Central Falls public meetings in 2024
24 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
CANCELLED - Dec. 18, 2024 Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board meeting scheduled for December 18, 2024 was cancelled. The agenda had listed a public hearing to consider Application #PB-2024-10UDR, a minor subdivision and land development request for two 4,500‑sq‑ft lots at 16‑18 New Haven Avenue. The applicant, Lai Yee Chin of 32 Gurney Street, East Providence, also sought dimensional variances for minimum lot size and maximum lot coverage. Because the meeting was cancelled, no decision was made on the application.
- Consideration of Application #PB-2024-10UDR for a minor subdivision at 16‑18 New Haven Avenue, proposing two 4,500‑sq‑ft lots and a 2‑unit residential building
- Request for dimensional variances for minimum lot size and maximum lot coverage
City Council Meeting
The City Council will review requests for business and liquor license renewals and a petition to extend New Year's Eve operating hours. The body is also considering the purchase of three properties for transfer to the Central Falls Redevelopment Authority.
- Purchase of 85 Hunt Street, 1154 Broad Street, and 1228 High Street for the Redevelopment Authority
- New Class A-Restaurant license petition for Mi Pequeño Salvadoreno at 791 Lonsdale Ave.
- Tax abatement considerations for Central Falls Children's Foundation and 548 Roosevelt, LLC
- Operating hour extension request for Cosmopolitan at 494 Dexter St. for New Year's Eve
- Damage claims for $300.00 (Pedro Perez) and $811.00 (Monica Guzman)
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board will consider final plan approval for a warehousing facility, subdivision and development plans for residential properties, and a mixed-use development. The meeting will also include approval of minutes and administrative reports.
- Final Plan Approval for 413 Roosevelt Ave. warehousing facility
- Minor Subdivision and development plans for 41 Hendricks St.
- Minor Subdivision and development plans for 13-15 Hawley St.
- Master Plan and development plans for 16-18 Hedley Ave.
- Master Plan and development plans for 16-24 Central St.
City Council Meeting
The City Council, acting as the Board of License Commissioners, will consider several new and transfer license petitions. The body will also advertise hearings for 2024-2025 liquor license renewals and review a extensive list of general business license renewals.
- License transfer petitions for Sanchez Food Corporation (693 Dexter Street) and La Reina De Las Pupusas, Inc. (48 Cross St.)
- New Per Diem Entertainment license petition for The Learning Community (21 Lincoln Ave)
- Hearing advertisement for 2024-2025 liquor license renewals for approximately 40 establishments
- Consideration of 2024-2025 business renewals for various restaurants, auto repair shops, and laundromats
- Review of October 2024 financial reports for the City Clerk, Police Department, and DPW & Code Enforcement
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board approved the July 24, 2024 meeting minutes. It received a status update on the city’s Comprehensive Plan and reviewed the proposed Program Year 2023 Community Development Block Grant activities, including affordable housing, public facilities, and public services. The Board voted 4‑0 to certify that the twelve proposed CDBG projects are in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and State Plan, amending the motion to replace “acknowledge” with “certify”.
- Approval of July 24, 2024 meeting minutes (vote 4‑0).
- Status update on the City’s Comprehensive Plan presented by Joshua B. Magnone.
- Review of proposed CDBG PY2023 activities: affordable housing, public facilities, and public services.
- Certification that 12 CDBG projects comply with the Comprehensive Plan (vote 4‑0) and amendment to replace “acknowledge” with “certify”.
- Administrative report: Planning Department reviewing development applications; next meeting scheduled for November 20, 2024.
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will approve meeting minutes from September 16, 2024, and receive departmental financial reports. The council will consider the appointment of Joshua Hernandez as Acting Human Resource Director. New business includes a restaurant license petition for Latinos Fried Chicken, several private petitions, a pole installation request, and a public hearing on a police department grant. The council will also consider a loan resolution for a sewer facility plan, a municipal court ordinance, and a redevelopment agency tax ordinance.
