CRMC to hold public workshop in Charlestown on SAMP changes

CRMC to hold public workshop in Charlestown on SAMP changes

May 3, 2006, WAKEFIELD—The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council will hold a public workshop on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 to receive comments on previously-advertised proposed changes to the agency’s Salt Ponds Region Special Area Management Plan and the Narrow River Special Area Management Plan (SAMP).

The workshop will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Charlestown Town Hall, Council Chambers, at 4540 South County Trail in Charlestown. The CRMC had previously advertised the proposed changes on Feb. 15, 2006, pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act (RIGL Sect. 42-35-3) and the Rules and Regulations of the CRMC. The Council planned to hold a hearing on April 11, 2006 on these proposed revisions, but because of a lack of quorum, the matter was continued.

The revised language proposed for both SAMPs [Salt Pond SAMP, Section 920.1.A.2(j) and Section 920.1.B.2(k); and Narrow River SAMP, Section 920.1.A.2(i) and Section 920.1.B.2(j)] is as follows:

“Applications for affordable housing filed prior to December 14, 2004 with a local zoning board of review pursuant to RIGL 45-53 et. seq. and determined to have been substantially complete by either the respective zoning board of review, the state housing appeals board or a court of competent jurisdiction shall be considered under the Coastal Resources Management Program in effect prior to December 14, 2004.”

As a result of requests from the public and officials to change the venue to a more local setting to hear comment on the proposed revisions, the CRMC is holding this workshop in the South County area, which is where the jurisdictional provisions for these two SAMPs apply. Executive Director Grover Fugate requested that CRMC Chairman Michael M. Tikoian give the approval for staff to conduct a public workshop on the proposed changes. Subsequent correspondence between the chairman and executive director led to the scheduling of this workshop.

“Taking into consideration the weight of this issue and the volume of public comment received by the Coastal Resources Management Council on the proposed changes to the Narrow River and Salt Pond Special Area Management Plans pertaining to affordable housing, I authorized Mr. Fugate and the staff to conduct a public workshop in the South County,” Tikoian said. “Holding the workshop in this part of the state will allow citizens of the potentially affected area to attend and provide comment.”

Those who are interested or concerned with these proposed changes are invited and encouraged to attend the workshop and present their issues. Copies of both special area management plans are available at the Coastal Resources Management Council offices and on its web site, at www.crmc.ri.gov, under Regulations.

RI Coastal Resources Management Council