Sam Hemingway proposes shift of drainage basin for Coventry development project

In a recent meeting of the Coventry Planning Commission, discussions centered around the relocation of a retention basin for a development project, alongside community concerns regarding construction impacts. The meeting, held on April 23, 2025, highlighted the ongoing adjustments to the project as it progresses.

Sam Hemingway, an engineer from Garifall and Associates, presented the proposed shift of the retention basin approximately 100 feet northward. This modification, he explained, was made to enhance the functionality of the site for future business operations, including a garden shop. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management had already approved the necessary permits for this change, and Hemingway assured the commission that the basin's functionality would remain unchanged.

As the discussion unfolded, commission members sought clarity on the specifics of the relocation, referencing plans to visualize the changes. The conversation then shifted to the aesthetic concerns raised by local residents, particularly those living on Maple Root Road. Neighbors expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the construction site, citing issues such as unsightly equipment and the need for a vegetative buffer to shield their homes from the ongoing work.

One resident, Patricia Perry, voiced her frustration over construction lights shining into her home at night, while another neighbor, Roger Leclerc, highlighted the clutter of construction materials and equipment that detracted from the neighborhood's charm. The commission acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community standards and aesthetics, especially as the area is seen as a gateway to Coventry.

In response to the residents' worries, the applicant, John Panarelli, committed to installing a buffer of 10 to 12-foot-high trees to enhance privacy and reduce noise. He also assured the commission that efforts would be made to minimize disturbances during construction, including limiting equipment operation hours.

The meeting concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. While the project is still a work in progress, both the commission and the community expressed a desire for collaboration to ensure that the development aligns with the town's vision and respects the needs of its residents. As the project moves forward, the commitment to addressing community concerns will be crucial in fostering a positive relationship between the developer and the neighborhood.