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West Warwick council tables Coolidge Road parking change, defers cannabis zoning; school bond vote set for Oct. 8
Summary
The West Warwick Town Council on Sept. 16 tabled a proposed parking restriction on Coolidge Road pending direct notice to affected residents, deferred a cannabis retail zoning ordinance for further refinement and set the school building bond referendum for Oct. 8 at the Civic Center.
The West Warwick Town Council on Sept. 16 tabled a proposed ordinance to prohibit parking on one side of Coolidge Road, deferred further action on a cannabis retail zoning amendment to allow clarifications, approved statutory zoning updates the state requires, and received an update on an upcoming school building bond referendum.
Councilors moved to table the second reading of Ordinance 2025-5 (amending Chapter 11, motor vehicles and traffic restricted routes) after members raised concerns that affected residents may not have received direct notice of the proposed change. Council members said procedural notice is the first issue to confirm before the council proceeds; the item was tabled to the Oct. 7 meeting and staff said notice would be sent to impacted households before that date.
On cannabis retail zoning, under Ordinance 2025-6 the council discussed proposed local restrictions and whether the town could impose limits beyond state law. Legal counsel said the draft mirrored state statute and the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) process; the only mandatory local restriction is 500 feet from K–12 schools. Councilors removed a longer checklist of suggested distances (churches, day cares, parks) and debated whether leaving non-mandatory findings in the ordinance would confuse the zoning board. After discussion the council moved to table the ordinance for further refinement; a draft will be circulated to councilors before the next meeting.
The council approved Ordinance 2025-9, which amends multiple sections of the zoning code to align local rules with legislative changes the state imposed. The mayoral or council roll call showed passage by recorded affirmative votes.
On business licensing, the council approved several business licenses, including a new breakfast café (Cafe Luca/Aristotle Luca) and event and raffle permits for local organizations. Council members clarified hours for one applicant that applied under a 24-hour classification but intends to open at 5 a.m.
In a school building committee update, staff and school officials said printed information and display boards for the referendum were being distributed and outreach planned. Officials stated the bond authorization is for up to $71 million and that the town expects to be reimbursed at 68.3 percent, leaving an estimated West Warwick share of approximately $22.5 million. The council and school staff urged public information sessions; the school bond referendum is scheduled for Oct. 8 at the Civic Center, with polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Officials also listed upcoming key dates for meetings and voting and asked residents to note that the referendum will be held at a single polling location.
The council closed the meeting after hearing appointments and routine items and setting the next regular meeting for Oct. 7.
