In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. located at the Administration Building, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.

Members Present
Raymond Coia, Chair
Patricia Reynolds
Ronald Gagnon, DEM
Micheal Reuter, DPM
Steven Izzi
Kevin Flynn

Members Excused
Joseph Russolino

Staff Present
Jeffrey Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Amy Silva, Environmental Scientist IV
Ross Singer, Environmental Engineer III
Bruce Lofgren, Coastal Policy Analyst
Emily Hall, Coastal Geologist II
Laura Dwyer, Education/Information Coordinator
Ryan Moore, IT
Lisa Turner, Recording Secretary

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

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

February 10, 2026
Council Discussion and Motion:

• Motion: Mr. Flynn
• Seconded: Ms. Reynolds
• All ayes

March 10, 2026
Council Discussion and Motion:

• Motion: Mr. Gagnon
• Seconded: Mr. Izzi
• All ayes

3. Subcommittee Reports

None were heard

4. Staff Reports

CRMC Coastal Policy Analyst, Bruce Lofgren, gave a presentation about the Point Street Bridge, Providence River, timber and piers removal project.

5. Coastal and Estuary Habitat Restoration Program and Trust Fund Applications Before The Council for Review and Decision:

The RI Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration Team’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) convened on Monday, March 9, 2026 to rank the nine full proposals submitted to CRMC for consideration of funding under the state’s Coastal and Estuary Habitat Restoration Program and
Trust Fund. Of the proposals reviewed for the 2025-2026 funding cycle, seven are recommended
for funding.

The projects recommended for funding are:

1. Avondale Salt Marsh Restoration and Marsh Migration Facilitation Project ($20,000)
2. Pontiac Dam Site Survey to Support Dam Removal Design and Permitting ($20,000)
3. Galilee Salt Marsh Tide Gate Repair and Recalibration ($50,000)
4. Removal of the Rodman Mill Dam, and Associated Site Improvements to Enhance Climate Resiliency on the Annaquatucket River in North Kingstown,Rhode Island ($49,426)
5. Oakland Beach Coastal Invasive Species Mitigation and Habitat Restoration Preparation ($12,000)
6. Enhancing Eelgrass Resilience and Thermal Tolerance through Seed-Based Restoration and Enhancement Approaches ($50,000)
7. Engaging Woonasquatucket Watershed Communities in Coastal Resilience and Habitat Restoration ($23,574)

The projects not recommended for funding at this time are:

1. Monitoring Potential Bay Scallop and Eelgrass Habitat to Inform Restoration Strategies in Point Judith Pond, Rhode Island
2. Assessing Post-Transplant Quahog Population Structure in the Potowomut Spawner Sanctuary

CRMC Coastal Policy Analyst, Bruce Lofgren and CRMC Coastal Geologist, Emily Hall, gave a presentation on the proposals being recommended for approval by the Council based on the review by the RI Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration Team’s Technical Advisory Committee.

Public Comment by Jef Thorp, Save The Bay Director of Advocacy supportive of the projects and the work of the Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration Fund.

Motion by Mr. Flynn to approve the 7 CEHRT projects recommended by staff
Second: Mr. Izzi

No Discussion

Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Outcome: Motion passed and proposals were approved funding.

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

2025-09-101 Bruce H Moeckel 2015 Revocable Family Trust - Construct and maintain a structural shoreline protection facility on a 50ft unprotected section of the property. This facility is considered an “infill” on manmade shoreline on Type 1 Waters. Located at plat 156, lot 12; 585 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI.

Sworn in and identified for the record:

• Joe Casali, Registered Professional Engineer, Joe Casali Engineering Inc.
• Carol Moeckel, Trustee of the Bruce H Moeckel 2015 Rev Fam Tr

Mr. Casali addressed the Council stating that the property owner proposed to build a riprap revetment in an unprotected area between two structural shoreline protected areas of Type 1 shoreline. Mr. Casali stated that through preliminary review process they were advised that this area qualifies them for infill on a manmade shoreline.

