Our preview of this meeting was published here.
The Council held a public hearing for Zoning rules for Public Storage Facilities. Public Storage Facilities were removed as an allowed use on April 11, 2022 with that restriction set to expire on April 30, 2023. This rule change will extend that for another year. After some discussion, including when design standards development will be complete, the Council voted to modify the rule for the ban on public storage facilities to extend for one year, until April 30, 2024.
The Council voted to hold a special Town Council meeting to discuss Potential Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to Allow Subdivision Options Regarding Cluster and Conservation Development on June 1 at 6 pm. There were lengthy comments from Planning Commission members and former Council Member Bonnie Van Slyke arguing to formally include the Planning Commission in the meeting. It was explained that the June 1 meeting is for the Council to discuss the draft made by Council member Stokes and then that consensus draft will be sent to the Planning Commission as part of the process.
The presentation by Lynn MacAlister of the Conservation Commission was very interesting. The document in the agenda packet is here. It can be watched in the video starting at 1 hour, 23 minutes. The Council voted to request the town solicitor to do a title search on the listed properties, during the next couple months, before considering next steps with any of the properties.
Regarding the Block Island Sound Bikeway Committee, the Council voted to authorize the Committee to investigate continuation of the trail through Cross' Mills to Ninigret Park and report back to the Council.
After the Council returned from Executive Session discussing the possible acquisition of the 2.3 acre undeveloped parcel of land at the corner of South County Trail and New Biscuit City Trail, lot 29-43-1, along the Pawcatuck River, the Council voted to authorize the Town Administrator to obtain an opinion from bond counsel as to whether open space bond funds may be used to purchase that property for the purpose of installing a kayak/canoe launch facility and parking and to determine the permits and process needed to do that.
The Financial Town Referendum Will be Held on Monday, June 5, 2023, from 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.: VOTING OPTIONS: 1. Mail ballots will be sent to every registered voter; voted mail ballots must be received by the Board of Canvassers by Monday, June 5, 2023, at 8:00 P.M. 2. In-person voting will be at the Charlestown Town Hall, Council Chambers on Monday, June 5, 2023, from 8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
The meeting adjourned at 10:14 pm.