Portsmouth planning board finds CDBG-backed recovery house consistent with town plan, empowers vice chair to sign

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — The Portsmouth Planning Board voted April 9 to certify that Community Blessings Foundation’s application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a recovery house at 79 East Main Road does not conflict with the town’s Comprehensive Community Plan and to empower the vice chair to sign the certification for submission to the Town Council.

Frank Spinella of FJS Associates and Christine Nolan, executive director of the Community Blessings Foundation, presented the project, describing it as “a sober house, to continue the mission of Community Blessings,” and saying state CDBG funds have been set aside for the proposal. Nolan said the organization previously operated a recovery house in town and described positive community outcomes, including resident participation in local employment and volunteer programs. "It was actually right down the street ... and we helped beautiful women, and some of them had children, reconnect with the community," Nolan said during her presentation.

Bob Plain, who said he works for Church Community Housing and assists with CDBG administration, told the board its role is limited to a consistency determination. "Your job tonight is to certify that the activity that Community Blessings is applying for is not in conflict with the comprehensive plan," Plain said. He added that the board does not need to endorse the program’s merits to make the certification.

Board members asked for basic occupancy details. Presenters said the house will have six bedrooms and accommodate up to 10 beds depending on adult‑child ratios. Nolan and Spinella said the project has multiple funding sources; they stated that some CDBG funds had been set aside by the state and that the state Department of Housing had provided about $900,000 toward the project. (In the presentation one speaker also referenced a figure of "$1,211, I believe," for a set‑aside; the transcript records that phrase but does not clarify the intended denomination or context.)

After brief discussion, a board member moved to certify that the CDBG applicants are consistent with the Comprehensive Community Plan and to empower the vice chair to sign the required certification. The motion was seconded and passed on an aye vote.

Next steps: the certification will be forwarded to the Town Council as part of the CDBG application process; project proponents said they will proceed with funding and construction planning once local certifications and state funds are aligned.