Johnston public meetings in 2024

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will meet to authorize borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater facility planning and consider resolutions for police, fire, and infrastructure projects. The meeting includes several business operating license applications and vehicle damage claims.

• Authorize borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater facility planning
• Authorize agreement for Atwood and Hartford Avenue chronic flooding mitigation
• Authorize purchase of new Dispatch Radio System for Police Department
• Authorize purchase of body armor for the fire department
• Authorize upgrades to the Town's website for ADA compliance

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board approved several land development plans and a rezoning request, continued a public hearing on a retirement community, and discussed a low-income housing pre-application.

• Approved 24-unit housing development at 1725 Plainfield Pike
• Approved rezoning 2697 Hartford Avenue from R-40 and B-2 to B-2
• Continued public hearing for 80 Morgan Avenue retirement community to January 7, 2025
• Approved 1,000 sq. ft. Dunkin' drive-thru at 1296 Atwood Avenue
• Accepted donation of 101 Irons Avenue parcel to the Town

Cancelled Zoning Board Meeting

The November 21, 2024, meeting of the Johnston Zoning Board has been cancelled. No other items were listed on the agenda.

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater facility planning and review business operating licenses for local medical and auto repair businesses. The meeting will also address the transfer of funds to the Capital Projects Fund and the renewal of liquor and entertainment licenses.

• Borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater facility planning
• Transfer of $118,100 from General Fund to Capital Projects Fund
• Business Operating License for Mighty Auto Parts of Rhode Island
• Business Operating License for All Smiles Teeth Whitening
• Annual renewal of liquor and entertainment licenses

*CANCELLED* Regular Planning Board Meeting

The November 12, 2024, meeting of the Johnston Planning Board was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. All scheduled items will be heard at the December 3, 2024, meeting.

Regular Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review met to consider two property petitions. The board voted to grant a special use permit for a home-based business and a dimensional variance for a new garage.

• Approved special use permit for Derek and Shelby Sousa at 448 George Waterman Rd for a hair salon and 1 bedroom apartment
• Approved dimensional variance for Joseph and Colleen Serydynski at 27 Reservoir Avenue to construct a metal garage

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider a series of business operating and liquor licenses, several resolutions authorizing purchases of trucks and other heavy equipment for the Department of Development and Public Services, and a grant agreement for a stormwater detention area. A presentation on community‑choice electricity aggregation will also be discussed, along with petitions for a speed bump and a zoning map change. The meeting includes routine items such as award ceremonies, public hearing status, and constituent requests.

• 2024-CP-139: Business Operating License for OPD Development Corp (14 Priscilla Lane) – land development and new construction
• 2024-L-1: Full Liquor License transfer for Murphy Holdings d/b/a Reali’s Fine Italian Cuisine (79 Putnam Pike)
• Resolution 2024-50: Authorize purchase of two 42FR‑Mack dump trucks for the Department of Development and Public Services
• Resolution 2024-49: Authorize agreement with Northern RI Conservation District and use matching grant funds for a stormwater detention area on Belfield Drive
• 2024-CP-156: Presentation by Freedom Energy Logistics on purchasing electricity via Community Choice Aggregation

*CANCELLED* Regular Planning Board Meeting

The October 1, 2024 meeting of the Johnston Planning Board has been cancelled. All scheduled items will be heard at the November 12, 2024 meeting.

Cancelled Zoning Board Meeting

The scheduled Zoning Board meeting for September 26, 2024 at the Johnston Senior Center was cancelled. No agenda items were considered or decided. No further action was taken by the board.

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider approving the transfer of $1,563,000 in surplus funds for road maintenance and authorize the installation of a video surveillance system at the War Memorial Park. The meeting also includes the approval of business operating licenses and the ratification of an agreement to enroll a property into a state development program.

• Transfer of $1,563,000 to Capital Projects Fund for road maintenance
• Authorization for video surveillance system at War Memorial Park
• Agreement to enroll 1307 Hartford Avenue into RI Ready Program
• Approval of business operating licenses for 7 local businesses
• Public hearing for ordinance amending dog barking regulations

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The September 3rd, 2024 meeting of the Johnston Planning Board has been cancelled. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Johnston Senior Center.

