Johnston public meetings in 2025

Amended Regular Zoning Board Meeting

The Zoning Board of Review reviewed several variance requests and approved the 2026 meeting schedule. The board granted use variances for two-family residential constructions in B2 zones and accepted a dimensional variance request for a pool cabana.

• Approved use variance for a 2 family structure at 659 Killingly Street (AAA Properties)
• Approved use variance for a 2 family structure at 0 Killingly St. (Hector Adames)
• Accepted dimensional variance for a new building and pool cabana at 15 Carriage Way
• Continued request for reconsideration of a Special Use Permit at 1208 Atwood Avenue to February 26, 2026
• Approved the 2026 Schedule of Meetings

Town Council Meeting

The Town Council granted several business and liquor licenses and authorized the mayor to purchase new equipment for the Department of Development and Public Service. The council also referred a zoning change request for Miles Gas, Inc to the Planning Board.

• Approved business licenses for Richard Tailor Express, Federal Express Corporation, and Rhode Island Periodontics, Inc
• Granted a Class BV-Full Liquor License to El Comal Restaurante y Café
• Authorized purchase of two Chevrolet Silverado 5500 trucks with dump bodies and plows
• Authorized purchase of an EZ 0012-T dump insert and a High-Pressure Root Cutter
• Referred a petition by Miles Gas, Inc to change zoning for Assessor’s Plat 54, Lots 10 & 120 from R-40 to B-2 to the Planning Board

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board approved the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the 2026 meeting calendar. It approved a revised plan for the Leading Street minor subdivision with specific lot size and housing restrictions. New business included a public hearing on sewer improvements for Salina Drive and the Ostend Street pump station, and the board continued discussion of a duplex development at 1140 Atwood Avenue to the next meeting. An administrative report covered draft revisions to land development and subdivision regulations.

• Approval of November 4, 2025 meeting minutes (PB 25‑27‑86 & 86 ½)
• Adoption of the 2026 regular meeting calendar
• Approval of PB 25‑27 – Leading Street Minor Subdivision with stipulations on lot size, house type, and three‑car parking
• Public hearing on PB 25‑54 – Salina Drive and Ostend Street Sewer Improvements
• Continuation of PB 25‑62 – 1140 Atwood Avenue duplex development to the Jan 6 meeting

Cancelled Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board meeting set for November 20, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were presented, and no decisions or discussions will take place at this time.

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council meeting will consider several petitions for zoning changes, an amendment to industrial noise standards, and multiple business and liquor licenses. It will also vote on three resolutions, including an agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for stormwater mitigation on Atwood and Hartford Avenues, a grant application for open space improvements at the War Memorial Park, and a contract for appraisal services for town‑owned buildings. Additional items include public hearing updates and constituent requests.

• 2024-CP-173: Petition to rezone Morgan Avenue (Assessor’s Plat 8, Lot 14) from R‑20 to R‑7
• 2025-CP-10: Petition to rezone Shun Pike (Assessor’s Plat 43, Lots 264 & 265) from R‑40 to I‑Industrial
• Ordinance 2025-4: Amendment to Article IV, §340‑16 (Industrial Performance Standards) regarding noise
• Resolution 2025-56: Authorizes mayor to agree with RI DOT on stormwater mitigation on Atwood and Hartford Avenues
• Resolution 2025-57: Authorizes mayor to apply for open space grant funds for improvements to the Johnston War Memorial Park

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Board approved the Angell Street Preliminary Plan, granting several zoning reliefs, a use variance, and a special use permit for residential units. It postponed the 44 Pocasset Street minor subdivision hearing to the December 2 meeting. It also approved the 23 Columbus Avenue minor subdivision, including dimensional variances and the preliminary plan. Advisory opinions were adopted for a cell tower lease at 1520 Atwood Avenue and a stormwater easement at 112 Peck Hill Road.

