Smithfield public meetings in 2024

Town Council Mtg.

The council will interview four candidates for possible board or commission appointments. It will hold public hearings to approve a new Class B‑Victualler beverage license and renew several existing intoxicating beverage licenses. In new business, the council will authorize several contracts funded by ARPA, including lighting at Boyle Field and sprinkler work at the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center.

• Interview Mark Bushee, Lisa Laidler, Susan Grenon, and Heather Coia for possible board or commission appointments.
• Approve a new Class B‑Victualler Beverage License for Napolitano’s Lounge & Brooklyn Pizzeria, 375 Putnam Pike, Unit 35.
• Renew five Victualling Only Licenses for Best Life Nutrition, Fitness 401, Ivy and Lace Bake Shop, Bree’s Deli, and Speedway #02821.
• Authorize a $29,649.00 contract with Sullivan & McLaughlin for additional lighting at Boyle Field Complex (ARPA funds).
• Authorize a $129,282.00 Change Order #6 with E.W. Burman General Contractors for sprinkler system installation at East Smithfield Neighborhood Center (ARPA funds).

Planning Board Appeals Mtg.

The board approved a one‑year extension of the Master Plan for the former Rubius Therapeutics site (AP 49/Lot 78, 15.55 acres). It continued the Emilia’s Way minor subdivision application to the January 16, 2025 meeting and set a decision deadline for February 2025. The board reviewed pre‑application concepts for 111 Tarklin Road (5.276 acres) and 245 Reservoir Road (13.759 acres). It also discussed the Limerock Acres major land development (38 acres, 218 units) which is projected to generate $2 million in town revenue the first year.

• Extension of Master Plan approval for former Rubius Therapeutics site (AP 49/Lot 78, 15.55 acres, PCD‑B zoning)
• Public hearing and continuation of Emilia’s Way minor subdivision (260 Old County Road, 6.5 acres, RMED zoning)
• Pre‑application review of 111 Tarklin Road minor subdivision (5.276 acres, R‑200 zoning)
• Pre‑application review of 245 Reservoir Road minor subdivision (13.759 acres, R‑200 zoning)
• Discussion of The Collection at Limerock Acres (38 acres, 218 units, projected $2 M revenue first year)

Town Council Mtg.

The Smithfield Town Council will meet in an executive session to interview candidates for board and commission appointments. In the open session, the council will vote on several appointments and reappointments to the Budget and Financial Review Board, Housing Authority, Zoning Board, and Town Sergeant. A public hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2025 to review proposed amendments to the town’s tax code. The council will also consider accepting Organogenesis Holdings Inc.’s tax stabilization application and refer it to the Budget and Financial Review Board.

• Interview of Crescenzo Conti, Ian McLean, Armand Labrie, Brian Thalmann, and Bruce Beaumier for possible board or commission appointments (executive session).
• Appointment/reappointment to the Budget and Financial Review Board (terms expiring Jan 2026 and Jan 2027).
• Appointment to the Housing Authority (term expiring Jan 2026) and Zoning Board (term expiring May 2025).
• Schedule a public hearing on Jan 7, 2025 for Code of Ordinance Chapter 321 Taxation amendment.
• Consider and refer Organogenesis Holdings Inc.’s Tax Stabilization Application to the Budget and Financial Review Board.

Zoning Board Mtg.

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review met on December 4, 2024 and approved minutes from its October 2 and November 6 meetings. It granted an extension to a previously approved resolution for Heritage Hills Property at 80 Douglas Pike. The board also approved a pool variance for 10 Nokomis Trail and a use variance allowing Coastal Cheer Athletics to operate a cheerleading training facility at 15 Enterprise Lane Unit G.

• Approval of October 2, 2024 Zoning Board of Appeal minutes (5‑0 vote)
• Approval of November 6, 2024 Zoning Board of Review minutes (4‑0 vote)
• Extension of a previously granted resolution for Heritage Hills Property, 80 Douglas Pike (5‑0 vote)
• Dimensional variance for an above‑ground pool at 10 Nokomis Trail (5‑0 vote)
• Use variance for Coastal Cheer Athletics to operate at 15 Enterprise Lane Unit G (5‑0 vote)

Town Council Mtg.

The Town Council will swear in five new members and elect a President and Vice President. The body will also hold public hearings on beverage and victualling licenses and consider a contract for a Town Hall access control system.

• Contract with OMNI Technology Services for Town Hall access control system for $67,883.81
• Public hearings for 9 Intoxicating Beverage License renewals
• New B-Victualler License application for Napolitano’s Lounge & Brooklyn Pizzeria at 375 Putnam Pike
• Transfer of B-Victualler License for Rocco’s Pub & Grub at 55A Douglas Pike
• Approval of tax abatements totaling $675.87

TRC

The Smithfield Planning Board Technical Review Committee will discuss two major land development projects. Both items involve residential unit proposals in R-80 zones.

