Official State of Rhode Island Website
Official State of Rhode Island Website
In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, September 09, 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
Joseph Russolino
Michael Reuter, DPM
Kevin Flynn
Excused: Stephen Izzi
Staff Present
Jeffrey M. Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Mason Sherman, Marine Infrastructure Coordinator
Anthony DeSisto Legal Counsel
Mark Hartmann, Assoc Legal Counsel
Laura Dwyer, Education/Information Coordinator
Ryan Moore, IT
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Review/Action of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting
July 22, 2025
Motion: Mr. Russolino
Second: Ms. Reynolds
Edits: Mr. Gagnon asked for correction to the vote for CRMC file 2024-11-020 Blithewold (HFRI) – he voted in the affirmative.
Motion to approve minutes with edits was approved with unanimous voice vote.
3. Subcommittee Reports
None were heard
4. Staff Reports
CRMC/RI Builders Association training session
Meeting with US ACOE and coastal municipalities on potential projects that Senator Whitehouse can submit on behalf of RI and Water Resource Development Act.
Quidnessett Country Club restoration order will be heard at our next meeting – a plan was submitted by QCC to CRMC on Friday, 09/05/2025
Offshore wind update – moving forward with staff review of South Coast as if no issue with the federal government.
ROW Subcommittee is having a Public Hearing on Monday, Sept 15 in Westerly on Spring Avenue Extension
5. Application requiring Special Exception and are before the Council for Public Hearing and Action:
2024-12-004 The Narragansett Electric Company -- Replace/rebuild/reconfigure 1.9 miles of E183-3 and F184N-4/5 115kV Transmission Lines through Warren. CRMC portion of project extends from Massachusetts State line to Kickemuit Rd. The project will result in the permanent alteration of 1,607ft2 of coastal wetland. Project requires a Special Exception to 650-RICR-20-00-1.2.2(C)(1)(c - d) and (C)(2)(a - b). In accordance with §1.3.1(L)(5), 5,460ft2 of mitigation wetland will be created, exceeding the 2:1 replacement requirement. Located at TNEC Line E183-3 and F184N-4/5; Warren RI. Plat 11, Lots 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44; Plat 21, Lots 246, 54; Plat 9, Lot 18.
Continued and will be rescheduled for 09-23-2025 meeting. Attorney DeSisto will be
filing recusal form on that.
Ms. Reynolds motioned for continuance with a second from Mr. Gagnon.
Roll call vote for motion to continue by Chair Coia:
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously for approval to continue.
6. Applications which have been Out-To-Notice and are before the Council for Review and Action:
2025-02-071 WATER STREET LANDING REALTY LLC -- New marina certification and the establishment of a marina perimeter limit for existing marina located at 339 & 341A Water Street, Warren, RI.
Mr. Sherman gave a brief overview of the application stating:
Mr. Sherman stated that it was staff’s opinion that the applicant fully addressed the abutters concerns and recommended approval.
Discussion regarding the applicant’s property boundaries amongst staff and Council.
Sworn in and identified for the record:
John Cavanagh of Blount Fine Foods
Ron Blanchard, PE, Site Engineering
The applicant stated that they would rest on CRMC staff report and presentation but would be
available for questions.
No questions for the applicant from the Council.
No Public Comment.
Dr. Reuter motioned for approval based on staff report and presentation.
Mr. Gagnon seconded the motion.
No Council discussion.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously for approval.
2024-12-052 HARBOUR REALTY LLC -- Reconfigure the existing fixed pier configuration, installation of new floating docks, and establish a new Marina Perimeter Limit (MPL). See attached plan drawings for existing and proposed configurations. Previous CRMC Assent for a New Marina was 1987-11-039. Located at plat 32, lots 155 and 268; Waites Wharf, Newport, RI.
Mr. Sherman gave a brief overview of the application stating:
That the marina was established through CRMC 1987-11-039
The applicant would like to expand the marina perimeter limit and reconfigure their layout which would provide and increase in fairway distances and provides navigational safety in marina basin.
During the public notice period letters of support were provided by the city of Newport, the Newport Waterfront Commission and the Newport Harbormaster.
The City asked that the applicant continue to maintain public transit landing as well as install a kayak rack at the West Extension Street dinghy dock.
The applicant documented the requests on proposed plans.
Mr. Sherman stated that objections were received from resident of the southern abutting property, Coddington’s Landing Condominium Association regarding the MPL on the southern side of the facility, 30’ off their dock. The applicant provided revised plans which meet the CRMC standard of 10-foot off-haul structures to address the concern of Coddington Landing Condo Association.
