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Westerly, Rhode Island

Westerly public meetings in 2024

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

Tue Dec 17, 2024

Regular Planning Board Meeting

Board postpones decision on 116 High Street residential conversion to Jan 21

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the November 12 and November 19 meetings. It discussed the preliminary plan review for the 116 High Street residential conversion and voted to continue the matter at the January 21, 2025 meeting. The board also confirmed quorum for the next meeting and noted upcoming agenda items such as potential ordinance changes.

planningzoningresidential-conversionmeeting-minutesagenda
Mon Dec 16, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council approves contracts for sewer, lighting, and infrastructure improvements.

The Westerly Town Council will consider resolutions to authorize contracts for sewer system improvements, outdoor lighting at White Rock Skate Park, and road and sidewalk infrastructure projects. The body will also discuss the 2025 meeting schedule and amend the membership terms for the Concerts on the Beach Committee.

budgetinfrastructurecontractszoningpublic-worksskate-parksewer
Mon Dec 16, 2024

Special Town Council Meeting

Town Council holds joint pre‑budget meeting with School Committee

The Westerly Town Council convened a special meeting on December 16, 2024, jointly with the School Committee. The only new‑business item was a joint pre‑budget meeting conducted under RIGL § 16-2-21(a). No other agenda items or decisions were listed.

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Thu Dec 12, 2024

Licensing Board Meeting

Board approved new Bed & Breakfast license for Shelter Harbor Inn at 10 Wagner Rd

The Westerly Licensing Board unanimously approved a new Bed & Breakfast/Inn license for Shelter Harbor Inn located at 10 Wagner Rd. It also granted one-time event licenses for a live music event by Dawnlands LLC on Dec. 28, 2024 at 38-40 High St, and ratified the Ocean House Tree Lighting & Fireworks event at 2 Bluff Ave on Nov. 30, 2024. The board accepted the consent calendar minutes from the Nov. 7, 2024 meeting.

licensinghospitalityeventsentertainmenttown-government
Wed Dec 11, 2024

CANCELLED - Dec. 11, 2024 - Zoning Board Meeting

Zoning Board meeting on Dec 11, 2024 was cancelled

The Zoning Board meeting scheduled for December 11, 2024 was cancelled. No actions will be taken at this meeting. Two dimensional variance applications were noted for public hearings on January 8, 2025, and staff will present the 2025 meeting calendar. The next regular meeting is set for January 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

zoningvarianceshearingscalendarmeeting-cancelled
Tue Dec 3, 2024

Special Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board approves sewer capacity letter and Capital Improvement Program recommendation

The Planning Board voted to send a revised letter to the Town Council regarding sewer capacity concerns in the Westerly sewer district. The board also approved sending the Capital Improvement Program recommendation to the Town Manager. Members discussed the town's failure to conduct required project inspections as mandated by ordinance.

sewerinfrastructurebudgetcapital-improvement-program
Mon Dec 2, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Council to consider awarding $277,545 contract for Craig Field parking lot resurfacing

The Westerly Town Council will hold its regular meeting on December 2, 2024. After routine approvals and citizen comments, the council will discuss a resolution to award a $277,545 contract for resurfacing the Craig Field parking lot. The meeting will also include announcements of job openings and the election of a new council president and vice president.

contractparkingresurfacingtown-councilelectionsjobsminutes
Tue Nov 19, 2024

Regular Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board approved final plan for Southpoint Commons multi‑family project

The board voted 5‑1 to approve the Final Plan for the Southpoint Commons development at 109 Wells Street and 51 Franklin Street. It also moved to continue discussion of the James Street road abandonment petition and the 116 High Street residential conversion public hearing at the December 17 meeting. Additional agenda items included project status updates and future agenda planning.

zoninghousingroadsplanningdevelopmentpermits
Mon Nov 18, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council considers $432,650 contract for Pawcatuck River project

