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Smithfield, RI

Smithfield public meetings in 2023

43 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 21, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves master plans for Residences at Long House and 230-250 George Washington Highway

The Smithfield Planning Board held a regular meeting on December 21, 2023, approving minutes, master plans, an extension, a preliminary plan, and a zoning recommendation. The board approved the master plan for the Residences at Long House (719 Putnam Pike) with conditions, granted a one-year extension for the Sand Trace project, approved the master plan for 230-250 George Washington Highway with a deferred traffic study, approved the preliminary plan for Bryant University's Field House, and recommended approval of a special use permit for 100 Salem Street. The board also discussed proposed zoning ordinance amendments regarding wind energy facilities and inclusionary zoning.

planning-boardzoninghousingdevelopmenthistoric-preservationtrafficuniversity
Sat Dec 9, 2023

Planning Board Site Walk

Planning Board site walk for 23-unit Residences at Long House

The Smithfield Planning Board will conduct a site walk at 719 Putnam Pike for the Residences at Long House project, a comprehensive permit application for major land development and master plan. The board will view the proposed development area and may question project representatives, but will not deliberate or vote. No other agenda items are listed.

planning-boardsite-walkcomprehensive-permitland-developmentmaster-plan
Tue Dec 5, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council discusses ordinance changes and various municipal contracts

The Council will consider several public hearings regarding code of ordinance amendments and business license renewals. Additionally, the body will review multiple contract awards, including water main design and fire department equipment.

zoningpublic-safetywaterbusiness-licensesgovernment-spending
Tue Nov 21, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to weigh zoning for battery storage, school sale, fire gear

The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on zoning amendments for battery energy storage facilities and on renewing numerous liquor and victualling licenses. The council will also consider authorizing the Fire Department to purchase ballistic protective equipment and Jaws of Life tools, and will discuss the sale of the William Winsor Elementary School. An executive session is scheduled to interview a potential board appointee and conduct the Town Manager's annual review.

zoninglicensesfire-departmentschool-salepensionspublic-hearing
Thu Nov 16, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves four subdivisions, recommends battery storage zoning changes

The Smithfield Planning Board held its November 16, 2023 meeting, approving master and preliminary plans for several subdivisions and recommending zoning ordinance amendments. The board also granted a second extension for the Rubius Therapeutics master plan and continued one application for a site visit.

planning-boardsubdivisionzoningbattery-storagehistoric-preservationaffordable-housing
Tue Nov 7, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council considers land purchases, contracts, and ordinance changes

The Town Council will meet to discuss various municipal business including potential land purchases and litigation in executive session. The public agenda includes several license approvals, contract extensions, and proposed ordinance amendments.

zoningcontractslicensinggovernment-operationspublic-hearings
Wed Nov 1, 2023

Zoning Board Mtg.

Zoning board approves nursing home addition at 80 Douglas Pike

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on November 1, 2023, and approved a variance and special use permit for Heritage Hills Property, LLC to construct an addition to a nursing home at 80 Douglas Pike. The board also approved its September 6, 2023 meeting minutes and the 2024 meeting schedule. All votes were unanimous.

zoningvariancespecial-use-permitnursing-homemeeting-minutes
Thu Oct 19, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board reviews 4-lot subdivision and 65-MW battery storage proposal

The Smithfield Planning Board held an informational meeting on a proposed 4-lot subdivision at 332 Douglas Pike, continued to November 16, 2023, and reviewed a pre-application for a 65-megawatt battery storage facility at 155 Mountaindale Road. The board also elected officers for the coming year and approved the 2024 meeting schedule.

planning-boardsubdivisionbattery-storagezoningmeeting-minutesofficer-election
Tue Oct 17, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Council to consider liquor licenses, fire dept purchases, DEI task force dissolution

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a regular meeting with an executive session first, then consider appointments, public hearings on liquor licenses, and several Fire Department purchases. They will also vote on dissolving the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force and approving small tax abatements.

licensesfire-departmentappointmentsdeitax-abatements
Tue Oct 3, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider $449K grandstand purchase and zoning solar amendments

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning amendments for solar energy systems, and consider several contracts and licenses. Key items include authorizing up to $449,000 for the Boyle Athletic Complex grandstand and press box, a bid award for Deer Run Estates drainage and landscaping, and a resolution to place land trust properties in a Municipal Public Trust. The meeting also includes appointments, licenses for events and food trucks, and a water main extension waiver request.

zoningsolarcontractsparkslicensesland-trustroads
Thu Sep 21, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board continues DRG Acres subdivision, approves Heritage Hills addition

