Coventry meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Coventry meetings tackle 400-apartment plan, fire district ballot questions, and land trust property deals

Coventry officials packed the last two weeks with discussions on a major housing proposal, potential 2026 ballot questions on fire services and land trust funding, and several land conservation moves. All meetings listed below have agendas available, but minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes and vote tallies are not yet on the record.

Town Council — July 28

The Council's agenda included two proposed 2026 ballot questions: one to establish a full-time municipal Fire and EMS Department, and another to reduce the mandatory Land Trust tax allocation from 50% to 10%. The Council also was scheduled to act on several contracts: a Ford Police Patrol Interceptor SUV for $84,983.03, Paine Baseball Field lighting upgrades totaling $429,439.20, and a Hopkins Hill Road traffic signal construction contract for $413,940. A new council member was to be sworn in. Minutes are not yet published.

Planning Commission — July 22

The Commission scheduled public hearings on two development applications. The first, the "Therriault ADU," seeks a dimensional variance for a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit at 31 King Street (AP 21, Lot 312, zones R-20 and BP). The second, "Mishnock Woods," is a comprehensive permit application by Coventry Route 3 LLC for 400 multifamily residential units on a 27.31-acre site at 1055 Tiogue Avenue (AP 28, Lot 3, zone PD).

The Commission also planned to consider Ordinance 2026-17 Sub A, which would amend zoning code sections 255-200, 255-9110, and 255-600 to allow dog kennels in specific zones. The agenda included a director's report on subdivision and land development regulations and an update on the comprehensive plan housing chapter. Minutes are not yet published.

Joint Housing Workshop — July 20

The Town Council and Planning Commission held a joint workshop to review the draft housing chapter of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan. No votes or formal actions were scheduled. The session featured presentations on statewide and local housing issues and interactive stations for resident feedback on housing needs, goals, policies, and mapping exercises. Draft materials are available at https://coventryri.gov/comprehensive-plan.

Coventry Land Trust — July 20 and August 2

The Land Trust's July 20 agenda included a vote to spend up to $5,000 for an appraisal of the Soucy Property at 0 Meeting St., a vote on changes to the Land Trust Ordinance, and discussion of the Knight Property purchase at 2571 Flat River Rd. The agenda also listed the sale of development rights for three properties: Pettigrew (798 Nicholas Rd.), Mende (120 Town Farm Rd.), and Chapman (0 Hammet Rd.), plus a possible purchase of Washington Village Golf Course at 2 Fairway Dr.

On August 2, the Land Trust conducted a site walk and scoring of the Pettigrew Property at 60 Railroad Ave. (AP 314, Lot 75) for a potential sale of development rights. No decisions were expected. Minutes are not yet published for either meeting.

Coming up

Historic Preservation Commission — August 6: The Commission will vote on a Town Council Resolution to recognize American Legacy Homes, LLC for historic preservation contributions. The agenda also includes a bridge preservation study update, discussion and vote on the First Coventry Town House monument, introduction of a new staff liaison, and an RI250 event with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Coventry roundup: Town Council, Land Trust, and Planning Commission agendas packed with big-ticket items

Coventry residents saw a busy stretch of government activity this month, with the Town Council, Land Trust, and Technical Review Committee all convening on items ranging from a $413,940 traffic signal contract to a proposed 400-unit housing development. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes — including whether votes were taken — are not yet part of the public record.

Town Council — July 8

The Council's agenda included a public hearing on the Johnson's Pond redevelopment plan and eminent domain, along with a resolution to approve $413,940 for Hopkins Hill Road traffic signal construction. A second resolution would award $49,797.72 for Senior Center HVAC condensers. The Council was also scheduled to make appointments to a Charter Review Committee. Because minutes are not yet available, it is not confirmed which items were voted on or approved.

Coventry Land Trust — July 11 and July 14

The Land Trust met twice in the past two weeks, both times focused on the Soucy Property at 0 Meeting St. (AP 62, Lot 78). The July 11 agenda included a site walk beginning at 37 Meeting St. and possible action on purchasing the property. The July 14 agenda listed scoring of the Soucy Property and possible issuance of requests for qualifications for a property appraisal. Minutes for both meetings are not yet published, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Technical Review Committee — July 15

The Committee reviewed two proposals for comment to the Planning Commission. The first is a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit at 31 King Street that requires a dimensional variance for lot coverage. The second is a major 400-unit multi-family development at 1055 Tiogue Avenue, known as Mishnock Woods, planned as five 5-story buildings with 25% of units deed-restricted as affordable. The proposal also includes three amenity buildings, parking, landscaping, stormwater mitigation, and primary site access from Tiogue Avenue. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Town Council & Planning Commission (joint workshop):** Review and discussion of the draft housing chapter of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan. No votes or formal actions will be taken. Presentations and interactive feedback stations are planned. Draft materials are available at https://coventryri.gov/comprehensive-plan.
• **July 20 — Coventry Land Trust:** The Land Trust will vote on spending up to $5,000 for an appraisal of the Soucy Property and on changes to the Land Trust Ordinance. Discussion items include the purchase of the Knight Property at 2571 Flat River Rd., the sale of development rights for the Pettigrew (798 Nicholas Rd.), Mende (120 Town Farm Rd.), and Chapman (0 Hammet Rd.) properties, and a possible purchase of Washington Village Golf Course at 2 Fairway Dr.
• **July 22 — Planning Commission:** Public hearings on the Therriault ADU dimensional variance at 31 King Street (AP 21, Lot 312, zones R-20 & BP) and the Mishnock Woods comprehensive permit for 400 multifamily units at 1055 Tiogue Avenue (AP 28, Lot 3, zone PD, 27.31 acres). The Commission will also consider Ordinance 2026-17 Sub A, which would amend zoning code sections to allow dog kennels in specific zones, and hear director's reports on subdivision and land development regulations and the comprehensive plan housing chapter update.

