Exeter public meetings in 2021
36 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session to discuss a Dark Skies ordinance and review bids for the Comprehensive Plan rewrite. They voted to recommend Larissa Brown & Associates for the contract and to respond to the Town Council about dark sky standards. The board also approved its 2022 meeting schedule and supported a rooftop solar project at Carousel Industries.
- Recommended Larissa Brown & Associates for Comprehensive Plan rewrite contract
- Discussed Dark Skies ordinance and voted to respond to Town Council
- Approved 2022 meeting schedule
- Supported rooftop solar project and special use permit at Carousel Industries
- Approved minutes from May 11 and August 24, 2021 meetings
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board granted preliminary approval for the construction of Building C and associated parking at Pine Ridge Industrial Park, located at 560 South County Trail, subject to conditions including stormwater compliance, lighting, and tenant approval. The board also discussed the Comprehensive Plan consultant proposals and a potential Dark Sky ordinance.
- Preliminary approval for Building C at 560 South County Trail with 10 conditions
- Three Comprehensive Plan consultant proposals received: Larissa Brown & Associates, Weston & Sampson, SLR International
- Zoning Board meeting rescheduled to December 16, 2021; two applications pending
- Dark Sky ordinance discussion deferred to December 14 agenda
- Future meeting set for December 14, 2021
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review and Planning Board of Appeal met jointly. The Zoning Board denied a request to extend a solar project deadline at 148 Mail Road and approved one at 590 Ten Rod Road. The Planning Board of Appeal denied an appeal by Green Development, LLC challenging the Planning Board's conditional Master Plan approval for a solar project at 0 Ten Rod Road, finding no procedural error.
- Denied extension request for Renew Solar RI Exeter Mail LLC at 148 Mail Road (AP 71 Block 4 Lot 14)
- Approved extension request for Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten LLC at 590 Ten Rod Road (AP 37 Block 1 Lot 5) by 4-1 vote
- Denied Green Development, LLC appeal of Planning Board Master Plan approval for 0 Ten Rod Road (AP 22 Block 3 Lot 3)
- Approved invoices: Allied Court Reporters $300.00, Southern RI Newspapers $78.75, Peter Ruggerio $1,494.00
- Next meeting scheduled for December 9, 2021
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session and meeting on November 9, 2021, where it approved a Development Plan Review waiver for S&S Fence's outdoor storage at 586A South County Trail and granted final approval for the Barn View Estates major subdivision at 106 Ten Rod Road. The board also discussed public comment rules, a pre-application for a minor subdivision at 2 Sunderland Road, and a request to merge two lots at 67 Cedar Grove Drive. The meeting was largely procedural, with no public comment.
- Approved DPR waiver for S&S Fence outdoor storage at 586A South County Trail (Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 8)
- Final approval of Barn View Estates subdivision at 106 Ten Rod Road (Plat 38, Block 6, Lot 33) with 15 conditions
- Discussed pre-application for Franklin Homestead Phase II minor subdivision at 2 Sunderland Road (Plat 11, Block 2, Lot 1)
- Discussed administrative merger of two lots at 67 Cedar Grove Drive (Plat 38, Block 3, Lots 14 & 33)
- Revised public comment rules: 3-minute limit per item, 15-minute total
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board considered a pre-application from Ecogy Energy RI XII LLC for a rooftop solar project at 659 South County Trail. The board voted 5-0 to allow the applicant to proceed to the Zoning Board and to authorize the Administrative Officer to grant a Development Plan Review waiver once the application is complete. The board also approved minutes from three prior meetings and discussed public comment guidelines for future meetings.
