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New Shoreham, Rhode Island

New Shoreham public meetings in 2024

39 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Wed Dec 18, 2024

6:00pm Town Council Meeting

Town Council to hold public hearing on zoning ordinance amendments

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss several litigation matters, a possible property acquisition, and collective bargaining with the police union, all in closed or executive sessions. The council will also hold public hearings on proposed amendments to the town's zoning ordinances and to the utilities chapter concerning sewer allocation and cost. Additional items include a consent agenda, board and committee reappointments, and a review of financial reports.

zoninglitigationpoliceproperty-acquisitionutilitiesboard-reappointments
Wed Dec 18, 2024

1:00pm Town Council Meeting

Town Council to receive department head updates and review administrative policies

The Town Council will receive updates on projects, goals, and policy changes from various department heads. The body will also review information regarding open meetings, open records, and ethics.

administrationpublic-recordsethicsdepartment-updates
Mon Dec 16, 2024

Town Council Meeting with the Block Island School Committee

Town Council holds pre-budget meeting with School Committee to discuss FY2026 budget

The New Shoreham Town Council met with the Block Island School Committee on December 16, 2024. The agenda item was an annual pre-budget meeting to discuss the town's FY2026 budget needs. No decisions were recorded; the session was for discussion and information sharing.

budgeteducationtown-councilschool-committeefinance
Wed Dec 11, 2024

AGENDA - Dec. 11, 2024 - Planning Board Public Notice

Planning Board to discuss zoning, housing, and historic district changes

The New Shoreham Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to land development regulations and discuss affordable housing strategies, outdoor lighting, and historic district additions.

zoninghousingregulationshistoric-districtpublic-hearingplanning
Thu Dec 5, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Council to decide renewal of 2025 moped rental license for Miles-Un-Ltd.

The New Shoreham Town Council will receive an update from town attorneys on Miles-Un-Ltd., Inc.'s application for a motorized tricycle, bicycle and scooter (moped) rental license, which may be discussed in closed session. The council will then discuss and act on the annual renewal of that license for the 2025 licensing year. Additional agenda items include brainstorming council priorities for the upcoming year and scheduling special council meetings for training, department heads, lobbyist, and interstate navigation topics.

licensingtransportationtown-councilplanningpublic-hearing
Mon Dec 2, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to review 2025 rental and food permits

The New Shoreham Town Council and Board of License Commissioners will meet to swear in council members and set beverage license caps. The body will act on license renewals for moped rentals, mobile food establishments, and hawkers for 2025.

licensingpermitsgovernmenttourismlitigation
Mon Nov 25, 2024

Historic District Commission

Commission will consider adding properties to New Shoreham Historic District

The Historic District Commission will review four applications for exterior alterations or new construction on specific lots, including a replacement hotel structure and a deck addition. The body will also discuss a recommendation to add properties to the Historic District and review an instructional guide for certificate of appropriateness applications. Additional agenda items include the 2025 Annual Meeting Calendar and the election of officers.

historic-districtzoningplanningmeetingelections
Thu Nov 21, 2024

Zoning Board of Review

Discuss and act on 2025 Zoning Board meeting schedule

The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will consider its meeting schedule for 2025. It will also approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

zoningboard-scheduleminuteslocal-government
Mon Nov 18, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council will award $1.35 million road improvement contract to J.H. Lynch & Sons

The Town Council will consider several items, including a $1,352,470 award to J.H. Lynch & Sons for FY2025 roadway improvements, adoption of a written information security program, and amendments to the zoning ordinance for low- and moderate-income housing. The Board of License Commissioners will hold continued public hearings on annual beverage license renewals and an outdoor entertainment license renewal. Additional agenda items include public comment, approval of minutes, a $3,246.11 energy‑efficiency grant MOU, and updates on tax exemptions and community mini‑grants.

roadsbudgetlicensingenergy-grantinformation-securityzoninghousing
Thu Nov 14, 2024

Town Council Meeting as Board of License Commissioners

Board will vote on caps for beverage licenses and hear multiple license applications

The New Shoreham Board of License Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a new Class BV beverage license for 585 Beach Avenue. It will also receive and act on annual renewals for various Class A, BH, BM, BVL, and BV beverage licenses. The board will consider a motion to set caps on the number of beverage licenses issued. Additionally, it will hear a new outdoor entertainment license application and renewals for existing outdoor entertainment licenses.