The Smithfield Planning Board met on September 21, 2023, and took action on two major development applications. The board continued the DRG Acres major subdivision (332 Douglas Pike) to the October 19 meeting to allow review of a revised plan. It approved the Heritage Hills Nursing Center master plan for a 7,464 sq. ft. addition at 80 Douglas Pike, recommending the Zoning Board grant the requested variance and special use permit. The board also noted that the Whipple Woods extension request was submitted in error and postponed officer elections due to absences.

planning-boardsubdivisionland-developmentzoningnursing-homepublic-hearing
Tue Sep 19, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Council to weigh tax breaks, stone wall rules, new liquor license

The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on amendments to tax stabilization for commercial property and stone wall protection, and consider several new licenses for Jack's Pizza Pub. The council will also vote on a $123,481.18 truck purchase, a bid for Town Hall painting, and a resolution to place land trust properties in a public trust. The meeting includes an executive session for a possible reappointment and potential litigation.

taxationstone-wallsliquor-licensetruck-purchaseland-trustpublic-hearinglicenses
Wed Sep 6, 2023

Zoning Board Mtg.

Zoning Board approves variances for Williams Road and Bryant University

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on September 6, 2023, to review several applications. The Board approved a lot subdivision request for 117 Williams Road and granted special use permits and variances for Bryant University's Vision 2030 Master Plan.

zoningland-usesubdivisionsmithfieldbryant-university
Tue Sep 5, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider solar zoning changes, school sale, and $51K change order

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a regular meeting with an executive session first. The council will consider several new business items, including authorizing a request for proposals for the sale of the William Winsor Elementary School, approving a $51,175 change order for the high school rooftop units project, and scheduling a public hearing on solar energy system zoning amendments. The agenda also includes a public hearing on a possible license sanction for The Level 10 Nutrition Club and approval of tax abatements totaling $28,620.95.

zoningschoolscontractslicensesbudgetsolar
Thu Aug 31, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Planning Board approves Whipple Farm 4-lot subdivision, Bryant master plan

The Smithfield Planning Board held a public hearing and approved a preliminary plan for a 4-lot subdivision at Whipple Farm on Whipple Road, with waivers for water line extension and interior angles. The board also approved the master plan for a 2-lot subdivision on Williams Road and Bryant University's updated campus-wide master plan, which includes a new residence hall and field house but withdraws the proposed Bull Dog Bistro. Additionally, the board recommended the Town Council adopt proposed amendments to the solar energy ordinance, increasing buffers and screening requirements.

zoningsubdivisionplanning-boardsolarbryant-universitypublic-hearing
Thu Aug 24, 2023

Town Council Work Sess.

Town Council to discuss licensing procedures and possible ordinance changes

The Smithfield Town Council is holding a work session to discuss draft Licensing Board procedures, ways to streamline the licensing process, potential amendments to licensing ordinances, and a possible process for issuing Class A retail alcohol beverage licenses. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only meeting.

licensingalcoholordinancesprocedurestown-council
Wed Aug 9, 2023

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves 6 requests including gym, self-storage, bank

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on August 9, 2023, and voted unanimously (5-0) to approve all six items on the agenda. These included an extension for a carport, a special use permit for an attached garage, a variance for an accessory dwelling unit, a use variance for a gym, variances for a self-storage building, and a special use permit for a bank. All decisions were recorded in the Smithfield Land Evidence Records.

zoningspecial-use-permitvariancecarportgarageaccessory-dwelling-unitgymself-storage
Tue Aug 8, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider $317K dispatch console, police vehicles, other purchases

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a regular meeting on August 8, 2023, preceded by an executive session to discuss a potential land purchase and personnel interviews. The open session includes multiple action items, such as authorizing significant equipment purchases for the Fire and Police Departments, scheduling public hearings on tax and stone wall ordinance amendments, and considering various licenses and appointments. The agenda is largely administrative, with no presentations scheduled.

policefire-departmentbudgetlicensespublic-hearingordinanceappointments
Tue Jul 11, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Town Council to consider police union contract, tax stabilization for Bay Crane

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on a tax stabilization application from Bay Crane Northeast, LLC, and consider ratifying a collective bargaining agreement with the police union (Smithfield Lodge No. 17 FOP). The agenda also includes appointments, license renewals, and several other items such as road race permits and a payment for bridge construction at Camp Shepard.

tax-stabilizationpolice-contractlicensesappointmentspublic-hearingleases
Wed Jul 5, 2023

CANCELLED Jul. 5, 2023 - Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board meeting cancelled

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review meeting scheduled for July 5, 2023, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

zoningmeeting-cancelled
Tue Jun 20, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council approves FY2024 budget with tax rate changes

