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.
471 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
- South Kingstown, RI (45)
- West Warwick, RI (44)
- Smithfield, RI (42)
- Coventry, RI (36)
- Lincoln, RI (34)
- Johnston, RI (33)
- Westerly, RI (30)
- Portsmouth, RI (26)
- Exeter, RI (22)
- Richmond, RI (19)
- Central Falls, RI (19)
- Johnston, RI (18)
Latest matching meetings
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
Task force to discuss Chariho Plaza, Richmond Commons development updates
The Richmond Investment Task Force for Commercial Health will review old business including an update on the Richmond Film Contest, key topics from Main Street RI training sessions, and development progress at Chariho Plaza and Richmond Commons. Under new business, members will discuss partnerships and alliances with…
Planning Commission to review middle school and multi-family housing projects
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings and make decisions on several major land development projects. These include a new middle school and three residential developments on Post Road, as well as zoning amendments regarding data centers.
Public hearing on Sand Trace Phase I‑III major land development at 8 Mann School Road
The Smithfield Planning Board will approve minutes from May 21 and June 30, 2026 meetings, and hold elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. It will consider Sunn Builders' request to extend the master plan for a development at 270 Putnam Pike. The board will conduct a public hearing on Sand Trace LLC's major…
Committee discusses West Side/Melville/Weaver update
The Portsmouth Economic Development Committee meets to review minutes, receive a business development report, and discuss ongoing projects including the West Side/Melville/Weaver area. No votes or concrete proposals are on the agenda; the meeting is primarily procedural with an opportunity for new ideas.
Review of 400-unit Mishnock Woods multi-family development
The Technical Review Committee will discuss two proposals for comment to the Planning Commission. The first is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 31 King Street requiring a dimensional variance for lot coverage. The second is a major 400-unit multi-family development at 1055 Tiogue Avenue, Mishnock Woods, with 25%…
City Council to consider rezoning and multiple business license petitions
The Central Falls City Council will review several entertainment, restaurant, and hawker license petitions. The body will also consider two rezoning requests and ordinances regarding flood prevention and city trees.
Technical Review Committee discusses land development and a dimensional variance
The committee will discuss a major land development pre-application for 0 Old Louisquisset Pike. The meeting also includes a continued discussion regarding a front yard setback variance at 15 Meader Pond Road.
Planning Board will hear a major land development project for 345 Valley Road.
The Board will approve the June 10 minutes and consider a withdrawal request for SB Farm, LLC’s pending project at 913 Mitchell’s Lane. It will hold public hearings on several subdivision applications, including a major land development adding about 6,796 square feet at 345 Valley Road. The Board will also consider…
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…
Town Council to vote on Johnson's Pond redevelopment plan
The Coventry Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider designating the Johnson's Pond area as a redevelopment zone and adopting the associated plan. The body will also vote on several construction contracts and the appointment of a Charter Review Committee.
Public hearing on The Residences at Pocasset major residential redevelopment
The Johnston Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a combined Preliminary and Master Plan for The Residences at Pocasset, proposing 25 market‑rate residential units on former commercial land. The board will also consider a one‑year extension request for the Master Plan Review of the Gateway project on Putnam…
Public hearing on a minor subdivision at 181 Shun Pike
The Planning Board will consider an old‑business request for a one‑year extension of the master plan review for the Putnam Pike “Gateway” project (AP 42 Lot 31). New business includes public hearings and pre‑application reviews for several development proposals, such as a minor subdivision at 181 Shun Pike (AP 43 Lot…
Public hearing on Amtrol Water Technology’s 80‑unit condo project at 1400 Division Rd
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a major land development application for 80 condominium units at 1400 Division Road, which includes a request to increase density by 20 units. The board will also consider a minor land development proposal to convert the Twisted Pizza building at 568 Providence Street…
Review of Sand Trace Phase I‑III major land development permit for 54.95‑acre lot
The Technical Review Committee will consider a comprehensive permit application from Sand Trace, LLC for a major change to the recorded final plan of AP 46/Lot 10, a 54.95‑acre parcel in the R‑80 zone at 8 Mann School Road and Log Road. The board will also approve the minutes from the April 1, 2026 meeting. A public…
Commission to discuss AI energy tool and workforce housing survey results
The Economic Development Commission will discuss a community energy program using an AI tool from Kilowant.com, review results of a workforce housing survey, and hear updates on the RI Main Street cohort and a recent summit. The agenda also includes items on surveying town employees, development opportunities at…
Land Trust votes on open space budget and discusses development rights sales
The Coventry Land Trust will hold a public hearing and vote on a budget request to fund trail maintenance and forest management using Real Estate Conveyance Tax Funds. Members will also discuss the sale of development rights for three private properties and review a draft ordinance for land acquisition procedures…
Board will consider vote on The Homes at Waterman Pond multifamily project
The Cumberland Planning Board will meet on June 25, 2026 to approve May 28 minutes, hear a director's report, and hold several public hearings. A vote may be taken on a major land development proposal by The Homes at Waterman Pond, LLC for 18 condominium units at 106 and 110 Bear Hill Road. The board will also hear a…
Affordable Housing Collaborative to discuss proposed 'YIGBY' state bill and Lofts at Fairgrounds update
The Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee will discuss proposed Rhode Island Senate Bill S2268 ("YIGBY" legislation) and receive updates on the Lofts at Fairgrounds project, surplus town properties, and the Old Tower Hill Road form-based code. No votes are scheduled; the agenda consists primarily of discussions…
Planning Board to vote on zoning amendments and land development plans
The Planning Board will consider amendments to Land Development and Subdivision Regulations regarding sidewalk installation fees. The board will also discuss and vote on two zoning ordinance amendments related to storage uses and the Flood Hazard Overlay District.
