In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, October 28, 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
Patricia Reynolds
Joseph Russolino
Michael Reuter, DPM
Kevin Flynn Steven Izzi

Staff Present
Jeffrey M. Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Tracy Silvia, Sr. Environmental Scientist
Mason Sherman, Marine Infrastructure & Dredge Coor
Anthony DeSisto Legal Counsel
Mark Hartmann, Assoc Legal Counsel
Laura Dwyer, Education/Information Coordinator
Ryan Moore, IT
Lisa Turner, Recording Secretary

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

2. Review/Action of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting

October 21, 2025
Motion: Mr. Russolino
Second: Ms. Reynolds

Unanimous voice vote.

3. Subcommittee Reports

Mr. Willis reported that there would be a ROW Subcommittee Public Hearing for Spring Avenue Extension matter in Westerly is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4 at the Westerly Senior Center.

4. Staff Reports

• NOAA Grant to remove creosote pilings a Point Street Bridge awarded
• Sen Whitehouse’s office is looking into grants so that the remainder of derelict pilings along Providence shoreline can be removed.
• There will not be a meeting Tuesday November 11, 2025.

5. Applications which have been Out To Notice for 30-Days and are before the Council for Review and Action:

2012-02-074 SHAWN & LISA GUERTIN -- Modification of an approved existing residential boating facility by replacing the terminal float configuration. The permitted float is 7.5’x20’ (150sf). The proposed floats are two (2) 4’x15’, with a hinged 4’x7’ connector (total 148sf, 4’x 34.5’overall) extending 64.5’ seaward of the MLW mark, for no increased variance. Project located at Plat 25, Lot 51; 45 Mathewson Road; Barrington, RI.

Ms. Silvia gave a brief overview of the application stating:

• The original dock assent was issued in 2012.
• There are nonconformance aspects to the current dock and property
• Stairs on the marsh that need to be removed
• Width of the pier was too wide – fixed and in conformance.
• Dock to extend to 64.5’ beyond MLW with no variance required.
• Barrington Harbormaster has objected to facility’s proximity to the mooring field.
• Current Harbor Management plan needs to be updated
• CRMC standard practice is to move the mooring to make room for the dock.
• No objection to the facility itself was proposed.

Sworn in and identified for the record.
Kenneth Anderson, PE, Engineering Consultant
Lisa Guertin, Owner

Mr. Anderson addressed the Council explaining that the current Harbor Management Plan is expired and that the interim approval was also expired.

Mr. Anderson and Ms. Guertin stated that they agreed with Ms. Silvia’s recommendation and were available to answer questions.

There was discussion regarding the Harbor management plan and the current mooring fields setbacks to current boating facilities. Mr. Willis stated that when a town’s HMP comes to be expired, they ask for interim approval, but that the previous plan to remains intact until the approval of the recent HMP.

No further questions from the Council to applicant or staff

Sworn in and identified for the record:
Chip Hawkins, Current Chairman of the Harbor Commission

• Mr. Hawkins talked about the moorings and mooring field in the area of the facility stating that they had already removed mooring for the dock to be built in 2012 and that another 3 moorings would need to be removed for the dock’s reconfiguration.
• Mr. Hawkins stated that he is concerned that a precedent would be set for docks on this side of the river and create more of an issue with this mooring field.
• Mr. Hawkins explained that there was no place for the removed moorings to go.
• Mr. Hawkins explained to the Council that the Harbor Management plan was just about completed to be sent to CRMC

Ms. Silvia stated that the mooring field needed to be updated and designed to give offset for residential homeowners.

Mr. Anderson stated that the Harbor Management plan is inconsistent with the moorings that are out there and that the moorings are not supposed to be within 50’ of existing structures creating an impact on navigation.

Ms. Silvia stated that the discussion had not changed staff recommendation.

Ms. Reynolds motioned for approval of the modification as well as removal of the stairs based on findings as presented. Mr. Gagnon seconded the motion.

No further discussion.

Chair Coia did a roll call vote:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Abstain
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried.

