RI Coastal Resources Management Council
...to preserve, protect, develop, and restore coastal resources for all Rhode Islanders
...to preserve, protect, develop, and restore coastal resources for all Rhode Islanders
In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. located at the Administration Building, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.
Members Present
Raymond Coia, Chair
Ronald Gagnon, DEM
Ms. Reynolds
Stephen Izzi
Joseph Russolino
Michael Reuter, DPM
Kevin Flynn
Staff Present
Jeffrey M. Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Emily Hall, Coastal Geologist
Tracy Silvia, Environmental Scientist
Richard Lucia, Environmental Engineer IV
Anthony DeSisto Legal Counsel
Mark Hartmann, Assoc Legal Counsel
Lisa Turner, Recording Secretary
Ryan Moore, IT
Laura Dwyer, Public Educator and Information Coord
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
2. Review/Action of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Motion: Mr. Russolino
Second: Dr. Reuter
Mr. Flynn abstained.
Motion carried.
3. Subcommittee Reports
Mr. Willis reported out on the Planning and Procedures Subcommittee:
Mr. Willis reported out on the Rights of Way Subcommittee:
4. Staff Reports
Mr. Willis updated the Council of the following:
Status of federal funding at last year’s level
5. Confirmation of Fishermen’s Advisory Board Member: Michael Marchetti
The CRMC put out a public notice to solicit volunteers from Rhode Island fishing stakeholders regarding the reconstitution of the agency’s Fishermen’s Advisory Board (FAB). Over the course of the solicitation period, CRMC staff received several inquiries from the public, discussed the role of the FAB with each person, and provided additional information as needed. As such, the staff is putting forward the following volunteer, Michael Marchetti. Mr. Marchetti was an original member of the initial FAB and has asked to come aboard to represent the commercial fishing sector. He is the owner of two (2) commercial fishing vessels and is a board member of various fishing related groups. Specific to the OSW projects in RI Sound, Mr. Marchetti is a board member, Vice President and Treasurer of the Fishermen’s Future Viability Trust. Staff believes Mr. Marchetti is a more than appropriate choice to carry out the duties of the FAB.
Mr. Willis gave a brief overview of Michael Marchetti’s qualifications stating that he was a
previously confirmed FAB member. Mr. Marchetti has returned to further the interests of
commercial fishing community.
No questions
Mr. Izzi motioned to for the Council to accept the application of Michael Marchetti to be
Fishermen’s Advisory board member. Seconded by Mr. Russolino.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously.
6. Applications which have been Out-To-Notice and are before the Council for Review and Action:
2025-02-072 CITY OF NEWPORT – Construct and maintain a new 420ft bulkhead approximately 2ft seaward of the existing bulkhead. In addition, a portion of the existing municipal floating concrete dock will be demolished and replaced in a similar size and configuration. No variance is required. Located at plat 24, lot 348; 39 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI.
Patricia Reynolds recused herself as an employee of the City of Newport.
Sworn in and identified for the record by Attorney DeSisto:
Mr. Lucia gave a brief overview of the project stating that the proposed project would include construction of a bulkhead 2-feet in from of the existing seawall/bulkhead at Perrotti Park. Mr. Lucia stated the grade behind the seawall will be raised one foot to accommodate for sea level rise. Mr. Lucia stated that it was staff’s opinion that this project meets the definition of water dependent use as it provides for the City of Newport’s municipal facilities, serving as a location for maritime transportation in Newport.
Mr. Lucia stated that there were no staff objections to this project and recommend approval as the project meets the designated prior use for Type 5 waters.
No questions from the Council for Mr. Lucia.
The applicants were in agreement with Mr. Lucia’s presentation and did not add to it.
Mr. Russolino motioned for approval subject to standard staff stipulations based on finding of
fact in the staff report. Seconded by Dr. Reuter.
No Council discussion
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Recused
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Reynolds returned.
Mr. Gagnon recused himself for the RIDEM applications.
2025-03-047 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT -- Construct and maintain:
The existing pier (Pier G) dimensions are 7-feet wide (9-feet with the inclusions of the sacrificial fendering) by 103-feet long. It will be removed entirely along with all 79 of its fender, batter, and support piles. The dolphin pile cluster at the western extent of the pier will be removed entirely as well. The width of the new pier will be increased to 10-feet in total and the total length will be reduced to 100 feet long, yielding an approximately 73 sq. ft. increase in size. The dolphin pile cluster located at the terminus of the pier will be replaced with two additional piles as compared to the existing. The increase in one foot, a modification necessary to the existing footprint for an increase in robustness. Located at plat I-G; lots 204-BS, 96; Great Island Road, Narragansett, RI.