CRDA to vote on using APRA funds for lake management plan
The Coventry Redevelopment Agency will discuss and possibly vote on using pond-designated APRA funds to develop a lake management plan. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment on docketed items.
Planning Board holds public hearing on Gardner Ridge major land development
The Exeter Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the Preliminary Plan for the Gardner Ridge Comprehensive Permit Major Land Development Project. The proposal includes twenty condominium units—five affordable and fifteen market-rate—on a 3.72‑acre site at 415 Gardner Road in the RU‑3 zoning district. The…
Board to hear variance for 18 Barney St with lot coverage up to 61%
The Newport Zoning Board of Review will hold a regular meeting on June 22, 2026, to consider several petitions for dimensional variances, extension requests, and a continued special use permit. The board will hear full hearing petitions for properties at 18 Barney Street, 153 Ruggles Avenue, and 32 Bayside Avenue, all…
Public hearing on 20-unit affordable housing development on Mishnock Road
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on a master plan for 'Residences on Mishnock', a 20-unit multifamily development with 25% affordable units. They will also discuss a redevelopment plan for Flat River Reservoir/Johnson's Pond and review potential updates to zoning codes for multi-family…
Cumberland Board of Licensing approves three one-day liquor licenses
The Board of Licensing reviewed and approved several temporary liquor license applications for local events. The board also granted a one-day extension of business hours for a local club.
West Side/Melville/Weaver development update
The committee will review and approve minutes from May, hear a director's report, and discuss old business including updates on West Side/Melville/Weaver development and potential use of AI for committee work. New business includes soliciting new ideas and selecting a date for the July meeting.
Council to approve funding for 2026 roadway rehabilitation projects
The West Warwick Town Council will consider a second reading of Ordinance #2026-6 to restrict parking on West Street. The council, acting as the Liquor Commission, will review extended‑hour requests for the Portuguese American Citizens Club and the Portuguese Holy Ghost during the World Cup. Several business license…
Review of 20-unit affordable housing development on Mishnock Road
The Technical Review Committee will discuss a Master Plan and Comprehensive Permit for 'Residences on Mishnock,' a 20-unit multifamily development on a 2.93-acre parcel. The project requires 25% of units to be deed-restricted affordable, with public water and private wastewater. No public verbal comments will be…
Commission discusses development roles and lake management updates
This organizational meeting focuses on defining the commission's role in development reviews. Members will also discuss various environmental topics including lake recreation, stormwater management at Upper Dam Pond, and forest fire safety.
Planning Board approves Saltwood Farm subdivision modification
The Middletown Planning Board voted 4‑0 to approve Saltwood Farm Development, LLC’s request to split Lot 9 into two parcels. It also opened a public hearing on The Collection on Honeyman, LLC’s 4‑lot subdivision and street‑width waiver, and continued the Kathryn Thomson minor subdivision to the July 8 meeting. Earlier…
Residential conversion proposed for Old Tower Hill Road and Narragansett Avenue West
The Technical Review Committee will review a minor land development project. The proposal involves converting two houses back from office use to residential use.
Planning Board to recommend new zoning district for Peacedale Preserve
The Planning Board will discuss and vote on recommendations to the Town Council, including a zoning amendment to create the Peacedale Preserve Special Management District on Tax Assessor's Map 33, Lot 30, allowing commercial, residential, and recreational uses. They will also review the Old Tower Hill Road…
City Council to consider budget ordinances and World Cup extended hours
The City Council will review the FY 2027 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Budget. The body is also considering requests from multiple businesses to extend operating hours for the World Cup and several zoning changes.