Council denies petition to abandon portion of Bridal Street after residents raise safety and wetlands concerns

North Smithfield residents and a neighboring landowner urged the council on Sept. 3 to reject a petition to abandon a portion of Bridal Street, and the council ultimately voted to deny the abandonment.

Multiple residents spoke during the continuation of the public hearing. Christopher Johnson (Elizabeth Ave) said increased cut‑through traffic and speeds make the area unsafe for children; Steven Jingress highlighted wetlands and potential wildlife displacement. Richard Capistrand, a property owner whose lot borders Bridal Street, told the council abandonment would likely force him to construct a costly street and drainage system to access his land, saying he had not authorized a water study that flagged blue survey flags on his property.

During deliberations, council members raised unanswered questions about who performed a wetlands/water study, whether an abandonment would primarily benefit a developer rather than abutting residents, and whether the town should require an appraisal and fair‑market compensation in such cases. "When we do this, we do it for residents — not to gift a financial benefit to a developer," one council member said on the record.

After discussion and clarification from the chair that a 'yes' vote would deny the abandonment, the council voted to deny the petition, preserving Bridal Street in its current status.

What happens next: The council did not approve abandonment and directed staff to address outstanding questions raised by residents; any future petition would require additional supporting information (engineered studies, appraisals) before reconsideration.