- License petition for Latinos Fried Chicken, Class A restaurant at 830 Broad Street
- Petition by Giovanni Carmona / YPR Properties LLC d/b/a Guaro & TQLA at 63 Hadwin St
- Petition of Narragansett Electric & Verizon New England for pole installation on Pacific Street
- Public hearing on Central Falls Police Department 2024 JAG/Byrne Grant funds
- Resolution authorizing a loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for a sewer facility plan
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will approve July and July 31 meeting minutes, consider several mayoral appointments, and hear department financial reports. New business includes license petitions for a smoke shop, grocery, community organization, entertainment venue, and a mobile food establishment, as well as a tax abatement list with zero balances. The council will also review a settlement agreement with two private parties and a joint pole location request on Conduit Street. Finally, two ordinances – one on taxation of Redevelopment Agency properties and one amending weekend noise enforcement – will receive first‑reading consideration.
- First‑reading ordinance on taxation of properties owned by the Central Falls Redevelopment Agency
- First‑reading amendment to the Noise Ordinance regarding weekend enforcement
- License petitions: Smoke Shop, LLC (485 Dexter St), Guatemala Groceries, LLC (69 Washington St), Greater Providence Community (64 Hadwin St), Mujeres Positivas Inc. (63 Valley St), and Sabor y Sabor Marina (37 Phoenix St)
- Settlement and release agreement between the City of Central Falls and Jaime Yepes & Mauricio Panesso
- Petition by Narragansett Electric & Verizon New England for joint pole location on Conduit Street
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will hear a resolution to place a question on the November 2024 citywide ballot. The question would seek voter approval for the city to issue general obligation bonds and notes not exceeding $26,049,000. The funds would be used for construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing, and equipping of schools and school facilities. The meeting also includes standard items such as roll call, the pledge of allegiance, public comment, and adjournment.
- Resolution to request a ballot question authorizing up to $26,049,000 in bonds for school facility projects
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board discussed a proposal by Tabares Bros 3, Inc. to develop a 25-unit residential building and commercial spaces at 37 Ledge St. The board reviewed stormwater runoff solutions, accessibility, and the necessity of a use variance for commercial activity in a residential zone. The matter was continued to September 25, 2024.
- Application PB-24-04UDR: Proposed 25-unit residential building and 2-3 commercial spaces at 37 Ledge St.
- Request for Use Variance to allow commercial use in a residential zone
- Request for Dimensional Variances regarding minimum lot area per dwelling unit and maximum lot coverage
City Council Meeting
The City Council will review license applications for local businesses and religious organizations. Members will also consider financial tax abatements and a legal settlement involving Luis Alzate and Gyr Makina Construction. Additionally, the council will hear introductions for new ordinances regarding taxation and noise enforcement.
- License permit consideration for Mundialito at 127 Perry Street
- Class B liquor license extension request for YPR Properties at 63 Hadwin Street
- Tax abatements for motor vehicle and tangible taxes older than ten years
- Petition by Narragansett Electric & Verizon for pole locations on Sheridan and Fales Streets
- Introduction of an ordinance amending weekend noise enforcement
Planning Board Meeting
The Planning Board reviewed a proposal for a new building at 37 Ledge Street containing 25 residential units and 3 commercial spaces. After hearing public opposition, the board voted to continue consideration of the application until July 24, 2024. Staff also provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan scope of work.
- Proposed 25-unit residential and 3-space commercial development at 37 Ledge St
- Request for Use Variance and Dimensional Variances for 37 Ledge St
- Update on the Comprehensive Plan scope of work
- Announcement of staff change in the Planning Department
City Council Meeting
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding proposed FY25 annual operating budget and capital program ordinances. The council is also scheduled for second readings of ordinances pertaining to department head salaries and general wage schedules. Additionally, the Board of License Commissioners will consider several business license petitions.
- Public hearing on FY25 annual operating budget and capital program ordinances
- Second readings for ordinances regarding department head salaries and wage schedules
- Amusement and entertainment permit petitions for Madeira Club and Mundialito
- New mobile food establishment permit for Sazón y Sabor Marina, LLC at 11 Elm Street
- Class B liquor license reviews for Restaurant Montecristo, LLC and Tio Pepe Inc.
City Council Meeting
The City Council is conducting public hearings for several FY25 budget ordinances, including the General Fund and Capital Program. The council will also consider a tentative agreement with AFSCME, Council 94, Local 1627. Additionally, there are first readings scheduled for various wage and salary ordinances.