• Meeting cancelled
• Meeting location: Johnston Senior Center
• Meeting date: September 3rd, 2024

Amended Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review met to consider a petition for a use variance at 2674 Hartford Ave. The board approved the request with specific requirements for safety barriers.

• Approved use variance for 2674 Hartford Ave (Ap 46 Lot 32) for an indoor children's play area with second-floor offices, contingent on the use of jersey barriers and bollards

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board approved a comprehensive permit for a mixed-income housing project and granted variances for two minor subdivisions. The board also voted to cancel its September 3rd meeting.

• Approved PB 24-06: 32 housing units (16 low-to-moderate income, 16 market rate) at 198 Shun Pike
• Approved PB 24-22: Minor subdivision to create 3 undersized lots at 29 Pleasant Street
• Approved PB 24-26: Minor subdivision to create 2 lots at 1114 Central Avenue
• Conditioned 198 Shun Pike approval on an expanded roadway and permeable walking path

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater and sewer planning, selling a town property on Dyerville Avenue, and approving various business licenses and reappointments.

• Ordinance 2024-11: Borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater and sewer facility improvements
• Resolution 2024-41: Sale of Assessor's Plat 13, Lot 142 on Dyerville Avenue
• Resolution 2024-42: Awarding bid for Electrical Hot Box installation on Atwood Avenue
• Resolution 2024-43: Awarding bid for Street Paving Services
• Ordinance 2024-10: Amending zoning for animal shelters, kennels, and grooming services

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review will vote on a variance and related stipulations for a plumbing business at 1225 Atwood Avenue, including curb cuts, buffer strips, fence replacement, and parking limits. The board will also consider a special‑use permit for a doggie day‑care center at 1665 Hartford Avenue, limiting the operation to ten dogs, controlling noise, and requiring waste‑removal services. Both items will be decided by voice vote at the July 25 meeting.

• Variance and conditions for 1225 Atwood Ave (Zone B1) – curb cut closure, 5‑ft buffer strip, shade trees, fence replacement, parking restrictions for light trucks
• Special‑use permit for 1665 Hartford Ave (Zone B2) – doggie day‑care center, max 10 dogs, noise control, waste‑removal schedule, subject to town approval

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider a resolution to transfer $2,350,000 of surplus funds to the Capital Projects Fund for road improvement and maintenance projects for fiscal year 2024‑2025. The council will also place six charter amendment questions on the November 5, 2024 general‑election ballot, covering school‑committee representation, four‑year council terms, code‑of‑ethics compliance, creation of an auxiliary judge of probate, budget introduction and enactment, and audit standards. The meeting includes roll call and follows Rhode Island’s open‑meetings law.

• Resolution 2024-33: Transfer $2,350,000 surplus to Capital Projects Fund for road improvement and maintenance
• Resolution 2024-34: Ballot question to amend charter on Town representation on the School Committee
• Resolution 2024-35: Ballot question to amend charter to establish a four‑year term for Town Council members
• Resolution 2024-36: Ballot question to amend charter to require adherence to the Code of Ethics
• Resolution 2024-37: Ballot question to amend charter to create the position of Auxiliary Judge of Probate

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a permit application for 32 housing units at 198 Shun Pike. The project includes 16 deed-restricted units for low- and moderate-income households. The board will also discuss a draft zoning ordinance update and a new land use map.

• Public hearing for Western Meadows development at 198 Shun Pike
• Review of draft zoning ordinance update
• Review of Draft Land Use Map

Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will review several ordinances, including the creation of a Re-Development Agency and updates to zoning laws. The agenda also includes petitions for utility pole installations on Orchard Court and speed calming on River Drive. Additionally, the council will hear a presentation regarding the 2023 financial audit results.

• Ordinance authorizing borrowing up to $300,000 for stormwater and sewer improvements
• Ordinance creating a new Re-Development Agency
• Petition to install five new utility poles on Orchard Court
• Resolution for a conceptual design proposal regarding Pocasset Reserve Stormwater Flooding
• Resolution for the development of a Master Plan for Woodlake Park

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review met on June 27, 2024, to review property petitions. The board approved a detached garage expansion for a single-family dwelling at 51 Bishop Hill Rd. A petition regarding business use and an apartment at 1225 Atwood Ave was continued until July 25, 2024.

