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Council approves archaeological monitoring and permit for HUD-funded Jamestown Housing Authority heating upgrade
Summary
The council approved the Jamestown Housing Authority’s plan to install electric mini-split heating across 35 units using a HUD emergency grant, agreeing to an archaeological monitoring plan and a variance for work near a burial ground under tribal oversight.
The Jamestown Town Council approved a public-hearing item permitting the Jamestown Housing Authority to proceed with a HUD-funded emergency heating upgrade, with archaeological monitoring and tribal oversight required for trenching near an historic burial area.
Lisa Brier, identified in the meeting as a planner, explained that the Housing Authority will replace aging heating systems in 35 units with electric mini-split units funded by a HUD emergency grant. Because the property lies in the West Ferry Archaeological District and near the primary burial ground for the Narragansett tribe, construction includes trenching for electrical conduit that will be monitored by the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission and by the tribe under an agreement with the Housing Authority.
Jamestown Housing Authority executive director Nikki Vasquez, engineer Roy Messier (ES and M), board chair Lisa Rafferty and board attorney Louise Marcus were present to describe the scope and measures to minimize disturbance. The council opened the public hearing, received verbal support from residents and a councilor, and then moved to approve the archaeological-monitoring plan and a variance to allow work within 25 feet of an existing cemetery. The motion passed by voice vote.
Town administration also noted the council has been asked to contribute $6,000 toward tribal oversight costs to avoid project delay; that request appeared on the consent agenda for approval.
The council’s action allows the Housing Authority to proceed with final construction planning under the conditions imposed by historic-preservation staff and tribal monitors. Staff said they will return with any required permitting details and construction contract recommendations.