Sworn in and identified for the record by Atty DeSisto:
Todd Turcotte, Pare Corp
Jacob Garcia, DEM Contractor
Mr. Lucia gave a brief overview of the application to the Council stating that the project included:
the replacement and modification of the pier to improve efficiency.
the modification included an increase in size as well as height to account for future sea
level rise;
the project met the standards and policies of the RICRMP.
CRMC staff recommended approval of the project.
There were no questions for Mr. Lucia from the Council.
The applicant representatives agreed with Mr. Lucia’s findings and recommendation.
Mr. Izzi motioned for approval of the project based on staff report and testimony as presented. Seconded by Mr. Flynn.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Recused
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously
2025-04-007 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT -- Demolish and replace the existing commercial Pier I with a modified footprint. The proposed pier consists of a 177ft x 13ft working pier and an adjacent 79ft x 21.5ft pier that supports a commercial water dependent building. The proposed pier is 704 sqft larger in area than the existing pier but will extend 3 ft shorter seaward. Located at plat I-G, lots 114, 212-S, 212-SXM, 213-S, 96; 280 Great Island Road, Narragansett, RI.
Mr. Lucia gave a brief overview of the project stating that:
Mr. Lucia stated that there were no objections received, the project meets the regulations and staff recommended approval.
Mr. Turcotte stated that the Handrigan’s application had been approved.
No questions of applicant by the Council
Mr. Izzi motioned for approval of the application as presented based on testimony and staff
report. Seconded by Ms. Reynolds.
No Council discussion.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Recused
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously
2025-05-035 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT -- Demolish and replace the existing commercial Pier A with a modified footprint. The proposed pier is proposed to be 25.5’ x 77’ with a 6’ x 17’ access platform and will be 295 square feet larger than the existing pier. The proposed pier will extend approximately 4 closer to the navigational channel than the existing pier. In addition, oversheeting of the exiting bulkhead is proposed. Located at plat I-G,
lots 202-S, 202-SXM, 203-S, 204-AS, 204-ASXM, 204-CS, 204-CSXM, 96; 256 Great Island, Narragansett, RI.
Mr. Lucia gave a brief overview of the project stating that:
The existing Pier A will be demolished and replaced with an increase to 295 sf but with fewer piles.
The pier will extend 1.5 fee seaward of the existing pier.
Pier A houses Champlin’s Seafood which will be replaced in a future application.
The increase in size of the pier is necessary to support the new fendering system.
The new pier will be 4’ closer to the navigational channel but will be 28 feet from the 45- foot setback from the navigational channel.
Mr. Lucia stated that no objections were received and the project meets the standards and policies of the RICRMP; therefore, staff has no objections and recommends approval of the project.
No questions for Mr. Lucia from the Council.
No comments from the applicant’s representatives.
Mr. Izzi motioned approval based on staff report and staff testimony.
Mr. Flynn seconded the motion.
No Council discussion.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Recused
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously
7. Application requiring a Special Exception before the Full Council for Public Hearing, Council Review and Action:
2024-11-020 Rhode Island Heritage Foundation – Blithewold -- to perform these proposed activities consisting of the construction of a flood control berm, the removal of sediment from the bottom of a man-made water garden pond, installation of a pond liner in the water garden, and ancillary drainage improvements. Work requires a special exception per RICMRP Sections: Section 1.2.2.(C)(1)(d):
It is the Council’s policy that alterations to salt marshes and contiguous freshwater or brackish wetlands abutting Type 2 waters are prohibited...
Section 1.2.2.(C) (2)(b):
Alterations to salt marshes and contiguous freshwater or brackish wetlands abutting Type 2 waters are prohibited...
Section 1.3.1.(L)(3)(b):
Alterations to coastal wetlands abutting Type 2 waters and coastal wetlands designated for preservation adjacent to Types 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters are prohibited…
Located at plat 165, lots 7 and 8; 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI.
Applicants were sworn in and identified themselves for the record by Atty DeSisto:
Karen Binder, Blithewold Executive Director
Daniel Christina, Blithewold, Director of Horticulture
Ryan Daponte, GZA
Ms. Silvia gave a brief overview of the application to the Council stating:
The project was located on the northwest shoreline separated from the coastal feature by an
existing gravel access road.
The rock garden, the water garden, and existing drainage infrastructure will be maintained, upgraded, and/or protected for future climate-resiliency purposes under this project.
A new earthen flood-control berm will be constructed to protect the rock garden and water garden from sea-level rise flooding.