• Approved garage expansion for single-family dwelling at 51 Bishop Hill Rd
• Continued petition for business use and apartment at 1225 Atwood Ave until July 25, 2024
• Approved minutes from the May 30, 2024, meeting

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a budget hearing and review ordinances. The agenda includes a public hearing for the fiscal year 2025 town budget and a resolution regarding fund transfers.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 2024-6 regarding the $134,342,201 town budget and tax levy
• Resolution 2024-27 to transfer $400,000 to the OPEB Trust Fund from healthcare reserves
• Reading of Ordinance 2024-7 for property tax assessment and collection

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will review resolutions regarding infrastructure, including drainage improvements for Hartford and Atwood Avenues. The Council will also consider a $300,000 loan for a new Waste Water Management District. Additionally, there will be a presentation on the School Deficit Report.

• Resolution 2024-23: Engineering services for Hartford and Atwood Avenue drainage with an $85,000 allocation
• Resolution 2024-26: Creation of a Waste Water Management District and acceptance of a $300,000 loan
• Presentation regarding the School Deficit Report
• Resolution 2024-25: Using ARPA funds for a bocce court enclosure at the Johnston Senior Center
• Ordinance 2024-3: Amending Municipal Court Judges' discretionary authority

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board approved preliminary plans and variances for minor subdivisions at 63 Borden Avenue and 9 & 11 Ludlow Street. The board also issued a favorable opinion regarding zoning amendments for animal services. Additionally, members discussed restructuring the town's zoning ordinance to align with state law.

• Approved subdivision and variances for 63 Borden Avenue
• Approved subdivision and variances for 9 & 11 Ludlow Street
• Sent advisory opinion on 37 Dyersville Avenue lot sale to Town Council
• Issued favorable opinion on animal service zoning amendments
• Discussed restructuring of the town's zoning ordinance

Cancelled Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review will not hold its scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 30, 2024. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision, only the cancellation notice.

• Meeting cancelled for May 30, 2024

Special Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will consider Resolution 2024-20, which authorizes a change order to replace two planned storage buildings for Police and Fire with a Multi-Purpose Building at Woodlake Park and a Facilities Building at Memorial Park. The Finance Department will also present an update on funding for the Town Storage Building Projects. This item was tabled from the May 13 meeting.

• Resolution 2024-20: change order to MD Development agreement for Woodlake Park Multi-Purpose Building and Memorial Park Facilities Building
• Finance Department update on funding status for Town Storage Building Projects

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider multiple resolutions including awarding an IT services contract, authorizing flood-prone property acquisitions on Salina Avenue, updating the Sewer Facilities Plan, and addressing drainage at War Memorial Park. The agenda also includes a presentation from the Charter Review Commission and numerous business license renewals.

• Resolution 2024-10: Authorizing agreement with Northern RI Conservation District to acquire three properties on Salina Avenue for flood mitigation
• Resolution 2024-9: Awarding bid for IT services for support and maintenance of town computer network
• Resolution 2024-11: Awarding bid for update to Town's Sewer Facilities Plan
• Resolution 2024-18: Change order for water, sewer, and electric installation for Splash Pad at Johnston War Memorial Park
• Resolution 2024-20: Change order to construct Multi-Purpose Building at Woodlake Park and Facilities Building at Memorial Park instead of two storage buildings

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board approved a 24-unit age-restricted housing development at 1725 Plainfield Pike, subject to conditions including a final drainage report and fire marshal review. A public hearing for a minor land development at 138 Scituate Avenue was continued to the next meeting due to an incorrect address. The board also discussed a major update to the town's zoning ordinance.