• PB 25-20 – Angell Street: approval of Preliminary Plan with multiple zoning reliefs, use variance, and special use permit.
• PB 25-47 – 44 Pocasset Street: public hearing postponed to Dec 2 for minor subdivision.
• PB 25-51 – 23 Columbus Avenue: approval of minor subdivision, dimensional variances, and Preliminary Plan.
• PB 25-53 – Advisory opinion on cell tower lease at 1520 Atwood Avenue.
• PB 25-55 – Advisory opinion recommending stormwater easement grant at 112 Peck Hill Road.

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review met to review one new business item. The board considered and voted on a dimensional variance request for an accessory structure.

• Approved dimensional variance for a 30 x 34 sq. ft. garage at 5 Castaldi Dr. (Plat 33, Lot 98, Zone R40)

Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will consider a large volume of new and transferred business operating and restaurant licenses. The body will also discuss infrastructure petitions and resolutions regarding town services and public safety.

• Resolution 2025-52: Appropriation of $75,000 from reserve funds for a Stormwater Mitigation Plan local grant match
• Ordinance 2025-7: Public hearing on guidelines for the placement of speed control devices
• Resolution 2025-50: Authorization for the sale of Assessor’s Plat 33, Lot 23
• 2025-L-11: Liquor license transfer for Sandos Pizzeria at 1571 Atwood Ave., Unit #3
• 2025-CP-172: Request for a speed calming device on Pine Hill Avenue

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a preliminary plan for a new restaurant with a drive‑through at 1515 Atwood Avenue. The board will also consider a minor subdivision proposal on Leading Street to create four undersized lots (PB 25‑27) and a pre‑application discussion for three new lots on Santa Circle that would make Santa Lane a town road (PB 25‑45). Additional agenda items include approval of minutes, old business, and updates to the comprehensive plan.

• PB 25‑05 – Preliminary plan and Unified Development Review for a new restaurant with drive‑through at 1515 Atwood Avenue (zoned B‑2).
• PB 25‑27 – Public hearing on a minor subdivision of four undersized lots on Leading Street (zoned R‑15).
• PB 25‑45 – Pre‑application discussion for three new undersized lots on Santa Circle, proposing Santa Lane become a town road (zoned R‑40).

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board accepted the minutes from the previous meeting and denied an application for a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna Street in Zone R15. The board considered several dimensional variance requests, granting a continuance for a garage project at 839 Sanderson Road Apt. 61 and another for a garage at 11 Nardolillo Street, and accepted supporting documents for a new building at 0 Myrtle Avenue. The board granted a dimensional variance with stipulations for the 0 Myrtle Avenue project. The meeting was adjourned.

• Denial of feline shelter application, 27 Zanfagna St, Plot 4 Lot 242, Zone R15
• Continuance request for dimensional variance to build a 40 × 47 ft garage at 839 Sanderson Rd Apt 61, Lot 25, Zone R40
• Continuance request for dimensional variance to build a 36 × 42 ft garage at 11 Nardolillo St, Plat 26 Lot 102, Zone R20
• Grant of dimensional variance with stipulations for new building at 0 Myrtle Ave, Plat 3 Lot 209, Zone B2
• Acceptance of narrative and photos as Exhibit A for the 0 Myrtle Ave application

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will vote on several resolutions that authorize the mayor to enter contracts for major town projects, including a hazard mitigation consulting contract, a streetscape and drainage improvement on Hartford/Atwood Avenues, a floor renovation at the Indoor Recreation Center, and upgrades to the Senior Center bocce court. The meeting also includes petitions for zoning changes, speed‑calming devices, a noise‑level relief request, and a series of business and liquor license applications.