The Westerly Town Council will discuss several contracts, including demolition and professional planning services. The body is also considering the purchase of a property on Atlantic Avenue and amendments to the Concerts on the Beach Committee ordinance.

contractsinfrastructurereal-estateordinancesbudget
Wed Nov 13, 2024

CANCELLED - Nov. 13, 2024 - Zoning Board Meeting

Zoning Board meeting cancelled; next meeting set for Dec. 11, 2024

The Zoning Board meeting scheduled for November 13, 2024 was cancelled. No agenda items will be acted upon at this time. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. An informational variance request for 139 Woody Hill Road is listed, with a public hearing set for January 8, 2025.

zoningmeetingsvariancehearings
Tue Nov 12, 2024

Special Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board approves Sandpiper Landing 40‑unit condo development with conditions

The board unanimously approved the preliminary plan for the Sandpiper Landing development, a merger of lots on Chamber Way and Post Road that will contain 40 condominium units, subject to listed conditions. The board also approved a modified letter to the Town Council addressing sewer capacity and related ordinance changes, passing the motion 5‑1. Additionally, the 2025 meeting calendar was adopted unanimously.

zoninghousingsewercapital-improvementmeetingsplanning-board
Thu Nov 7, 2024

Licensing Board Meeting

Licensing Board adds noise stipulation to Surf Cantina entertainment license

The Licensing Board reviewed and granted several new and renewal licenses for amusement, lodging, and business operations. The board specifically addressed noise complaints regarding Surf Cantina, requiring doors to be closed during entertainment after 10:00 p.m.

licensingamusementlodgingnoise-ordinancebusiness-permits
Mon Nov 4, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Council considers contracts for Atlantic Avenue investigation and ambulance funding

The Westerly Town Council will discuss and potentially act on two funding resolutions. These include a contract for a design investigation at 328 Atlantic Avenue and the allocation of federal rescue funds to the local ambulance corporation.

contractspublic-safetyinfrastructurebudget
Mon Oct 28, 2024

Special Town Council Meeting

Town Council to consider multiple cannabis-related ordinance amendments

The council will hold public hearings on three proposed ordinances to amend the town code concerning cannabis retail sales, the inclusion of cannabis under alcoholic beverages, and addressing alcohol and drug use in parks. They will also discuss a resolution authorizing a new lease agreement with Westerly Senior Citizens, Inc. A presentation on the Potter Hill Mill Site, including a dam study, will be considered. The council will consider suspending Rule 9(d) of its Rules of Procedure.

cannabiszoningalcoholparksleasesenior-citizensdevelopment
Mon Oct 21, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council to consider contract with GZA Geoenvironmental for marina survey

The Westerly Town Council will discuss and possibly act on several resolutions, including a contract with GZA Geoenvironmental Inc. for an aquatic survey of the Westerly Marina, allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding, and a contract with RIIB and RIHMFC for the STILF program. Routine consent calendar items such as a penalty waiver, tax roll deletion, and a litigation payment will also be approved. The meeting includes presentations from a state commission on beach erosion and the Planning Board, and a discussion of upcoming election ballot items.

contractsfundingbudgetenvironmentelections
Thu Oct 17, 2024

Licensing Board Meeting

Board approved licenses for October Fest, Halloween Trunk‑or‑Treat, and Teenage Rock Event

The Licensing Board granted one‑time event licenses for October Fest, Halloween Trunk‑or‑Treat, and the Teenage Rock Event, each subject to prior authority approval. Recusal statements were recorded for members with conflicts of interest. The Board noted a noise‑complaint petition regarding Surf Cantina and will invite the owners to a hearing on November 7. The September 12 meeting minutes were approved by unanimous consent.

licensingeventsliquornoisecommunity
Tue Oct 15, 2024

Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board approves Venice Hotel extension and denies Habitat for Humanity hearing reopen

The Planning Board reviewed several development applications and Town Council referrals. The board decided on extensions for existing projects and declined a request to reopen a public hearing for a Habitat for Humanity project.