• Approved PB 23-04 (1725 Plainfield Pike): 12 buildings with 24 housing units, age 55+, subject to staff report, drainage report, fire marshal report, and additional vegetation
• Continued PB 24-13 (138 Scituate Avenue): Minor land development to create two lots; applicant must renotify abutters and publish corrected notice
• Discussed PB 23-12: Zoning ordinance update to align with state law changes

Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review met on April 25, 2024, to approve two new garage construction petitions and one extension. The board voted unanimously to approve a detached two-car garage at 61 Lookout Avenue and a special use permit for a storage-only garage at 17 Jenckes Street. Additionally, the board granted a two-year extension for a project at 279 Scituate Avenue.

• Approved detached two-car garage and new driveway at 61 Lookout Ave (R15 zone)
• Approved special use permit for free-standing 2-car garage at 17 Jenckes Street (B2 zone) with storage-only restriction
• Granted 2-year extension for 279 Scituate Ave

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold public hearings on two ordinances: one setting new guidelines for mobile food trucks and park events, and another approving a revised tax stabilization agreement with Amazon.com Services. The council will also vote on several business licenses and a request to purchase a vacant lot.

• Ordinance 2024-5: Tax stabilization agreement with Amazon.com Services, LLC
• Ordinance 2024-4: New rules for mobile food truck events and park use
• Ordinance 2024-3: Amending municipal court judge discretionary authority
• Business license transfers for Johnston Express (1209 Hartford Ave) and Famous Pizza (2071 Plainfield Pike)
• Petition to purchase vacant abutting parcel (Plat 13, Lot 142) for Planning Board review

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board held its monthly meeting, approving a minor land development for a countertop fabrication business, granting one-year extensions for several master plan approvals, and discussing zoning ordinance updates and state law changes. The meeting was largely procedural, with most items approved by voice vote.

• Approved PB 24-10: Compass Stone & Tile, Inc., 1763 & 1765 Plainfield Pike, for countertop fabrication with outside storage in B-2 zone
• Approved one-year extensions for master plans at Winsor Avenue, Harilla Lane, Elmgrove Avenue, and SASA-29 Pleasant Street
• Ratified calling performance bond for Alexandria Way (AP 30 Lot 16)
• Discussed Mill Street Apartments (64 Mill Street) preliminary plan after ownership change
• Reviewed draft zoning ordinance restructuring due to state law changes

Cancelled Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Johnston Senior Center. No items will be heard or discussed at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled — no business conducted

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2024-5, which would approve a revised Tax Stabilization Agreement with Amazon.com Services, LLC. The agreement sets a stabilized amount of taxes on certain real and personal property owned by Amazon in town. The Council may vote on this item.

• Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2024-5 for a revised Tax Stabilization Agreement with Amazon.com Services, LLC
• Agreement establishes a stabilized tax amount for Amazon's real and personal property in Johnston

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to amend firefighter and police pension fund rules and another on municipal court judges' discretionary authority. They will also read an ordinance setting guidelines for mobile food truck events and park events, and consider a resolution requesting state authority for the municipal court to handle housing violations. Several business license applications and claims for damages are on the agenda.

• Ordinance 2024-4: sets guidelines for Mobile Food Truck Events and events in Town Parks
• Resolution 2024-8: requests RI General Assembly to give Johnston Municipal Court authority for housing violations
• Public hearing on Ordinance 2024-2: amends Firefighter and Police Officer Pension Fund
• Public hearing on Ordinance 2024-3: amends discretionary authority of Municipal Court Judges
• Claims: Teresa Russillo (sewer back-up), Cynthia Johnson (vehicle damage), Marisa Devine (vehicle damage)

Special Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council is holding a special meeting to enter executive session under state law to discuss the pending lawsuit Wilcox v. The Town of Johnston, et al. (case 1:22-CV-00282-MSM-PAS). After the closed discussion, the council will return to open session to vote on sealing the minutes and then adjourn. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Executive session for discussion of Wilcox v. The Town of Johnston lawsuit
• Return to open session and vote on sealing the minutes
• Meeting at Johnston Municipal Court, 1600 Atwood Avenue

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will consider several resolutions and ordinances at its February 12 meeting. Key items include a resolution authorizing the mayor to seek state legislation for up to $40,000,000 in general obligation bonds to finance stormwater and sewer facility improvements across town. The council will also hold public hearings on a commercial building size regulation ordinance and a zone change for six parcels on Assessor's Plat 5 from R-20 to Industrial-L.

