New Shoreham public meetings in 2023
12 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
AGENDA - Dec. 13, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will discuss and act on several zoning ordinance amendments, including a request to change front yard setbacks for ground-mounted solar systems and to clarify that pool heating systems are not covered. They will also consider amendments to multiple sections related to Accessory Dwelling Units to expedite approvals and comply with state law. Additionally, the board will review a minor subdivision application and discuss zoning amendments for mobile food establishments and second-story decks.
- Amendment to Zoning Ordinance Article 4, Section 425 and Article 5, Section 517 regarding front yard setback for ground-mounted solar systems (applicant: Christopher Warfel)
- Amendments to multiple sections (108, 111, 202, Article 3, 403–405, 502, 509–511, 513, 514, 518) related to Accessory Dwelling Units, submitted by board member Clair Comings
- Final Plan Stage of a Minor Subdivision for Plat 16, Lot 69 (Barbara MacMullan and Henry duPont) off Beacon Hill Road
- Amendment to Zoning Ordinance regarding Mobile Food Establishment permitted uses in several zones (RC/M, M, OHC, NHC, SC), requested by Town Council
- Zoning Ordinance Amendments for compliance with State Law, including creating specific criteria for Special Use Permits (consultant: Weston & Sampson)
Historic District Commission
The Historic District Commission will review three applications for building modifications and new construction. The body will also discuss legally required training and the 2024 meeting schedule.
- Application for 445 Ocean Avenue to enlarge a one-story garage to a two-story garage with a second-floor accessory dwelling unit
- Application for 41 Water Street for construction of a replacement structure for the Harborside Hotel
- Application for 440 Dodge Street for interior renovations and exterior modifications including condensing units and a storage enclosure
- Discussion of Rhode Island law-required training options
- Action on the 2024 meeting schedule
AGENDA - Nov. 8, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The Planning Board will discuss updates to zoning regulations regarding ground-mounted solar systems and second-story decks. The board will also review Rhode Island Housing MTAP assistance and the 2024 meeting schedule.
- Proposed amendment for front yard setbacks for ground mounted solar systems
- Clarification of pool heating system exclusions in zoning ordinance
- Discussion on RI General Assembly laws requiring local zoning amendments
- Review of RI Housing MTAP Assistance with consultant Weston & Sampson
- Potential zoning amendment regarding second story deck language
Historic District Commission
The New Shoreham Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing on three applications: decorative trim and dormer overhangs at 45 High Street, window and door modifications at 129 Spring Street, and fire escape replacement at 31 Ocean Avenue. The commission will also discuss mandatory training requirements for members under Rhode Island law and vote on minutes from September 26, 2023.
- Eureka Hotel Inc. application for decorative trim and window dormer overhangs at 45 High Street (Plat 7, Lot 37)
- Garden Lot LLC application by Rita Draper to modify windows and doors on the mill building at 129 Spring Street (Plat 7, Lot 33)
- Sky Blue Pink LLC application for fire escape replacement at 31 Ocean Avenue (Plat 5, Lot 69-1)
- Discussion of mandatory 3-hour HDC member training (once within two years of June 22, 2022) and 1-hour annual update
- Approval of minutes from September 26, 2023
AGENDA - Oct. 11, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a special use permit to convert an accessory residential structure into an accessory dwelling unit at 1167 Grace's Cove Road. The board will also decide on a variance and special use permit for a larger single-family dwelling at 778 Mitchell Lane, and on a variance for adding a second floor to a building at 454 Ocean Avenue. Additionally, the board will discuss state laws requiring local zoning amendments and a possible zoning amendment to clarify language on second-story decks.
- Public hearing for special use permit to convert accessory structure to dwelling unit at 1167 Grace's Cove Road (Plat 19, Lot 72-1)
- Decision on variance for side setback relief and special use permit to demolish and replace dwelling at 778 Mitchell Lane (Plat 11, Lot 10-2)
- Decision on variance for second-floor addition at 454 Ocean Avenue (Plat 6, Lot 35)
- Discussion of RI General Assembly 2023 laws requiring local zoning and subdivision regulation amendments
- Discussion of possible zoning amendment to clarify Section 406(G)(4) on second-story decks
Historic District Commission
The Historic District Commission will review two applications for modifications to final approvals. The body will also discuss state-mandated training requirements for commission members.