• Resolution 2025-46 – award bid and authorize mayor to contract consulting services for the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Resolution 2025-47 – authorize mayor to contract engineering services for the Hartford/Atwood Avenues streetscape and drainage improvement project
• Resolution 2025-48 – award bid and authorize mayor to contract for floor renovation at the Indoor Recreation Center
• Resolution 2025-49 – award bid and authorize mayor to contract for replacement and improvements to the Bocce Court at the Senior Center
• Petition 2025-CP-141 – request to install a speed‑calming device on Vermont Street

Special Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board held public hearings on several minor subdivision proposals. It approved the amended master plan and preliminary plan for the Preserve at Briarcliffe, authorizing 12 cottage‑style units on Old Pocasset Road with multiple conditions. The board also approved subdivision plans for properties on Hopkins Avenue, Pleasant Street, Appian Way, and Angell Street.

• PB 25-28 – Preserve at Briarcliffe: approval of amended master plan and preliminary plan for 12 cottage units on Old Pocasset Road, Zoned PD-CCRC, with fire, RIDEM, sewer, soil‑erosion, maintenance and 55‑plus tenant conditions
• PB 25-30 – 44 Hopkins Avenue: approval of unified development review creating two residential lots (AP 59 Lot 43), Zoned R-40, with revised lot size
• PB 25-36 – 26 Pleasant Street: approval of unified development review creating two residential lots (AP 4 Lots 118 & 113), Zoned R-15 & B-1, including variance and conditional agreement with adjoining property owner
• PB 25-37 – 5 Appian Way: approval of unified development review creating two residential lots (AP 8 Lot 290), Zoned R-15, with frontage waiver and flexible zoning subdivision approval
• PB 25-20 – Angell Street: public hearing on preliminary plan for 8 single‑family homes (AP 40 Lots 235 & 237), Zoned R-15 & B-2

Zoning Board Meeting

The Zoning Board will review four pending applications: a request for a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna St (Lot 4 Plot 242, Zone R15) which is not permitted under the Table of Use Regulations; a dimensional variance for a new garage at 17 Jackson Ave (Lot 16 Plot 194, Zone R15); a special use permit to add liquor to an existing coffee shop at 1208 Atwood Ave (Lot 44 Plot 332, Zone B1); and a dimensional variance to construct a 40 × 47‑foot garage with second‑floor storage at 839 Sanderson Rd (Lot 61 Plot 25, Zone R40). No new business items are listed.

• Feline shelter request at 27 Zanfagna St, Lot 4 Plot 242, Zone R15 – not permitted under Table of Use Regulations Subsection 9 (18a).
• Dimensional variance for a new garage at 17 Jackson Ave, Lot 16 Plot 194, Zone R15.
• Special use permit to add liquor at 1208 Atwood Ave, Lot 44 Plot 332, Zone B1 (currently a coffee shop).
• Dimensional variance for a 40 × 47‑ft garage with second‑floor storage at 839 Sanderson Rd, Lot 61 Plot 25, Zone R40.

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider two resolutions, one to request a state grant for purchasing land on Belfield Drive for stormwater retention, and another to enter a RhodeRestore 2026 agreement with the state DOT for road repaving. The agenda also includes petitions to change zoning on Morgan Avenue and Shun Pike, an amendment to the Industrial Performance Standards ordinance, and a series of business operating and liquor licenses. Votes may be taken on any or all items listed.

• Resolution 2025-44: authorize mayor to apply for RI DEM grant to buy four parcels on Belfield Drive for stormwater retention
• Resolution 2025-45: authorize mayor to agree with RI DOT under RhodeRestore 2026 for road repaving
• Petition 2024-CP-173: change zone map for Assessor’s Plat 8, Lot 14 on Morgan Avenue from R-20 to R-7
• Ordinance 2025-4: amend Article IV §340-16 (Industrial Performance Standards) regarding noise
• Business operating licenses approved for locations such as Danielle’s Hair Studio (269 Greenville Ave., Suite 4) and The Chicken Coop Kitchen & Bar (1463 Atwood Ave.)

