ROW SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, August 26, 2025; 5:00 p.m.

Administration Building; Conference Room A
One Capitol Hill; Providence, RI

MINUTES

Subcommittee Members Present
Raymond Coia, Chair
Ronald Gagnon
Patricia Reynolds

Staff Present
Jeffrey Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Anthony DeSisto, Legal Counsel
Mark Hartmann, Legal Counsel Asst

Chair Coia called meeting to order 5:09 pm.

1. Approval of Minutes for June 10, 2025

Motion: Mr. Gagnon
Second: Ms. Reynolds
Motion was carried on unanimous voice vote.

2. Staff Report

None.

3. Spring Avenue Extension

Weekapaug Fire District Motion for Summary Judgement

Mr. Farside addressed the Subcommittee stating that proponents lack the evidence to enable them to prove their case before the Subcommittee and that a full hearing would not be required.

Mr. Farside stated that due to lack of evidence, the Subcommittee should recommend to the Full Council that there is no clear evidence for ROW approval.

Mr. Rubin, Mr. Conley and Ms. Boots countered with arguments such as:

• Plat was endorsed by way of acceptance of dedication by Zoning Board
• The Highway commission endorsed the ROW
• 1886 Common law dedication with manifest intent and incipient dedication.
• Motion for summary judgement beyond subcommittee jurisdiction
• Cannot hear the case without public comment
• Two sides believe that their truths are 100% truth.

Mr. DeSisto advised the Subcommittee stating that there should be a motion on the WFD Motion for Summary Judgement and whether there are sufficient facts for the case to move forward; and pending the outcome, possible a second motion for setting up Subcommittee Hearings in Westerly.

Ms. Reynolds stated that there is enough evidence or sufficient facts to move forward to a public hearing on this matter and that she would support denying the motion for summary judgement.

Mr. Gagnon seconded the motion.

Chair Coia called a Roll Call vote:
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried.

Mr. Gagnon made a motion to set date for a Public Hearing in the Town of Westerly. Mr. DeSisto explained that CRMC staff will handle the arrangements.

Ms. Reynolds seconded the motion.

Chair Coia called a Roll Call vote:
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried.

4. Adjournment:

Motion: Mr. Gagnon
Second: Ms. Reynolds
Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner, Recording Secretary

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