Coddington Landing also rose concerns that vessels docked on the applicant's southern dock within the marina's shared fairway would restrict access. In response to this, the applicant provided a letter from the harbormaster, stating that the proposed configuration rectified unsafe conditions in the marinas' interior and stating that they are in favor of the proposal. The harbormaster also stated that the shared fairway provided sufficient, safe, and navigable travel for all vessels utilizing the two marinas.
Based on all documents submitted from the applicant and abutting property owner, Staff recommendation remains approval.
Present for the applicant:
Turner Scott, Esq, Miller Scott and Holbrook
Neal Hingorany, PE – Narragansett Engineering – Sworn in.
Joshua Rosenberg, PE – RMA GeoEnvironmental with NEI – Sworn in.
Attorney Scott addressed the Council and stated that the applicant would stand by the staff report with conditions.
No questions for applicant from the Council.
Matthew Landry, Esq of Blish & Cavanagh was present on behalf of Coddington Landing Condo Association. Attorney Landry expressed objections regarding larger boats docking on the southerly side of Waite’s Marina and safety issues if docked on the south. Atty Landry also stated CRMC policy that new or expansion of Marina Perimeter Limits shall be a maximum of 10’ outside of the marina structures
Atty Scott addressed the concerns of the abutter and also past CRMC history of Coddington Marina. Atty Scott also stated that the changes were for the north side of the marina and that the restriction suggested is not necessary.
Atty Scott confirmed for Dr. Reuter that the kayak rack was being constructed on the north side of the marina at the end of the ROW.
There was discussion on the logistics of the restriction stipulation suggested by Coddington Marina.
Mr. Sherman confirmed for Chair Coia that his recommendation of approval had not changed due to what had been said.
Mr. Flynn motioned for approval based on staff recommendation and conditions. Mr. Russolino seconded the motion stating that he believed the objections had been adequately addressed through revised drawing and confirmation from harbormaster on safety.
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Abstained
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried for the approval with one abstention.
2025-05-029 RI COMMERCE CORPORATION (Quonset Development Corporation) -- Expand a portion of the existing structural perimeter limit (SPL) on the north side of Pier 1 and construct a stern offloading ramp. The ramp would be utilized to accommodate stern door Roll-On/Roll-Off vessels within the Port of Davisville. Located at plat 193, lot 26; 2574 Davisville Road, North Kingstown, RI.
Mr. Sherman gave a brief overview of the application stating that the new ramp will allow the
board to expand their existing business by accommodating cargo ships with stern offloading
ramps, so it's good for blue infrastructure in the state. Mr. Sherman continued by stating the
QDC's goal is to construct this ramp in conjunction with the maintenance improvements to Pier 1,
which have already been permitted. Mr. Sherman stated that during the public notice period, the
only comment that they received was a letter of no objection from the Town of North Kingstown.
Mr. Sherman ended by saying that CRMC recommended approval.
No questions from the Council for staff.
Sworn in and identified for the record:
Greg Coren, Manager of Engineering at Quonset Development Corporation
Christian Jones, Project Manager, Special Port Projects at Quonset Development Corporation
The applicant rested on staff report as presented by Mr. Sherman.
Public Comment – no one came forth
Ms. Reynolds motioned for approval of application based on findings in staff report and
presentation. Seconded by Mr. Gagnon.
No discussion
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Abstained
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously
2025-06-055 Quonset Development Corporation -- To perform dredging of the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Basin with upland disposal of dredged material at Parcel 7A within the Quonset Business Park. Located in the Quonset Fast Ferry Basin, 1347 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown, RI -- Waterway: Quonset/Narragansett Bay
Present for the application:
Greg Coren, Manager of Engineering at Quonset Development Corporation
Christian Jones, Project Manager, Special Port Projects at Quonset Development Corporation
Mr. Sherman gave a brief overview of the project stating that the applicant was proposing maintenance dredging in the Quonset Fast Ferry Basin with beneficial use of the dredged material at upland Parcel 7A within the Quonset Business Park. Mr. Sherman stated that Quonset intended to cap the parcel in the coming years as part of the ongoing improvements and operations within the business park. Mr. Sherman stated that the USACOE granted their approval and that the RIDEM is reviewing the draft permit and waiting for feedback from the EPA. Mr. Sherman stated that this project had been approved administratively in 2018 but was never performed – the differences being upland disposal of dredge material and there is an objection. Mr. Sherman stated that the Town of North Kingstown submitted a letter of no objection and a letter of objection was received from an abutting property owner.
Mr. Sherman explained the abutter’s concerns:
Mr. Sherman stated that with the controls (coir logs, silt fencing, water sprinklers, capping parcel) that are being stipulated in the assent if approved, Staff believes the applicant’s proposal complies with the CRMP.