The water pond will be replaced and dredged as well as placement of culverts and other stormwater drainage improvements.
Ms. Silvia stated that there were no comments received during the public notice period and that CRMC staff recommend approval of the variance but require an updated planting plan with more detail on species and their location. Staff defers for the special exception.
Dr. Reuter asked if the plantings would be native.
Mr. Christina stated that they would be using Rhode Island native and Northeast native species almost exclusively and described the planting plan in three zones.
Chair Coia asked about visitation of the venue. Ms. Binder stated that they have 50,000 visitors a year as well as leasing for private events.
Chair Coia asked if anyone present wished to speak on the application. With no response, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Izzi motioned for the granting of the Special Exception based on staff report and testimony. Dr. Reuter seconded the motion.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Recused
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously – Special Exception granted
Mr. Izzi motioned for approval of the application and variance based on the report and testimony of staff and applicant. Ms. Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Recused
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously for approval of application and variance.
8. Discussion and possible further action on the Quidnessett Country Club’s CRMC Order to Restore
Attorney Jennifer Cervenka was present on behalf of the Quidnessett Country Club (QCC).
Mr. Willis began by stating that at the June 10th Semimonthly Meeting of the Council ordered the Quidnessett Country Club to:
Mr. Willis stated that there has not been an acceptable plan presented to staff within 30 days and there has been no resolution on the restoration of the site.
Atty DeSisto stated that the applicant has filed an appeal of the Council’s June 10th decisions regarding QCC.
Atty DeSisto stated that there is no stay in effect from Superior Court and jurisdiction has not been divested.
Atty Cervenka addressed the Council and stated that the QCC wants to come to an agreement with CRMC staff and that several iterations using proposal of trapbags had been submitted to the Council.
Atty Cervenka asked for an extension to prepare restoration plan using the trapbag technology.
Mr. Willis confirmed that two meetings had been held between CRMC staff and QCC and thought that progress was being made on most important elements that QCC was looking to protect. CRMC staff was willing to look at regulations for non-structural shoreline protection as well as have slope requirement that would not cut into t-box area. However, the next meeting did not result in a plan that showed the concessions. At the end of meeting, QCC mentioned looking into the trapbag technology and asked if we were familiar with it.
Mr. Willis stated that CRMC welcomes further discussions and also explained that the material used for the trapbags is considered structural materials.
Atty Cervenka explained that they were looking at four different configurations of trapbags; and stated that geotextile fabric is not in the definition of structural shoreline protection.
Atty Cervenka stated that they had tried a hybrid shoreline protection process utilizing burritos with a stone toe and would like o have the opportunity to submit restoration plan closer to CRMC policies.
Chair Coia asked if it was QCC’s intention to use points of discussion from last meeting in new proposal. Atty Cervenka confirmed it was their intention and would provide the restoration plan within 30 days.
Mr. Willis stated that CRMC staff was hoping to respond to some of Atty Cervenka’s points.
Mr. Lucia stated that trapbags are geosynthetics and are not biodegradable which puts them in the category of structural shoreline protection.
Ms. Hall clarified that the technical specifications submitted by QCC stated that the cellular barrier system will be constructed by a heavy plastic which is not biodegradable on human timescales. Ms. Hall stated that nonstructural shore protection definition specifically states that materials should be biodegradable.
Chair Coia stated that he would like the QCC to be able to submit to staff a proposal and give staff the opportunity to make decisions and comment.
Mr. Flynn expressed his concern that the illegally constructed wall has not been removed.
Chair Coia explained that the timeframe for the removal of the wall was stayed for the time
being allowing both parties to come to an agreement on a restoration plan.
Mr. Willis confirmed for the Council that there has not been a plan submittal within the 30-day
timeframe, just the trapbag document.
Mr. Izzi suggested that the applicant research alternative bag types that would be biodegradable
– same system different material. Atty Cervenka stated that they could research more.
Chair Coia brought the meeting back to the request for a 30-day extension to continue to work
with staff on a restoration plan suitable to CRMC.
Mr. Izzi motioned, based on discussion of staff and council, to extend the period for the
application to submit a revised plan – 30-days from today’s date. Ms. Reynolds seconded the motion.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Recused
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously
Atty DeSisto stated that the remaining terms set on June 10th stand.
9. ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn:
Motion: Mr. Izzi
Second: Mr. Russolino
Motion to adjourn approved on a unanimous voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner, Recording Secretary
Stedman Government Center
Suite 116, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879-1900
Voice 401-783-3370 • Fax 401-783-2069 • E-Mail cstaff1@crmc.ri.gov
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