[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6543299,"mediaKeyId","3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81","parentId",3639398,"title","Council gives first reading to zoning changes including 12-month ADU rental minimum; FAR seller exclusion disputed","audioSeconds",5625,"startMs",9752000,"endMs",15377000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81&start=9752&end=15377","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81/thumbnail_9752000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6543299/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-gives-first-reading-to-zoning-changes-including-12-month-ADU-rental-minimum-FAR-seller-exclusion-disputed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543299-5d60e06032c5558c49273e90fb50848c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124846&Signature=FyehopD-rlNo9sVDJUV8C0Dzi5GpkJr7p9HatqxHYS4Xe8jb052~3hFHSlmtlSyaAtCRp4O-oFCcr21bCpb8X-z3Tooduma6d0UkuQdosPBXzGhq5Hjsr9N9g78YxPEmfWoCcCe7LkcvWdmJcE9OIMOahoAT1s7HC46MfXj1xjtkKaHbENfPaJyIZpvOq-YIefjCinzwZchur~BCS2Z7aJyZ5maV8wgmh8NQqDK~JSyIntUkXmpYwmrELBXhiLrEZ~l9OxDZbjnfnuFSZXbzvMTy3EeMvE7ylxeQGHfGmlFb7gv4FEhX9a5-u538ScC3gJXvAPCCoQq4K32OWWBTdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Narragansett","date","2025-06-03T03:27:07.667Z","article","The Narragansett Town Council on June 2 completed a public hearing and approved a first reading (3–1–1) of amendments to the town zoning ordinance intended to align local code with changes enacted by the 2024 Rhode Island General Assembly.

Key change: ADU lease minimum — Following public comment and a council amendment, the ordinance language now includes a requirement that any ADU \"utilized as a rental\" be leased for a minimum term of 12 consecutive months. Community Development Director Jill Sabo told the council the change reflects a common local-safeguard approach and aligns town practice with state statutes while discouraging short-term, seasonal rentals. \"The language is any ADU established pursuant to the terms of this chapter, utilized as a rental, shall be leased for a term no less than 12 consecutive months,\" Sabo said in the hearing.

Public reaction was mixed. Supporters — including Colin Penney of South County Habitat for Humanity and other housing advocates — said ADUs provide year-round housing options and help aging homeowners and younger families. Opponents and many neighbors asked for a slower, workshopped approach: they urged detailed study of sewer and water capacity, parking impacts, enforcement mechanisms, and potential consequences in neighborhoods with many seasonal rentals. Several speakers urged that the council send the measure back for more public workshops before final action.

FAR and seller/finished-basement debate — The meeting also featured debate on floor-area-ratio (FAR) rules and whether finished basements or certain \"sellers\" (cellars/basements/unfinished spaces) should be counted. Planning board members and resident speakers urged caution: removing sellers from FAR calculations could enable larger redevelopments on small lots and increase building massing that some residents said would diminish neighborhood character. Council members agreed to a compromise amendment discussed during the meeting: exempt \"unfinished\" basement/seller square footage from FAR calculations while retaining finished basements in the FAR measure, and to workshop FAR comprehensively.

Procedure and next steps — The council recorded the first reading at the June 2 meeting (vote 3 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention). Councilors and members of the public repeatedly requested a workshop to address enforcement, water/sewer capacity, parking and other local impacts; councilors signaled willingness to schedule additional public sessions to refine language before a final vote.

