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Planning board grants one-year extension for Rankin Estates master plan
Summary
The North Smithfield Planning Board voted unanimously Feb. 13 to grant the applicant a one-year extension to complete state permits and finalize a preliminary plan for the Rankin Estates subdivision.
The North Smithfield Planning Board voted unanimously Feb. 13 to grant a one-year extension to Rankin Estates’ master plan approval so the applicant can complete required state permits and finalize a preliminary plan.
The extension allows the applicant additional time to finish test pits, septic approvals and other engineering work before filing a complete preliminary plan. Board Chair (name not specified) announced the five voting members for the evening were Dr. Benoit, Dr. Roberts, Mr. Porter, Mr. Menard and the chair.
Attorney Michael Kelly, representing the applicant, told the board the subdivision covers about 220 acres and that the site requires dozens of percolation tests and substantial engineering work before a full submission. "The task of doing the test pits and getting septic approvals is a monster task," Kelly said, adding the team expects to submit a complete package within three to four months but asked for a full year to allow for possible delays from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management or the Department of Transportation.
Engineer Eric Privy of Toprita Engineering described the survey and site-preparation work underway, including boundary surveys and archeological clearance. Privy said the parcel survey covered roughly 227 acres and that soil testing included hundreds of test holes. "We've been working very diligently... but it is the timeline that it takes to pull the extents of a 126-lot residential subdivision on 227 acres," Privy said.
After brief board discussion the motion to grant a one-year extension passed by roll call: Dr. Benoit, Dr. Roberts, Mr. Porter, Mr. Menard and the chair all voted yes.
The extension is administrative only; the board did not approve any engineering, subdivision layout or state permits. The applicant and project engineer said they will meet with planning staff in the coming weeks to review a full submission.
The board recorded the vote and closed the item. The applicant indicated plans to coordinate with planning staff and expects to return with a complete application within months.