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board approved a one‑year extension of the approved Master Plan for The Gateway, along with a Special Use and Dimensional Variance and a site‑plan review. Several pending development applications were continued to the September 2 meeting, including projects on Angell Street, The Preserve at Briarcliffe, and 44 Hopkins Avenue. Old business items such as the 34 Colony Drive subdivision and the Balletto Condominiums master plan were also continued or reinstated. The board discussed the Comprehensive Plan and the Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan.

• PB 23-37 – The Gateway: one‑year extension of approved Master Plan (approved)
• PB 23-37 – Special Use and Dimensional Variance approved
• PB 23-37 – Site plan review approved
• PB 25-20 – Angell Street: public hearing on 8 single‑family homes continued to Sep 2
• PB 25-28 – The Preserve at Briarcliffe: amended master plan for 12 cottages continued to Sep 2

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It reviewed an old dimensional variance request for a garage at 17 Jackson Ave and a special‑use permit to add liquor at 1208 Atwood Ave, both of which were continued to the August 28 meeting. A new dimensional variance request for a 40 × 47‑ft garage with second‑floor storage at 839 Sanderson Rd was also continued. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.

• Dimensional variance for a new garage at 17 Jackson Ave, Zone R15 (continued)
• Special‑use permit to add liquor at 1208 Atwood Ave, Zone B1 (continued)
• Dimensional variance for a 40 × 47‑ft garage with storage at 839 Sanderson Rd, Zone R40 (continued)
• Motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting (approved)
• Motion to adjourn (approved)

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider three resolutions: authorizing the mayor to enter a third‑party agreement for administrative services for police officers injured on duty (Resolution 2025-41), a similar agreement for fire fighters (Resolution 2025-42), and the purchase of additional temporary speed bumps and parts (Resolution 2025-43). The agenda also includes a petition to install a new jointly owned utility pole on Brown Avenue (2025-CP-103) and several business operating licenses for local enterprises. Votes may be taken on any or all items.

• Resolution 2025-41 – authorize mayor to enter third‑party agreement for administrative services for injured police officers
• Resolution 2025-42 – authorize mayor to enter third‑party agreement for administrative services for injured fire fighters
• Resolution 2025-43 – authorize purchase of additional temporary speed bumps and associated parts
• Petition 2025-CP-103 – install new jointly owned pole & anchor #P-10-84 on Brown Avenue (Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England, LLC)
• Business Operating License – Toder Rheumatology & Osteoperosis Center, P.C. at 1524 Atwood Avenue

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The board approved the meeting minutes and adopted zoning for Xtreme Auto Body’s 42‑by‑90‑foot addition at 15 Bucklin Avenue, granting the required dimensional variances. A public hearing on the proposed subdivision at 34 Colony Drive was continued to the August 5 meeting. The board also discussed future land‑use maps for the Comprehensive Plan.

• Approved zoning for Xtreme Auto Body’s 42 ft × 90 ft addition at 15 Bucklin Avenue (Industrial zone) with dimensional variances (PB 25‑18).
• Public hearing on minor subdivision at 34 Colony Drive (R‑40 zone) postponed to August 5, 2025 (PB 25‑23).
• Approved the meeting minutes from July 1, 2025.
• Discussed future land‑use maps as part of the Comprehensive Plan.
• No administrative report or special items were presented.

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board will review a special use permit for a coffee shop to serve liquor and a dimensional variance for a new garage. The board will also address a decision regarding Johnston Asphalt LLC.

• Special Use Permit: Jennifer Souza, 1208 Atwood Ave, to add liquor service to a coffee shop
• Dimensional Variance: Ray Kishbach, 17 Jackson Ave, for a new garage
• Old Business: Decision regarding Johnston Asphalt LLC

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold a special budget hearing on June 23, 2025. Council members will vote on two resolutions: one authorizing the mayor to apply for Rhode Island CDBG grant funds for the IRS Certified Tax Assistance (VITA) program and United Way Medicare & Support Services, and another concerning a memorandum of agreement with the Johnston School Department. The meeting also includes roll call and adjournment.

