Development & economy in Rhode Island local government
What Rhode Island city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about development & economy — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
719 Rhode Island meetings since 2024 covered development & economy. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Rhode Island with the most development & economy activity
- Coventry, RI (88)
- South Kingstown, RI (52)
- Portsmouth, RI (50)
- Middletown, RI (48)
- Smithfield, RI (44)
- West Warwick, RI (43)
- Jamestown, RI (36)
- Richmond, RI (35)
- Lincoln, RI (35)
- Johnston, RI (33)
- Westerly, RI (33)
- North Kingstown, RI (32)
Latest matching meetings
Jamestown approves 20-year East Ferry Marina lease with TPG Marinas
The Town of Jamestown is entering into a 20-year lease with TPG Marinas Conanicut, LLC for the East Ferry Marina, effective January 1, 2027. The lease includes annual rent starting at $86,000, with 10% increases every five years, and two five-year extension options. The lessee will operate the marina, including a fuel…
Board considers extension request and several dimensional variance applications
The Zoning Board will review an extension of time request for a special‑use permit at 100 Allendale Avenue. It will also consider dimensional variance applications for a detached garage at 34 River Avenue, a future lot division at 30 Mill Street, and a new building at 0 Bishop Hill Road. These items appear under old…
Johnston Asphalt seeks extension to start construction on 100 Allendale Ave
The Zoning Board will review several pending variance requests. It will consider Johnston Asphalt’s request to extend the start date for a special‑use permit at 100 Allendale Avenue, and a request by Robert Montaquilla for dimensional variances to build a detached garage at 34 River Avenue. New applications include…
Coventry committee to review 215-unit affordable housing plan
The Technical Review Committee will discuss and comment on the preliminary plan for "Center Point Commons," a major land development proposing three multi-family buildings with 215 units at 2271 New London Turnpike. The project includes deed-restricted affordable units and is part of the larger Coventry Centre…
Planning Board discusses new zoning districts and data center prohibitions
The Planning Board will hold a work session to review land development extensions and zoning amendments. The board will consider recommendations to the Town Council regarding the Peacedale Preserve and form-based code revisions. They will also discuss a proposal to prohibit data center development in all zoning…
Planning Board to review three subdivision and development applications
The Warwick Planning Board will meet to review three development applications: a minor subdivision to legalize an illegal split, a major land development project for three units on West Shore Road, and a minor subdivision to split a lot with two homes. The board may vote to approve, deny, or continue these…
Committee reviews minor land development project at 74 Main Street
The South Kingstown Technical Review Committee will review a minor land development application for a property at 74 Main Street. The project proposes an accessory structure with two dwelling units and requests waivers from street and perimeter landscaping requirements under local regulations.
Planning Board site visit for Wave Pond Hotel expansion application
The Middletown Planning Board will conduct a site visit to the Wave Pond Hotel property on September 3, 2026, at 3:00pm. The board will only view the property; it will not deliberate, accept public comment, or take action on the application during this meeting. The application seeks preliminary plan approval for a…
Zoning Board to hear six applications including special use permits and variances
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review will hold public hearings on July 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The board will consider six applications—three from the Old Business list and three from New Business—covering appeals, extensions, special use permits, and variances. Decisions will be made on requests such as a special use…
Public hearing on The Residences at Pocasset major land development
The Johnston Planning Board will consider a one‑year extension request for the Putnam Pike "Gateway" project and hold public hearings on several development proposals, including a minor subdivision on Shun Pike, a senior‑focused condo project on Plainfield Pike, and a major adaptive‑reuse residential development at…
Planning Board to review residential developments and street abandonment
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on a minor subdivision and a major land development project. The board will also discuss pre-applications for luxury condos and a lot subdivision, and provide an advisory opinion on a street abandonment request.