zoninghousingdevelopmentsewer-capacitypublic-hearing
Wed Oct 9, 2024

Zoning Board Meeting

Zoning Board approves setback variances for two residential properties

The Zoning Board of Review considered and voted on two dimensional variance requests for residential properties. Both applications were approved unanimously following public hearings.

zoningvarianceshousingresidential
Mon Oct 7, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council discusses establishing a new Housing Committee

The Westerly Town Council will discuss a draft resolution to create a Housing Committee to coordinate town housing efforts. The body will also consider returning unexpended American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding to the unobligated fund balance.

housingbudgetarpalegal-feesland-acquisition
Mon Sep 30, 2024

Special Town Council Meeting

Town Council to discuss ordinances regarding cannabis retail sales

The Westerly Town Council will consider several proposed ordinances related to cannabis retail sales and drug use in parks. The body will also receive a final report from the Westerly Marina Study Committee and discuss the creation of a housing committee.

cannabiszoninghousingmarinalitigation
Mon Sep 23, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Council to consider contract for Pawcatuck River project and short‑term rental ordinance

The Westerly Town Council will approve routine items such as minutes, fiscal resolutions, and appointments. Councilors will discuss a proposed amendment to the short‑term rental registration ordinance and a contract with Fuss & O’Neill, Inc. for planning assistance on the Pawcatuck River Aquatic Connectivity at Potter Hill Dam project. Public comments and a possible executive session on pending litigation are also scheduled.

budgethousingzoningenvironmentcontractsrivers
Tue Sep 17, 2024

Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board approved Habitat for Humanity comprehensive permit on Robin Hollow Lane

The Westerly Planning Board reviewed and approved several development applications, including a comprehensive permit for Habitat for Humanity on Robin Hollow Lane. The board also approved a residential conversion at 181 Main Street, site improvements for Midas at 80 Franklin Street, and a building addition for Bake Fresh of RI at 79B Tom Harvey Road. Extensions were granted for the Sandpiper Landing Development public hearing and decision deadline.

zoninghousingdevelopmentpermitsplanning
Mon Sep 16, 2024

Special Town Council Meeting

Town Council to consider executive session for multiple lawsuits

The Westerly Town Council will meet to consider entering an executive session to discuss or take action on a list of 21 pending legal matters, including litigation involving various land use disputes and property acquisitions.

town-councilexecutive-sessionlitigationzoninglegalpublic-records
Thu Sep 12, 2024

Licensing Board Meeting

Board adopts new procedural rules and sets 2025 meeting schedule

The Westerly Licensing Board approved licenses for three one‑time events: Next Up Music Festival at Wilcox Park on Sept. 14, 2024; Sunday Funday in downtown Westerly on Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13, 2024; and Oktobellfest at 41 Railroad Ave on Oct. 20, 2024. The board also adopted amended Conditions of Beverage Licenses Rules & Regulations and amended Rules of Procedure for 2024‑2025. Additionally, the board approved the 2025 Licensing Board meeting dates and times and rescheduled the October 10, 2024 meeting to October 17, 2024.

licensingeventsbeverage-licensesproceduresmeetings
Wed Sep 11, 2024

Zoning Board Meeting

Board approved side‑yard variances for a residential addition at 443 Atlantic Ave.

The Zoning Board considered and approved a request for a 5‑foot west side‑yard variance and a 5.5‑foot east side‑yard variance for a 20′ × 21′ second‑level addition and a 25′ × 25′ deck at 443 Atlantic Ave (AP 167, Lot 5). The board also elected Larry Cioppa as chair and Dawn Robinson as vice chair. Earlier agenda items such as approval of minutes and schedule changes were noted with no discussion.

zoningvariancesboard-electionminutesresidential-development
Mon Sep 9, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Council to consider $412,478 contract for aeration basin media

