Westerly roundup: Council weighs water rates, data center moratorium; Zoning Board cancels July session
The Westerly Town Council has scheduled discussion of an emergency ordinance on water waste penalties and a proposed water rate schedule for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, part of a packed agenda that also includes a one-year moratorium on new data centers. All recent meetings listed below are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final votes or outcomes are confirmed.
Town Council — July 13
The Council agenda lists several proposed ordinances and one resolution:
- **Emergency Ordinance** imposing a penalty for willful wasting of water, with water consumption restrictions.
- **Proposed Ordinance** setting water rate schedules for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, including a Water Quality Protection Charge.
- **Proposed Ordinance** amending Business Registration fees and procedures under Chapter 94A.
- **Proposed Ordinance** imposing a one-year moratorium on all data centers.
- **Resolution** requesting delegation to the General Assembly to amend RIGL §45-26-4 regarding Housing Authority commissioner term limits.
Because minutes are not yet available, it is not confirmed which of these items were voted on or only discussed.
Zoning Board — July 8 (CANCELED)
The Zoning Board meeting scheduled for July 8, 2026 was canceled. No public hearings or decisions were taken. The agenda listed two variance applications declared complete and marked informational only:
- **Margaret Leffert**, 42 Governor Avenue, Plat '142' Lot '34', Zone HDR-10 — requests a 13.5′ front yard setback for a covered porch, 14.9′ front yard setback for porch stairs, and 3.1′ front yard setback for a two-story garage addition.
- **The Brenda Winia rski 2015 Family Trust**, 8 Manatuck Avenue, Plat '180' Lot '26', Zone LDR-43 — requests a 25.8′ north side-yard setback, 15.1′ east side-yard setback, and 4.6′ height variance to remodel an accessory structure and expand second-floor living area.
The next regular Zoning Board meeting is set for August 12, 2026.
Licensing Board — July 9
The Licensing Board agenda includes two public hearings on extended operating hours for Post Road businesses:
- **Bid L's Baked LLC (dba Honey Dew)**, 240 Post Rd — extended hours request of 2:00 am–6:00 am.
- **Apres Management Company (dba Dunkin Donuts)**, 227 Post Rd — extended hours hearing.
The agenda also lists one-time event permits for Tunes on the Dunes Summer Concerts at 365 Atlantic Ave, which requests a fee waiver, and the Smokey Bear Parade at 1 Langworthy Rd. Class F and F-1 liquor licenses are listed for a Westerly Land Trust Farm Dinner and an American Cheese & Spirits tasting. Outcomes are not yet confirmed.
School Committee — July 15
The School Committee agenda includes:
- **Financial Report** — listed for discussion, action, and a potential vote.
- **First Reading** of a revision to Field Trip-Student Travel Policy 6170.
- **Home School Approvals**.
- **Senior Project presentation**.
No vote tallies are available.
Coming up
- **Planning Board — July 21, 2026**: Special meeting to provide an advisory to the Town Council regarding alternative sites for a bus garage.
- **Zoning Board — August 12, 2026**: Next regular meeting.