HDC to review RFP for town-wide historic survey tied to Revolution Wind
The Historic District Commission will review and discuss the RFP for a town-wide historic resources survey required under Section 106 for the Revolution Wind Project, with comments due at this meeting. They will also consider a draft Stone Wall Ordinance and potential recommendation to the Planning Board, and discuss…
Task Force to discuss film contest, Chariho Plaza, ice rink, Main Street RI
The Richmond Investment Task Force for Commercial Health will meet to review updates on the Richmond Film Contest and development at Chariho Plaza and Richmond Commons, and to discuss topics from Main Street RI training, including possibly continuing the task force with a focus on non-Wyoming issues. They will also…
Planning Board to consider one-year extension for 94-acre greenhouse project
The Exeter Planning Board will consider a request to extend the September 18, 2024 approval for the Rhode Island Grows, LLC greenhouse project by one year. The board will also elect officers, approve minutes, and schedule future meetings and a site visit.
Coventry Council to hold hearings on zoning, liquor license, tax deal
The Coventry Town Council is meeting on August 25, 2026, to consider several public hearings and votes. Key items include continued hearings on ordinances affecting bathing areas, kennels, gas stations, and a redevelopment plan for Johnson's Pond. The council will also hold a hearing on a proposed tax stabilization…
Planning Board to weigh Peacedale Preserve zoning district, Kingstown Rd housing
The South Kingstown Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposal to demolish a single-family home at 2001 Kingstown Road and build a duplex and triplex (5 units total), continued from June. The board will also review and make recommendations to the Town Council on a zoning map and text amendment creating…
Smithfield Planning Board to weigh historic district zoning changes and Levi Lane project
The Smithfield Planning Board is meeting to approve prior minutes, continue a public hearing on a major land development at 20 Levi Lane, and consider a recommendation to the Town Council on proposed changes to historic district and preservation commission chapters. The board will also hear public comment and a…
TRC reviews 5 development applications in Jamestown Village district
The Jamestown Technical Review Committee will review five development applications, including new duplex and single-family dwellings, additions, and a garage, all within the Jamestown Village Special Development District. The committee will act as the approving authority for two applications and provide…
Land Trust to weigh property purchases, development-rights sales
The Coventry Land Trust will discuss and possibly act on several property matters, including the sale of development rights on three properties and the potential purchase of two others. The board will also review its treasurer's report, outreach efforts, grant opportunities, and draft by-laws. A vote is scheduled on…
EDC to discuss letter inviting public comment on Old Tower Hill Road plan
The Economic Development Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially act on a letter inviting public comment on the Old Tower Hill Road Neighborhood Plan. The agenda includes this new business item, along with staff updates and future agenda items. The meeting is open to the public and will be…
Technical Review Committee to discuss comprehensive permit master plan for 0 Cobble Hill Road
The Lincoln Technical Review Committee will discuss and make recommendations on several land development items, including a comprehensive permit master plan for 0 Cobble Hill Road and a rezoning request for 0 Carrington Street. The committee will also consider a time extension for a minor subdivision at Whispering…
Planning Board to hear two major development proposals, consider zoning changes
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on a major land development project at 50 Enterprise Center and a proposal for 6 new single-family units off West Main Road. The board will also consider amendments to inclusionary zoning, complete streets, and subdivision regulations.
EDC to discuss ice rink plan, survey, and tax effects
The Richmond Economic Development Commission will meet to approve July minutes, discuss outreach including a YMCA meeting about the ice rink plan, review the resident/business survey timeline, and hear from Tax Assessor James Drew on how economic development affects municipal taxes.
School Committee to vote on tentative agreement for certified staff
The Middletown School Committee will convene in open session, then move to executive session for collective bargaining and legal advice. After reconvening, they will consider and vote on a proposed final tentative agreement for certified staff and transmit it to the Middletown Council. The meeting also includes votes…
Zoning Board to hear variance requests and appeal of incomplete application
The Smithfield Zoning Board of Review will hold public hearings on August 5, 2026, to consider three variance requests and an appeal of an administrative decision. The board will also review minutes from July 8, 2026, and deliberate on the applications. The agenda includes both old and new business, with the appeal…
Planning Commission to review new home, boat barn, and zoning change
The Jamestown Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to review and possibly vote on several items, including a new single-family dwelling in a high groundwater area, a boat barn renovation in the village district, and a zoning ordinance amendment for a fire department garage. The commission will also elect…
EDC to discuss Old Tower Hill Road rezoning, elect new secretary
The Economic Development Commission will discuss and possibly act on attending a public hearing for the Old Tower Hill Road rezoning. They will also nominate and elect a new secretary to replace Andrew Hill, and continue discussions on the South Kingstown Garden Show and workforce surveys.