This first reading codifies many state-driven definitional changes (planning staff noted the bulk of edits are clarifications required by state law) and preserves town discretion on certain operational limits, particularly the ADU leasing condition. The matter will return to the council for additional readings and a final vote after any further workshop and notice requirements are completed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Narragansett Town Council - June 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Narragansett Town Council completed a public hearing and approved a first reading (3–1–1) on June 2 of zoning ordinance changes that codify state law updates and add a 12-month minimum lease requirement for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).","taxTitle","Narragansett, Washington County, Rhode Island","taxId",79580,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543302,"Council awards town lot on Bostonek Road to Habitat for Humanity for affordable homes",688,1552000,2240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81&start=1552&end=2240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81/thumbnail_1552000.jpg","/articles/6543302/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-awards-town-lot-on-Bostonek-Road-to-Habitat-for-Humanity-for-affordable-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543302-8fa3394898ed5ea6c24fa79e061e5e2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124846&Signature=Vg0fEOgVWl5qom0GTBxTEPYD7xuZR~kmxzS3qzIiJrTRb7q2gNU~M08RyQDsa6aE-LbnEzro2T33sepqhi3ZRyyc7BvzwFKjhcTR77dQzHn2GDpZxQjmA92~g5g8YLwL22I-fcwQjatIb4IwloFz3usIbR0hnh5DI8qmDRsqeQx8p3mB72BkRWxlAu566MOgzRRdVbtMeLnTB4yr7IBBxkT7Dw6nvCyx7ANpFetIeoqNFhifFRZxjdfh3Gyb0szzx8StabLg2~mtRbI~0x24om5R~5jOLxzFs7RJjzM1JsfNJxlD9-rgrP8J6M4AiKKL9YHFuLnLTU4V4YjaGEfVVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Narragansett Town Council voted 5–0 on June 2 to award the responses to an RFP for Assessor's Plat N, Lot 23 (Bostonek Road) to Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island — South County, with the organization proposing a development of multiple affordable homes on the town-owned parcel.

Residents and housing advocates addressed the council before the vote. Peggy Benz, executive board member of Habitat for Humanity, described the organization's track record in the region and said the project would provide up to 10 homes and long-term affordability for families. \"These families, their future trajectories will be changed incredibly,\" Benz said during public comment. Nick Edwards, chair of the Affordable Housing Collaborative Trust, told the council Habitat had submitted a strong proposal and that Narragansett remained one of the few communities in the state where Habitat had not yet built homes.

Council members said they reviewed written proposals from multiple respondents and that staff and volunteer reviewers found Habitat's plan to be the most viable. Council discussion noted Habitat's ability to leverage donations (including ReStore revenue), volunteer labor, and partner contributions — for example, a solar company had supported recent Habitat builds in other towns. The council also acknowledged that an executive director for one respondent was delayed by another meeting and that the award would allow the selected organization to begin permitting and project planning.

The town did not disclose specific negotiated terms in the meeting; the award authorizes the town manager to proceed with next steps and to execute agreements after legal review. The council recorded the award as a formal decision at the meeting.","After public support from residents and the Affordable Housing Collaborative, the council voted 5–0 to award the town-owned lot on Bostonek Road to Habitat for Humanity of South County for a proposed affordable-housing development.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543307,"Town Council approves Narragansett Casino liquor license after hours-long hearing",6857,2531000,9388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81&start=2531&end=9388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81/thumbnail_2531000.jpg","/articles/6543307/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Town-Council-approves-Narragansett-Casino-liquor-license-after-hours-long-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543307-b431dcdf0a0116c04bb8c6a27ce4b3b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124846&Signature=OhPftYbYYN89v3v4bypTAUMS~9iLjhQ6xxcgKxq3C5grAjofxr4mLJGmSWEHlV8-7qT-n6L3f2Nu5yq51yLVTZ2CDVETSP0WlXSxm9cdg1dwFkcahUyzWnGJYoCD1SJ-tfM0I6XikkuGxUaAUmZf5H2wMB7DJR17KVf~vuWt22SPnQhYLdSGrzK5Q-dU4j5wr1mXgWueJPcrWIVzjepMr3z6nwKNKL5iAoTdwgx~bPBBSpLTR7XugqLODLFfOtQSmYfpGQOjNZvRI3lYGJqZS-fWu6dE~RJRBHg3TjOY9NB0-IBVn3CIhBVIPqBVcOo51ey62CHkWa9lMOEsVrVdoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Narragansett Town Council voted 5–0 on June 2 to approve a Class B victualing/limited alcohol license for Narragansett Casino LLC, the operator of the Pier Marketplace venue commonly known as the Narragansett Casino.