beverage-licensesoutdoor-entertainmentlicense-capsrenewalsboard-of-license-commissioners
Wed Nov 13, 2024

AGENDA - Nov. 13, 2024 - Planning Board Public Notice

Planning Board to consider ordinance regulating tents and storage containers

The New Shoreham Planning Board will approve the 2025 Annual Meeting Schedule and approve the meeting minutes. It will discuss and act on a Town Council request to consider an ordinance that would regulate tents and storage containers in all zones. The board will also discuss the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (Section 512 of the Zoning Ordinance) and the boundary lines of the Historic District before adjourning.

zoningplanningordinanceshistoric-districtmeeting-schedule
Mon Nov 4, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to hold hearings on zoning and tax exemption amendments

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold public hearings on zoning for low-to-moderate income housing and tax exemptions for veterans, the elderly, and disabled residents. The body will also discuss 2025 permits for mobile food establishments and hawkers, as well as potential litigation over a wall on town property.

zoningtax-exemptionslitigationpermitsenvironmentpublic-safety
Fri Oct 25, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Council will discuss collective bargaining negotiations in closed session

The Town Council will discuss negotiations involving RI Council 94 AFSCME, AFL‑CIO Local 2855 New Shoreham Employee’s Association, the Town of New Shoreham, and the New Shoreham School Committee. The discussion may be held in a closed session under Rhode Island General Laws 42‑46‑5(a)(2) because it concerns collective bargaining or litigation. No other agenda items are listed.

laborcollective-bargainingcouncilclosed-sessionschool
Mon Oct 21, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss sewer allocation and management agreement updates

The New Shoreham Town Council will meet with the Sewer and Water Districts to discuss updates on water and sewer projects and act on amending sewer allocation rules and a management agreement. The Council will also consider an appeal for a Special Event License.

sewerwatermanagement-agreementspecial-eventappealtown-councilblock-island
Thu Oct 17, 2024

Police Advisory Commission

Discuss community feedback on mopeds and summer traffic congestion

The Police Advisory Commission will review and act on the minutes from its August 1, 2024 meeting. It will receive an update from Chief Deane on the body‑camera program. The commission will consider whether the Chief should continue meeting with the Block Island Times and how the commission can support the Chief’s planned projects. It will also discuss community concerns about mopeds and summer traffic congestion raised at the Nature Conservancy meeting.

policecommunicationstrafficcommunity-feedbackbody-cameras
Wed Oct 16, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss zoning ordinance amendments and approve a $14,000 preservation grant

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinances covering various zones and development types. The body is also set to approve a $14,000 grant for protecting unmarked grave sites and consider appointments to town committees.

zoningpublic-hearingbudgetsafetyinfrastructurecommitteegrant
Wed Oct 9, 2024

AGENDA - Oct. 9, 2024 - Planning Board Public Notice

Planning Board to review zoning and subdivision regulation amendments for state compliance

The New Shoreham Planning Board will review draft amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Land Development and Subdivision Regulations to ensure they comply with state law and to recommend them to the Town Council. The board will also discuss a proposed ordinance regulating tents and storage containers, a zoning clarification for second‑story decks, and a Department of Environmental Management application to alter freshwater wetlands for a new four‑bedroom home. Additional items include adopting procedures for the Technical Review Committee and discussing the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.

zoningland-developmentenvironmentalhousingordinances
Tue Oct 8, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council will discuss definitions for prohibited uses in the zoning ordinance.

The New Shoreham Town Council will meet with Planning Board members, Zoning Board members, and town attorneys to discuss the zoning and planning process, statutory requirements, and appeals. The council will also discuss how to define uses listed as prohibited in the current zoning ordinance. No decisions are indicated; the agenda focuses on discussion and clarification.

zoningplanningordinancestown-council
Mon Oct 7, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Council will discuss pending litigation with VVO Real Estate Holding Corp.