• Resolution 2025-39 – authorize mayor to file CDBG grant application for VITA program and United Way Medicare & Support Services
• Resolution 2025-40 – memorandum of agreement between Town of Johnston and Johnston School Department

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will vote on several resolutions authorizing the mayor to enter agreements for environmental compliance, equipment purchase, road work, and demolition. It will also consider petitions for speed‑calming devices and review multiple business operating license renewals. The meeting includes routine items such as award ceremonies, public hearing updates, and the approval of prior minutes.

• Resolution 2025-33 – authorizes the mayor to enter a change‑order agreement for RI Clean Water Act and RIPDES MS4 compliance
• Resolution 2025-34 – authorizes the mayor to purchase a 36‑inch tilt bucket for the town’s mini‑excavator
• Resolution 2025-35 – authorizes the mayor to enter an agreement for re‑striping a portion of Scituate Avenue
• Resolution 2025-36 – awards a bid and authorizes demolition of 26 & 28 Salina Avenue
• Petition 2025-CP-88 – request for installation of a speed‑calming device on David Drive

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board approved the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting and discussed the Future Land Use Maps as part of the Comprehensive Plan. No new business or administrative reports were presented.

• Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes for June 3, 2025
• Discussion of Future Land Use Maps
• Adjournment at 7:06 PM

Zoning Board Meeting

The Zoning Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and reported no old business. In new business, a petition by Pat DiRaimo for a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna Street, Lot 242, Plat 4, in an R15 zone was presented; the use is not permitted under Table of Use Regulations Subsection 9 (18a). The board voted to continue the matter to the August 28, 2025 meeting.

• Petition for a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna St., Lot 242, Plat 4, R15 zone – not permitted; motion to continue to Aug 28, 2025.
• Approval of minutes from the prior meeting.

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold a special budget hearing. It will consider Resolution 2025-32 directing a $500,000 contribution to the Other Post‑Employment Benefits Trust Fund. The council will hear Ordinance 2025-5, which appropriates $137,900,675 for the FY ending June 30, 2026 budget, personnel classification, salary plan and tax levy, and Ordinance 2025-6 ordering property tax assessment and collection.

• Resolution 2025-32: Finance Director to contribute $500,000 to the OPEB Trust Fund
• Ordinance 2025-5: Appropriation of $137,900,675 for FY 2026 budget, personnel classification, salary plan, and tax levy
• Ordinance 2025-6: Ordering assessment and collection of property tax on real estate and tangible personal property

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The board approved variances and a preliminary plan for the Golden Avenue project (PB 24-16). It also approved a special use and master plan for the 2160 Hartford Avenue project (PB 25-19). Public Hearing was held for proposals at 35 Hillside Avenue and Xtreme Auto Body (15 Bucklin Avenue), with the latter continued to July. An affordable‑housing draft plan was reviewed for possible recommendation to the Town Council.

• Approved variances and preliminary plan for PB 24-16 (7 & 8 Golden Avenue) – residential units
• Approved special use and master plan for PB 25-19 (2160 Hartford Avenue rear) – flex‑commercial space
• Public hearing on PB 25-15 (35 Hillside Avenue) – variance to lot size for two lots
• Public hearing on PB 25-18 (15 Bucklin Avenue) – 42‑ft by 90‑ft addition; hearing continued to July
• Pre‑application review discussion for PB 25-20 (Angell Street) – seven residential units

Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will consider numerous business and liquor licenses, including several mobile food trucks. The body will also discuss funding increases for drainage and flooding projects and a resolution opposing a state assault weapons ban.

