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Council approves sewer‑policy waivers for proposed Boone Street mixed‑use project and South Pier subdivision
Summary
The Narragansett Town Council approved Sewer Policy Committee recommendations and granted waivers that allow additional sewer allocations for a mixed‑use development on Boone Street and for a proposed subdivision on South Pier Road, after committee review and public comment on capacity and affordability safeguards.
The Narragansett Town Council voted June 16 to approve two sewer‑policy waivers recommended by the Sewer Policy Committee: one for a proposed mixed‑use development at Plat D, Lot 163/141 on Boone Street and a second for a subdivision at Plat Q, Lot 1384 on South Pier Road.
The Boone Street waiver covers a proposed project that the petitioner described as four ground‑floor commercial units with four residential units above. Attorney Matthew Landry, speaking for the petitioner, said the project is less intensive than a previously approved 20‑unit hotel proposal for the site, and that the waiver request cited conformity with the town’s comprehensive plan as grounds for relief. The sewer subcommittee recommended approval; the full council approved the motion, 5‑0.
Residents and Council concerns. Several residents, including Catherine Silberto and Dr. Albert Alba, raised questions about sewer capacity, cumulative allocations on Boone Street, and whether developers who have built incrementally should be subject to affordable‑housing requirements. Silberto noted prior piecemeal developments and asked how affordable units pledged by the developer would be restricted and monitored. Dr. Alba urged caution about the town’s existing sewer capacity and recommended engineering review and enforcement mechanisms to prevent overcrowding of rentals.
Council discussion noted the Boone Street site had been previously permitted for more intensive use; a council member observed the current plan is for fewer units and has ground‑floor commercial uses that are not high‑sewer‑use (for example, not laundromats). For both waiver items the council emphasized oversight and future review of sewer capacity. Both motions passed unanimously, 5‑0.
What passed (summary): - Waiver for Plat D, Lot 163/141 (Boone Street) to allow proposed mixed use: motion approved 5‑0. The council record shows the Sewer Policy Committee unanimously recommended approval and the town engineer supported the recommendation. - Waiver for Plat Q, Lot 1384 (South Pier Road subdivision): motion approved 5‑0.
Next steps: The council said staff would continue to monitor town sewer capacity, including an existing arrangement to buy capacity from another system, and invited public input about development fees and sewer lot development charges. Resident comments at the meeting urged the council to revisit development fees and to include enforceable affordability conditions where units are promised.