- Waiver of Development Plan Review for rooftop solar at 659 South County Trail (AP 76, Block 6, Lot 13)
- Motion to send letter to Zoning Board supporting the solar application
- Approved minutes for April 27, June 22, and July 27, 2021
- Discussion on public comment guidelines under Open Meetings Act
- Future work session topics include public comment, CEA letters, subdivision regulations, greenhouses, and Comprehensive Plan
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review, sitting as the Planning Board of Appeals, continued an appeal by Green Development, LLC of a Master Plan decision for property at 0 Ten Rod Road to the November 18, 2021 meeting due to missing abutter notices. The board then approved two dimensional relief requests: a 38-foot side setback variance for a proposed 32' x 45' detached garage at 15 Liberty Church Road, and a 65-foot side setback variance for a proposed 12' x 20' shed at 53 New Road. Administrative invoices totaling $529.25 were approved.
- Continued Green Development, LLC appeal of Master Plan approval for 0 Ten Rod Road to Nov 18, 2021
- Approved 38-ft side setback variance for 32' x 45' garage at 15 Liberty Church Road
- Approved 65-ft side setback variance for 12' x 20' shed at 53 New Road
- Approved invoices: Southern RI Newspapers $61.25, Peter Ruggiero $468.00
Planning Board Hearing
The Exeter Planning Board discussed defining greenhouses and controlled environment agriculture, considering both temporary and permanent structures. They also discussed a future rewrite of subdivision regulations and reviewed the ongoing Comprehensive Plan RFP process. The board voted to adopt changes to its public comment procedures.
- Discussed adding a greenhouse definition to the zoning ordinance, referencing state building code definition for temporary greenhouses
- Considered need for separate definitions for permanent greenhouses and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities
- Discussed complete rewrite of subdivision regulations, with timeline of 2-3 years after new Comprehensive Plan
- Reviewed Comprehensive Plan RFP, with consultants given four weeks to submit proposals
- Voted 5-1 to adopt changes to public comment procedures
Planning Board Public Hearing
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session to finalize revisions to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the town's Community Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map, incorporating board feedback on structure, wording, and format. The board also elected new officers, approved a correspondence protocol, and discussed upcoming Zoning Board items including a Revity appeal.
- Revised Comprehensive Plan RFP: moved consultant section to Page 3, corrected typo, clarified outreach methods and mapping standards
- Elected Scott Millar as Chair and Michael DeFrancesco as Vice Chair (vote 5-0)
- Approved correspondence protocol: 24-hour review by Chair, then Vice Chair, then Administrative Officer
- Zoning Board of Review October 14: two dimensional relief applications (shed, detached garage) and Revity appeal
- Next meeting September 28: Rooftop Solar Ecogy Energy RI XII LLC and public comment definition review
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review held a public hearing on Darlene Gardner's petition for dimensional relief from street frontage requirements to build a single-family home at 237 Stony Fort Road. The board heard testimony from the applicant, surveyor, abutters, and the zoning inspector, and discussed concerns about easement maintenance and emergency access. The board re-opened the public hearing to address these concerns and discussed potential conditions of approval.
- Petition for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Article II Section 2.4.2.2 (street frontage) for a proposed single-family dwelling at 237 Stony Fort Road, AP 81, B 4, L 11
- Property is 12.8 acres, with 7 acres designated Farm Forest Open Space
- Two deeded easements: one through Stony Fort Road and one through Kayla Ricci Way
- Abutters raised concerns about the Kayla Ricci Way easement, including overgrowth and potential negative impact on their properties
- Board discussed requiring a maintenance agreement for the right-of-way as a condition of approval
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a special meeting to discuss a comprehensive plan amendment and zone change for the Revity Energy project on Ten Rod Road. However, the board could not vote on these items because a legal appeal filed by Green Development, LLC, automatically stayed all proceedings under state law. The meeting focused on public comment regarding the appeal and the status of the town's new comprehensive plan, which has a $100,000 budget allocation.
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Revity Energy, LLC at Ten Rod Road (Plat 22, Block 3, Lot 3) was not voted on due to a stay of proceedings.
- Zone change from RU-4 to Planned District (PD) for the Revity Energy property was not voted on due to a stay of proceedings.
- Town Council allocated up to $100,000 for the development of a new Comprehensive Plan within a two-year timeframe.
- Solicitor Steve Sypole confirmed that a Zoning Board of Review hearing regarding the appeal is expected before the end of the year.
