Central Falls public meetings in 2023
24 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will hold a hearing on a request for a Special Use Permit to allow a barbershop at 485 Dexter St. in a C-2 zone. The applicant, Raymundo Mejia, seeks the permit under the personal service subsection of the zoning code. The board will also consider approving minutes from its November 8, 2023 meeting.
- Hearing on Special Use Permit #ZB-23-05 for a barbershop at 485 Dexter St. (Plat 6 Lot 454)
- Applicant: Raymundo Mejia of 140 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln, RI
- Permit sought under Article III, Section 304, Table 1, Subsection 42 (Personal Service)
- Approval of minutes from November 8, 2023 meeting
City Council Meeting
The City Council will review several business license renewals and petitions for extended New Year's hours for local establishments. The meeting also includes an introduction of an ordinance to amend the Redevelopment Agency Ordinance.
- 2023-2024 business license renewals for multiple establishments including J Furniture, LLC and La Setenta Bar and Grill, LLC
- New mobile food establishment license petition for Don Juans
- Petitions for extended New Year's hours for 765 Taqueria Lounge, La Cantina Bar & Restaurant, JD's Bar, and La Taberna Night Club
- Introduction of an ordinance amending the Redevelopment Agency Ordinance
- Resolution honoring Lisette Gomes, Esq. for ten years of service as Municipal Housing Court Prosecutor
City Council Meeting
The City Council will review a $1 lease agreement for properties on Lonsdale Avenue and consider several business license renewals. The meeting also includes a presentation on recreation development grants and a first reading of a property tax exemption ordinance.
- Review of $1 lease agreement for 756 and 770 Lonsdale Avenue
- Recreation Development and Acquisition Grant Program 2024 presentation
- Business license renewals for various local restaurants and stores
- Ordinance for property tax exemption at 6 Chace's Lane
- Consideration of claims from Jill Bixby and James Eubanks
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board met and discussed the process of updating the city's Comprehensive Plan, including the role of a consultant and an RFP process. The board tabled approval of the October 25, 2023 meeting minutes and the new business item on the Comprehensive Plan update. Planning staff noted the update could take 12-18 months.
- Discussion of updating the city's Comprehensive Plan, including RFP process for a consultant
- Tabled approval of October 25, 2023 meeting minutes
- Tabled new business item on Comprehensive Plan update
- Planning staff said update process may take 12-18 months
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is meeting to consider a $1 lease agreement with Faria Meat Market LLC for properties at 756 and 770 Lonsdale Avenue, along with appointments to the Juvenile Hearing board. The council will also act on a new liquor license petition, numerous liquor and business license renewals, a tax abatement, a claim, and several ordinances.
- Lease agreement with Faria Meat Market LLC for 756 and 770 Lonsdale Avenue for $1
- Appointments of Josiane Oliveira and Elizabeth Gonzalez to the Juvenile Hearing board
- New B Limited Liquor license for La Fritura Valentina at 590 Dexter Street
- Renewals for dozens of liquor and business licenses across the city
- Ordinance exempting 6 Chace's Lane from property taxes while owned by Fuerza Laboral
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review a Master Plan application for a Major Land Development. The proposal involves the construction of 58 residential units.
- Application PB-23-03: Master Plan Review for 4 and 6 School St (Plat 4, Lots 483 and 483A) to develop 58 residential units
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is meeting to consider several license applications, property transactions, and ordinance changes. The agenda includes new business items like mobile food and entertainment licenses, a tax exemption request for a nonprofit, and resolutions on property sales and zoning. The council will also hold a second reading on cannabis business hours.
- License for new mobile food establishment Antojito Mama Rossy at 502 Roosevelt Ave
- Transfer of laundry license for On the Go Laundry at 306 Broad Street
- New annual entertainment license for El Paisa Restaurant at 598 Dexter St
- Resolution authorizing acquisition and sale of 649 Broad Street and 115 Sacred Heart Ave
- First reading of ordinance regulating self-storage facilities and ordinance on human pet sales
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board is discussing proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance to prohibit self-storage and mini-storage facilities citywide. The board may vote on recommendations to send to the City Council. Additionally, the board will discuss zoning and land development updates required by 2023 state laws.
- Proposed amendments to Article III, Section 304 and Article X, Section 1000 to prohibit self-storage facilities
- Discussion of zoning ordinance and land development & subdivision regulation amendments required by 2023 state laws
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is meeting to consider new constable licenses, tax abatements for two properties, a claim, and a public hearing on a police grant application. They will also introduce or read ordinances on self-storage facilities, pet sales, cannabis business hours, and a charter amendment for the November ballot.
- New constable licenses for Laura Rivera (99 Rand St.) and Annette Martinez (59 Fales St.)
