Construction approved near watershed area
By Michaela Kennedy

The Planning Commission unanimously endorsed a development plan for construction of a house near the watershed area on North Main Road. Conditions of approval listed at the Oct. 3 meeting highlighted adherence to watershed protection standards.

John Murphy, the attorney representing applicant Patricia Ouimette, noted that the lot was substandard with a grandfathered clause. He also noted that the state department of environmental management approved an individual sewage disposal system for the property. Murphy confirmed the lot was not in a watershed area.

Commission Chairman Gary Girard noted that the property was in a zoned RR-200 district, "which is why it requires review."

In other business, the commission agreed to extend review of the development plan for a major land development project at 61 Narragansett Ave. The continuance may allow simultaneous approval of the preliminary plan and the development plan, noted Town Planner Lisa Bryer.

Town Solicitor Christopher Orton reminded the commission that, according to the ordinance, if a decision on a development plan is not made within 30 days of a review, "it's an automatic approval of the plan."

Murphy, also representing the applicants Allan and Nancy Randall, expressed satisfaction with the public hearing. "Last time we left elated because not one negative thing was said about this project," he said.

According to the zoning ordinance, development projects in the downtown commercial district must seek approval for a preliminary plan as well as a development plan.

Allan Randall said he would like to light the parking area in some way. After he offered suggestions for low-wattage lighting, the commission discussed overlighting and zoning restrictions. Commissioner Richard Ventrone advised that diffused lighting should be installed.

Randall objected to diffused lighting since it would spill over into the abutting property.

Town Planner Lisa Bryer noted that shielded lighting is required by the ordinance, and installed lighting cannot shine beyond the property. She recommended that the outside lighting should be down-lit and shielded.

Bryer also recommended that the applicant be responsible for providing concrete sidewalks to replace the asphalt walks currently along Howland Avenue in front of the property.

Murphy suggested that the applicant revise the proposal and return with a lighting scheme that could be approved by the town planner administratively.

Questions arose about parking for the downtown development. Bryer challenged the size of a parking space on the street, commenting that a 16-foot space was too small. "In a parking study done a few years ago, the smallest onstreet parking space was 18 feet," she noted. Commissioner Betty Hubbard agreed, also questioning the functionality of a compact car sized space on the street.

Commissioner Barry Holland defended the plan. "If it's a legal space by our ordinance, then I'm all for it," he said.

In new business, the commission continued a review of a twolot minor subdivision for applicant Michael Dutton.

In old business, the board again postponed a decision on the appointment of a new liaison for the Harbor Commission.

Commissioners Gary Girard and Victor Calabretta were absent.