The decision followed an extended public hearing that included legal briefs and testimony from the applicant’s counsel, multiple abutting property owners and other affected businesses. Attorney John Mancini, representing Narragansett Casino, argued the written remonstrance map submitted by objectors miscalculates the square footage in the statutory 200-foot radius and therefore does not show the required majority objection that would block the council’s authority. \"When the map is corrected to include full lot areas, the percentage falls well below the 51% threshold,\" Mancini said during his presentation (transcript excerpt).

Opposing counsel Patrick Doherty and attorney Steven Sertit, representing neighboring property owners and SAH Hospitality LLC respectively, said the council lacks jurisdiction under Rhode Island General Laws §3-7-19 because owners within the 200-foot radius who object constitute the majority. Property owner Scott Hallberg, the managing member of Beachcomber Properties LLC, testified under oath that the Pier Marketplace parking is already at or near capacity and that his tenants — including restaurants Tsunami and Agave Social — would be harmed by adding a new licensed establishment. \"Parking is a premium down there... my tenants are losing business because customers can't find parking,\" Hallberg said on the record.

Solicitor Craven advised the council that, after review of the statute and prior administrative rulings, the town has authority to act on the application; he said the counsel could proceed cautiously but that the statute does not automatically remove the council’s jurisdiction. The council reopened the record to accept supplemental filings and evidence submitted by the applicant, including a survey affidavit and arbitration and Superior Court decisions the applicant said confirm the validity of its lease.

After public comment from residents, attorneys and multiple business owners, Council members discussed whether to defer the application back to the planning board for additional review of parking and site impacts. Councilors who spoke in favor stressed they heard testimony that the applicant planned limited alcohol offerings tied to the existing function and family-oriented uses of the building and that the venue would not operate as an unrestricted bar. Councilor Durkin said he was \"in favor of people having liquor licenses\" but suggested conditions limiting service hours and preventing a full-service bar. Ultimately the council approved the license without a referral back to the planning board and with no roll-call objections.

The applicant may face an administrative appeal to the Department of Business Regulation; objectors said they have already prepared filings and would likely appeal the council’s decision.

The council’s approval will allow Narragansett Casino LLC to operate with a Class B victualing/limited alcohol license at Assessors Plat C Lot 181-1 (Pier Marketplace).","After a multi-hour public hearing and competing legal arguments over who counts as an ‘‘owner’’ within a 200-foot remonstrance radius, the Narragansett Town Council voted 5–0 to approve a Class B victualing/limited alcohol license for Narragansett Casino LLC at the Pier Marketplace.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543289,"At a glance: key votes from the June 2 Narragansett Town Council meeting",13935,1321000,15256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81&start=1321&end=15256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81/thumbnail_1321000.jpg","/articles/6543289/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/At-a-glance-key-votes-from-the-June-2-Narragansett-Town-Council-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543289-826cb71671d2b8e75e2efae225ae9e06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124846&Signature=aBEydUjL7NMX9h4bAm2RXoOvdMoR2MHYqQ6UF09EDRFxvvXOkb6fshlZr~YzUVLnBnV3-Byc981PYc8GnFqJcw9VwDqmu847Fdt1EbyKSG~sPhRoIr1WsHU75EhCjNnrTqGFj0V0og4iXrBN6-MM-exyHe4z-UIzFV-5mSy0y5~aI97zI-S9JySfzuhBqO9e7duCUV8EtuOGrjncFb7F7YGTsa1QJP4lGAkmwb6JWtuWrgpCfUbn9aMopx7lPZWfG484Nq19xfNzFaXFq4504ecVqJFwdP~k6buxwa3cz3nL7x3AgnMv232RTTZ5Qt3d0fO53EWSBFQGlsEGj5N7~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Narragansett Town Council recorded the following formal actions on June 2, 2025. This list summarizes motions, outcomes and immediate next steps as stated at the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (items D1–D4): Approved 5–0.
- Motion to move Item J1 (partial tax abatement) to top of new business: Approved 5–0.
- Partial abatement of taxes for Pri X LLC (Lighthouse Inn property, Assessor's Plat Lot 118): Approved 5–0. Town staff to process abatement paperwork.
- Award of RFP for Assessor's Plat N Lot 23 (Bostonek Road) to Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island — South County (and affiliated respondents): Award approved 5–0. Town manager authorized to execute documents after solicitor review.
- Motion to reopen public hearing and hold hearing on transfer of a Class B victualing tavern license (break LLC to Roof Deck Dining LLC): scheduled; public hearing set for July 7, 2025 — motion to schedule passed 4–0 with 1 abstention (Councilor Durkin abstained from scheduling vote).
- Public hearing (acting as Urban Renewal Board) on application of Narragansett Casino LLC for Class B license: hearing reopened; license application subsequently approved at council vote 5–0 following public hearing and deliberations.
- Motion to introduce and accept as first reading the zoning ordinance amendments (to align local code with 2024 General Assembly changes and add local clarifications such as 12-month ADU lease): First reading passed 3–1–1 (three in favor, one opposed, one abstention). Council directed further workshops on FAR, infrastructure and enforcement issues prior to final adoption.
- Motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 appropriation ordinance: Adopted (second reading/approval) 5–0.
- Personnel and appointments: Job description and hiring authorization for GIS Specialist / Senior Planner (Community Development) approved; multiple board appointments and reappointments approved as listed in meeting minutes.

