[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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",[32,76,88],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6427915,"mediaKeyId","5895921-f7aac2e52dbd943ede1332dfdf4dd6b9","parentId",5895921,"title","Council places Hilltop Street paving request on radar; DPW recommends study and short‑term fixes","audioSeconds",923,"startMs",844000,"endMs",1767000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5895921-f7aac2e52dbd943ede1332dfdf4dd6b9&start=844&end=1767","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5895921-f7aac2e52dbd943ede1332dfdf4dd6b9/thumbnail_844000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6427915/Rhode-Island/Council-places-Hilltop-Street-paving-request-on-radar-DPW-recommends-study-and-shortterm-fixes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427915-b3ed59966a53baf55af3948a1b46cd79/orig.mp4?Expires=1775227481&Signature=YCIJFzbb1WzsUOlUQtZUMIPRkXsFptQx0-lGbhZtal751SFGBomcAVrIc~Ec4f3Us3WigdlLVZPrChRRX2g4U~iHCmEyppgsLGeFhZF-6MwGbk79zMdKbQmGdFG5VhBPiJACg6kpGPlnPhbONK5teKmQ23iAg7pg~Gf2Bj6gVVGnNwe0cGy7qsU1eJuPFVKzAazOpBAy368hirymD0saQ14yh3GjtRYJviNSRR~ckwuiJGBcxN6peht9TBWODXjq7MKBDHcIoJTEyEUqUHq9aAAymaJjcIKSTYWeEVAF6YLQzG7PL357IbwunlYV8RFstWgPA1Tmwvv6TyesJZyTVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Bristol, Rhode Island","date","2025-10-02T22:59:54Z","article","Michaela Frattarelli told the Town Council she and her family have maintained and plowed an unimproved portion of Hilltop Street since 2008 and asked the council to convert the road because heavy runoff is washing out the surface.

Chris Perella, director of public works (DPW), told the council he recommended denying the conversion request at this time because of budget constraints and because improvements should be part of a comprehensive plan for several unimproved roads in the neighborhood. He raised technical concerns including drainage, the amount of ledge in the roadbed, potential permitting triggers for excavation, and whether a project would require engineering design and riprap for washout control.

Town engineer Diane (department representative) and DPW staff expanded on permitting matters: excavation or reconstruction that disturbs more than 10,000 square feet could trigger a Department of Environmental Management permit (DEM) and coastal permitting (CRMC) could apply depending on where runoff drains. DPW staff recommended a neighborhood‑level study to design comprehensive drainage and road cross‑sections rather than paving an isolated segment.

Council and staff agreed on short‑term assistance: DPW will work with the petitioner and the town administrator to stabilize the worst washouts, consider additional gravel in problem spots and coordinate long‑term planning when Tower Street engineering proceeds. Council member Aaron moved to receive and file the petition so staff can pursue short‑term fixes and budgeting; Tony seconded and the motion passed.

Why it matters: Petitioners said the unpaved segment causes recurring washouts, ice buildup in winter and occasional plow blockages that can prevent access. Staff said paving without addressing drainage could exacerbate downstream erosion and that nearby Tower Street is slated for engineering work that could present an economical opportunity to include Hilltop work later.

Clarifying details and cost context: DPW said road reconstruction in the area would have to address ledge removal and drainage design. The administrator and DPW noted similar projects can be expensive; a council member referenced an $800,000 estimate previously discussed for large projects such as Tower Street. The council asked for short‑term stabilization now and inclusion of Hilltop in future paving phases when contractors mobilize to adjacent streets.