The Westerly Town Council will discuss and possibly act on two resolutions authorizing the Town Manager to contract with Jacobs. One resolution covers the purchase and installation of aeration basin media for up to $412,478.14, and the other covers a hydraulic model for the wastewater collection system for up to $149,592.00. The meeting also includes routine consent‑calendar items such as approval of minutes and new appointments to several boards and committees.

contractswastewaterinfrastructurebudgetappointmentstown-council
Mon Aug 26, 2024

Special Town Council Meeting

Council continues public hearing on building construction fee ordinance amendment

The Westerly Town Council will hold a continued public hearing on a proposed amendment to Article I, State Building Code, Chapter 90 (Fees) of the Code of Ordinances, with discussion and possible action. The council will also discuss an amendment to Section 145-25 on Residential Zone Short-Term Rental Registration, and consider taking from the table several cannabis‑related ordinances for future placement on the agenda. All items are presented for discussion and possible action.

building-codehousingshort-term-rentalscannabiszoningpublic-hearing
Tue Aug 20, 2024

Planning Board Meeting

Board tables road abandonment petition and postpones major land development decision

The Planning Board unanimously tabled the petition for road abandonment (2024-ATC-03). It opened public hearings for the Sandpiper Landing and Habitat for Humanity projects, then voted to continue both applications to the September meeting. The board also continued the Sell It Holding Co. 5 LLC major land development pre‑application (82‑92 Airport Road) to September. A discussion of utility availability resulted in the Jacobs Report being entered into the record and a recommendation of “no more sewer connections” to be forwarded to Town Council.

zoninghousingroadsutilitiesdevelopmentplanning-board
Mon Aug 19, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Westerly Town Council to hold public hearings on tax and building code ordinances

The Town Council will discuss potential amendments to tax exemptions for veterans and visually impaired persons, as well as building construction fees. The body will also interview candidates for the School Committee and address several tax roll adjustments.

taxationbuilding-codeappointmentsveteransbudget
Thu Aug 8, 2024

Licensing Board Meeting

Board approved a new Class B Limited Liquor License for WOW Sushi at 114 Granite St

The Westerly Licensing Board met on August 8, 2024 and considered agenda items including a consent calendar, public comments, license applications, and a public hearing. The board unanimously granted a one-time event license for a wedding at 4 Margin Street on August 31, 2024. The board also unanimously approved a new Class B Limited Liquor License for WOW Sushi, located at 114 Granite Street, after hearing from the applicant’s attorney. The board discussed rescheduling the October 10, 2024 meeting to October 17, 2024 and adjourned at 9:45 A.M.

licensingliquorevent-permitsmeeting-schedulingpublic-hearing
Mon Aug 5, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council considers boiler replacement and sewer loan agreements

The Westerly Town Council will discuss and possibly vote on a contract to replace a boiler, agreements for a sewer tie-in loan, and the construction of a retaining wall. The body will also consider a road abandonment petition and two proposed ordinances.

boilersewerretaining-wallroad-abandonmentordinancearpacontract
Tue Jul 16, 2024

Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board denies Winnapaug Residences multi-family project

The Planning Board unanimously voted to deny a comprehensive permit for the Winnapaug Residences multi-family project. The board also reviewed proposed amendments to its Rules of Procedure and discussed short-term rental regulations referred by the Town Council.

zoninghousingmulti-familyshort-term-rentalsland-use
Mon Jul 15, 2024

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council considers $2.95 million contract for Bowling Lane improvements

The Westerly Town Council will discuss a contract for roadway and drainage improvements on Bowling Lane and a proposed ordinance regarding traffic control signs. The body will also consider local ballot questions for the November 5, 2024, general election, including an $18 million road and sidewalk bond.

roadsbudgettraffichousingcontracts
Thu Jul 11, 2024

Licensing Board Meeting

Westerly Licensing Board approves liquor license transfer and summer event permits

The board approved several one-time event licenses for activities at Wilcox Park, Misquamicut State Beach, and White Rock Road. Additionally, the board approved a liquor license transfer to Chillingham's Steak LLC at 54-62 High Street.

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