CRMC permits QDC parcels for easy developing

October 25, 2013, WAKEFIELD – The RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) considers the parcel development program of the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) as a statewide success story and example of the Council’s flexible permitting abilities.

Recently, the QDC worked with the CRMC and RI Department of Environmental Management to create the “Site-Readiness” program at Quonset, a streamlined and expedited permitting process for the remaining 39 undeveloped parcels in the business park in North Kingstown. The QDC and CRMC also established a public access plan for the entire park, instead of relying on individual companies to incorporate it into their development plans and applications as part of CRMC regulatory requirements, greatly enhancing the ability of QDC to attract tenants. The CRMC, through Section 335 of the coastal program, requires public access to the water as part of the application or proposed development, and this program satisfies that condition.

“We established public access for Quonset in appropriate locations, not developing it property by property,” said David Reis, the CRMC’s supervising biologist. “Applicants coming in to purchase or lease land at Quonset now don’t have to also submit a public access plan.”

The QDC applied to the CRMC for generalized development plans that built the park out to capacity, and those plans included all of the necessary buffers, setbacks and stormwater management options, which helps prospective developers envision the potential of each site. The program has also implemented extensive Low Impact Design (LID) elements, included rain gardens, and was also permitted according to the new state stormwater manual and its guidelines.

“The Site-Readiness program is one of our best assets in attracting new businesses to Quonset Business Park,” said Steve J. King, PE, the QDC’s managing director. “The QDC worked closely with building and zoning experts to pre-engineer the parcels to anticipate likely uses for a variety of industries. As a result, a due diligence package exists for every parcel available with a complete review of the property. That includes an environmental Phase I review, geotechnical soils review and borings, utility availability and capacity analysis, concept site plans and permits, and a land title review. “

When the QDC went through the generalized permitting process through the CRMC, wetlands were flagged and identified, as well as coastal features, proper setbacks and buffers were displayed, and parking and potential stormwater management was all laid out on the plans.

The public access plan is an extreme benefit for tenants: those who work at Quonset have some scenic spots to have lunch or go to the shore and have their break. They can also walk or bike the bike path and walk the trails there.

The QDC devised the public access plan in 2005, and the shoreline access element of the Quonset master plan is then updated every five years in accordance with CRMC regulations. The CRMC has fully supported the QDC’s public access plan and vision for the business park.

“Today, Quonset Business Park is seen as a key driver of job creation and economic growth in Rhode Island,” King said. “It is now home to more than 175 companies, with 9,500 full-time and part-time jobs, and its Port of Davisville is one of the Top Ten auto-importers in North America. The program allows new tenants to get shovels in the ground within 90 days of signing a lease with the QDC.”

King said the program has been heralded by the Rhode Island Foundation and Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation as a model for other communities in Rhode Island to follow, and it has received high praise from both the business community and local policymakers. 

“But most importantly, this innovative and collaborative effort allows more companies to grow their businesses and bring more jobs to Rhode Island in an attractive and predictable process,” King said.