Ending: The council placed the request on the town's radar, directed DPW to make short‑term improvements where feasible and to include Hilltop and neighboring streets in planning and budgeting for upcoming paving work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bristol, RI Town Council Meeting - Wednesday, October 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident asked the Town Council on Oct. 1 to convert an unimproved portion of Hilltop Street to an improved town road after repeated washouts; the DPW director recommended denial \"at this time\" and urged a comprehensive study of neighborhood drainage and road reconstruction.","taxTitle","Town of Bristol, Bristol County, Rhode Island","taxId",72927,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427922,"Bristol council agrees to study homestead-exemption for owner-occupied mixed-use properties after residents raise fairness concerns",445,390000,835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5895921-f7aac2e52dbd943ede1332dfdf4dd6b9&start=390&end=835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5895921-f7aac2e52dbd943ede1332dfdf4dd6b9/thumbnail_390000.jpg","/articles/6427922/Rhode-Island/Bristol-council-agrees-to-study-homestead-exemption-for-owner-occupied-mixed-use-properties-after-residents-raise-fairness-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427922-a11150b494a75e2ce6c9c13bce856a86/orig.mp4?Expires=1775227481&Signature=pAjKrA0y8XOq04wj2hK8MoWAIOoHgNuSmWP8J6Db7ZkAEwbsiiyXey5Grahw3upjTFVUPS6dI9ThWurPLLp2xj2Oa-OL3afQz45YB~ZuWNVBlkbr5Q57ZhmgfCUrtGqPS~eHMETm35WREnR71XbODboktkQbxCq-LkU9IpGIVSqAhHOIh9AjkqVlxL73KtIw2NSZOWgMEkSM~vfx-0bgwqMPetuuv-FcVOZwJHr~InReMfs5vClcsA9NW6yB26Dp9PihsoFunfbFiitIwdQVMHr3LnIxGWSFovd6KSqU~Ck-A3xulC7c2YN1FgJmeDwZj1iMoF0ppSkJ3ThKUqj7ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Steven and Michelle Messina, owners of 381 High Street and the adjoining commercial building at 379, told the Town Council on Oct. 1 they were denied a homestead exemption because their property includes a commercial business and were asking the council to pursue a remedy.

The Messinas said they were told by the tax assessor that their mixed‑use parcel was treated as commercial for exemption purposes. \"We went to see the tax assessor because we were not granted a homestead exemption,\" Steven Messina said, adding that the two buildings on one lot had been assessed individually and that tax notices were being handled in a way they did not expect.

Council members agreed the situation raised fairness concerns for owner‑occupied mixed‑use properties and directed staff to explore next steps. Chairman (Town Council chair) moved, and Council member Tim seconded, a motion to refer the matter to the town solicitor, the tax assessor and the town administrator for analysis of liability, fiscal impact and drafting proposed enabling legislation; the motion passed.

Why it matters: The Messinas said the issue affects other owner‑occupants who operate a small business from the same lot and pay residential taxes yet are treated differently for exemption purposes. Council members said the change would require action at the state level and that any local support would feed into proposed legislation to the Rhode Island General Assembly.

What the council will do next: Council members asked the solicitor and tax assessor to quantify the number of impacted properties, estimate the budgetary effect if an exemption were allowed, and prepare draft legislative language or a resolution the town could send to state lawmakers in the next legislative session. The council noted the state legislature does not reconvene until January and that any change would likely be pursued in the spring cycle.

Council context: Several council members (including Tim and Mary) voiced support on fairness grounds but emphasized the need for cost estimates and legal review before the council takes a formal legislative position. The council voted unanimously to refer the matter for staff review.

Ending note: The town solicitor and tax assessor were directed to report back with options, potential liabilities, and suggested draft language to enable the council to consider forwarding a request to the Rhode Island General Assembly.","Steven and Michelle Messina asked the Town Council to pursue state-level changes so owner‑occupied mixed‑use buildings could receive homestead exemptions. Council voted to refer the issue to the solicitor, tax assessor and administrator for legal and fiscal analysis ahead of potential legislation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427910,"At-a-glance: Town Council votes, appointments and readings from Oct. 1 Bristol meeting",2759,73000,2832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5895921-f7aac2e52dbd943ede1332dfdf4dd6b9&start=73&end=2832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5895921-f7aac2e52dbd943ede1332dfdf4dd6b9/thumbnail_73000.jpg","/articles/6427910/Rhode-Island/At-a-glance-Town-Council-votes-appointments-and-readings-from-Oct-1-Bristol-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427910-64a05ff3fec271385e1b996f44042189/orig.mp4?Expires=1775227481&Signature=S7lbn37Pif9Qf-la2qCOdaCY~-u6VQ7PEQhknMvAJDFprFEsCHu79OCJYtfSVJ-l-wobFtmxWUvD4OeUoQLQRPHO0jewJdw-pQHKrzMq0Lu-qSf43NJb722Tsy5E7ejuDKb1PFphzO3HbVz9I~FsctxuuApBmw3hjHJRHGTLdv6BM~gwzPI9ZaOkkQvtqdGOaJziVtOFB6Q6EjM6tr6S6KMrPVGHhexfEmEJ-i8XslC~8YcAT-xyHpILoPh-tREwmywjp~xvVHJ8AWtmrClBDtTcc2MznswG7yaxZ2l0tV0SnFV6DIdI66bZD00uzn~9stXum0QG~0B2ozJ2LYkSTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bristol Town Council took a series of formal actions on Oct. 1. The list below summarizes each vote, its outcome and key details as recorded during the public meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: Approved; one item (K K1 curb cut) pulled for discussion earlier and later denied (see below).