- Public hearing on FY25 Annual Operating Budget Ordinance-General Fund
- Consideration of tentative agreement between AFSCME, Council 94, Local 1627 and the City
- First reading of the Annual Capital Program and Capital Budget Ordinance
- Second reading of New OSRAM Mixed Use Special Overlay District zoning amendment
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board voted 4-0 to continue consideration of a major land development application for 37 Ledge St. until the next meeting on June 26, 2024. The project proposes a 25-unit residential building with three commercial spaces and requests zoning relief. The board also received an administrative report on the approved Osram Overlay District zoning amendment and discussed the status of the comprehensive plan rewrite contract.
- Application PB-24-04UDR for 37 Ledge St. (Plat 5, Lot 479) continued to June 26, 2024
- Proposed 25-unit residential building with 3 commercial spaces
- Request for use variance and dimensional variances (minimum lot area, max lot coverage)
- Osram Special Overlay District zoning amendment approved by City Council on May 20
- Comprehensive plan rewrite contract still under legal review
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the proposed FY25 budget with department directors. The discussion will cover Planning and Economic Development, Finance, Parks and Recreation, and the Office on Constituent Services. The council will also consider approving minutes from the May 20 special meeting.
- Discussion of FY25 Proposed Budget with department directors
- Planning and Economic Development budget discussion
- Finance Department budget discussion
- Parks and Recreation budget discussion
- Approval of May 20, 2024 special meeting minutes
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting to hear Mayor Maria Rivera's budget address and introduce several fiscal year 2025 ordinances, including the operating budget, salary schedules, and capital program. These are introductions only, not final votes. The agenda is otherwise procedural with roll call, pledge, and adjournment.
- FY 2025 Annual Operating Budget Ordinance (General Fund) introduction
- Ordinance on salaries of department heads and unclassified service introduction
- Ordinance amending the wage schedule generally introduction
- Annual Capital Program and Capital Budget Ordinance introduction
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board approved a preliminary plan for a minor land development at 79 School St., acknowledging changes that reduce building height, unit count, and front yard setback. The board also reviewed proposed zoning amendments to create an Osram mixed-use special overlay district (OMUSOD) and discussed recommendations to forward to the City Council. Administrative updates included plans to hire a consultant for the Comprehensive Plan.
- Approved preliminary plan PB-24-02UDR for 79 School St. (Plat 4, Lot 378), reducing height from 40 ft to 35 ft, units from 9 to 6, and front yard setback from 6.6 ft to 12 ft (4-0 vote)
- Reviewed proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance Sections 101.4, 304, and 603 to create OMUSOD overlay district, allow self-storage in existing buildings, and outline district parameters
- Board discussed recommending a 25% cap on self-storage use in existing structures within the overlay district
- Planning Department to hire consultant for Comprehensive Plan update, tied to zoning ordinance changes
- Darrow Everett law firm assisting with zoning ordinance changes before City Council approval
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is holding a special meeting with roll call, public comment, and approval of April 8 minutes. The main substantive item is the introduction of an amendment to the Central Falls Zoning Ordinance to create the New OSRAM Mixed Use Special Overlay District. The agenda also includes several ceremonial citations and a mayoral proclamation.
- Amendment to Central Falls Zoning Ordinance creating New OSRAM Mixed Use Special Overlay District (introduction)
- Mayoral proclamation commemorating groundbreaking of new Central Falls High School
- Citations honoring afterschool professionals: Elizabeth Berry, Alexis Kutenplon-Rayess, Debra Lough, Sorangel Peguero
- Approval of meeting minutes from April 8, 2024
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will consider three new liquor license petitions, a special constable appointment, and several resolutions including support for $78 million in RIPTA funding. The council will also review March financial reports from city departments and approve prior meeting minutes.
- New liquor licenses for Tuxpan Taqueria (355 Broad St), Cultura Mixta Family Restaurant (915 Dexter St), and Petencito Restaurant Bar & Grill (531 Dexter St)
- Resolution supporting $78,000,000 appropriation to RIPTA (HB7774)
- Resolution supporting Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act (SB2558)
- Resolution supporting City Housing Authorities bills HB8061 & SB2765
- Special constable appointment for Robert Di Martino of Cranston, RI
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board approved two minor land development applications, granting dimensional variances and use variances. The first project at 79 School St. was conditionally approved for a 6-unit residential building after reducing from 9 units. The second project at 690 Lonsdale Ave. and 1 Orchard St. was approved for a 6-unit residential building and a 600 sq. ft. commercial building. The board also discussed correspondence regarding development at the RIPTA station at 300 Pine Street and heard an update on zoning ordinance revisions.