Coventry boards weigh Johnson's Pond redevelopment, land purchases, and 400-unit housing proposal

Coventry's town boards had a busy two weeks, with the Town Council scheduled to vote on a Johnson's Pond redevelopment plan and two construction contracts totaling more than $460,000. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the five recent meetings, so outcomes of scheduled votes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Town Council — Johnson's Pond, traffic signal, Senior Center

The Coventry Town Council met July 8 with a public hearing on the agenda to consider designating the Johnson's Pond area as a redevelopment zone and adopting the associated plan, which included eminent domain provisions. The council was also scheduled to vote on a resolution to approve $413,940 for Hopkins Hill Road traffic signal construction and a resolution to award $49,797.72 for Senior Center HVAC condensers. Appointments to a Charter Review Committee were also listed. Minutes are not yet available, so it is not confirmed whether these votes passed.

Coventry Land Trust — Open space budget, development rights, Soucy Property

The Land Trust met twice in the span of two weeks. On June 29, the agenda included a public hearing and vote on an open space budget to fund trail maintenance and forest management using Real Estate Conveyance Tax Funds. Members were also scheduled to discuss the sale of development rights for three private properties: 798 Nicholas Rd., 120 Town Farm Rd., and 0 Hammet Rd. A draft ordinance establishing standard operating procedures for land acquisition was also listed for approval.

On July 11, the Land Trust convened again to discuss and possibly take action on purchasing the Soucy Property at 0 Meeting St. (AP 62 Lot 78). The meeting included a site walk starting at 37 Meeting St. before moving to the property. Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Conservation Commission — Ordinance 2026-20 advisory comments

The Conservation Commission met July 1 to discuss and vote on advisory comments to the Town Council regarding Proposed Ordinance 2026-20. The meeting also included setting future agenda items for July 9, 2026. No minutes have been published.

Historic Preservation Commission — Displays, monument resolution

The Historic Preservation Commission met July 2 to review updates to the town's driving tour map and bridge preservation study goals. The agenda also included discussion of display cases for fallout shelter signs, the Coolidge pencil, and historic cemeteries, as well as a draft Town Council Resolution for the First Coventry Town House Monument and a CHPC space requirements analysis. Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Coming up

Two meetings stand out in the next two weeks:

• **July 14 — Coventry Land Trust:** Discussion of scoring the Soucy Property at 0 Meeting St. (AP 62 Lot 78) and possible issuance of requests for qualifications for a property appraisal.
• **July 15 — Technical Review Committee:** Review of a proposed 400-unit multi-family development at 1055 Tiogue Avenue, known as Mishnock Woods. The proposal includes five five-story buildings with 25% of units deed-restricted as affordable, plus three amenity buildings, parking, landscaping, and stormwater mitigation. Primary site access would be from Tiogue Avenue. The committee will also review a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit at 31 King Street that needs a dimensional variance for lot coverage.

The Mishnock Woods proposal, at 400 units, would be among the largest residential developments reviewed in Coventry in recent years. The Technical Review Committee's comments will go to the Planning Commission.

Coventry officials weigh housing, redevelopment, and charter changes as busy summer agenda unfolds

Coventry's boards and commissions tackled a packed two-week schedule spanning affordable housing, a major redevelopment plan, and proposed charter amendments — though minutes from those sessions have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Town Council considers charter amendments and contracts

On June 23, the Town Council was scheduled to discuss and vote on four proposed charter amendments for the November 2026 ballot, including establishing a town-run fire and EMS department, staggered council terms, partisan elections, and reducing land trust funding. The agenda also included several spending resolutions: $117,701.14 for a mobile command post vehicle for police (Resolution 2026-62), $429,439.20 for Paine Baseball Field lighting upgrades with a $66,428 rebate from RI Energy (Resolution 2026-66), $413,940 bid award to D'Ambra Construction for a Hopkins Hill Road traffic signal (Resolution 2026-71), and $32,672 in impact fees for repaving and new basketball courts at Hopkins Hill School (Resolution 2026-65). A public hearing was also scheduled for a new Class B liquor license for Coventry Eats LLC, doing business as The Ham and Egger, at 687 Washington Street. Minutes have not been published, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Planning Commission takes up 20-unit Mishnock Road housing plan

The Planning Commission's June 22 agenda included a public hearing and vote on a master plan for "Residences on Mishnock," a 20-unit multifamily development on 2.93 acres at Mishnock and Hopkins Hill Roads, with 25% of units designated affordable. The commission was also scheduled to consider a recommendation to the Town Council on the Flat River Reservoir / Johnson's Pond Redevelopment Area Plan, discuss a letter from the Conservation Commission, and review future zoning code updates for multi-family and two-family dwellings. Minutes are not yet available.