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board approved a preliminary application for a 2-lot minor subdivision on Nooseneck Hill Road, subject to six conditions including a shared access easement. The board also authorized one-year extensions for two solar projects at 590 Ten Rod Road and 148 Mail Road to correct administrative omissions. Additionally, the board directed staff to gather more information on a zoning application at 237K Stony Fort Road before making a recommendation.
- Approved 2-lot minor subdivision for Freedom Truck Trailer & Repair at Nooseneck Hill Road (5-0 vote)
- Authorized 1-year extension of Master Plan Approval for Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten LLC at 590 Ten Rod Road (5-0 vote)
- Authorized 1-year extension of Master Plan Approval for Renew Solar RI Exeter Mail LLC at 148 Mail Road (5-0 vote)
- Directed staff to research frontage and access issues for zoning application at 237K Stony Fort Road
Zoning Board of Review
The Zoning Board of Review met to consider dimensional relief for a new garage and a special use permit extension. The board also approved the Solicitor's invoice and previous meeting minutes.
- Approved 45-foot left-side setback relief for an attached garage at 60 Cedar Grove Drive
- Granted a 6-month extension for a solar facility special use permit at 89 Ten Rod Road
- Approved Solicitor Peter Ruggiero's $90.00 invoice
- Approved July 8, 2021, meeting minutes
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board conditionally approved a master plan for a utility-scale solar development on a 118-acre site at Ten Rod Road, contingent on Town Council approval of related zone change and comprehensive plan amendments. The board also approved a 3-lot minor subdivision on South County Trail and discussed a development plan review for a fence business. Two related items—the comprehensive plan amendment and zone change—were continued to a special meeting on August 17, 2021.
- Conditional master plan approval for Revity Energy solar project (Plat 22, Block 3, Lot 3, Ten Rod Road), 5-0 vote
- Waivers requested: Class I survey, T-1 topographic survey, fee calculation (max $5,000)
- 3-lot minor subdivision approved for Jade Investment Group (Plat 71, Block 4, Lot 3, South County Trail), 5-0 vote
- Development plan review/waivers for S&S Fence (586A South County Trail) discussed, no vote
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zone Change (RU-4 to PD) continued to August 17, 2021 special meeting
Planning Board Work Session
The Exeter Planning Board held a virtual work session to review a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new town Comprehensive Plan, funded by the Town Council. Members discussed the selection process, budget disclosure, and next steps for refining the document. The board also handled routine administrative items, including an advisory opinion and minutes approval.
- Draft RFP for a new Comprehensive Plan reviewed; budget estimated at over $90,000
- Discussion on whether to use qualifications-based selection versus asking for fee proposals in the RFP
- Motion passed to send an advisory opinion to the Zoning Board supporting the Morris Farm extension
- Minutes from March 23, 2021 approved 3-0; May 22, 2021 minutes held for a later vote
- Next regular meeting scheduled for July 27, 2021, in person
Special Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a special meeting to review a pre-application for a proposed 12,000-square-foot cannabis cultivation and manufacturing building at 231 Nooseneck Hill Road. The board discussed zoning relief, lot coverage, and security, and provided feedback to the applicants. No formal decisions were made; the item was a pre-application discussion.
- Pre-application for 12,000 sq ft cannabis cultivation and manufacturing building at 231 Nooseneck Hill Road
- Applicants: Mark and Dawn Caddick; owner Susan Caddick
- Proposed new curb cut, on-site wastewater treatment system, and stormwater management
- Discussion of zoning relief needed from Zoning Board of Review
- Applicant expects to employ 12 people at full capacity
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review held a public hearing and voted 5-0 to grant Steven and Kristen Hume a dimensional variance for a proposed attached mudroom and garage at 339 Hog House Hill Road. The board also approved minutes and invoices, and noted future meetings will be in person.