The Smithfield Town Council held a public hearing and approved the Fiscal Year 2024 budget as amended, which includes increases for school capital, police pension, a full-time position, and the Greenville Library. The budget raises the tax levy by $456,365, reducing the residential tax rate to $13.78 and commercial to $19.29 per thousand. The council also scheduled a July 11 public hearing on a tax stabilization agreement for Bay Crane Northeast, LLC, and approved several licenses and contracts.

budgettaxespublic-hearinglicensescontractsfire-stationlibrary
Thu Jun 15, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves Stillwater Distribution preliminary plan on George Washington Highway

The Smithfield Planning Board held a public hearing and approved the preliminary plan for the Stillwater Distribution project at 295 George Washington Highway, a major land development on about 92 acres. The board also approved master plans for three other projects: a self-storage facility, a mixed-use development, and a four-lot subdivision. Additionally, the board authorized the town's Community Development Block Grant application for the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center and a group home improvement.

planning-boardland-developmentpublic-hearingsubdivisioncommunity-development-block-grantzoning
Thu Jun 8, 2023

Town Council Work Sess.

Town Council to discuss FY 2023-2024 budget

The Smithfield Town Council is meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The agenda includes only this discussion item, along with routine procedural matters. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

budgettown-councilmeeting
Wed Jun 7, 2023

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves car wash and retail project on Putnam Pike

The Zoning Board of Review met to consider several property variances and special use permits. Decisions included approving a commercial development for a car wash and retail stores, as well as approving an accessory dwelling unit at 149 Ridge Road.

zoningcommercial-developmentresidential-useretailsmithfield
Tue Jun 6, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to hold hearings on cannabis, solar, sewer, and animal ordinance changes

The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on amendments to the sewer computation, animal control, and zoning ordinances (including adult-use cannabis and solar energy), and will schedule a June 20 hearing on the FY2024 budget. The council will also consider several contracts and bid awards, including a $35,930 asbestos abatement contract and change orders for the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center renovation.

zoningcannabissolarseweranimalsbudgetcontractslicenses
Tue May 16, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider water rate changes, new Crudo restaurant licenses

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on water rate changes as the Water Supply Board, and consider multiple new licenses for Crudo restaurant at 266 Putnam Pike. The council will also discuss appointments, a tax stabilization referral, a property purchase waiver, and several resolutions.

licenseswater-ratesappointmentstax-stabilizationpropertyresolutions
Sat May 6, 2023

Planning Board Site Walk

Planning Board site walk for Sunn Builders' 8.49-acre Putnam Pike development

The Smithfield Planning Board will conduct a site walk at 270 Putnam Pike for a major land development application by Sunn Builders, Inc. The board will view the proposed development area and may question project representatives, but will not deliberate or vote. This is an informational site visit only.

planning-boardsite-walkland-developmentzoningputnam-pike
Wed May 3, 2023

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves bakery, dwelling unit, extension

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met and voted unanimously on three items: an extension for B&F Associates, a special use permit for a wholesale bakery, and a dimensional variance for an accessory dwelling unit. All motions passed 5-0.

zoningspecial-use-permitvariancebakeryaccessory-dwelling-unit
Thu Apr 20, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board reviews Sunn Builders mixed-use project, solar and cannabis zoning changes

The Smithfield Planning Board held a virtual meeting on April 20, 2023, addressing several land development applications and zoning ordinance amendments. The board continued the Sunn Builders major land development project at 270 Putnam Pike to May 18, 2023, pending a site visit, and approved revised solar energy and adult-use cannabis zoning amendments for recommendation to the Town Council. The board also continued the Stillwater Distribution public hearing, reviewed a pre-application for 230-250 George Washington Highway, and approved the Ray Subdivision preliminary plan at 292 Waterman Avenue.

planning-boardzoningsolarcannabissubdivisionland-developmentpublic-hearing
Wed Apr 5, 2023

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board approves two variances, continues bakery permit

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on April 5, 2023, and approved two dimensional variances for residential properties, and continued a special use permit application for a wholesale bakery to the May 3, 2023 meeting. The board also approved the minutes from the January 4, 2023 meeting.

zoningvariancespecial-use-permitresidentialindustrialmeeting-minutes
Thu Mar 23, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves 4-lot affordable housing project on Leland Mowry Drive

The Smithfield Planning Board approved the preliminary plan for a four-lot affordable housing subdivision at 29 Leland Mowry Drive, with conditions including a retaining wall or split-level home on Lot 4 and an 18-foot driveway with turnaround. The board also continued a major land development application by Sunn Builders for 270 Putnam Pike to April 20, and voted to recommend removing R-80 and R-200 districts from the solar ordinance, while continuing discussion on adult-use cannabis zoning amendments.

