PUBLIC HEARING of the Town Council held Wednesday, September 8, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Relative to proposed amendment/update to the Burrillville Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to the provisions of Title 45, Chapters 22.2 and 23.53 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island.
NOTE: The above was duly advertised in the Legal Section of the Woonsocket Call on August 27, September 1 and September 7, 2004.
Comments/Input/Recommendation from Thomas J. Kravitz, Town Planner.
Thomas J. Kravitz, Director of Planning and Economic Development reviewed the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Kravitz testified that the planning board had approved the amendments. He pointed out that the housing chapter had recently been approved separately by the State of Rhode Island.
Thomas J. Kravitz explained that the State requires a five-year update of the Comprehensive Plan. The State does not require or expect policy changes, but rather requires that figures be reviewed and updated. Mr. Kravitz indicated that the many textual changes reflect figure changes, not policy changes.
Thomas J. Kravitz said that this update better includes the Route 102 Overlay, incorporates the sewer facilities plan by reference and includes several changes to the recreation chapter. Mr. Kravitz explained why the changes were recommended to the recreation chapter and indicated that Cheri R. Hall, Director of Parks and Recreation, and the Recreation Commission, had approved the changes. Mr. Kravitz briefly discussed details of the land use chapter. Finally, he mentioned the input from the Harrisville Fire District in the services and facilities chapter.
Comments/Input/Recommendations from the Ordinance Subcommittee: None
Comments/Input/Recommendation by Administration.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, explained that the update was required by State law and that Thomas J. Kravitz, Director of Planning & Economic Development, is ahead of the curve, particularly as it relates to the housing chapter. Mr. Wood described the importance of having an accepted housing chapter.
Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, explained the background of the State requirements and the process used in establishing initial Comprehensive Plans. As part of the update process, he said, the proposal was sent to abutting communities for comment. Since no comments were received, it is understood that those communities do not find the plan inconsistent with their local plans. If the Council saw fit to adopt the plan after the public hearing, Mr. Kane said, it would then go to Statewide Planning, who would review it, make sure it is in accordance with the State plan and possibly make suggestions and comments. According to Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, the plan, becomes effective once the Council adopts it, subject to review by the State. Mr. Kane said that he had reviewed all the changes. He
commended Thomas J. Kravitz, Director of Planning & Economic Development, on a job well done and said that his recommendation from a legal perspective was for the Town Council to approve the plan to be in conformance with the requirement that it be periodically reviewed and approved by the Town Council.
Proponents: None
Opponents: None
Town Council Members Comments/Input:
Councilor Ronald E. Faford said that he had attended several Planning Board meetings during which the plan was discussed and acknowledged Thomas J. Kravitz efforts on the Plan.
VOTED to close the public hearing.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The motion was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea.
VOTED to adopt amendment/update to the Burrillville Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to the provisions of Title 45, Chapters 22.2 and 23.53 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The motion was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea.
VOTED to adjourn at 7:15 p.m.
Motion by Councilor William A. Andrews. Seconded by Councilor Edward F. Bonczek. The motion was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea.
The hearing was taped. The tape is on file with the minutes.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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