New Shoreham public meetings in 2020
28 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Council Meeting
The New Shoreham Town Council will continue discussion and take action on proposed amendments to the town's Home Rule Charter, as recommended by the Charter Review Commission. The agenda includes multiple resolutions covering topics such as council terms, compensation, and department structures. This is a continuation of a discussion from the December 16, 2020 meeting.
- Proposed amendments to Home Rule Charter
- Town Council Terms Resolution
- Town Council Compensation Resolution
- Police Advisory Commission Resolution
- Financial Town Meeting Resolution
Town Council Meeting
The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss and vote on a Memorandum of Agreement with the town employees' union, possible amendments to two COVID-19 emergency ordinances (communal housing and masks), and the annual audit report. They will also review proposed changes to the Home Rule Charter from the Charter Review Commission and make annual appointments. The meeting is held via Zoom due to the pandemic.
- Memorandum of Agreement with New Shoreham Employees Association Local 2855, AFSCME
- Amendment to Emergency Ordinance II on communal housing during COVID-19
- Amendment to Emergency Ordinance III on masks during COVID-19
- Annual Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2020
- Proposed Home Rule Charter changes from Charter Review Commission
Town Council Meeting
The New Shoreham Town Council and Broadband Committee are holding a joint meeting to discuss the island-wide broadband project. They will receive updates on construction, scheduling, homeowner engagement, and budget and financing, and will discuss the committee's goals and future direction.
- Update on island-wide broadband project construction and installation
- Discussion of homeowner signup, property visit, and installation process
- Review of budget, financing, and outside funding for broadband project
- Discussion of Broadband Committee goals and future
AGENDA - Dec. 9, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will meet via Zoom to discuss and hold public hearings on several land-use applications, including a new public shoreline access walkway at Andy's Way, a major subdivision off West Side Road, and modifications to an existing subdivision. They will also consider a request to recommend amending the zoning ordinance regarding solar array placement, and discuss water and wastewater capacity with the Sewer and Water Commission.
- Advisory to Zoning Board for special use permit and variance for new public shoreline access walkway at Andy's Way (Plat 3, Lot 155)
- Public informational meeting for Overlook Realty's Master Plan review of Major Subdivision off West Side Road (Plat 19, Lot 3)
- Public hearing for preliminary plan modification to existing subdivision for Lot 58-2 (Plat 9)
- Request to provide findings on amending Zoning Ordinance Sections 425 and 517 regarding solar arrays
- Public hearing and advisory for demolition and new single-family dwelling with pool at Fire #617 off Corn Neck Road (Plat 4, Lot 63)
Town Council Meeting
The New Shoreham Town Council will consider amendments to two COVID-19 emergency ordinances, one on communal housing and one on masks. They will also act on a health services agreement, a police promotion, a broadband project contract, and several license renewals. The agenda includes routine items and possible closed sessions for litigation and labor negotiations.
- Amendments to Emergency Ordinance II (communal housing) and Emergency Ordinance III (masks)
- Block Island Health Services Agreement (continued from Oct. 29)
- Contract with Mission Broadband as Project Manager for Island Wide Broadband Project
- Annual renewal of moped, bicycle, and scooter rental licenses for 2021
- Add Plat 8, Lot 215 to the Sewer District
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a virtual meeting to hear four applications for variances related to residential construction, including new dwellings, decks, and a porch. The board will also render decisions on three previously heard applications, including two for beach-access walkover stairs and one for an accessory structure. All items are on the agenda for this meeting.
- Variance for single family dwelling and accessory structure, Plat 9 Lot 75, off Payne Road (Methia)
- Variance for front porch/deck, #392 Pilot Hill Road, Plat 9 Lot 101 (Gill)
- Variance for two decks, #940 Graces Cove Road, Plat 15 Lot 108 (Theve Family LLC)
- Variance for bathroom, bay window, outdoor shower, shed dormer, #781 Lakeside Drive, Plat 11 Lot 43 (Piper/Pearce)
- Decisions on beach-access walkover stairs (Faron, Horan) and accessory structure relocation (Lipscomb)
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a virtual meeting to hear four applications for special use permits and variances, including beach access stair construction, an accessory structure enlargement, and a new dwelling with pool. The board will also decide on a previously heard application for an employee housing inn and approve the 2021 meeting schedule and minutes.
