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Council appoints Britney Boyer to RDA; redevelopment agency outlines Johnson’s Pond steps
Summary
Council appointed Britney Boyer to the RDA and heard a detailed update from the Redevelopment Agency on Johnson’s Pond access options, permitting constraints and a timeline tied to the comprehensive plan; RDA Chair said hand‑boat access, boat ramp permitting, and staged short‑term improvements are priorities.
The Coventry Town Council voted to appoint Britney Boyer to an open seat on the Coventry Redevelopment Agency and heard an update on the agency’s work to develop public access and recreational uses at Johnson’s Pond.
Appointment: Councilwoman Capaldi moved to appoint Britney Boyer to the RDA open seat; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call (7‑0). Boyer told council she attends budget hearings and RDA meetings and emphasized speed and clearer deadlines for moving public‑access projects forward.
RDA update: RDA chair reported the agency is constrained by Rhode Island law (Title 45, chapters 31–33) and the town’s comprehensive plan. He outlined a staged approach: short‑term, low‑permit actions such as hand‑boat (canoe/kayak) access; then more complex projects such as a formal boat ramp that will require wetlands surveys and DEM permitting, plus alignment with the town comp plan before approving the redevelopment area. He said the RDA is posting materials on the website and aims to make a short presentation and public hearing in January for broader input.
Why it matters: Johnson’s Pond has been a recurring public‑access issue; residents and RDA members stressed the need to balance environmental permitting, public parking and safety, and quick wins that provide access without heavy fiscal or regulatory constraints.
Council requests and next steps: Council members asked the RDA to broaden outreach beyond pond stakeholders (mailings, code‑red/robocalls, tax bill inserts), provide a short timeline for short/medium/long term actions, and ensure public participation options (Zoom and in‑person). RDA said it will seek DEM guidance, complete wetland surveys where needed and return with a plan to the council for local comp‑plan insertion and approval by February.