Many of these items require follow-up (solicitor review, planning workshops, staff implementation). Where applicable the meeting record records council direction to town staff or the town manager to proceed with agreements subject to solicitor review.","Summary list of formal actions taken by the Town Council on June 2, 2025, including approvals of a liquor license, RFP award, tax abatement, zoning first reading and the fiscal year appropriation ordinance.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6543294,"Council approves partial tax abatement request for Lighthouse Inn property",142,1372000,1514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81&start=1372&end=1514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3639398-576f9697e0d6565f38e5a92ca8701a81/thumbnail_1372000.jpg","/articles/6543294/Narragansett/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-partial-tax-abatement-request-for-Lighthouse-Inn-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543294-41695b15c4f586609d5c5817b5ac817c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124846&Signature=Vvb9F97kqjAFbXjpTLlpEl8N5LzLk99LqoQ9T02a0oEXx92eXMnemWwj-taGKHZzNcjtF-hxnxWxTCu2xHzTyEtOHxKUIB9VjoU9q2MAvL08bc2WBF84VyrOWWDJphijpbCFJAV1IOnGWMfXepfd2794A7RSU-GiiqRP82ih1cn94ByTTJfUfxbLkWeN4UNpxs1d9fw9rOT5BJqEilfqZ2dz42uWVoXDLBlrGB9Z4~mfbEBn1V~FrbKAg-mdnB9fSpPr~5W-6mbFCgl9uWBe7Uz3sTD5rzTUHEIkjln2fMrSgWBU-MTQt0AIRN1A85IbXBZJvIssNOch9qj0i105aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Narragansett Town Council voted 5–0 on June 2 to approve a partial abatement of taxes for Pri X LLC (Prakashanti companies) related to the Lighthouse Inn property at 307 Great Island Road (Assessor's Plat Lot 118).

Michael Vakola, corporate vice president of the Prakashanti companies, told the council the state obtained a demolition permit and removed the Lighthouse Inn building in March 2023, and that the company has a November 2023 settlement with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) regarding the property. Vakola said the company continued to receive real-estate tax bills for the building despite the structure’s demolition and was prepared to make a partial payment up to the date the state obtained the demolition permit to resolve the matter.

Council President invited public comment; no members of the public spoke in opposition. The council approved the partial abatement motion unanimously and recorded the outcome as 5–0.","The council approved a partial abatement of real-estate taxes for Pri X LLC (Prakashanti companies) related to the Lighthouse Inn property after an owner representative said the state demolished the building and the owner seeks to resolve tax bills for the demolished structure.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council gives first reading to zoning changes including 12-month ADU rental minimum; FAR seller exclusion disputed

Council awards town lot on Bostonek Road to Habitat for Humanity for affordable homes

Town Council approves Narragansett Casino liquor license after hours-long hearing

At a glance: key votes from the June 2 Narragansett Town Council meeting

Council approves partial tax abatement request for Lighthouse Inn property