• The Collection at Limerock Acres: Pre-application for 218 units at 60 & 82 Limerock Road
• Residences at Greenville Farms: Preliminary plan review for 74 units at 89 West Greenville Road

Town Council Mtg.

The Smithfield Town Council will hold a public hearing to approve the renewal of various liquor and entertainment licenses for local businesses. The council will also consider awarding bid contracts for school projects, ice rink repairs, and park field maintenance.

• Public hearing for renewal of 40+ liquor licenses
• Bid award for Owners Project Manager services for RIDE Stage 1 & II
• Bid award for infrared heater flue pipe replacement at Smithfield Ice Rink
• Bid award for infield mix for baseball and softball fields
• Bid award for pickleball court construction

Zoning Board Mtg.

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review approved the minutes from the October 2, 2024 meeting and adopted the 2025 meeting schedule. It granted a dimensional variance for a detached garage at 2 Blue Feather Trail in the R‑20 district. It also granted a dimensional variance for an addition and accessory storage garage at 265 and 275 George Washington Highway in the Planned Corporate district. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approval of October 2, 2024 meeting minutes (4‑0 vote)
• Approval of 2025 meeting schedule (4‑0 vote)
• Variance approval for 2 Blue Feather Trail – detached garage in R‑20 district
• Variance approval for 265 and 275 George Washington Highway – addition and accessory garage in Planned Corporate district

Planning Board Mtg.

The Smithfield Planning Board approved a preliminary plan for a mixed-use housing development at 719 Putnam Pike, granting requested zoning variances and waivers. The board also approved the September 19, 2024 meeting minutes and canceled the November meeting.

• Approved preliminary plan for 12-unit housing project at 719 Putnam Pike
• Granted zoning variances and waivers for the Longhouse project
• Approved September 19, 2024 meeting minutes
• Canceled November meeting and changed December meeting to the 12th
• Continued review of a subdivision at 260 Old County Road

Town Council Mtg.

The Town Council will hold public hearings regarding sewer capacity reallocation for the Sand Trace Development and various beverage and victualling license applications. The body will also consider a fuel card system purchase and pickleball court maintenance.

• Public hearing on Smithfield Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan amendment for Sand Trace Development
• Purchase of a replacement fuel card system from Trask Petroleum Equipment Company for $14,761.00
• New B-Victualling Beverage License application for Smithfield Pizza House at 345 Waterman Avenue
• Request for quotes for color coat application on eight pickleball courts
• Renewal of 26 Victualling Only Licenses and multiple intoxicating beverage licenses

TRC

The Smithfield Planning Board Technical Review Committee will hold public hearings on two major land development proposals. One is the West Greenville Residences comprehensive permit (approx. 2.42 acres, Zone MU) submitted by Adler Properties, LLC. The other is the Whipple Woods major subdivision (approx. 40.91 acres, 9 lots, Zone R-80 Conservation Development) submitted by Louie Capital LLC and partners. No old business is listed.

• West Greenville Residences – Public Hearing – AP 1B / Lot 6 – 719 Putnam Pike – 2.42 acres – Zone MU – Applicant: Adler Properties, LLC
• Whipple Woods – Public Hearing – AP 42 / Lot 12 – 170 Whipple Road – 40.91 acres – 9 lots – Zone R-80 (Conservation Development) – Applicants: Louie Capital LLC, MAS Capital LLC, CAS Capital LLC, ERS Capital LLC

Zoning Board Appeals Mtg.

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review is meeting as the Board of Appeals to hold a public hearing. The board will consider an appeal regarding a denied special use permit for an energy storage facility and substation.

• Appeal 24-012: GDM ESS, LLC request to construct an energy storage facility and substation at 155 Mountaindale Road (Plat 43, Lot 53)

Zoning Board Mtg.

The Zoning Board of Review approved the minutes from the September 4, 2024 meeting. It denied an amendment to a previously granted resolution for Sunn Builders Inc. at several Putnam Pike properties. It approved a use variance with conditions for CGRI Greenville LLC to build an animal hospital at 473 Putnam Pike.

• Approval of September 4, 2024 meeting minutes (vote 5‑0)
• Denial of amendment for Sunn Builders Inc. (Case 23‑012, vote 5‑0)
• Approval of use variance for CGRI Greenville LLC (Case 24‑013, vote 5‑0)

Town Council Mtg.