- Granted dimensional relief (40-foot right-side setback) for 8'x14'6" mudroom and 30'x36' garage at 339 Hog House Hill Road
- Public comment from neighbor Christine Seymour raised wetland concerns; board directed her to RI DEM
- Approved invoices: Solicitor Peter Ruggerio $387.00 and RI Central Newspapers $61.25
- Approved minutes from May 13 and June 10, 2021 meetings
- Member Joe St. Lawrence announced departure to Planning Board
Regular Town Council
The Exeter Town Council held its regular meeting, approving consent agenda items, accepting resignations, making appointments, and granting outdoor entertainment and liquor licenses for events at Yawgoo Valley. The council also extended the municipal state of emergency and welcomed a new library director.
- Granted outdoor entertainment license to Friends of Exeter Public Library for Fall Festival on Sept 25, 2021, at Yawgoo Valley, waiving $100 fee
- Granted outdoor entertainment, one-day liquor, and victualing licenses to Tracy Hartman for wedding at Yawgoo Valley on Oct 14, 2022
- Appointed Joseph St. Lawrence as Planning Board Member; reappointed Richard Quattromani to Zoning Board
- Extended municipal state of emergency for one month
- Hired Tien Tran as new Library Director
Special Town Council
The Exeter Town Council held a special meeting on June 28, 2021, primarily to enter executive session to discuss personnel issues related to Department of Public Works harassment claims. The council voted to enter executive session, later sealed the minutes, and adjourned without any other administrative issues.
- Executive session to discuss Department of Public Works harassment claims (RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1))
- Motion to seal executive session minutes passed unanimously
- Meeting held in person at 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a virtual meeting covering a decommissioning agreement modification, a subdivision extension with a private road waiver, a zoning amendment recommendation for a Controlled Environmental Agriculture System overlay, and a public informational meeting on a proposed utility-scale solar project. The board voted on several items and heard public concerns about the solar project's potential impacts.
- Approved modifications to the decommissioning agreement for Exeter Renewables 1, LLC at 89 Ten Rod Road
- Granted a 1-year extension and waiver for Barn View Estates subdivision at 106 Ten Rod Road, including a $5,000 cistern payment
- Recommended to Town Council that the CEAS Overlay District zoning amendment is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan, with a public hearing advised
- Held public informational meeting for Revity Energy solar project at Ten Rod Road; no vote taken on master plan
- Public comments raised concerns about blasting, wells, property values, and project size for the Revity solar project
Amended Regular Town Council
The Exeter Town Council held a regular meeting on June 7, 2021, where it approved a consent agenda, accepted resignations, made appointments, and granted two public entertainment/liquor license applications. The council also extended the municipal state of emergency and continued additional compensation for the Emergency Management Director. Public comment included concerns about DEM violations at the Town Garage and a new paving supplier.
- Granted BoldrDash, LLC a public entertainment license for obstacle course events at Camp Canonicus on Sept 26, Nov 6, 2021, and March 19, 2022
- Granted Cornerstone Pub a liquor license expansion to serve on grass (40'x20') and patio (12'x16') behind the building
- Accepted resignation of Town Sergeant William Donovan effective May 22, 2021; named Scote Miller as Interim Town Sergeant
- Appointed John Holderman to Interim Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee and Peter Wilbur to Library Board of Trustees
- Extended municipal state of emergency and continued increased compensation for Emergency Management Director E. Stefan Coutoulakis
Jt. Planning Board-CPAC Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board approved a preliminary minor subdivision for the Town of Exeter Transfer Station at 900 Ten Rod Road, conveying a 12.8-acre parcel to the town. The board also discussed a proposed Clean Energy Agriculture (CEA) overlay district for the Schartner Farm, but deferred a decision to a future meeting.
- Approved preliminary minor subdivision for 900 Ten Rod Road, creating a 12.8-acre lot for the Transfer Station
- Granted waivers for Class 1 survey; final approval delegated to administrative officer
- Discussed CEA overlay district for Schartner Farm, including 20-acre greenhouse and 13-acre solar
- Debated 45-day deadline for advisory opinion to Town Council
- Site visit conducted May 22, 2021 for CEA proposal
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held an onsite meeting at Schartner Farms to review a proposal by Rhode Island Grows, LLC for a controlled environmental agriculture facility. The board discussed the project's design, scale, and compliance with zoning, and considered a zoning amendment to create an overlay district. The meeting was advisory, with the board leaning toward a statement of noncompliance.