Tue Mar 21, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Smithfield Town Council to vote on firefighter contract, licenses, and animal ordinance

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a regular meeting with an executive session to interview candidates for a town board and discuss the firefighters' collective bargaining agreement. In open session, they will consider approving several licenses, including a relocated bar and grill, and vote on the ratification of the firefighter contract, a FEMA grant, and a new animal ordinance.

licensespublic-hearingsfirefighterscollective-bargainingfema-grantanimal-ordinancespecial-events
Tue Mar 21, 2023

Town Council Work Sess.

Town Council to review police/fire pension and OPEB trust funds

The Smithfield Town Council is holding a work session with a single discussion item: a presentation by the Town Actuaries, Angell Pension Group, Inc., concerning the Police Pension, Fire Pension, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Funds. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only agenda.

pensionspolicefireopebbudgetfinance
Tue Mar 14, 2023

Spec. Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider entertainment license renewal for Copperfield's Bar & Grill

The Smithfield Town Council is holding a special meeting to consider renewing one entertainment license for Copperfield's Bar & Grill at 9 Cedar Swamp Road, subject to compliance with state regulations and local ordinances. The agenda contains only this license item and adjournment, with no other substantive business.

licensesentertainmentalcoholtown-council
Tue Mar 7, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider rescinding fire station RFP, zoning changes

The Smithfield Town Council will hold public hearings on the annual stormwater report, a proposed repeal and replacement of the Animal chapter of the town code, and scheduling a hearing on zoning ordinance and map amendments. The council will also consider appointments, license renewals, and a motion to rescind the RFP for the new fire station on George Washington Highway.

zoninglicensespublic-hearingfire-stationanimalsstormwater
Wed Mar 1, 2023

CANCELLED Mar. 1, 2023 - Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield zoning board meeting cancelled for March 1, 2023

This meeting of the Smithfield Zoning Board of Review, sitting as the Board of Appeal, was cancelled. The agenda had listed one new business item: an appeal by High Purity New England, Inc. and 14 Thurber Boulevard LLC regarding the Building Official's decision to revoke a previously granted permit for property at 14 Thurber Boulevard (Plat 46, Lot 238A). No public hearing will take place as scheduled.

Tue Feb 21, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider $277,079 in tax abatements and new food licenses

The Smithfield Town Council will hold an executive session to interview candidates for town boards, then reconvene publicly to consider appointments, license renewals, new food service licenses, and potential next steps on a state law change. They will also vote on approving uncollectable tax abatements totaling $277,079.27 for motor vehicle and tangible taxes from 2008-2012.

licensestax-abatementsappointmentsfood-trucksalcohol
Thu Feb 16, 2023

Planning Board Mtg.

Planning Board approves Bryant University athletic field improvements and Riverbend Condos

The Smithfield Planning Board held a meeting on February 16, 2023, reviewing several development proposals. The board approved preliminary plans for Bryant University's athletic field improvements and the Riverbend Condos affordable housing project, and continued a public hearing for the Helping Hands subdivision. They also discussed pre-application reviews for the Stillwater Distribution and Sunn Builders projects, and recommended zoning ordinance amendments to the Town Council.

planning-boardzoningaffordable-housingdevelopmentathletic-fieldssolarpublic-hearing
Tue Feb 7, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider $204K housing fund release and multiple contracts

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on amending the sewer use charge to allow quarterly billing, and will consider several contracts for school gym improvements, a housing fund release, and various license renewals. The agenda also includes appointments, a disability pension, and a memorandum of understanding with a forest school.

sewerhousingcontractslicensesschoolsappointments
Wed Feb 1, 2023

CANCELLED - Feb. 1, 2023 - Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board meeting cancelled

This meeting of the Smithfield Zoning Board of Review, scheduled for February 1, 2023, was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

zoningcancelled-meeting
Tue Jan 17, 2023

Town Council Work Sess.

Council to review draft audit for FY ending June 30, 2022

The Smithfield Town Council Budget and Financial Review Board will hold a work session to discuss the draft audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, with representatives from Hague, Sahady & Co., P.C. The meeting is a discussion item only; no votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

auditbudgetfinance
Wed Jan 4, 2023

Zoning Board Mtg.

Smithfield Zoning Board denies special use permit for chicken coop

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met to consider a request for an extension on a previous resolution and a new application for animal raising. The Board voted to deny a special use permit for maintaining chickens and ducks at 23 Cherrywood Drive.

zoninganimal-raisingspecial-use-permitsmithfield
Tue Jan 3, 2023

Town Council Mtg.

Council to consider cannabis ban on town property and liquor license renewals

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance banning cannabis consumption on town-owned property, and will consider renewing numerous liquor and victualling licenses, with potential show-cause hearings for non-compliant establishments. The council will also vote on appointments, a police vehicle purchase, and wastewater contract amendments.

cannabislicensespolicebudgetwaterappointments