• Resolution 2025-23: Opposition to The Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban of 2025
• Funding increases for Waterman Avenue Drainage, Belfield Ave/Snake Den Park, and Atwood/Hartford Avenue projects
• Ordinance 2025-2: Requirements for the covering of Dirt Mounds
• Business licenses for Tropical Smoothie Café (1501 Atwood Ave) and Ember to Ash (23 Greenville Ave)
• Petition to change zone map for Shun Pike from R-40 to I-Industrial

Amended Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review approved a dimensional variance for a new shed at 8 Nicole LN Ave, AP 33 Lot 108, Zone R‑40. It also approved a use variance to construct two family structures at 6 Day Street, AP 14 Lot 36, Zone B2. Minutes from the previous meeting were adopted, and the board adjourned at 6:58 PM.

• Dimensional variance for a new shed at 8 Nicole LN Ave, AP 33 Lot 108, Zone R‑40
• Use variance to build two‑family structures at 6 Day Street, AP 14 Lot 36, Zone B2
• Adoption of minutes from the prior meeting

Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will consider numerous business and liquor license applications and review several municipal service contracts. The body will also address zoning petitions and ordinances currently pending Planning Board advisory opinions.

• Resolution 2025-19: Tree removal services at Simmons Lower Reservoir Dam
• Resolution 2025-20: Studies and permitting services for Simmons Lower Reservoir Dam
• Resolution 2025-22: Study and design services for a Salina Avenue stormwater system
• Petition 2025-CP-10: Zoning change from R-40 to I-Industrial for Shun Pike (Plat 43, Lots 264 & 265)
• Petition 2025-CP-42: Installation of two jointly owned poles on Spruce Street by Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England, LLC

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the need for a new town hall and public safety complex. The council may vote on a resolution regarding the potential condemnation of property at 178-200 George Waterman Road for these purposes.

• Resolution 2025-10: Potential condemnation of Plat 37 Lot 1 (178-200 George Waterman Road) for a public safety complex and town hall

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board approved a public hearing for the Forest Drive Solar development (PB 24-42), which proposes two 0.5 MW solar arrays and one single‑family lot. New business included a Quick Fuel Market drive‑thru driveway permit request (PB 25-09) and two advisory opinion petitions that were continued. The board also reviewed draft plans for affordable housing (PB 25-03) and updates to the comprehensive and zoning plans.

• PB 24-42 – Forest Drive Solar: approval of public hearing for two 0.5 MW solar arrays and one residential lot (Shore Holdings, LLC; Revity Energy).
• PB 25-09 – Quick Fuel Market Drive‑Thru: special use permit request for a new 12 ft driveway at 1601 Hartford Ave, zoned B2.
• PB 25-11 – Advisory opinion petition to purchase Assessor’s Plat 33 Lot 23; motion to continue.
• PB 25-12 – Advisory opinion requesting amendment to Section 340‑16 of the Zoning Ordinance on noise; motion to continue.
• PB 25-03 – Affordable Housing draft plan review and recommendation to Town Council.

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council meeting on March 10, 2025 includes pending zoning petitions, ordinance amendments, licensing actions, and new business items. Council members will consider Resolution 2025-14, which awards a bid for asphalt renovations to the walking trail at the Johnston War Memorial Park. Additional resolutions will award bids for HVAC improvements to the Fire Department Headquarters and to the Department of Development and Public Services Office Building. The agenda also lists zoning change petitions, planning‑board advisory items, business licenses, claims, and other routine matters.

• 2024-CP-173 petition to change zone map for Assessor’s Plat 8, Lot 14 on Morgan Avenue from R-20 to R-7 (pending advisory opinion)
• 2025-CP-10 petition to change zone map for Assessor’s Plat 43, Lots 264 & 265 on Shun Pike from R-40 to I‑Industrial (pending advisory opinion)
• Ordinance 2025-2 amendment of industrial performance standards regarding dirt mounds (pending advisory opinion)
• Resolution 2025-14 awarding a bid for asphalt renovations to the walking trail at the Johnston War Memorial Park
• Resolution 2025-15 awarding a bid for HVAC improvements to the Fire Department Headquarters

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board approved development plans for two new restaurants with drive-throughs on Atwood Avenue. The board also issued favorable advisory opinions on several rezoning requests and zoning ordinance amendments.