- Faron, Douglas and Barbara: Special use permit and variance for beach access walkover stairs at Plat 8, Lot 79, Spring Street
- Horan, John Gardner and Rachel: Special use permit and variance for beach access walkover stairs at Plat 8, Lot 78, Spring Street
- Lipscomb, Joseph: Variance to enlarge and relocate accessory residential structure at Plat 14, Lot 30, off Cooneymus Road
- Gelsomini, Nick and Pamela: Special use permit to demolish and rebuild dwelling with spa and pool at Plat 4, Lot 63, off Corn Neck Road
- Decision on 54 Dodge Street Block Island OpCo, LLC: Special use permit for employee housing inn at Plat 6, Lot 123, off Dodge Street
Town Council Meeting
The New Shoreham Town Council will meet remotely to act on a continued health services agreement with Block Island Health Services, discuss deer hunting dates on town property, and consider amendments to two COVID-19 emergency ordinances. The agenda also includes several routine items such as reports, grant applications, and board vacancy announcements.
- Review and act on Town of New Shoreham - Block Island Health Services Agreement (continued from Oct. 29)
- Discuss and act on deer hunting dates for Town property at Plat 20, Lot 20
- Discuss and act on possible amendments to Emergency Ordinance II (communal housing) and Emergency Ordinance III (masks)
- Receive and act on authorization for voluntary surrender of water system license for Fred Benson Beach Pavilion
- Receive and act on grant applications: $500 and $2,000 from RI Office of Healthy Aging
Town Council Meeting
The New Shoreham Town Council, acting as the Board of License Commissioners, will hold public hearings to consider annual beverage license renewals, a liquor license transfer, new liquor licenses, and outdoor entertainment license renewals. They will also vote on setting caps on beverage licenses. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.
- Annual beverage license renewals for numerous establishments including Block Island Grocery, Redbird Liquor Store, Mohegan Café, and many others
- Transfer of Class BV liquor license from Rita Draper d/b/a 1661 Inn to Block Island Resorts, Inc. for 5 Spring Street
- New Class BVL liquor license for Block Island Cookie Company, Ocean Avenue
- New Class BV liquor license for The Gables/Block Island Beach House, Dodge Street
- Renewal of outdoor entertainment licenses for 23 venues, including 1661 Inn, Aldo's, Atlantic Inn, and others
AGENDA - Nov. 10, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board meets via Zoom to continue a master plan review for a major subdivision off West Side Road, hold a public hearing on a special use permit for a new dwelling on Corn Neck Road, and discuss water and wastewater capacity with the Sewer and Water Commission. The agenda also includes an advisory referral on the same Corn Neck Road application and approval of prior meeting minutes.
- Overlook Realty, LLC: Master Plan review of Major Subdivision, Plat 19 Lot 3, off West Side Road (continued from 10/14/20)
- Gelsomini: Public hearing for special use permit to demolish and rebuild dwelling with pool/spa, Plat 4 Lot 63, Fire #617 off Corn Neck Road
- Gelsomini: Advisory to Zoning Board on same special use permit application
- Discussion with Sewer and Water Commission on water/wastewater capacity for future development
- Approval of minutes
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will meet virtually via Zoom to consider five variance applications and four public hearings, including proposals for a new public shoreline walkway, beach access stairs, and an inn for employee housing. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings.
- Variance for single-family dwelling and accessory structure off Payne Road (Plat 9, Lot 75)
- Special use permit and variance for new public shoreline walkway at Andy's Way (Plat 3, Lot 155)
- Special use permit for inn for employee housing and relocation of dwelling off Dodge Street (Plat 6, Lot 123)
- Two applications for beach access walkover stairs on Spring Street (Plat 8, Lots 78 and 79)
- Variance for enlargement and relocation of accessory structure off Cooneymus Road (Plat 14, Lot 30)
AGENDA - Oct. 14, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold a public informational meeting on a major subdivision application and decide on several other land-use requests, including an inn for employee housing and an administrative subdivision. The board will also consider whether a mylar sign-off is needed for a property on Dodge Street.
