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Hearing approves special-use permit for outdoor classroom at Block Island school
Summary
A public hearing on Block Island approved a special-use permit for an outdoor classroom and an 8-by-10-foot accessory shed, subject to conditions including matching paint, roof color and a screening fence. The applicant said the work could be completed within six weeks if grant funds are available.
An unnamed member of the hearing moved Thursday to grant a special-use permit for an outdoor classroom and an 8-by-10-foot brick accessory shed adjacent to the school on Block Island; members approved the motion by voice vote.
The decision requires the structure be painted to match the school—"red with white trim," the mover read—and for the roof color to match the existing school roof. The permit also requires a screening fence in front that matches the fence along the school's soccer field and that the existing hedge be retained.
The applicant (identified in the record as Speaker 2) described the project as a concrete pad south of the school between a brick wall and a hedgerow with an 8-by-10-foot brick shed behind it. The applicant said the project will include ADA access to the existing front sidewalk and a rear access onto the lawn and that the work is hoped to be completed "in the next 6 weeks" if grant money is available and can be spent this year.
During preliminary questions, a member asked whether lighting or utilities would be installed. The applicant said lighting details were "in the package" but stated that "this time, no utilities at all" and that "right now, there's no water flow." The record includes a drawing of a fence that the applicant said is intended primarily to keep children within the outdoor classroom area while providing symmetry between the north and south sides of the school grounds.
When the mover read findings of fact, they said the project is consistent with the comprehensive plan, "will promote another method of learning for Block Island students," and "will not impact traffic, parking, or access to the school." The hearing recorded no formal roll-call vote; the motion passed on a voice vote after members answered "Aye." The mover then thanked the applicant, who was addressed in the record as Tom.
The hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn, which carried. The record does not specify a timeline for building permits or additional approvals beyond the hearing decision.