The Town Council will consider two pending lawsuits against the town, which may be heard in closed session. It will also approve a series of tax abatements and raise the police detail hourly rate from $45 to $55. Several public hearings on proposed zoning ordinance amendments will be held, along with a vote on a short‑term rental registration form.

litigationtax-abatementspolice-fundingzoningshort-term-rentalspublic-hearings
Tue Oct 1, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town approves acquisition of Crocker Communications assets by RingSquared

The New Shoreham Town Council will vote on several personnel appointments, including interim Town Clerk and Director of Administration, interim Finance Director, and Deputy Town Clerk. The Council will also ratify the New Shoreham Harbor Management Plan and act on an agreement transferring Crocker Communications assets to RingSquared CC LLC. All actions are for six‑month terms ending March 31, 2025, except the deputy clerk appointment.

appointmentspersonnelharbor-managementbroadbandcontracts
Mon Sep 23, 2024

Historic District Commission

Commission to discuss island-wide ordinance on tents and storage containers

The New Shoreham Historic District Commission will consider a Planning Board request to draft an ordinance regulating tents, storage containers, and similar ancillary uses in all zones on the island. The commission will also hear applications for a seasonal outdoor canopy at Ballard’s Inn and for replacement windows and trim at a private residence. Additional agenda items include discussion of historic district boundary lines and review of a pamphlet on the certificate of appropriateness process.

historic-districtzoningordinancetentsstorageplanning
Wed Sep 18, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss zoning amendments and approve contracts

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss and act on ratifying a letter agreement with the Town Manager, approve a contract for an Executive Assistant, and set a public hearing date for amendments to the Zoning Ordinances. The meeting will also cover ARPA fund allocation and committee appointments.

zoningarpacontractssafetyappointmentspublic-safety-complextown-manager
Wed Sep 11, 2024

AGENDA - Sep. 11, 2024 - Planning Board Public Notice

Planning Board to review zoning amendments and new tent regulations

The New Shoreham Planning Board will discuss updates to zoning and land development regulations for state law compliance. The board will also consider a new ordinance regulating tents and storage containers across all island zones.

zoningland-usepublic-safetyordinancestransportation
Mon Sep 9, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Amy Land appointed as interim Town Manager for six months starting Oct 1, 2024

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss the interim Town Manager transition plan. The Council will then consider and vote on appointing Amy Land as interim Town Manager for a six‑month term beginning October 1, 2024. No other items are listed on the agenda.

personneltown-managementappointmentslocal-government
Tue Sep 3, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Council will discuss potential acquisition of real property

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss a potential acquisition of real property, which may be held in executive session. The council will also consider appointing an interim town manager, updating property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, and homestead owners, and taking actions on board, commission and committee matters, including establishing a Public Safety Complex Building Committee and announcing commission vacancies. The meeting includes a public comment period and a consent agenda approving minutes and correspondence.

property-acquisitiontown-managertax-exemptionspublic-safetycommissions
Wed Aug 28, 2024

Zoning Board of Review

Variance sought to rebuild Harborside Hotel after 2023 fire

The Zoning Board of Review will hold a public hearing on a variance application to reconstruct the Harborside Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in August 2023. The board will also decide on three applications for accessory dwelling units and a home addition, each requesting special use permits or variances. Minutes from the previous meeting will be approved.

variancespecial-use-permitaccessory-dwelling-unithotel-reconstructionzoning
Tue Aug 27, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss interim town manager candidates

The New Shoreham Town Council will meet on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road. The agenda item is a discussion of candidates for interim town manager. The meeting may be held in closed session for discussions of job performance, character, or health of the candidates, as allowed by RI General Laws 42‑46‑1(a)(1). Supporting documents are available on Clerkbase and the meeting will be streamed on YouTube.

town-councilpersonnelinterim-managermeeting
Mon Aug 26, 2024

Historic District Commission

Commission reviews hotel reconstruction and renovations

The Historic District Commission will review three applications for building modifications and new construction. The body will also review a pamphlet regarding certificates of appropriateness.

historic-districtconstructionhotelszoning
Wed Aug 21, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to vote on mobile food establishment zoning amendments

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to allow mobile food establishments in several zoning districts. The meeting also includes closed‑session discussions of interim Town Manager candidates and collective‑bargaining negotiations, a public hearing on fire‑alarm monitoring amendments, and a vote on receiving a $57,765 refund for a ladder truck purchase. Additional items cover ARPA fund allocation for mental‑health and community activities and committee appointments and renamings.

zoningbudgetpublic-safetystaffingcommunity-fundscommittees
Wed Aug 14, 2024

AGENDA - Aug. 14, 2024 - Planning Board Public Notice

Public hearing on amendments to land development regulations to meet new state law

