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RDA outlines Johnson's Pond redevelopment process; council retains key funding and approval authority
Summary
The Coventry Redevelopment Agency presented a workflow for a Johnson’s Pond redevelopment plan and public outreach; the council will review options and retains authority over funding and any land actions.
The Coventry Redevelopment Agency (RDA) on Jan. 14 presented an initial plan for community outreach and planning for Johnson’s Pond, saying the agency will seek public input and coordinate joint meetings with the Town Council as it develops options for public access.
Harry Larson, chair of the Coventry Redevelopment Agency, told the council the RDA has assembled consultants, developed a workflow and plans to hold open town meetings and publish project materials on a website so residents can see progress and provide comment.
Why it matters: Johnson’s Pond has been the subject of years of litigation, repair work and recent town action to secure ownership. Council members and residents emphasized they want a town‑owned public access plan that could include a boat ramp, parking and other facilities. How the RDA proceeds with planning and how the council approves funding, condemnation or land use decisions will determine when and how public access is implemented.
Legal and procedural status
Solicitor Angel told the council the town’s condemnation case is concluded: "We won. We own Johnson's Pond." She said a separate federal challenge to the state law is on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Angel added the council, as the body that controls town dollars and condemnation powers, will have final say on funding and land actions even as the RDA develops the redevelopment plan.
Council questions and public expectations
Councilmember LeBlanc, who has advocated for new public access, asked whether the council or the RDA has the ultimate authority to decide where access will be built; Angel and RDA members said the process will include joint meetings and multiple council review points. LeBlanc said the council has previously passed resolutions calling for "public access to Johnson’s Pond" that include boat ramps, parking and a beach.
Members of the public and council said they want clarity about timing and scale. Councilmember Copley asked whether there is a timetable; Angel said there is no fixed deadline imposed by the court for creating public access, but the town intends to move "sooner rather than later." Public commenters also raised questions about cost, potential use of tax increment financing (TIF) and other funding mechanisms.
Next steps
The RDA will finalize its scope with consultant GZA, schedule joint meetings with the council and plan public outreach sessions. Council members asked staff to provide options, including rough acreage and facility scale for potential access sites, so the council can review alternatives before any land‑use or funding decisions.
Ending: RDA and town officials said they will present a public process and menu of options for council review; the council must still approve any funding, land transactions or condemnation steps required to create town‑owned public access at Johnson’s Pond.