• Approved Wendy's Restaurant at 1386 Atwood Avenue, including a drive-through and sign variances
• Approved new restaurant with drive-through at 1515 Atwood Avenue
• Favorable advisory opinion to rezone 183 Shun Pike from R-40 to I-Industrial
• Favorable advisory opinion to change zoning for AP 8 Lot 14 from B-2 and R-20 to R-7
• Continued Forest Drive Solar project (PB 24-42) to the April 1, 2025 meeting

Special Planning Board Meeting

The Special Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review the Town’s Phase II Stormwater Annual Report required by the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) General Permit. The hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2025 at 5:45 p.m. at the Johnston Senior Center, 1291 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI. Residents may submit written comments on the draft report to the Department of Public Works before the public comment period ends, and the final report and any proposed amendments will be submitted to RIDEM.

• Public hearing on the Phase II Stormwater Annual Report (RIPDES Permit #RIR040)
• Location: Johnston Senior Center, 1291 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI
• Comments on the draft report may be submitted to the Department of Public Works
• Final report and any proposed SWMPP amendments will be filed with RIDEM
• Copies of the report are available at Town Hall (1385 Hartford Ave.) and Zoning Office (100 Irons Ave.)

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board reviewed and approved a petition by Amanda Saucedo to construct an attached garage with living space above at 25 Pinewood Ave, Zone R15, measuring 600 square feet. The board also continued the Johnston Asphalt LLC petition for 100 Allendale Ave to a later date, elected officers for 2025, and appointed a member to the local Land Trust. Minutes from the previous meeting were accepted.

• Continuation of Johnston Asphalt LLC petition for 100 Allendale Ave (industrial) to March 27, 2025
• Approval of Amanda Saucedo petition for attached garage at 25 Pinewood Ave, Zone R15, 600 sq ft
• Election of officers for 2025
• Appointment of Anthony Pilozzi to the Land Trust
• Acceptance of minutes from the prior meeting

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold a special meeting on February 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The council plans to enter executive session to discuss and act on six listed court cases. After the executive session, the council will return to open session to seal the minutes and then adjourn.

• PC-2017-3161 – W. Johnston LLC v. Kimberly Gallonio (discussion/action)
• PC-2018-2622 – W. Johnston LLC a/k/a W. Johnston Holding, LLC v. Kimberly Gallonio (discussion/action)
• PC-2020-8598 – Walgreen Eastern Co. et al. v. Kimberly Gallonio (discussion/action)
• PC-2024-03266 – AIPSO, LLC v. Valerie Laurito (Tax Assessor) (discussion/action)
• PC-2024-03264 – Amalgamated Financial Equities VI, LLC v. Valerie Laurito (Tax Assessor) (discussion/action)

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will meet on February 10, 2025 at the Municipal Court Building to consider a range of items. Key actions include a vote on Ordinance 2025-1 to borrow up to $300,000 for stormwater planning and bond issuance, and consideration of several zoning change petitions and business operating licenses. The Council will also hear resolutions authorizing the mayor to enter engineering and grant agreements, and presentations on the town’s pension actuarial reports.

• Ordinance 2025-1: authorize borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater facility planning and issuance of General Obligation Notes or Bonds
• 2024-CP-173: petition to change the zone map for Assessor’s Plat 8, Lot 14 on Morgan Avenue from R-20 to R-7 (pending Planning Board advisory opinion)
• 2025-CP-10: petition to change the zone map for Assessor’s Plat 43, Lots 264 & 265 on Shun Pike from R-40 to I-Industrial (pending Planning Board advisory opinion)
• 2025-CP-13: Business Operating License for Smart Cookie, LLC d/b/a Stitches Branded Apparel at 554 Killingly Street (embroidery and screen printing)
• Resolution 2025-11: authorize the mayor to enter an agreement for engineering, surveying, and permitting services for Assessor’s Plat 35, Lot 185 near the Public Facilities Building

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board will consider a petition from Johnston Asphalt LLC for a Special Use Permit to install two hot‑mix asphalt storage silos on AP 36 Lot 77 at 100 Allendale Avenue, an industrial‑zoned parcel. The board will also discuss an advisory opinion and a waiver of site‑plan review for the same project. In addition, the board will continue discussion of the Forest Drive Solar project (PB 24‑42) and review a draft update to the town’s Affordable Housing Plan adopted in 2007.

