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Smithfield planning board approves minutes, elects officers and grants extensions; multiple applications continued
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Summary
At its Sept. 18 meeting the Smithfield Planning Board approved corrected minutes, elected officers for the year, scheduled a special meeting for a separate application, and granted or continued several procedural requests, including a one-year extension for Earl Grama Estates and continuances for subdivision and development applications.
The Smithfield Planning Board on Sept. 18 approved corrected minutes, completed annual officer elections, scheduled a special meeting for an upcoming application and handled several procedural continuances and extensions.
Minutes and procedural votes The board approved the draft minutes of Aug. 21 with the clerical corrections proposed at the start of the meeting.
Elections The board conducted its overdue annual elections. Member James De Amber was elected chair in a voice vote (the chair announced the motion passed unanimously). Member Rotella was elected vice chair by voice vote, also announced as unanimous. Richard Colavecchio was elected secretary following a roll call vote and was announced as the newly elected secretary by the chair at the conclusion of the roll call.
Special meeting scheduled The board agreed to schedule a stand-alone special meeting on Oct. 23, 2025, at the Smithfield Senior Center to hear the application by Bopart LLC for properties at 60 and 82 Lime Rock Road, a date the board said would allow broader public participation given community interest.
Extensions and continuances - The board granted a one-year master-plan extension for the Earl Grama Estates project, finding good cause as the applicant proceeds with survey and permitting diligence. - The Amelia’s Way application (260 Old County Road) was continued for one month at the applicant’s request while it works to secure a Department of Transportation physical-alteration permit; the board held the review clock during the continuance. - The 33 Steer Road minor-subdivision preliminary plan was heard; because historical aerials suggested prior orchard use the board directed soil testing consistent with earlier town practice for former orchard parcels and continued the public hearing to Nov. 20, 2025; the board also continued the review clock to that date.
No zoning or development approvals were granted in these procedural matters. The board repeatedly reminded applicants that continuances were intended to allow time for outstanding technical items — DOT permits, wetlands clearances, peer-review responses or soil testing — to be resolved before any approval votes.
List of formal outcomes (at a glance) - Minutes of Aug. 21: Approved (with corrections) - Elections: James De Amber, chair (elected); Member Rotella, vice chair (elected); Richard Colavecchio, secretary (elected) - Earl Grama Estates master-plan extension: Approved (one year) - Amelia’s Way (260 Old County Road): Continued to next monthly meeting; review clock held pending DOT PAP - 33 Steer Road minor subdivision: Continued to Nov. 20, 2025; review clock held; directed to perform soil testing consistent with prior orchard-site protocols - Bopart LLC (60 & 82 Lime Rock Road): Special meeting scheduled for Oct. 23, 2025 (Smithfield Senior Center)
The board’s next regular meeting will be Oct. 16, 2025, at which the Windsor School redevelopment and the re-noticed application for Rocky Hill Road (ASG Builders) are on the agenda.