- Overlook Realty, LLC: Master Plan review for Major Subdivision off West Side Road (Plat 19, Lot 3) - public informational meeting
- Blue Dory Resorts, Inc. and 32 Dodge Street, Block Island, OPCO, LLC: Request for Mylar sign-off, subdivision not required (Plat 6, Lots 140-143)
- Littlefield, Christopher: Administrative Subdivision off Corn Neck Road (Plat 3, Lot 103-2)
- 54 Dodge Street Block Island OpCo, LLC: Decision on Special Use Permit for inn for employee housing and relocation of single-family dwelling (Plat 6, Lot 123)
- 54 Dodge Street Block Island OpCo, LLC: Advisory to Zoning Board on same Special Use Permit application
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will meet virtually to elect officers, hear four applications for special use permits and variances, and decide one variance application. The agenda includes proposals for beach access walkover stairs, a new single-family dwelling, and an inn for employee housing.
- Lipscomb: variance for enlargement/relocation of accessory structure at 894 Off Cooneymus Road
- Faron: special use permit and variance for beach access walkover stairs on Spring Street
- Horan: special use permit and variance for beach access walkover stairs on Spring Street
- Gelsomini: special use permit to demolish and rebuild dwelling with pool at 617 Off Corn Neck Road
- 54 Dodge Street Block Island OpCo: special use permit for inn for employee housing and dwelling relocation
AGENDA - Sep. 17, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold public hearings and advisory reviews on two special-use permit applications: one to build an inn for employee housing and relocate a single-family dwelling at 54 Dodge Street, and another to construct beach-access walkover stairs on Spring Street. The board will also consider a minor modification to an existing plan and approve minutes. All items are for decision or discussion at the September 17, 2020 meeting held via Zoom.
- Public hearing: 54 Dodge Street, Block Island OpCo, LLC – special use permit for employee housing inn and dwelling relocation (Plat 6, Lot 123)
- Advisory to Zoning Board: same 54 Dodge Street application
- Public hearing: Horan, John Gardner and Rachel – beach access walkover stairs, Spring Street (Plat 8, Lot 78)
- Advisory to Zoning Board: Horan application for walkover stairs
- Public hearing: Faron, Douglas and Barbara – beach access walkover stairs, Spring Street (Plat 8, Lot 79)
AGENDA - Sep. 9, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board meets via Zoom to act on a major subdivision master plan on Payne Road, consider recommending a zoning ordinance amendment on solar arrays, and hold a public hearing on a special use permit for a large new home off Corn Neck Road. The board will also issue an advisory to the Zoning Board on the same Corn Neck Road application.
- Master Plan review for Major Subdivision by Phelan on Payne Road, Plat 10 Lots 19-1 & 23-1
- Request to recommend zoning ordinance amendment (Sections 425 and 517) on solar array placement by Christopher Warfel
- Public hearing: Gelsomini special use permit to demolish and rebuild single-family dwelling, accessory structure, spa, pool off Corn Neck Road (Plat 4, Lot 63)
- Advisory to Zoning Board on same Gelsomini application exceeding square footage/cubic feet limits
- Approval of minutes
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a virtual meeting to hear two variance applications and decide on one previously heard application. The board will consider a variance for a kitchen addition at 638 Corn Neck Road and another for an accessory structure at 894 Cooneymus Road. A decision will be made on a variance for a garage/shed at 778 Mitchell Lane. The meeting is conducted via Zoom under RI Executive Order 20-25.
- Variance hearing: BI Harborview Partners II, LLC, Plat 4 Lot 29, 638 Corn Neck Road – demolish kitchen, build 32' x 40' addition
- Variance hearing: Joseph Lipscomb, Plat 14 Lot 30, 894 Cooneymus Road – enlarge/relocate accessory residential structure
- Decision: Linda & Mark Jackson, Plat 11 Lot 10-2, 778 Mitchell Lane – variance to build single-car garage/shed within setback
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom; public can listen by phone
- Agenda subject to change by chairman or member motion
AGENDA - Aug. 12, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board meets via Zoom to hold public hearings and informational meetings on several land-use applications, including a major subdivision, two special use permits for new construction, and a proposed zoning ordinance amendment on solar arrays. The board will also consider providing findings and a recommendation to the Town Council on the solar ordinance change.