- Application by Darius Inn (Calvez LLC) for material change to gable end windows at Dodge Street
- Application by Elizabeth Simkin Trustee (Tuschick) to enlarge a one-story garage to a two-story garage with two bays and a second floor apartment at Ocean Avenue
- Discussion of Rhode Island law requiring 3-hour initial training and 1-hour annual updates for HDC members
AGENDA - Sep. 13, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The Planning Board will hold public hearings for various development plan reviews, including a medical center addition and residential construction. The board will also consider subdivision plans and provide advisory opinions to the Zoning Board of Review.
- Modification of Development Plan Review for a medical center addition at 6 Payne Road
- Preliminary Plan for a minor subdivision off Beacon Hill Road
- Application to demolish and replace a dwelling at 778 Mitchell Lane
- Variance request for a second floor addition at 454 Ocean Avenue
- Final Plan approval for a minor subdivision on Pilot Hill Road
AGENDA - May 10, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a Block Island Housing Board application for a Special Use Permit to build eight duplexes (16 rental units) for year-round residents. The board will also continue a public informational meeting on a major subdivision off High Street and discuss a zoning ordinance amendment regarding lot area definitions.
- Public hearing on 16-unit affordable housing development on West Side Road (Plat 18, Lot 2-3)
- Continued public informational meeting for Rose Farm Inn subdivision (Plat 8, Lots 98, 257, 260-262) off High Street
- Discussion and action on proposed zoning amendment to Article 2, Section 202, definition of Lot Area
- Pre-application for minor subdivision off Beacon Hill Road (Plat 16, Lot 69)
- Decision on Development Plan Review for Thomas Property on High Street (two accessory dwelling units)
AGENDA - Apr. 12, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will act on the consistency of the 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program with the Comprehensive Plan. The board is also reviewing several development applications, including a proposal for 16 rental units for year-round residents. Members will discuss a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Lot Area definitions.
- Proposed construction of eight duplexes (16 rental units) for year-round residents on West Side Road
- Public hearing for two Accessory Dwelling Units at the Thomas Property on High Street
- Advisory for public restrooms at Mansion Beach on Mansion Road
- Proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance Article 2, Section 202 regarding Lot Area
- Public hearing for Fab Five, LLC to demolish and rebuild a single-family dwelling on Corn Neck Road
AGENDA - Mar. 8, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold a public meeting on March 8, 2023, to decide on several development plan reviews and special use permits. Key items include a decision on an addition to the Block Island Health Services Medical Center, a special use permit for public restrooms at Mansion Beach, and a public hearing on a major subdivision off High Street. The board will also review waiver requests and set public hearings for other projects.
- Decision on Block Island Health Services' Development Plan Review for a Medical Center addition at 6 Payne Road (Plat 10, Lot 2).
- Town Manager's application for a Special Use Permit for public restrooms at Mansion Beach (Plat 3, Lot 127).
- Public Informational Meeting for Rose Farm Inn's Master Plan Stage Review and Major Subdivision off High Street (Plat 8, Lots 98, 257, 260, 261, 262).
- Public Hearing for Christopher Gorayeb's application to demolish and rebuild a Secondary Dwelling Development at 919 Champlin Road (Plat 19, Lot 37).
- Decision on Flowering Spade LLC's Development Plan Review for a single-family dwelling and accessory structures at 1033 Corn Neck Road (Plat 2, Lot 32-2).
AGENDA - Feb. 8, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold public hearings for three development plan reviews. The board will also discuss and act on proposed zoning ordinance amendments regarding game rooms and affordable housing.
- Public hearing for Block Island Health Services, Inc. regarding a medical center addition at 6 Payne Road
- Public hearing for Christopher J. Gorayeb to demolish structures and build a secondary dwelling at 919 Champlin Road
- Public hearing for Flowering Spade, LLC to build a single-family dwelling and two accessory structures on Corn Neck Road
- Proposed zoning amendment regarding game rooms submitted by Gary Pollard
- Proposed zoning amendment regarding affordable housing submitted by Christopher Warfel
AGENDA - Jan. 11, 2023 - Planning Board Public Notice
The Planning Board will review development plans for a medical center addition and two residential projects. The board will also discuss correspondence regarding housing solutions.
- Development Plan Review for a Medical Center addition at 6 Payne Road
- Public hearing for a single-family dwelling and two accessory structures on Corn Neck Road
- Public hearing to demolish structures and rebuild a secondary dwelling at 919 Champlin Road
- Discussion of December 2022 correspondence from Socha Cohen regarding housing solutions