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Planning Board postpones review of Block Island Water District well-building application
Summary
The Planning Board continued consideration of a Block Island Water District application for a 20x30 structure to house well pumps and controls after potential recusals and quorum concerns; the applicant agreed to return in September.
The New Shoreham Planning Board on Aug. 13 voted to postpone consideration of an application from the State of Rhode Island and the Block Island Water District for a special-use permit to construct a small structure to house well pumps, control valves and related equipment at Payne Road (Plat 9, Lot 87).
John, speaking for the Block Island Water District, described the proposal as a “20 by 30, garage kind of building” that would house variable frequency drives, controls, an automatic transfer switch and valves to manage two wells and prevent backfeeding between them. He said both wells would feed into one pipe and the building would include minimal exterior features.
Board members raised potential conflicts and recusal issues: several members had abutters’ letters or proximity to the parcel that could require recusal and reduce the board’s effective quorum. Planning staff recommended continuing the item to ensure an adequate, unrecused membership could review the application. Peter (staff) suggested continuing to next month so additional planning board members could attend.
The applicant said the proposed schedule (the Zoning Board hearing occurs later) would not be affected by the postponement; the Planning Board set a return date for the next scheduled meeting in September. No final advisory or vote on the permit was taken.
The board asked staff to confirm notice and recusal requirements and to ensure the applicant and any abutters receive updated hearing information before the rescheduled review.