- New amusement & entertainment license for Convite Guatemala RI USA (147 Cumberland St., Providence)
- Tax abatement for Carwash & Quick Lube (82 Division St., 2022)
- Tax abatement for Iglesia Manantial Eterno (96 Hadwin St., 2021: $8,123.13; 2022: $6,184.13)
- Public hearing on Police Department's 2023 JAG/Byrne Grant application
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to consider several amusement and entertainment permits, a tax abatement request, and ordinances including one on cannabis business hours. They will also hear a presentation on medical redetermination. The agenda includes both new business and scheduled bills.
- Amusement permits for St. Joseph Church, La Cantina Bar & Restaurant, Iglesia de Jesus El Camino, CF Fit Camp, Madeira Club, and Ministerio Pecadores de Hombres
- New peddler/hawker license for Ana's Mega Tea
- Tax abatement request for 38 Jenks Ave. (Pariseau, Germain and Elaine)
- First reading of ordinance on business hours of regulated cannabis establishments
- Second readings of ordinances amending nuisance and tax stabilization ordinances
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board approved preliminary plan approval for a new high school and athletic facilities at 10 Higginson Ave, 756 Lonsdale Ave, and 770 Lonsdale Ave, and delegated final plan approval to staff with conditions. The board also continued a separate application for a warehousing facility at 413 Roosevelt Avenue to the next meeting.
- Approved preliminary plan for new high school and athletic facilities (Application #PB-23-01), 5-0
- Delegated final plan approval to Planning Department staff with conditions (5-0)
- Continued Application #PB-23-02 for warehousing/storage facility at 413 Roosevelt Avenue to July 26, 2023
- Public comment raised flooding concerns at high school site; project team to work with DEM on stormwater permits
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to consider new liquor licenses for sidewalk cafes, a permit for entertainment, and a hearing/claim. They will also introduce or read ordinances on cannabis business hours, nuisance regulations, and tax stabilization, plus a resolution supporting the Second Continental Congress.
- New sidewalk cafe license for Grated Mix, LLC d/b/a Grated Mix at 663 Dexter St.
- Entertainment & amusement permit for Mundialito at 127 Perry St.
- New sidewalk cafe license for La Colombiana Bar & Grill Segura Inc. d/b/a La Cantina Bar & Restaurant at 664 Dexter St.
- Hearing/claim by Luis A. Lopez of 387 Hunt St.
- Ordinance on business hours of regulated cannabis establishments (introduction)
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will meet to consider a request for a dimensional variance. The board will also review minutes from April and May 2023.
- Application #ZB-23-03: Request for a 6 ft. side yard setback (2 ft. less than the 8 ft. minimum) at 757 High St. to allow a one-story residential addition
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to consider several license applications, hear claims, and conduct public hearings on the FY24 budget and multiple ordinance amendments. The agenda includes second readings and public hearings on the annual operating budget, capital budget, salary and wage schedules, fee schedule, and a new business tangible property tax exemption. The council will also vote on new entertainment, sidewalk cafe, and other licenses, and consider two resolutions.
- FY24 Annual Operation Budget Ordinance - public hearing and 2nd reading
- Ordinance creating Business Tangible Property Exemption - public hearing and 2nd reading
- New entertainment and sidewalk cafe licenses for Grated Mix, LLC at 663 Dexter St. and La Cantina Bar & Restaurant at 664 Dexter St.
- Ordinance amending the Nuisance Ordinance and Tax Stabilization Ordinance - introductions
- Resolution supporting Community Development Block Grant program
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the proposed FY24 budget with department directors. The discussion will cover the Law, Human Resources, and Parks and Recreation departments. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion item only.
- Discussion of FY24 proposed budget with Law Department
- Discussion of FY24 proposed budget with Human Resources Department
- Discussion of FY24 proposed budget with Parks and Recreation
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the proposed FY24 budget with department directors, including the Police, Fire, and EMA departments. The meeting is primarily a discussion session, with no formal votes listed on the agenda.
- Discussion with department directors on FY24 proposed budget
- Police Department budget discussion
- Fire Department budget discussion
- EMA budget discussion
Zoning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on two applications: a dimensional variance for a rear addition at 757 High St., and a special use permit and dimensional variance for a modular office at 352 Cowden St. for Segue Institute for Learning. The board will also approve minutes from its April 12 meeting.
- Dimensional variance for 757 High St. to allow 6-ft side yard setback (2 ft less than minimum) for a one-story rear addition
- Special use permit for Segue Institute to operate an educational institution in an R-3 residential zone at 352 Cowden St.
