Hallowell Multi-Generational committee set to use co-chairs; schematic and permitting timeline advanced

The North Smithfield Town Council on April 7 approved a revision request to allow co-chairs for the Hallowell Multi-Generational Building Committee and heard a progress report on site planning, permitting and funding for a proposed multi-generational facility.

Committee members said they already have held biweekly meetings with BH+A (architect) and the civil engineer (Par Corporation) and are preparing to submit wetland permitting materials to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The consultants estimated the DEM permitting process will take about 90 to 100 days once the application is submitted.

The committee presented a preferred site plan that moves the building, parking and a bus drop-off point slightly to minimize impacts inside newly revised wetland buffers. The preferred option reduces impervious area in some locations, relocates community gardens north of the parking area and preserves a tree line where feasible; the plan also retains footprints for potential later phases.

Committee co-chair presenters said the plan includes a commercial kitchen, a multipurpose room that can be divided, a flex program room and offices that could support visiting service providers such as nursing or legal counseling. Committee members noted federal funding opportunities tied to preparedness and emergency sheltering if a shower and generator are included.

Councilors and staff discussed a recommended schedule: final schematic and site-plan review in mid-May (committee requested May 15 special availability and proposed joint meetings), design-development and updated cost estimate by July–August, and construction documents and bid-ready documents by October–November. The council directed the solicitor to modify the committee resolution to explicitly permit co-chairs and scheduled further joint meetings between the council and the building committee.