Land Trust to discuss sale of development rights for Pettigrew Property
The Coventry Land Trust will conduct 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 are expected; the items are listed for discussion and/or action.
Planning Board tours sites for two development projects in Middletown
The Middletown Planning Board held a special site visit to view properties for two development applications. The board toured 50 Enterprise Center, where a major office project is proposed, and Prescott Point, where six new single-family homes are planned. No deliberations or decisions were made during the visit.
Planning Board to conduct site visits for two development projects
The Middletown Planning Board is meeting to view two subject properties. The board will not deliberate, accept public comment, or take action on applications during this site visit.
Board reviews dimensional variance requests for two residential properties
The Johnston Zoning Board of Review will consider two new business items. One is a dimensional variance request by Ronald Papa to build a two-family dwelling at 0 Killingly St, Plat 16, Lot 630. The other is a dimensional relief request by Mark D’Elia for the property at 15 Belknap Farm Dr, Plat 48, Lot 557. The board…
Planning Board to hear two public hearings on South County Trail development phases
The Exeter Planning Board will hold public hearings on two applications for phased commercial development at 597 South County Trail. One hearing concerns Phase II of a major land development project by Avondale Real Estate, LLC, adding three storage buildings. The other hearing involves KJC Properties, LLC seeking…
Planning Board considers new Peacedale Preserve Special Management District
The Planning Board will review a proposal to create a new zoning district for commercial, residential, and recreational use at Tax Assessor's Map 33, Lot 30. The board will also consider a multi-household development at 2001 Kingstown Road and a form-based code for the Old Tower Hill Road Neighborhood Project.
Westerly Council to weigh data center moratorium, water rates, business fees
The Westerly Town Council will hold public hearings on three proposed ordinances: setting water rate schedules for 2026-2027, amending business registration fees and procedures, and imposing a one-year moratorium on data centers. The council will also consider authorizing local ballot questions on charter revisions…
Council to consider data center moratorium, water rates, charter questions
The Westerly Town Council will hold public hearings on three proposed ordinances: setting water rate schedules for 2026-2027, amending business registration fees and procedures, and imposing a one-year moratorium on all data centers. Under new business, the council will discuss and possibly vote on placing charter…
Town Council to review municipal investment strategies and disaster loan programs
The Town Council will hear presentations on municipal investment strategies and a federal disaster loan program for businesses affected by the February blizzard. The body will also consider seasonal service area expansions for two local establishments and a plan for the Coggeshall School youth center.
City Council to consider bakery license for Jacobs Bakery
The City Council is meeting as the Board of License Commissioners. The body will hold a hearing and consider a petition for a new business license.
Newport Zoning Board to review residential variances and driveway appeals
The Zoning Board of Review will consider several petitions for dimensional variances regarding home additions, parking spaces, and lot coverage. The board will also hear an appeal concerning driveway construction and vehicle reversing requirements on Barney Street.
Public hearing on Mishnock Woods plan for 400 new apartments on Tiogue Ave
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two development applications: an accessory dwelling unit by Jason & Ann Marie Therriault that requires a dimensional variance, and a master plan by Coventry Route 3 LLC for 400 multifamily residential units on a 27.31‑acre site at 1055 Tiogue Avenue. The Commission…
Planning Board to vote on sidewalk installation fee and zoning for renewable energy
The Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing and vote on an amendment regarding fees in lieu of sidewalk installation. Members will also discuss a major land development pre-application and consider zoning amendments for manufacturing uses related to renewable energy.