Coventry Redevelopment Agency, Land Trust, Conservation Commission meet

On June 24, the Coventry Redevelopment Agency was scheduled to discuss and possibly vote on using pond-designated APRA funds to develop a lake management plan. The Coventry Land Trust met June 29 with a public hearing and vote on an open space budget for trail and forest projects using Real Estate Conveyance Tax Funds, plus discussion of selling development rights for properties at 798 Nicholas Rd., 120 Town Farm Rd., and 0 Hammet Rd. The Land Trust also planned to review a draft ordinance for land acquisition procedures. On July 1, the Conservation Commission was scheduled to vote on advisory comments to the Town Council regarding Proposed Ordinance 2026-20.

Historic Preservation Commission reviews displays and monument resolution

The Historic Preservation Commission met July 2 to discuss updates to the town's driving tour map, bridge preservation study goals, display cases for fallout shelter signs, the Coolidge pencil, and historic cemeteries, plus a draft Town Council resolution for the First Coventry Town House Monument.

Coming up

• **July 8 — Town Council:** Public hearing on the Johnson's Pond redevelopment plan and eminent domain, plus votes on the $413,940 Hopkins Hill Road traffic signal contract, $49,797.72 for Senior Center HVAC condensers, and appointments to a Charter Review Committee.
• **July 15 — Technical Review Committee:** Review of a 400-unit multi-family development at 1055 Tiogue Avenue (Mishnock Woods), with 25% affordable units across five 5-story buildings, plus an accessory dwelling unit proposal at 31 King Street requiring a lot coverage variance.

Coventry council weighs fire consolidation charter amendment, paving and signal contracts

The Coventry Town Council on June 23 considered four proposed charter amendments for the November 2026 ballot, including a measure to establish a town-run fire and EMS department, as well as staggered council terms, partisan elections, and reduced land trust funding. The council also took up resolutions totaling more than $993,000 for a police command post vehicle, field lighting upgrades, a traffic signal, and school paving.

Town Council

In addition to the charter amendment discussion, the council agenda included:

• Resolution 2026-62: $117,701.14 for a mobile command post vehicle for the police department.
• Resolution 2026-66: $429,439.20 for lighting upgrades at Paine Baseball Field, with a $66,428 rebate from Rhode Island Energy.
• Resolution 2026-71: A $413,940 bid award to D’Ambra Construction for a traffic signal at Hopkins Hill Road.
• Resolution 2026-65: $32,672 in impact fees for repaving the access road and adding basketball courts at Hopkins Hill School.
• A public hearing on a new Class B liquor license for Coventry Eats LLC, doing business as The Ham and Egger at 687 Washington Street.

Minutes from the meeting had not been published as of July 5.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a public hearing June 22 on a master plan for “Residences on Mishnock,” a proposed 20-unit multifamily development at Mishnock and Hopkins Hill Roads that would set aside 25% of units as affordable. The commission also discussed a redevelopment plan for the Flat River Reservoir/Johnson’s Pond area, a letter from the Conservation Commission, and future zoning code updates for multi-family and two-family dwellings.

Coventry Redevelopment Agency

On June 24, the agency discussed and was scheduled to vote on using pond-designated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to develop a lake management plan.

Coventry Land Trust

The trust held a public hearing June 29 on an open space budget funded by real estate conveyance taxes for trail maintenance and forest management. Members also discussed potential sales of development rights on three private properties—at 798 Nicholas Road, 120 Town Farm Road, and 0 Hammet Road—and reviewed a draft ordinance for land acquisition procedures.

Conservation Commission

The commission met July 1 to vote on advisory comments to the Town Council regarding Proposed Ordinance 2026-20. The panel also set future agenda items for a July 9 meeting.

Historic Preservation Commission

On July 2, the commission reviewed an update to the town’s driving tour map, goals for a bridge preservation study, display cases for historical artifacts, and a draft Town Council resolution for the First Coventry Town House Monument. Members also discussed space requirements for commission materials.

Coming up

Town Council – July 8

A public hearing is scheduled on designating the Johnson’s Pond area as a redevelopment zone and adopting the associated plan, including potential eminent domain authority. The council will consider a resolution to approve $413,940 for the Hopkins Hill Road traffic signal contract, an award of $49,797.72 for Senior Center HVAC condensers, and appointments to the Charter Review Committee.

Technical Review Committee – July 15

The committee will provide comments to the Planning Commission on two proposals: a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit at 31 King Street requiring a dimensional variance for lot coverage, and Mishnock Woods, a 400-unit multifamily development at 1055 Tiogue Avenue with five five-story buildings, three amenity buildings, and 25% of units deed-restricted as affordable.