• Resolution 2024-7: Request to state legislature for $40,000,000 bond for stormwater and sewer facilities
• Public hearing on Ordinance 2023-17 regulating commercial building sizes (continued from Jan. 8)
• Public hearing on Ordinance 2024-1: Zone change for Plat 5, Lots 213, 232, 234, 238, 262 & 263 from R-20 to Industrial-L
• Resolution 2024-2: PILOT and scholarship agreement with Central Pike Realty, LLC and Central Pike Solar, LLC
• Resolution 2024-3: Bid award for utilities installation for Splash Pad at Johnston War Memorial Park

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board voted to adopt revised Land Development and Subdivision Regulations to comply with state law, and approved an extension of the preliminary plan for a continuing care retirement community at 80 Morgan Avenue. The board also discussed the Comprehensive Plan update. No new business was presented.

• Approved extension of Preliminary Plan for PB 19-31 (80 Morgan Avenue, AP 8 Lots 1 and 276) for a PD-CCRC; septic/sewer repair schedule due by Friday
• Adopted revised Land Development and Subdivision Regulations (PB23-34) to conform with state law
• Discussed the Johnston Comprehensive Plan (PB 22-57)

Regular Zoning Board Meeting

The Johnston Zoning Board of Review voted to deny a special use permit for a 19 MW solar field on a 160-acre parcel at 118 Winsor Avenue. The board also granted a special use permit for construction equipment leasing at 2200 Hartford Avenue, a dimensional variance at 111 Grand View Avenue, and an auto sales permit at 5 Mowry Avenue with conditions. Officers were re-elected and Anthony Pilozzi was appointed to the Johnston Land Trust.

• Denied special use permit for Johnston Winsor III, LLC: 19 MW solar field on 160 acres at 118 Winsor Avenue (R-40 zone)
• Granted special use permit for Bear Boy Holdings, LLC: construction equipment leasing with outdoor storage at 2200 Hartford Avenue (B-2 zone)
• Granted dimensional variance for Albert S. Iemma: two existing dwellings on separate lots at 111 Grand View Avenue (R-15 zone)
• Granted special use permit for Dana Palangio/KPJ Realty, LLC: auto sales and rentals at 5 Mowry Avenue (B-2 zone) with conditions (max 10 cars, improvements, 6-month probation)
• Re-elected all officers and appointed Anthony Pilozzi to the Johnston Land Trust

Regular Planning Board Meeting

The Johnston Planning Board held its monthly meeting, approving minutes and taking action on several items. The board removed an access easement condition from the Cherry Blossom Estates preliminary plan, continued draft revisions to land development and zoning regulations, approved a minor subdivision for an undersized lot at 41 Tartaglia Street, and received an update on the Comprehensive Plan.

• Approved removal of access easement condition from Cherry Blossom Estates preliminary plan (PB 21-4)
• Continued draft revisions to Land Development and Subdivision Regulations to conform with state law (PB 23-34)
• Continued draft revisions to Zoning Ordinance to conform with state law (PB 23-35)
• Approved minor subdivision and dimensional variance for undersized lot at 41 Tartaglia Street, AP 27 Lot 60, zoned R-20 (PB 24-01)
• Received update on Johnston Comprehensive Plan (PB 22-57)

Town Council Meeting

The Johnston Town Council will hold a public hearing on a zone map change for several lots from R-20 to Industrial-I-L, and consider a restaurant license for Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers at 1386 Atwood Avenue. Other business includes a proposal for a truck-only entrance at Market Basket, presentations on pension and actuarial valuations, and a resolution to release a performance bond for Boulder Hill Development.

• Zone map change petition for Plat 5, Lots 213, 232, 234, 238, 262 & 263 from R-20 to Industrial-I-L
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers restaurant license for 1386 Atwood Avenue (continued from Dec. 11)
• Resolution 2024-1 releasing performance bond for Boulder Hill Development and accepting Golden View Drive as public road
• Ordinance 2023-17 to regulate size of commercial buildings (continued from Dec. 11)
• Ordinance 2023-18 zone map change for Plat 42, Lots 31, 104 & 105 (Sunn Builders)