- Site visit for proposed controlled environmental agriculture facility at 1 Arnold Place, Exeter, RI (Plat 52, Lot 1, Block 4-7)
- Discussion of zoning amendment to establish a controlled environmental agriculture facility overlay district
- Applicant proposed PILOT payment of $200,000 per year
- Facility would be hydroponic, with a barn-style front to screen greenhouses, and provide year-round employment
- Board discussed potential noncompliance with the comprehensive plan
Zoning Board of Review
The Exeter Zoning Board of Review approved a Special Use Permit for a medium-scale rooftop solar array at 143 Ten Rod Road, owned by Edwin & Cynthia LaPrise, after a public hearing with no comments. Two other applications for dimensional relief on Gardner Road were postponed due to an error in the agenda notice, with the town covering re-notice costs.
- Approved SUP for 42.72 kW DC solar array on two cattle barns at 143 Ten Rod Road (AP 38, Block 7, Lot 15)
- Postponed Trade Wind Investments LLC applications for two single-family dwellings on Gardner Road (AP 34, Block 4, Lots 5 and 8) to June 10, 2021
- Town to pay for re-advertisement and reimburse applicant for re-noticing 16 abutters due to agenda error
- Approved RICentral Newspapers invoice for $83.75
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session to discuss a proposed Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) overlay district for the Schartner Farm, a utility-scale solar project by Revity, and the Comprehensive Plan update. Board members disagreed on whether the CEA proposal aligns with the town's Comprehensive Plan, with some supporting it as modern farming and others citing size and zoning concerns. The board agreed to a site visit and discussed options for the solar project, including a conditional zone change or amending the solar ordinance. The meeting was procedural, with no final votes taken.
- Discussed CEA overlay district for Schartner Farm, including a proposed 1 million square foot greenhouse
- Debated consistency of CEA proposal with Comprehensive Plan and existing 40,000 sq ft size limit
- Reviewed Revity solar project options: overlay district, planned district, or conditional zone change
- Noted Comprehensive Plan update RFP in progress, with Financial Town Meeting set for June 8, 2021
- Scheduled site visit to Schartner Farm for May 22, 2021
Special Town Council
The Town Council held a public hearing to present the proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. Following the presentation, the Council adopted the budget after amending it to include $107 for anticipated minimum wage increases for library staff.
- Proposed total budget of $17,005,381.00
- Proposed property tax of $14,602,708.00
- Road improvements capital allocation of $375,472.00
- Public Works equipment capital allocation of $137,729.00
- Spill Control & Countermeasures Plan Update fund of $15,000.00
Regular Work Session
The Exeter Town Council held a work session to review the revised library budget and Draft No. 6 of the FY 2021-2022 town budget. Changes were made to the library operations budget, including a director salary reduction and staff hour adjustments, and will be reflected in the public hearing budget on May 6. No other administrative issues were discussed.
- Library Director's salary reduced by $2,005.00
- Five library staff members receive 2% raise, hours reduced and hourly rates equalized
- Aimee Fontaine proposed as Library Director's Assistant at $41,769.00 yearly salary
- Council reviewed Draft No. 6 of FY 2021-2022 budget
- Public hearing on budget scheduled for May 6
Regular Town Council
The Exeter Town Council held a regular meeting, approving a consent agenda, accepting a resignation, and making appointments. It also granted entertainment licenses for a truck pull and military vehicle show, and discussed a library funding controversy. The most consequential action was awarding a $347,280 asphalt paving contract to T. Miozzi, Inc. for work on East Shore Drive, Sunderland Road, and Hopkins Hill.
