Coventry council appoints Britney Boyer to RDA, stressing faster action on Johnson's Pond

The Coventry Town Council voted unanimously to appoint Britney Boyer to an open seat on the town’s Redevelopment Agency on a motion by Councilwoman Capaldi.

Boyer told the council she moved to Coventry for its community and now volunteers regularly; she said she has prepared for the RDA role by studying the agency’s responsibilities and following Johnson’s Pond discussions closely. “I want us to move Coventry forward together,” she said during her remarks.

Council members praised Boyer’s steady attendance at public meetings and her willingness to press for deadlines. “We need the RDA to move at a little bit of a quicker speed,” one councilmember said, citing public frustration with repeated discussion about public access. Another added that Boyer brings a “different perspective” as a young parent and working professional.

The appointment followed a second candidate’s presentation. Steven Macchione described 30 years of municipal experience and said he would bring outside contacts and business-development expertise to redevelopment work. Council members thanked both candidates before voting to appoint Boyer.

Why it matters: The RDA’s next major planning steps include finalizing a redevelopment plan aligned with the town comprehensive plan and permitting work at Johnson’s Pond; the RDA chair said hand‑boat access and other short‑term public‑access measures are priorities but that permitting (wetlands review, DEM coordination) will be required for major construction. Boyer’s appointment signals council interest in prioritizing more rapid public‑access progress.

What’s next: The RDA chair and town manager said a second public hearing is planned as the RDA integrates input and the comprehensive‑plan amendments needed to approve an RDA boundary and plan. The council did not attach special conditions to Boyer’s appointment.