Planning board backs recommendation to council for Slater Court land exchange, asks council to consider conservation easement

The North Smithfield Planning Board voted unanimously Thursday to recommend that the Town Council approve an exchange of town-owned land near the reservoir with an abutting property owner, following discussion of lot size, access to the reservoir and a request from the Heritage Association for waterfront access.

The exchange would convey a small, undersized former well lot—about 8,600–8,800 square feet with roughly 59 feet of frontage—to the abutting owner and in return receive a larger strip of land that would be merged with an existing town-owned frontage parcel. Planning staff said the swap would produce two more-regular rectangular lots that run from Main Street to the water and provide public access to the reservoir.

Board members said the transfer would give the town a larger, contiguous open-space parcel and provide the Heritage Association with direct water access. "The land in question is in the upper right hand corner. It consists of about 8,800 square feet. It's 59 feet of frontage," applicant Phil Godfrey told the board, explaining that the undersized lot could accommodate a single house but is impractical as a buildable frontage lot because of required sideline setbacks.

Why it matters: The exchange rearranges awkward small parcels that have been surrounded by private lots and creates a contiguous town-owned frontage parcel with public access to the reservoir. Several board members emphasized protecting waterfront access and recommended the council consider a conservation easement to preserve shoreline access for future generations.

Board discussion and conditions: Members asked whether the parcel the town would receive could be used for low- or moderate-income housing in the future; staff and the applicant said that could be negotiated if the town requires restrictions when the council approves the exchange. Board member Menard proposed, and members agreed to add, a recommendation that the council consider a conservation easement along the waterfront portion being transferred to ensure continued public access.

Formal action: Planning Department staff moved for a favorable recommendation to the council for the proposed land exchange, as amended to add the conservation-easement recommendation. The board took a roll-call vote and recorded the recommendation as unanimous.

What happens next: The planning board's vote is a recommendation to the Town Council, which must authorize the land exchange and determine any deed restrictions or easements. The board did not set specific legal covenants; members said any restriction would be negotiated between the council and the property owner.

Ending: The board closed discussion and transmitted the favorable recommendation, with the added conservation-easement request, to the Town Council for its consideration.