- Awarded $347,280 asphalt paving bid to T. Miozzi, Inc. for East Shore Drive, Sunderland Road, and Hopkins Hill
- Granted outdoor entertainment license to Southern New England Truck Pullers Association for multiple 2021 truck pulls at Reynolds Field
- Granted public entertainment license to Rhode Island Military Vehicle Collector Club for Sept. 11-12 show at Camp Canonicus
- Accepted resignation of Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee member Teri Donovan; will post for interim member
- Appointed Paul Kulp and Raymond Morrissey to Board of Tax Assessment and Review; William Munroe to Board of Canvassers
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a virtual meeting and approved several development applications, including a final comprehensive permit for the Pineview Apartments housing development, a minor subdivision on School Land Woods Rd., and a one-year renewal for the Pine Ridge Industrial Park. The board also discussed pre-applications for a storage building, a controlled environment agriculture facility, and a utility-scale solar development, with further review scheduled for future meetings.
- Approved 1-year renewal of Final Development Plan for Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Building B, at South County Trail (Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 10), until 4/27/2022
- Approved Preliminary Plan for minor subdivision at School Land Woods Rd. (Plat 66, Block 3, Lot 1) with conditions
- Approved Final Plan for Comprehensive Permit for Pineview Apartments at South County Trail (AP 71, Block 4, Lot 8) for housing development
- Discussed pre-application for storage building by Jade Investment Group at South County Trail (AP 71, Block 4, Lot 3)
- Discussed pre-application for CEA facility at Schartner Farms, 1 Arnold Place, and utility-scale solar at Ten Rod Road (Plat 22, Block 3, Lot 3)
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session to discuss a proposed solar overlay district requested by Revity Energy, LLC for certain constrained properties, including the old landfill and a site behind the transfer station. The board debated whether to pursue an overlay district or amend the solar ordinance, and discussed requiring a major land development application. The board also discussed the process for updating the Town's Comprehensive Plan and amending the rooftop solar ordinance.
- Discussion of Revity Energy, LLC overlay district application for solar development on disturbed properties
- Review of Solicitor Steve Sypole's memo on the 'precedence of approval' statute
- Planning Board to host charrettes for Comprehensive Plan update
- Discussion on amending rooftop solar ordinance to limit by-right installations
- Board agreed to request draft ordinance from Town Planner's office, not applicant
Planning Board Meeting
The Board reviewed a pre-application for a utility-scale solar facility on Ten Rod Road, discussing potential zoning changes to a planned district or overlay. The meeting also included the approval of two minor subdivision applications for Purgatory Road and Stony Lane.
- Approved 3-lot minor subdivision at Purgatory Road (Purgatory Lots)
- Approved 2-lot minor subdivision at 134 Stony Lane (The Flood Plat)
- Pre-application discussion for utility-scale solar development on Ten Rod Road
- Proposed zoning change from RU-4 to Planned District or Overlay District for Revity Energy, LLC
Planning Board Work Sess.
The Exeter Planning Board held a regular meeting on February 23, 2021, via Zoom due to COVID-19. They reviewed three pre-applications: a minor subdivision at 134 Stony Lane, a proposed building at Pine Ridge Industrial Park (including discussion of a compassion center), and a roof-mounted solar array at 143 Ten Rod Road. The board also approved minutes and an invoice, and discussed administrative items. This was Chair Chris Palmer's last meeting before his resignation.
- Pre-application for minor subdivision at 134 Stony Lane (MDF Realty, LLC) - discussed septic/wetland concerns and missing checklist items
- Pre-application for Building C at Pine Ridge Industrial Park (South County Trail) - proposed compassion center (sales only, no cultivation)
- Pre-application for medium-scale roof-mounted solar array at 143 Ten Rod Road (Sol Power, LLC) - discussed solar ordinance ambiguity and possible DPR waiver
- Approved invoice for Allied Court Reporters in the amount of $300.00
- Chair Chris Palmer's resignation noted; vacancy and election of officers to be addressed
Spec. Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board held a special meeting to consider a Development Plan Review waiver for a rooftop solar array at 143 Ten Rod Road, owned by Edwin and Cynthia LaPrise and applied for by Sol Power, LLC. The board voted 4-0 to grant the waiver and also voted 4-0 to send an advisory opinion to the Zoning Board supporting the special use permit. Additionally, the board elected Michael DeFrancesco as Chair and Scott Millar as Vice Chair.