- Dimensional variance for 352 Cowden St. to allow 8-ft rear yard setback (12 ft less than 20-ft minimum) for a modular office
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to hear the Mayor's budget address and introduce several ordinances, including the FY 2024 operating budget, capital program, salary and wage schedules, city clerk fees, and a new business tangible property exemption. These are introductions only; no final votes are scheduled.
- FY 2024 Annual Operating Budget Ordinance - General Fund (introduction)
- Ordinance on salaries for department heads and unclassified service (introduction)
- Ordinance amending the wage schedule (introduction)
- Annual Capital Program and Capital Budget Ordinance (introduction)
- Ordinance creating a Business Tangible Property Exemption (introduction)
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will meet to consider a request for a dimensional variance. The applicant is seeking relief from minimum lot area requirements to build a two-household dwelling.
- Application #ZB-23-02: Dimensional Variance request for 44 Earle St. to allow a two-household dwelling on a 4,000 sq. ft. lot
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will vote on mayoral appointments for Planning Director and City Clerk, review March financial reports, and consider several new liquor and entertainment licenses. The council will also hold a public hearing on the Elizabeth Webbing Falls Dam Project and consider selling 1420 Broad Street to Tai-O Landing, LLC.
- Appointment of Jim Vandermillen as Director of Planning
- Appointment of Alberto M. DeBurgo as City Clerk
- New Class BV liquor and entertainment licenses for Salinas Lounge (200 Cross St.) and La Cantina Bar & Restaurant (664 Dexter St.)
- Resolution to sell 1420 Broad Street to Tai-O Landing, LLC
- Public hearing on One Drop Hydro's Elizabeth Webbing Falls Dam Project
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will hold a hearing on applications for a Special Use Permit, Use Variance, and Dimensional Variance related to the proposed construction of a new high school. The city is the applicant for three parcels: 10 Higginson Ave. (park zone) and 756 & 770 Lonsdale Ave. (commercial zone). The board will also vote on minutes from the January 11, 2023 meeting.
- Application #ZB-23-01: Special Use Permit for educational institution in C-2 zone at 756 & 770 Lonsdale Ave.
- Use Variance for educational institution in P (park) zone at 10 Higginson Ave.
- Dimensional Variance for height restriction in commercial zone at 756 & 770 Lonsdale Ave.
- All three requests are for construction of a new high school.
- Board may convene in executive session per Rhode Island law.
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board approved, 5-0, a master plan review for a proposed new high school and athletic facilities at 10 Higginson Ave and 756/770 Lonsdale Ave, subject to Zoning Board relief. The board also tabled approval of August 2022 minutes and approved January 2023 minutes. Public comment raised concerns about flooding, parking overflow, and non-construction costs.
- Approved Master Plan for new high school at 10 Higginson Ave, 756 & 770 Lonsdale Ave (Plat 9, Lots 50, 203, 26), 5-0, conditioned on Zoning Board approval
- Public hearing included concerns about drainage/flooding on Higginson Ave, parking overflow, and project costs
- Tabled approval of August 24, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved January 4, 2023 meeting minutes
- Board members noted absence for March 22 meeting; discussed Comprehensive Plan funding
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will vote on several business license petitions, including a transfer of ownership for Salinas Lounge and new licenses for Lucky 7 Food Mart and Pick-up Delivery Laundromat. The council will also consider tax abatements for five properties, appointments to the Municipal Court, and introduce an ordinance requiring police details for businesses open after 1:00 AM.
- License transfer for Salinas Lounge, LLC at 200 Cross Street
- New A-Restaurant license for Lucky 7 Food Mart at 156 Washington Street
- New C-Variety license for Lucky 7 Food Mart at 156 Washington Street
- New Laundry license for Pick-up Delivery Laundromat at 155 Washington Street
- Tax abatements for Family Dollar Store (400 Broad St), Rose Sweeting (38 Eben Brown Ln), and Borges Ventures (753 Broad St, 747-751 Broad St, 78 Railroad St)
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board met on January 4, 2023, and approved a preliminary plan for a major land development by ONE Neighborhood Builders to create rental housing at 499-511 and 524-542 Broad St. The board also approved its 2023 meeting schedule and elected officers. The meeting included a public hearing and several waivers related to the development.
- Preliminary Plan Approval for 499-511 Broad St. and 524-542 Broad St. (Plat 1, Lots 3 & 119; Plat 5, Lots 474 & 149) for adaptive reuse and new multi-household dwelling, 5-0
- Waived Zoning Ordinance Section 801.4 (A.) Entrance and Exit requirement, 5-0
- Waived RIDEM and RIDOT permit requirements until Final Plan Approval, 5-0
- Waived Traffic Impact Study requirement, 5-0
- Approved 2023 meeting schedule and elected Michael Lester as Chair, John Burkhardt as Vice-Chair, John Marenzana as Secretary