- Master Plan review for Major Subdivision on Payne Road (Plat 10, Lots 19-1 & 23-1)
- Public hearing: demolish and rebuild single-family dwelling with pool at 617 Corn Neck Road (Plat 4, Lot 63)
- Public hearing: construct inn for employee housing and relocate dwelling off Dodge Street (Plat 6, Lot 123)
- Advisory to Zoning Board on both special use permit applications
- Request to recommend zoning ordinance amendment on solar array placement (Sections 425 and 517)
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a virtual meeting via Zoom to hear three variance applications and make a decision on one prior application. The hearings involve property owners seeking variances for construction or demolition projects on Corn Neck Road, Mitchell Lane, and Cooneymus Road. The board will also vote on one application from William and Aliia Murray regarding a garage addition on Old Town Road.
- BI Harborview Partners II, LLC: variance to demolish kitchen and add 32' x 40' addition at 638 Corn Neck Road
- Jackson, Linda & Maguire, Mark: variance to replace shed with garage on same footprint at 778 Mitchell Lane
- Lipscomb, Joseph: variance to enlarge/relocate accessory structure off Cooneymus Road
- Murray, William and Aliia: decision on variance for 48 sq ft garage addition at 479 Old Town Road
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom per RI Executive Order 20-25
AGENDA - Jul. 20, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board meets via Zoom to review subdivision applications, beach-access walkover stairs proposals, and a zoning ordinance amendment on solar arrays. Items include a master plan review for a major subdivision on Payne Road, pre-applications for subdivisions off Corn Neck Road and West Side Road, and advisory recommendations to the Zoning Board for special use permits and variances for beach-access stairs on Spring Street. The board will also act on a request to provide findings to the Town Council on amending zoning sections 425 and 517 regarding solar array placement.
- Master Plan review for Major Subdivision by Blake and Michele Phelan, Plat 10, Lots 19-1 & 23-1, Payne Road
- Pre-Application for Administrative Subdivision by Christopher Littlefield, Plat 3, Lot 103-2, off Corn Neck Road
- Pre-Application for Major Subdivision by Overlook Realty, LLC, Plat 19, Lot 3, off West Side Road
- Special Use Permit and Variance requests by Horan and Faron applicants for beach-access walkover stairs on Spring Street (Plat 8, Lots 78 & 79)
- Request to amend Zoning Ordinance Sections 425 and 517 on solar array placement by Christopher Warfel
AGENDA - Jul. 8, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board is meeting via Zoom to review several land-use applications, including a major subdivision on Payne Road, a proposed zoning amendment on solar arrays, and special use permits for a new dwelling and an employee housing inn. The board will also act on waiver requests and set public hearings for some applications. The meeting is being held remotely under Rhode Island Executive Order 20-46.
- Master Plan review for a major subdivision on Payne Road (Plat 10, Lots 19-1 & 23-1) by Blake and Michele Phelan
- Request to recommend on Christopher Warfel's zoning amendment on solar array placement (Sections 425 and 517)
- Special Use Permit review for demolition and new dwelling with pool off Corn Neck Road (Plat 4, Lot 63) by Nick and Pamela Gelsomini
- Special Use Permit review to construct an inn for employee housing and relocate a dwelling off Dodge Street (Plat 6, Lot 123) by 54 Dodge Street Block Island OpCo, LLC
- Approval of meeting minutes
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will meet virtually via Zoom on June 25, 2020, to consider seven applications for variances and special use permits, plus two hearings. Items include demolitions, new construction, beach access walkover stairs, a solar array, and an inn for employee housing. The meeting is held under RI Executive Order 20-25 due to the pandemic.
- Variance to demolish shed and build garage at 778 Mitchell Lane (Plat 11, Lot 10-2)
- Special use permits for beach access walkover stairs at two Spring Street properties (Plat 8, Lots 78 and 79)
- Special use permit to demolish and rebuild dwelling with pool off Corn Neck Road (Plat 4, Lot 63)
- Special use permit for inn for employee housing and relocate dwelling off Dodge Street (Plat 6, Lot 123)
- Variance for ground-mounted solar array within setback at 470 Old Town Road (Plat 6, Lot 9)
Zoning Board of Review
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a virtual meeting via Zoom to review four applications for special use permits and variances, and one hearing for a variance. The applications involve property changes including a new dwelling, an inn for employee housing, a solar array, and an accessory structure enlargement.
