the police department to review the security plan.

The motion passed with 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Commissioner McCue voted no). Commissioner Roach had recused himself from this item. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.