- Minutes (Sept. 10 regular and executive session): Approved.

- Ordinance 2025-11 (Chapter 16 — Motor Vehicles and Traffic): Second reading to add Segal Street to the residential parking zone. Motion to approve carried (first action listed as C1).

- Ordinance 2025-12 / C2 (Chapter 16 — Motor Vehicles and Traffic): Constituted as first reading to create a no‑parking box in front of 208 Franklin Street (first reading only; no final vote at this meeting).

- Ordinance 2025-13 / C3 (Chapter 16 — Motor Vehicles and Traffic): Constituted as first reading to add a no‑parking box on the south side of Franklin Street, 26 feet from the east corner of the driveway in front of 208 Franklin Street (first reading only; no final vote at this meeting).

- D1 / One‑day dancing and entertainment license for Be Well Bash (Quinta Gameland Center, Oct. 4, 1–4 p.m.): Approved.

- I1 / Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 23–30): Adopted.

- F1 / Homestead exemption for mixed‑use properties (Messina request): Council voted to refer to the town solicitor, tax assessor and administrator for legal and fiscal analysis and drafting potential enabling language for state consideration (referral approved).

- F2 / Hilltop Street conversion request (unimproved road): Council voted to receive and file the petition; DPW and the administrator will work on short‑term stabilization and include the area in future planning (receive and file approved).

- G1 / Appointment: Lynette Lacerda appointed as Republican alternate to the Board of Canvases; term to expire March 2026 — approved.

- G2 / Bristol 250 Commission: Sarah Griffin elevated to full member to fill unexpired term through Nov. 2027 — approved.

- G3 / July 4 Committee: Proposed membership list for 2025–2027 accepted — approved.

- G4 / July 4 Committee bylaws/policy revisions: Council approved housekeeping and procedural changes as presented — approved.

- H1 / Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) — Building Department shared services with Town of Warren: Authorized the town administrator to execute a six‑month employee‑sharing agreement subject to warrant approval — approved.

- H2 / Blythe Walk Museum & Gardens: Council approved a resolution to seek exemption of building intangible personal property from local property taxation and to forward draft language to the General Assembly — approved.

- J1 / Bid 1072 — High View Avenue drainage basin maintenance: Three bids opened; referred to the town administrator and DPW to act in the town's best interest.

- J2 / Bid 1073 — Fall 2025 tree sourcing and delivery: Three bids opened; referred to the town administrator and community development director.

- J3 / Finance department salary appropriation/recruitment firm request: Request withdrawn by the town administrator; received and filed.

- K K1 / Curb cut request for 75 Charles Street (Dylan Levesque): Denied based on DPW recommendation that the proposed curb cut would reduce the available linear feet to a point that could block the sidewalk and create liability concerns.

Executive session: Council voted to enter executive session under Rhode Island open‑meetings law (R.I. Gen. Laws 42-46-5(a)(5)) for discussion of acquisition/disposition of real property; meeting video was turned off for that portion.

Notes on votes: Where the transcript recorded only voice votes (\"Aye\") without roll‑call tallies, outcomes are recorded as approved or denied per the chair's announcement. When items were constituted as \"first reading,\" no final adoption was recorded at this meeting.","A roundup of formal votes and outcomes recorded at the Oct. 1 Town of Bristol Council meeting, including parking ordinance adoption, event approvals, appointments, inter-town MOU and other formal actions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council places Hilltop Street paving request on radar; DPW recommends study and short‑term fixes

Bristol council agrees to study homestead-exemption for owner-occupied mixed-use properties after residents raise fairness concerns

At-a-glance: Town Council votes, appointments and readings from Oct. 1 Bristol meeting