Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Narragansett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in zoning with medium priority
Historic Preservation Property Tax Credit Application — 19 Rockland Street
The town is accepting $15,000 from the state Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission for preservation work.
New part-time Assistant Zoning Official
The Building and Zoning office is drowning in applications and follow-ups, so the town created a part-time Assistant Zoning Official — council members expect it may need to become full-time.
Zoning Board of Review vacancy
The council interviewed Walter Manning for the open zoning board seat and will weigh him against the two current alternates, with a decision expected Monday.
Planning Board Vacancy Interviews
Two candidates are vying for the Planning Board as the town heads into its ten-year comprehensive plan update. Both flagged affordable housing — the town is at roughly 4.6% versus the 10% state mandate — as the biggest challenge ahead.
High water table zoning amendment
The council scheduled a September 21 public hearing on changes to Section 4.5 of the zoning ordinance governing high water table areas — rules affecting basements, pools and site coverage on wet-soil lots.
High Water Table Overlay District cleanup
The board forwarded a fix to Section 4.5 that clears up confusing overlay district language, aligning 'lot coverage' with 'site coverage' and deleting a meaningless sentence.