The Smithfield Town Council will approve minutes from the September 17 meetings and consider several licensing requests for the Senior Center and mobile food vendors. New business includes authorizing contracts for paving eight pickleball courts at Willow Field, installing a fence at those courts, and other projects such as fire‑station upgrades and school district procurements. The council will also discuss a request for qualifications for owners‑project‑manager services for the School Department’s RIDE Stage 1‑II project.

• Approve two one‑day beer/wine licenses for the Senior Center Halloween Party (Oct 29) and Christmas Party (Dec 12)
• Approve one‑day beer/wine license for the Senior Center Comedy Dinner Show (Nov 7)
• Approve mobile food‑truck licenses for Boba Wave (28A Mount Hygeia Rd, Foster) and Mac’s Screaming Corn & Tacos (2 Palmer St, Barrington)
• Authorize a $142,250 contract with Narragansett Improvement Co. for paving eight pickleball courts at Willow Field, funded by ARPA
• Authorize a $146,051 contract with United Fence and Construction Corp. for fence installation at the Willow Field pickleball courts, funded by ARPA

Town Council Work Sess.

The Town Manager Evaluation Committee work session will review the committee’s roles and responsibilities. Council members will also discuss what they expect from the Evaluation Committee. No formal decisions are listed; the items are for discussion only.

• Discuss roles and responsibilities of Evaluation Committee
• Discuss Town Council expectations of the Evaluation Committee
• Emergency Evacuation and Health Notification

Planning Board Mtg.

The Planning Board approved the modified preliminary plan for the Mowry Hill Commons development and granted a one‑year extension of the master plan for the Earl Grey Estates project. It held public hearings on the Emilia’s Way subdivision and the 95 Douglas Pike dimensional‑relief request, and reviewed a concept proposal for a subdivision on Austin Avenue.

• Approved modified Preliminary Plan for Mowry Hill Commons (AP 46/Lot 63, 150 George Washington Highway) and authorized administrative Final Plan approval.
• Public hearing on Emilia’s Way (260 Old County Road) minor subdivision (AP 43/Lot 75) and motion to continue the application to the October 17, 2024 meeting.
• Granted a one‑year extension of the Master Plan for Earl Grey Estates (multiple lots on Douglas Pike & Ridge Road, 43.4 acres, Planned Development zoning).
• Reviewed pre‑application concept for Austin Avenue subdivision (AP 47/Lot 56, 113 Austin Avenue, approx. 10 acres, R‑80 zoning).
• Public hearing on dimensional relief for 95 Douglas Pike (DRG Realty LLC, AP 40/Lot 442 & Lot 249, .2 and .14 acres, C zoning).

Town Council Mtg.

The Smithfield Town Council will consider appointments and reappointments to several town boards. It will schedule public hearings on an ethical‑guidelines ordinance amendment and a wastewater treatment facility plan amendment. The council will also vote on contracts for Parks Department equipment, financing for those purchases, and other operational matters.

• Approve contract with Alta Equipment Company of Hookset, NH for one infield groomer ($38,800.00)
• Approve contract with Freightliner of Hartford, Inc. of East Hartford, CT for one stainless steel spreader ($27,542.00)
• Authorize financing of the groomer and spreader through the Smithfield Capital Lease Fund
• Schedule public hearing on Oct 15, 2024 to consider Code of Ordinance amendments adding Chapter 29 “Ethical Guidelines for Municipal Appointed and Elected Officials”
• Schedule public hearing on Oct 15, 2024 to consider the Smithfield Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan amendment for reallocation of reserved sewer capacity for the Sand Trace Development

Zoning Board Mtg.

The Zoning Board of Review approved the minutes from the August 7, 2024 meeting. It continued two pending applications—Sunn Builders Inc. (case 23-012) and CGRI Greenville LLC (case 24-013)—to the October 2, 2024 meeting. The board also approved variances: a dimensional variance for Mark Siegel’s addition at 163 Old County Road, and an accessory dwelling unit variance for the property at 52 Coolridge Avenue.

• Approved August 7, 2024 meeting minutes
• Continued Sunn Builders Inc. application (case 23-012) to Oct 2, 2024
• Continued CGRI Greenville LLC application (case 24-013) to Oct 2, 2024
• Approved dimensional variance for Mark Siegel at 163 Old County Road (case 24-016)
• Approved accessory dwelling unit variance for Nine Girardi at 52 Coolridge Avenue (case 24-018)

Town Council Mtg.

The council will consider and act on several items, including approving special event licenses for Seven Cedars Farm. They will authorize the Police Department to purchase three police vehicles for $211,846.79 and two Getac F110 tablet PCs for $16,227.00. Additional approvals include fire department gas detection meters for $16,775.75, a pavement‑management contract for $32,850.00, and utility‑billing software for $28,600.00.