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the New Shoreham Land Development and Subdivision Regulations to bring them into compliance with state law changes effective Jan. 1, 2024. It will also review draft amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including a comprehensive permit ordinance prepared by consultant Weston & Sampson. The board will discuss a Department of Environmental Management application to alter freshwater wetlands at the end of High View Lane (Ambrose Swamp) for several lots, and a Scenic Roadway designation with Scenic Block Island. Finally, the board will approve the meeting minutes.

land-developmentzoningwetlandsscenic-roadwayplanning-board
Mon Aug 5, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss November ballot questions for police and fire upgrades

The New Shoreham Town Council will consider adding local questions to the November General Election ballot regarding police dispatch and fire department spending. The body will also act on wetland alterations and the town's right of first refusal for a unit at Salt Pond Settlement Complex.

public-safetywetlandselectionliquor-licensesbroadbandhousing
Thu Aug 1, 2024

Police Advisory Commission

Commission will discuss Chief Deane’s July 4th holiday report

The Police Advisory Commission will review and act on the minutes from its April 25, 2024 meeting, the chief’s police activities report published in the Block Island Times, and the department’s summer challenges. It will also discuss the July 4th holiday from the chief’s perspective and consider community feedback. The meeting will conclude with adjournment and scheduling of the next meeting on October 17, 2024.

policecommunity-feedbackpublic-safetymeeting
Tue Jul 30, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss school construction and a ballot question for fire and police upgrades

The council will hold a public meeting with the School Committee to discuss school construction and community engagement on long‑term school needs. They will also consider adding a local question to the November ballot that would authorize spending for a portable saltwater pump for the Fire Department and safety upgrades at police dispatch.

school-constructionballot-questionfire-departmentpolicepublic-meeting
Thu Jul 25, 2024

CANCELLED: Police Advisory Commission

Police Advisory Commission meeting cancelled; no items will be acted on

The New Shoreham Police Advisory Commission meeting scheduled for July 25, 2024 was cancelled. The agenda listed five discussion items, including minutes from the April 25 meeting and the Chief’s report on police activities. No decisions or actions will occur at this cancelled meeting. The next meeting is set for October 17, 2024.

policeadvisory-commissionmeetingcancellationnew-shoreham
Wed Jul 24, 2024

Zoning Board of Review

Zoning Board to hear appeals and variance requests for Block Island properties

The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold public hearings regarding zoning violations and permit applications. The board will consider appeals from VVO Real Estate Holding, Inc. and requests for accessory dwelling units and property additions.

zoningpublic-hearingshousingvariancespermits
Tue Jul 23, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss and act on Compensation Study

The New Shoreham Town Council is meeting to discuss and take action regarding a Compensation Study.

compensationtown-councilpersonnel
Mon Jul 22, 2024

Historic District Commission

Historic District Commission will consider two exterior improvement applications

The commission will allow public comments limited to exterior design before reviewing two applications. One request is from the Frank C. Payne, Jr. Trust to build a shed for wellhead protection at Ince. Plat 5, Lot 110. The other is from Quick Family Realty LLC to replace a wood fence with a stone wall and a gravel driveway with granite pavers at Plat 6, Lot 90-10. The meeting will also include a review of a brochure on obtaining a certificate of appropriateness and approval of the June 24, 2024 minutes.

historic-districtexterior-designpermitspublic-hearingarchitecture
Wed Jul 17, 2024

Town Council Meeting

Town Council considers bond issuances up to $13.4 million for infrastructure projects

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss and act on several items, including large bond issuances for sewer, road, and school improvements. The council will also set public hearing dates for multiple zoning and general ordinance amendments, and consider a local election question to fund a portable saltwater pump for the fire department and safety upgrades at police dispatch. Additional agenda items include licensing applications for four F1 liquor licenses at Persephone’s Kitchen, a mobile food establishment permit for Payne’s Killer Donuts, and updates to the fee schedule for short‑term rentals and mobile food establishments.

bondslicensingzoningfeespublic-hearingelectionsinfrastructure
Wed Jul 10, 2024

AGENDA - Jul. 10, 2024 - Planning Board Public Notice

New Shoreham Planning Board reviews restaurant permit and zoning updates

The board will hold public hearings for a new restaurant on Spring Street and a home addition on Beach Ave. Members will also discuss recommendations to the Town Council regarding amusement rides and regulations for tents and storage containers. The meeting includes establishing a Technical Review Committee.

zoningrestauranthousingordinancespublic hearing