In accordance with notice to member of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. located at the Administration Building, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.

Members Present
Raymond Coia, Chair
Donald Gomez
Ronald Gagnon
Lyndsay McGovern
Catherine Robinson Hall
Stephen Izzi

Members Excused:
Trish Reynolds
Jerry Sahagian

Staff Present
Jeffrey Willis, Executive Director
Richard Lucia, Environmental Engineer
Anthony DeSisto, Legal Counsel
Mark Hartman, Asst Legal Council
Lisa Turner, Office Manager, Recording Secretary

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Will review them at the next meeting.

3. Subcommittee Reports

None to report

4. Staff Reports

Mr. Willis reported to the Council on the following topics:

• Hurricane Barrier/Providence River – dredging project using 2020 Green Bond

5. APPLICATIONS WHICH HAVE HAD PUBLIC NOTICE AND ARE BEFORE THE FULL COUNCIL FOR DECISION:

2022-09-003 TIMOTHY DESCHENES & ALYSSA MERKLE -- Construct and maintain a residential boating facility consisting of a 4’ x 97’ fixed timber pier/stairs leading to a 3’ x 20’ access ramp and 10’ x 15’ (150sf) terminal float. The facility is proposed to extend 69’ seaward of the cited MLW mark, for a total distance of 131’, requiring a 19’ length variance to Redbook 650-RICR-20-00-01 Section 1.3.1(D)(11)(l). The facility also requires a 15’ property line setback variance to both the north and south, per Section 1.3.1(D)(11)(k). Located at plat 147, lot 63; 90 King Philip Avenue, Bristol, RI.

Mr. Deschenes was present. Sworn in an identified himself for the record.

Mr. Lucia gave a brief overview of the application stating that the property was on Mount Hope Bay in Bristol with other docks along shoreline that are the same length seaward. Mr. Lucia explained that the application required three variances: a 19’ length variance to the 50’ standard, and two variances to both sideline setbacks. Mr. Lucia explained that the width of the property is only 30’ wide and it would not be possible to meet the 25’ setback on both sides.

Mr. Lucia explained that this project was reviewed administratively and conditionally approved with the obtaining of the two letters of no objection from each abutting property owner. The letters were not obtained therefore the matter is being presented to the Council for decision.

Mr. Lucia explained that northern property was approximately 70’ wide and the southern property was approximately 50’ wide. The widths of each property would provide the 50’ separation distance between the docks. Mr. Lucia explained that the 50’ separation distance is guidance from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Mr. Lucia stated that it was staff’s opinion that the dock is consistent with the Redbook standards, there are no programmatic issues with the application and staff defers to Council regarding the granting of the variances.

Mr. Lucia confirmed for Chair Coia that a letter of no objection meant that the abutters were neither for or against the project.

Mr. Lucia confirmed for Mr. Gomez that it was the lack of the letters of no objection that triggered the revie before the Council.

There were no public comments for the application.

Mr. Gomez asked if the construction of the dock would hamper the ability to put other docks in the area or create a navigational issue. Mr. Lucia explained that the abutting properties could meet the 50’ standard for navigation as per the Army Corp of Engineers regulations.

Chair Coia stated for the record that Mr. Deschenes stated that papers were signed originally and that they went back to drawing board due to trying to meet 50’ centerline for everyone, that there are no objections to the building of the dock and that the application package is on the record.

Mr. Gagnon asked about the boulder relocation. Mr. Deschenes stated that they would move the boulder inland to be out of navigable conflicts.

Mr. Gomez made a motion to approve based on findings of fact, meets the Redbook standards, the presentation of proposed project by Mr. Lucia, documents from the file and that there were no objectors.

Mr. Gagnon seconded the motion to approve. There was not further discussion.

Roll call vote:
Mr. Izzi Aye
Ms. Hall Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. McGovern Aye
Mr. Gomez Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried on unanimous polled vote.

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2022-04-050 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION -- For rehabilitation work on the decks of the Washington Bridge and Gano Street Off-Ramp; widening of Washington Bridge Spans 1-4, Relocation of Gano Street and the Blackstone River Bikeway to Bridge Span 3; construction of a new Waterfront Drive Off-Ramp and new Gano Street On-Ramp, each with new bridge structures; construction of a new connecting road segment between Valley Street and Waterfront Drive; general highway improvements within ROW from Broadway in East Providence to South Main Street in Providence; and associated stormwater management activities. Located at I-195 Washington Bridge – Westbound – Providence, RI.

Anthony Pompei, Project Engineer, RIDOT was present to represent the applicant. Mr. Pompei was sworn in and identified himself for the record.

Mr. Lucia gave brief overview of the application, explaining that the project was located on the four lanes of the north side of Washington Bridge extending landward from Providence to East Providence. Mr. Lucia stated that a maintenance application had been obtained for work on the bridge deck but that the Maintenance Assent did not cover the proposed project. Mr. Lucia stated that this project avoided work within tidal waters.

Mr. Lucia explained that the application was before the Council as it required a variance from Section 1.1.6(D)(12) which states that “RIDOT projects are eligible for administrative review unless a variance or special exception is required.” Mr. Lucia stated the 50’ setback applies from the coastal feature for the construction of the retaining walls.

Mr. Lucia explained that is was CRMC Staff’s opinion that the applicant had addressed the variance criteria and staff has no objections to the granting of the 50’ setback variance.

Mr. Lucia stated that based on his review of the project, the project should provide an increase in public access along this area of the shoreline. Therefore, based on the review of the project, Mr. Lucia stated that CRMC staff recommended approval of the project. Mr. Lucia stated that there was a recommended stipulation to be added to the Assent and that the stipulation has been agreed to in the past with other RIDOT projects as it provides better oversight and compliance with the CRMC Assent.

Mr. Lucia explained that he discussed the additional stipulation with Alyssa Richardson of RIDOT.

Mr. Gomez asked about flooding in the area due to climate change especially during extreme storm events. Mr. Lucia stated that the project was designed for sea level rise and that within the 75 year lifetime of the structure sea level rise may impact the lower portions of the off ramp.

Mr. Lucia confirmed for Ms. Hall that all portions of the project were reviewed as far as access roads and stormwater management which is on the upland and should not be effected within the 75 years.

Mr. Pompei did not have any other information to add.

Chair Coia stated that the application and contents of the application were part of the record and that the opinions that CRMC staff brings to the Council are based on the contents of the record.

Mr. Gomez motioned, based on the staff report, meeting discussions, Findings of fact and the lifetime of the project being designed for 75 years, for approval of the application with the recommended stipulation.

Ms. Hall seconded the motion.

Roll call vote:
Mr. Izzi Aye
Ms. Hall Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. McGovern Aye
Mr. Gomez Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried on unanimous polled vote.

7. ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn:
Motion: Mr. Izzi
Second: Ms. McGovern

Unanimous voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Turner
Recording Secretary

 

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