- Granted Development Plan Review waiver for rooftop solar array at 143 Ten Rod Road (Plat 38, Block 7, Lot 15)
- Voted to send advisory opinion to Zoning Board supporting special use permit for solar project
- Appointed Michael DeFrancesco as Planning Board Chair
- Appointed Scott Millar as Planning Board Vice Chair
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board held a virtual meeting to discuss several pre-application proposals, including a minor subdivision on Stony Lane and a medium-scale solar array on Ten Rod Road. The Board also reviewed a proposal for a compassion center at Pine Ridge Industrial Park and discussed potential ordinance clarifications regarding solar installations.
- Pre-application for minor subdivision at 134 Stony Lane (MDF Realty, LLC)
- Pre-application for a compassion center at South County Trail (Pine Ridge Industrial Park)
- Pre-application for medium-scale roof-mounted solar array at 143 Ten Rod Road (Sol Power, LLC)
- Approval of $300.00 invoice for Allied Court Reporters
- Approval of January 12, 2021, meeting minutes
Special Planning Board Work Session
The Exeter Planning Board held a special meeting and work session on February 9, 2021. The board voted 5-0 to grant conditional preliminary approval for the Pineview Apartments, a proposed housing development on South County Trail. The board also discussed a draft ordinance for a Controlled Environment Overlay, related to a project at Schartner Farms, but did not take action.
- Conditional preliminary approval for Pineview Apartments, a housing development on South County Trail (AP 71, Block 4, Lot 8), voted 5-0.
- Public hearing closed for Pineview Apartments; one property owner, Christine Heart-Skaggs of 71 Raymond Potter Ln, spoke.
- Discussion of draft ordinance for a Controlled Environment Overlay, related to a project by RI Grows, LLC at Schartner Farms.
- Approved invoices totaling $867.00: $450.00 and $117.00 for Peter Ruggiero, and $300.00 for Allied Court Reporters.
- Approved minutes from November 10, 2020, November 24, 2020, and December 8, 2020.
Planning Board Meeting
The Exeter Planning Board voted 5-0 to approve the final plan for the Morris Farm Solar project at 89 Ten Rod Road, a utility-scale solar facility, with conditions including a decommissioning agreement and updated permits. The board also continued the public hearing for the Pineview Apartments comprehensive permit application to February 9, 2021, and granted one-year extensions for two solar projects. A pre-application for a 3-lot subdivision on Purgatory Road was discussed with recommendations only.
- Approved final plan for Exeter Renewables 1, LLC (Morris Farm Solar) at 89 Ten Rod Road, with decommissioning cost of $501,562.50 and 125% cash bond requirement
- Continued public hearing for Pineview Apartments comprehensive permit at South County Trail to February 9, 2021
- Granted 1-year extension for Renew Solar RI Exeter Ten LLC at 590 Ten Rod Road until February 28, 2022
- Granted 1-year extension for Renew Solar RI Exeter Mail LLC at 148 Mail Road until February 28, 2022
- Discussed pre-application for 3-lot minor subdivision on Purgatory Road (Plat 50, Block 4, Lot 10)
Planning Board Work Session
The Exeter Planning Board held a work session to introduce new Town Planner William DePasquale and discuss his role and goals. The main topic was the need to update or rewrite the town's 2004 Comprehensive Plan, with DePasquale noting mandatory state requirements and the board emphasizing the importance of maintaining Exeter's rural character. The meeting was procedural and introductory, with no formal decisions made.
- Introduction of new Town Planner William DePasquale
- Discussion on updating or rewriting the 2004 Comprehensive Plan
- DePasquale noted mandatory state sections not in the 2004 plan
- Board members shared backgrounds and priorities, including rural character and business development
- Upcoming board changes: Peter Ruggiero to Zoning Board, Steve Sypole to Planning Board