- Special Use Permit for Gelsomini, Nick and Pamela, Plat 4 Lot 63, off Corn Neck Road, to demolish and rebuild a single-family dwelling exceeding size limits
- Special Use Permit for 54 Dodge Street Block Island OpCo, LLC, Plat 6 Lot 123, off Dodge Street, to construct an inn for employee housing and relocate a dwelling
- Variance for Spier, John, Plat 6 Lot 9, Fire #470 Old Town Road, for a ground-mounted solar array within a setback
- Variance for Lipscomb, Joseph, Plat 14 Lot 30, off Cooneymus Road, to enlarge and relocate an accessory residential structure
- Hearing for Murray, William and Aliia, Plat 6 Lot 60, Fire #479 Old Town Road, for a variance to add 48 square feet to an existing garage
Legal Notice
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a regular meeting virtually on June 24, 2020, to hear public comment on one application. The board will consider a variance request from William and Aliia Murray for a 48-square-foot addition to an existing garage at 479 Old Town Road. The meeting is held via Zoom under Rhode Island Executive Order 20-25.
- Variance request by William and Aliia Murray for Plat 6, Lot 60, Fire # 479 Old Town Road
- Proposed construction of 48 square feet to an existing garage
- Variance sought from Zoning Ordinance Sections 113(C) and 307(C)
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom, Webinar ID 967 1404 1477
Legal Notice
The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a regular meeting on March 19, 2020, to hear two variance applications. The board will consider requests to demolish and expand a structure on Corn Neck Road and to enlarge a garage on Old Town Road. Public comment will be heard for or against each application.
- Variance for BI Harbor View Partners II, LLC at 638 Corn Neck Road (Plat 4, Lot 29) to demolish kitchen and build 32' x 40' addition
- Variance for William and Aliia Murray at 479 Old Town Road (Plat 6, Lot 60) to add 48 square feet to existing garage
AGENDA - Mar. 11, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold a public informational meeting to review a Master Plan application for a major subdivision on Payne Road. The applicants, Blake and Michele Phelan, seek approval for lots 19-1 and 23-1 on Plat 10. Public comment will be heard for or against the application.
- Master Plan review and approval of a Major Subdivision
- Applicants: Phelan, Blake and Michele
- Location: Payne Road, Plat 10, Lots 19-1 & 23-1
- Public informational meeting on March 11, 2020 at 4:00 PM
- Interpreter services available with 48-hour notice
AGENDA - Feb. 12, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on amendments to the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations. The board is also tasked with providing findings and recommendations to the Town Council regarding several applications involving land use, hotel standards in the OHC Zone, and solar array placement.
- Public Hearing for amendments to Land Development and Subdivision Regulations Article 2 and Article 3
- Recommendation for Block Island Land Trust, Block Island Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy application
- Recommendation for 54 Dodge Street Block Island OpCo, LLC regarding hotel and inn standards in the OHC Zone
- Recommendation for Christopher Warfel regarding solar array placement amendments to Zoning Ordinance Sections 425 and 517
- Update from the Staff Sea Level Rise Task Force
AGENDA - Jan. 9, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board is meeting to act on a request to provide findings and a recommendation to the Town Council regarding an application by Christopher Warfel to amend zoning ordinance sections 425 and 517 on solar array placement. The board will also consider a Mylar sign-off for a subdivision that is not required, schedule a special meeting on sea level rise, and approve minutes.
- Request to amend Zoning Ordinance Sections 425 and 517 regarding solar array placement
- Mylar sign-off request for Plat 6, Lot 140 (Law, Ann.)
- Schedule special meeting to discuss sea level rise
- Approval of minutes
AGENDA - Jan. 8, 2020 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board is meeting to vote on entering executive session to discuss pending litigation, citing state law. No other substantive business is on the agenda.
- Vote to enter executive session for pending litigation discussion