• PB 24‑42 – Forest Drive Solar project continuation to March 4 meeting (AP 46 lots 103, 171, 208‑213, zoned R‑40; owner Shore Holdings, LLC; applicant Revity Energy)
• PB 24‑41 – Special Use Permit request for two hot‑mix asphalt storage silos at 100 Allendale Avenue, AP 36 Lot 77, industrial zone; includes advisory opinion, waiver of site‑plan review, and recommendation to Building Inspector
• PB 25‑03 – Draft update discussion for the Affordable Housing Plan originally adopted in 2007

Zoning Board Meeting

The Zoning Board of Review accepted the minutes from its October 24, 2024 meeting and approved the 2025 meeting calendar. It considered a petition from Rober Pagliarini for a variance to install a 6‑ft tall fence along the front of 613 Killingly Street, located in MBL 13‑31 Zone B2, and voted to grant the variance with two small cautionary stipulations. The board then adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted minutes from the October 24, 2024 meeting
• Approved the 2025 meeting calendar
• Granted variance for a 6‑ft fence at 613 Killingly St (Zone B2) with two cautionary stipulations
• No old business reported
• Meeting adjourned

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially vote on a resolution. The primary item is a hearing regarding a specific property location.

• Resolution 2025-10: hearing regarding property at Assessor’s Plat 37, Lot 193

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will discuss borrowing funds for stormwater improvements and review several business license applications. The body is also considering zoning changes and agreements for flood mitigation and dam evaluation.

• Ordinance 2025-1: Borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater facility planning
• Resolution 2024-66: Agreement for Atwood and Hartford Avenue Chronic Flooding Mitigation Project
• Resolution 2025-7: Agreement for engineering services for the Simmons Upper Reservoir Dam evaluation
• Zoning petitions for Hartford Avenue (Plat 57, Lot 170), Morgan Avenue (Plat 8, Lot 14), and Shun Pike (Plat 43, Lots 264 & 265)
• Business licenses for 8 entities including 809 Auto Sales, True North Tattoo, and Tortilleria Guatemalteca Jireh

Inaugural Meeting

The Johnston Town Council held its inaugural meeting on January 13, 2025. Council members elected a President and Vice‑President, adopted the council rules for the 2025‑2027 term, and appointed members to the School Committee and judges to the Municipal and Probate Courts. The Mayor administered oaths to the new council officers, school committee members, and judges. Regular council business was scheduled to continue on January 21, 2025.

• Nomination/election of Town Council President
• Nomination/election of Town Council Vice‑President
• Resolution 2025‑1: Adoption of Town Council Rules for 2025‑2027
• First and second appointments to the Johnston School Committee
• Resolutions 2025‑2, 2025‑3, and 2025‑4: Appointments of Municipal Court Judge, Auxiliary Municipal Court Judge, and Probate Court Judge

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board elected its officers and approved several land development plans and extensions. The board also continued hearings for a solar project and an asphalt plant expansion to February 4.

• Approved preliminary plan for a Planned Development Continuing Care Retirement Community at 80 Morgan Avenue
• Approved 2 lot Minor Subdivision and Unified Development at 38 Mill Street
• Approved one-year master plan extensions for Wychwood Place, The Preserve at Briarcliff, and Northpoint Stonehill
• Continued public hearing for two 0.5 MW solar arrays behind 3 and 17 Forest Drive
• Continued site plan review for asphalt plant expansion at 100 Allendale Avenue