Johnston boards weigh zoning, subdivisions, and charter amendment; no decisions yet
No decisions were made at Johnston's recent government meetings, which were all agenda-only with minutes not yet published. The most consequential item on the horizon is a special Town Council meeting on August 11, where the council will consider placing a charter amendment on the November ballot and creating a Municipal Public Building Authority.
Zoning Board (July 30)
The Zoning Board of Review met to consider two variance requests, both listed as new business with no old business on the agenda:
- Ronald Papa requested a dimensional variance to construct a two-family dwelling at 0 Killingly Street (Plat 16, Lot 630).
- Mark D'Elia requested dimensional relief from property boundaries at 15 Belknap Farm Drive (Plat 48, Lot 557).
No votes were recorded; the agenda did not include minutes.
Special Town Council Meeting (July 31)
The Town Council held a special meeting to consider two resolutions, both of which appear again on the August 11 agenda:
- Resolution 2026-25 would place a question on the November 2026 ballot asking voters whether to amend Section 1-3 of the Johnston Town Charter to identify a fund, pledge credit, and establish enforcement for condemnation authority.
- Resolution 2026-26 would authorize the creation of a Municipal Public Building Authority for the town.
As with the zoning meeting, this was an agenda-only session; no minutes have been published.
Planning Board (August 4)
The Planning Board held public hearings and discussions on several land-use items:
- **Santa Circle Subdivision (PB 26-14):** Public hearing on a preliminary plan for three new lots and a private road transfer to the town (AP 57 Lots 85 & 347).
- **Trinity Church (PB 26-18):** Public hearing on a combined preliminary/master plan for church and school expansion requiring special use permits (AP 54 Lot 122).
- **115 Hilltop Drive (PB 26-28):** Public hearing on a minor subdivision preliminary plan (AP 65 Lot 106).
- **369 Greenville Avenue (PB 26-29):** Pre-application discussion for six duplex townhouses for ages 55 and older (AP 48 Lots 90 & 94).
- **Atwood Avenue condos (PB 26-30 & PB 26-32):** Public hearing for seven single-family condos at 1296 Atwood Avenue and pre-application for eight townhouses at 1302 Atwood Avenue.
The board also discussed the Future Land Use Map as part of the Comprehensive Plan update. No decisions were recorded.
Coming up
- **Town Council Special Meeting – August 11, 2026:** The council will vote on Resolution 2026-25 (charter amendment ballot question on condemnation authority) and Resolution 2026-26 (creation of a Municipal Public Building Authority). This is the same pair of resolutions considered on July 31.
Residents interested in any of these items should attend the August 11 meeting or check the town's official agenda and minutes for updates.