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Neighbors oppose Randle Commons comprehensive‑permit proposal; board schedules site visit and continues hearing
Summary
Randle Commons, a comprehensive‑permit proposal for 12 new units including three LMI units at 1588 Bogam Marsh Road, drew extensive neighborhood opposition over density, drainage, grading, visual impacts and possible archaeological/historic issues. The applicant has a Letter of Eligibility from Rhode Island Housing; the board continued the hearing to July 7 and directed the applicant to provide full‑size plans and coordinate a sitewalk.
Attorney Matthew Landry presented Randle Commons, a comprehensive‑permit application at 1588 Bogam Marsh Road proposing 12 new units (three triplexes, one duplex and one single‑family unit) on a narrow parcel that includes wetlands and is constrained by a gas‑transmission easement. The applicant said Rhode Island Housing issued a Letter of Eligibility and that the 25% LMI requirement applies to the 12 new units, producing three LMI units.
Engineers explained site constraints: a narrow lot with steep contours, wetlands in the rear and a gas easement that limits where infrastructure can be sited. The project requests waivers from some standards, including relief from the town’s 75‑ft no‑cut conservation buffer in portions of the layout (applicant proposed reducing the buffer as needed, in some areas down to approximately 12 feet), and relief for setback standards driven by the parcel geometry.
More than a dozen neighbors and interested parties spoke at length. Key concerns were: the visual and noise impacts of placing 12 multi‑family units directly behind existing single‑family properties; drainage and erosion risk on a steep slope; lighting and dark‑sky compliance; trash and trespass on abutting ecclesiastical property; the presence of boulders and ledge and the complexity of installing water/septic lines near a gas easement; and an oral report of possible Native American burial sites in the vicinity. Several speakers asked the board to visit the site before any decision. Captain William Chimera said the plan would "put 12 families behind us" and called it "unreasonable;" the church representative (Susan Anderson) requested evergreen screening and expressed concern about light spill during leafless months.
Board and applicant actions: The applicant agreed to provide full‑scale plans and to coordinate a sitewalk with staff and the board. The board continued the matter to July 7 to permit submission of additional materials, site inspection, and further peer review as necessary.
What happens next: Applicant to submit full‑size, updated plans, a view‑shed/buffering plan, and any requested environmental or archaeological screenings. The board will schedule a sitewalk and review the materials when they are submitted prior to the July 7 hearing.