In answer to Council questions, Mr. Sherman stated after dewatering, the material will be spread a foot deep on parcel 7a.
In answer to Council question of other parcel availability, Mr. Coren stated that this is this development is rapidly closing and Parcel 7a is slated for potential future development; and in this case, the site is a foot or two lower and needs to be built up. Mr. Coren stated that they do not have the ability or authority to ask for the use of other areas within the development for disposal. Mr. Coren also stated that they would have to demolish the paving and then repave once use is completed.
No further questions from the council
Nothing from QDC
No one in favor of application present to speak.
Speak in opposition:
Mary Shaw, owner of abutting property to Parcel 7A. Ms. Shaw explained her history of living in her current home in the Carriage Hill area of North Kingstown. Ms. Shaw expressed concern regarding not being informed of any project performed until it was performed. Ms. Shaw expressed her concerns regarding the work that had been performed and will be performed in the back area abutting her property. Ms. Shaw stated that she believed her husband’s health declined due to the compromised soils that are used within the Quonset property. Ms. Shaw stated that she would like to QDC to buy her property and use as a buffer.
Present, and confirming Ms. Shaw’s concerns were two members of the Foundation of Bioethics in Technology, Jennifer Sherman-Bach and Rachel McIntosh
Mr. Coren addressed Ms. Shaw’s concerns by stating that the Quonset Development Corporation was not in the business of creating health hazards and that their mission is to create commerce within the United States.
Mr. Coren explained the capping process to the Council and explained that RI Fast Ferry needed the area to be dredged as they are a transportation entity and need the water depth to utilize their vessels. Mr. Coren stated that they planned to perform during the dredge window by January 31. After the dewatering they can move the material by February to late April and that by the end of May, the project will be completed.
No further questions.
Mr. Gagnon motioned for the approval of the application based on the recommendation of staff with stipulations and staff report. Seconded by Mr. Russolino.
No discussion
Roll call vote by Chair Coia:
Dr. Reuter Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Gagnon Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye
Motion carried unanimously.
7. Public Hearing for CRMC Proposed Rulemaking:
Title of Rule: Management Procedures (650-RICR-10-00-1)
Rulemaking Authority: R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-23 et seq.
Summary of Rulemaking Action:
The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) has proposed two amendments to the Management Procedures Program, 650-RICR-10-00-1.2(B) Meetings and Members and 650-RICR-10-00-1.4.6(A)(22) CAD Cell Disposal Fee.
Management Procedures Program 650-RICR-10-00-1.2(B) Meetings and Members
R.I. General Law § 46-23-2 Coastal Resources Management Council – Appointment of Members and R.I. General Law § 46-23—4 Officers of the Council - Quorum and Vote Required for Action was recently amended by the General Assembly in 2025 (see Senate Bill 0998 Substitute A and House Bill 6126 Substitute A). The amendments reduce the number of Coastal Resources Management Council members from ten (10) to seven (7). The amendment at 46-23.4 also reduces the number of members required for a quorum from six (6) to four (4). The General Assembly requires the CRMC to initiate rulemaking within 30 days of the date of passage. To implement this legislation, Section 1.2(B) Meetings and Members of the Management Procedures (650-RICR-10.00.1) is proposed to be amended to reduce the quorum requirements of the Council from six (6) members to four (4) members pursuant to § 46-23-2(b).
Management Procedures Program 650-RICR-10-00-1.4.6(A)(22) CAD Cell Disposal Fee
R.I. General Law § 46-23-18.5 – Fees for Disposal was recently amended per the Governor’s Budget Amendment #22 and Article 2 of the FY 2026 Appropriations Act (25-H-5076). The amendment to this statute re-established the minimum fee for disposal of dredge material in the State’s Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) Cells from $11.65 per cubic yard to $35.00 per cubic yard. Per the amendment, the Council shall maintain its three-tiered fee structure while increasing all three of the CAD Cell disposal fees commensurately.
Bruce Lofgren gave brief overview stating that the CRMC initiated rulemaking through public notice on August 5th and goes through to September 30th. This is a Public Hearing for in-person public comment. Mr. Lofgren stated that CRMC has received a few comments in writing and that all comments will be reviewed at end of public comment period. No action required of Council tonight.
Public hearing opened.
Jed Thorp, Director of Advocacy with Save The Bay commented on timing of the rule and when it takes effect, March 2026.
Close the public hearing.
8. ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn:
Motion: Mr. Russolino
Second: Mr. Flynn
Motion to adjourn approved on a unanimous voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner, Recording Secretary
Stedman Government Center, Suite 3
4808 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, RI 02879-1900
Voice: (401) 783-3370
Fax: (401) 783-2069
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:00pm