• Approve purchase of three police vehicles from Colonial Municipal Group for $211,846.79
• Approve purchase of two Getac F110 tablet PCs from Island Tech Services for $16,227.00
• Approve purchase of gas detection meters for the Fire Department from Airgas USA for $16,775.75
• Approve pavement management road condition five‑year update contract with Beta Group for $32,850.00
• Approve utility billing software purchase from Continental Utility Solutions for $28,600.00

Town Council Mtg.

The Smithfield Town Council will consider and act on several procurement items, including a $401,769.92 purchase of Motorola APX8000 portable radios for the Fire Department. The council will also vote on a $64,620 crossing guard services agreement, a $35,617 purchase of 60 Glock handguns, a $17,887 purchase of a 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor, and tax abatements totaling $7,136.19. Additional agenda items include license renewals for pool tables, one‑day beer/wine events at the Senior Center, and new mobile food truck licenses.

• Approve $401,769.92 purchase of Motorola APX8000 portable radios for the Fire Department
• Authorize $64,620 Master Agreement for crossing guard services with NESCTC Security Agency, LLC
• Authorize $35,617 purchase of sixty Glock handguns from AmChar Wholesale Inc.
• Authorize $17,887 purchase of a 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor from Metrowest Auto Sales
• Approve tax abatements totaling $7,136.19

Town Council Site Visit

The Town Council Boyle Athletic Complex Building Committee will conduct a site visit at the Boyle Athletic Complex at Smithfield High School on August 21, 2024.

• Site visit of Boyle Athletic Complex
• Meeting location: Boyle Athletic Complex, 90 Pleasant View Avenue
• Meeting time: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Planning Board Mtg.

The Planning Board reviewed several subdivision and land development projects. The board granted a one-year extension for the Whipple Woods master plan and continued hearings for other projects to future dates.

• Granted one-year extension for Whipple Woods master plan (170 Whipple Road)
• Application for 29 East Prospect Street withdrawn by applicant without prejudice
• Continued public hearing for Mowry Hill Commons (150 George Washington Highway) to September 19, 2024
• Continued application for Emilia's Way (260 Old County Road) to September 19, 2024, with a site visit scheduled for September 7
• Concept review for a comprehensive permit application at 0 Old County Road (AP 43 / Lot 076)

Zoning Board Mtg.

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review decided on several land-use requests, including a special use permit for a business and variances for home construction. Some applications were continued to the September meeting or withdrawn.

• Approved special use permit for a laundromat at 458 Putnam Pike
• Approved variance for a home demolition and rebuild at 25 Greenlake Drive
• Approved variance for a home addition at 35 Capron Road
• Approved extension to a previously granted resolution for 0 Putnam Pike, 270 Putnam Pike, 0 Brush Street, and 280 Putnam Pike
• Continued application for an animal hospital at 473 Putnam Pike to September 4, 2024

Town Council Mtg.

The Smithfield Town Council will consider a resolution to authorize a construction agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for wall stabilization at Greenville Cemetery #45. The body will also discuss the process for selecting a new Town Manager.

• Resolution for wall stabilization at Greenville Cemetery #45
• Process for selecting a new Town Manager

Town Council Exec. Sess.

The Town Council is meeting to consider, discuss, and act upon a pending litigation matter. The session is conducted as an executive session pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws.

• Pending Litigation Case #: PC-2022-00953, Teresa Graham vs. the Town of Smithfield

Planning Board Mtg.

The Planning Board voted to recommend that the Town Council adopt amendments to the 'Adoption and Amendment' and 'Comprehensive Permit' sections of the Zoning Ordinance to align with state law. The board also reviewed two pre-application development proposals and continued one subdivision hearing to a later date.

• Recommended adoption of 2023 Land Use Legislation Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
• Continued public hearing for 29 East Prospect Street subdivision to August 15, 2024
• Pre-application review for a proposed restaurant and cigar lounge at 365 George Washington Highway
• Pre-application review for a minor subdivision at 113 Austin Avenue

CANCELLED Zoning Board Mtg.

The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review meeting scheduled for July 10, 2024, was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2024.

Town Council Mtg.

The Town Council will consider purchasing property for a new fire station and releasing $204,000 for housing at the former William Winsor Elementary School. The agenda also includes several vehicle purchase authorizations totaling over $359,000. A public hearing is scheduled regarding a new beverage license for Rhode Island FC.

• $204,000 release for housing at the former William Winsor Elementary School
• Purchase of trucks and equipment totaling $359,538.86
• Public hearing for a new beverage license at 1150 Douglas Pike
• Authorization for a new fire station property purchase
• $140,980 contract for Highview/Hilldale Feasibility Study