2025-06-057 DANIEL CROMIE & SUSAN EGAN CROMIE -- Construct and maintain a new residential boating facility consisting of a 4’ x 125’ fixed timber pier, 3’ x 14’ access ramp and 8’ x 18.75’ (150sf) terminal float. The facility is proposed to extend 131’ seaward of the cited MLW mark, requiring an 81’ length variance to Redbook 650-RICR-20-00-01 Section 1.3.1(D)(l)(2); The facility is also proposed within 2’ of the northern property line extension (PLE), requiring a PLE setback variance of 23’ to Section 1.3.1(D)(k). Project located at Plat 82-4, Lot 32; 82C Point Avenue, South Kingstown, RI.

Ms. Silvia gave a brief overview of the application stating:

• A length variance was required to achieve water depth of 2’ a terminus of facility.
• Existing docks to the north of proposed facility
• Proposed facility in line with existing facilities in the area.
• No staff objection to the approval of the facility.

Sworn in and identified for the record:
Susan Cromie
Daniel Cromie
Russell Morgan, PE – Engineering Consultant

Mr. Morgan stated that they agreed with Ms. Silvia’s report and would rest on that.

Mr. Morgan confirmed for Mr. Gagnon that the proposed facility would be a satisfactory distance
from the neighboring facility.

No public comment.

Mr. Gagnon motioned for the approval of the application based on staff report and discussion as
well as approval of both variances. Dr. Reuter seconded the motion.

No further discussion.
Chair Coia did a roll call vote:

Chair Coia did a roll call vote:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried.

2025-06-026 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT -- Repair existing infrastructure at the former Chase Marina and establish a commercial marina facility. As part of this application, the Marina Perimeter Limit (MPL) has a slight expansion to the west and south in an effort to maintain safe fairway distances and navigation within the facility. New docks and piles would be installed within this MPL. In addition, the applicant proposes filling in tidal waters at an existing derelict marine railway basin to add additional parking spaces in the area. Additional work to be included: installation of a sheet pile bulkhead, repairs to rip rap slopes, construction of timber walkways and docks, and reinforcement of existing granite block walls. Located at Plat 303, Lots 126, 127, 128; 169 Riverside Drive, Tiverton, RI

Mr. Sherman gave a brief overview of the application stating:

• Proposal for a commercial marina as former Chase Marina site -- last used as marina in 2008.
• Proposal maintains same layout as 2008 with slight expansion of 1 slip and expansion in Marina Perimeter Limit
• Also proposing a new bulkhead at toe of riprap
• Rails of marina railway basin have been removed under CRMC maintenance assent.
• No objections received during public notice period
• Letter of support received from Town of Tiverton Harbor Commission
• Facility will be used for mainly commercial fishing boats that have a water-dependent business.
• Will use two tier approach first open to commercial fishing vessels and then to Charter fishing vessels.
• Additionally, the applicant is proposing to install a pump out which would be utilized by a Town operated pump-out vessel servicing recreational vessels.
• Staff believe these additional items address the Type 3 water priority uses and recommends approval with the additional stipulations added into the Staff Report.

No questions from Council.

Sworn in and identified for the record:
David DeCost, RIDEM
James O’Connor, RIDEM
Robert Baker, RIDEM
Timothy Smith, GZA, Project Manager

Mr. O’Connor confirmed for Mr. Flynn that RIDEM, specifically Robert Baker, would manage the facility along with other staffers.

Dr. Reuter asked about suggestions for the old railway site. Mr. O’Connor stated that in order to maintain the use of the railway, minimum parking requirements needed to be met. Also, the site is under environmental land use restriction so minimizing excavation in the area is important. Removal also supported safe access to the gangway.

Mr. O’Connor explained that applicants would be vetted through several factors which is still in
progress of development.

No comments heard either way

Nothing new from Mr. Sherman

Mr. Russolino motioned for the approval of the application subject to specific staff stipulations in staff report. Motion seconded by Mr. Flynn.

No discussion

Chair Coia did a roll call vote:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried for the approval of the application.

6. ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn:

Motion: Dr. Reuter
Second: Mr. Flynn

Motion to adjourn approved on a unanimous voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner, Recording Secretary

 

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