- Approved Preliminary Plan for 6-unit residential building at 79 School St. (Plat 4, Lot 378) with variances for lot area, height, coverage, and setbacks
- Approved Preliminary Plan for 6 residential units and 600 sq. ft. commercial building at 690 Lonsdale Ave. and 1 Orchard St. (Plat 9, Lots 58 & 58A) with use and dimensional variances
- Approved expert consultants Edward Pimentel and Daniel Campbell for the 79 School St. application
- Noted correspondence from Pawtucket regarding development at RIPTA station at 300 Pine Street
- Planning staff reported ongoing review of zoning ordinance and Comprehensive Plan update
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will meet to approve minutes, receive department financial reports, and consider several license applications. They will also vote on purchasing a 4,623-square-foot parcel from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for $40,000 and a resolution about state education funding.
- Purchase of Parcel 1A, Condemnation Plat 2072, from RIDOT for $40,000
- New Class BV liquor license for Cosmopolitan Inc. at 494 Dexter Street
- Transfer of Class A-Restaurant license to Mimi & Pop's Ice Cream Shop at 1306 Broad St.
- New auto repair licenses for Lito Auto Repair (503 Dexter St.) and Alaska Auto Repair (19 Cross St.)
- Resolution urging General Assembly to not cap education funding formula's core instruction amount
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council will hold its regular meeting on February 12, 2024, covering routine approvals, appointments, proclamations, and several public hearings. Key items include liquor license transfers for Sunshine Market and Casimir Pulaski Mutual Aid Society, a new mobile food establishment license for Taco'N Madre, and an introduction to a zoning ordinance amendment adding mini-storage and self-storage uses. The council will also hear updates on the Office of Education strategy, 2023 audit results, and ARPA funds.
- Appointments to Housing Authority Board: Sorangel Peguero and Barabara J. Silvis (terms expire Feb 12, 2029)
- C-Variety transfer for Raza Convenience LLC d/b/a Sunshine Market, 181 Washington St.
- Class D Liquor transfer for Casimir Pulaski Mutual Aid Society, 516-518 Roosevelt Ave.
- New Mobile Food Establishment license for Taco'N Madre RI, LLC, 29 Gilcrest Dr., West Warwick
- Ordinance introduction: renumbering uses and adding mini-storage/self-storage to zoning Appendix A
Planning Board Meeting
The Central Falls Planning Board approved a preliminary plan for a major land development by the Central Falls Affordable Housing Corporation to build 58 residential units at 4 and 6 School St. The board also granted dimensional variances for lot area, height, coverage, and setbacks, and approved the 2024 meeting schedule and officers.
- Approved preliminary plan for 58 residential units at 4 and 6 School St (Plat 4, Lots 483 and 483A)
- Granted dimensional variances for minimum lot area per dwelling unit, maximum height, maximum lot coverage, and setbacks
- Approved 2024 Planning Board meeting schedule
- Re-elected Michael Lester as Chair, John Burkhardt as Vice-Chair, John Marenzana as Secretary
- Accepted expert witnesses Jonathan Ford (civil engineer) and Paul Bannon (traffic engineer)
City Council Meeting
The Central Falls City Council is meeting to consider several appointments by Mayor Maria Rivera, including a new Tree Warden and a Juvenile Hearing Board member, as well as financial reports from December 2023. The council will also vote on electing five special constables, renewing two private detective licenses, and considering tax abatements for three Thread Factory properties. Additionally, there is a first reading of an ordinance amending the Redevelopment Agency Ordinance and resolutions expressing condolences.
- Appointment of Mathew "twig" Largos as Tree Warden, term to expire January 8, 2025
- Appointment of Shannon Massaroco to Juvenile Hearing Board, term to expire January 8, 2027
- Election of 5 special constables (Luis A. Aponte, Venuz Zayas, Laura Rivera, Annette Martinez, Charlene Gaffney)
- Renewal of private detective licenses for James W. Smith III and Dougals E. Belknap
- Tax abatements for Thread Factory properties at 280 Rand Street and 420 Pine Street (2023 tax year)