Mr. Casali stated that they read the staff recommendation and asked that the application be approved.

Mr. Singer gave a brief overview of the application to the Council stating that there was a 50’ section of unprotected sandy barrier along this stretch of beach where an existing revetment exists on either side of the 50’ section. Mr. Singer stated that the revetment protected 11 family dwellings and that the Moeckel family was asking to close the gap to protect their property. Mr. Singer stated that there was one objection received from Save The Bay stating that in-fill should not be allowed on Type 1 waters. Mr. Singer stated that it was staff’s opinion that the objection was not substantive. In closing Mr. Singer stated that the coastal feature fit the definition of a manmade shoreline as there are hardened structures in the area and that staff did not object to the project.

Mr. Flynn asked why the gap was left. Mr. Casali stated that they did not know but could only guess for shoreline access. Mr. Singer and Mr. Casali both confirmed that the revetment could be seen on aerials all the way back to the 1920s.

No further questions from Council.

Mr. Thorp of Save The Bay was sworn in and identified himself for the record and expressed Save The Bay’s concern about the broader ecosystem impact, public access disruption and the possibility of creating further erosion.

No questions from the Council

No further comments.

Mr. Singer stated that he did not think that closing the gap would affect the shoreline.

Motion by Mr. Izzi to approve the application with standard stipulations, based on testimony of staff, information in staff reports and the applicant’s engineer.
Second: Mr. Gagnon

No Discussion

Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Outcome: Motion passed – the application was approved.

7. Administrative Application before the Full Council for review and action:

2024-03-112 Pistocco Irrevocable Trust – Construct a Single-Family Dwelling on piers to be serviced by municipal sewer; requesting greater than 50% Variance to Buffer and Setback standards. Located at plat 334, lots 18 & 19; 256 Shawomet Avenue, Warwick, RI.

Sworn in and identified for the record:
Charles Pistocco
Cross Pistocco

Ms. Silva gave an overview of the application:

• The applicant applied for a dwelling permit using existing pilings that had been constructed on the site from a previous CRMC approval from 1988.
• Pilings were surveyed, found to be viable, and the City of Warwick building and zoning signoffs were given.
• CRMC required the applicant to tie into the municipal sewer line as opposed to the previously approved and installed septic system.
• Variances required are greater than 50% of standards, and it is staff’s opinion that the variance criteria have not been met.

Ms. Silva stated that it was suggested to the owner that the pilings be moved closer to the road to be able to provide more buffer zone and setback areas.

Ms. Silva stated that staff deferred to the Council on the basis of the variance criteria and whether the pilings can be used.

Mr. Pistocco addressed the Council stating that:

• The project was first started by his father but was not completed.
• He is working on the project with his son.
• The neighboring structures as well as new constructions are just as close to the water as the proposed home would be.
• Put time and energy with the existing piers and spent years getting approval from the City of Warwick on viability of the piers.
• He had called CRMC prior to submittal asking if existing piers could be used and no one said that the piers could not be used.
• Asked that they approve the project.

Ms. Silva addressed the Council a second time stating that Mr. Pistocco could reduce the variance by removing the existing pier structures and septic system and asking for relief from the City from the front setback.

Ms. Silva stated that CRMC does not consider something previously constructed as a site condition.

Attorney DeSisto read from the Redbook, Section 1.1.7.A.6 Variances, in its entirety.

CRMC staff and the Council discussed the option of removing the pilings and whether it was an unreasonable burden.

No Public Comments were heard.

Discussion was had regarding the proper procedure for the Council so the applicant could submit plans moving the piles closer to the road. Attorney DeSisto advised that the Council deny the application without prejudice which would allow the applicant to reapply with significant changes.

Motion by Mr. Flynn to deny the project without prejudice
Seconded by Dr. Reuter.

No discussion

Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Outcome: Application was denied without prejudice affording the opportunity for reapplication with revised plans.

9. ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn:
Motion: Ms. Reynolds
Second: Dr. Reuter

Motion to adjourn approved on a unanimous voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner, Recording Secretary

 

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