New Shoreham, RI

Town Council Meeting

4:00pm Town Council Meeting

Zoning Board of Review

Zoning Board of Review

The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will hold a meeting on August 26, 2026, to consider three special use permit applications and one variance request. The applications involve property alterations on West Side Road, Spring Street, and Coast Guard Road, and a public hearing for a variance on an addition to a dwelling. The board will also approve minutes from a previous meeting.

• Special use permit and variance for razing/rebuilding accessory structure, deck modifications, and pool at 867 West Side Road (Plat 15, Lot 30-1)
• Special use permit for shoreline alterations to slow coastal bluff erosion at 22 Spring Street (Plat 8, Lot 77)
• Special use permit for addition to structure in Coastal Zone at 1199 Coast Guard Road (Plat 19, Lot 25)
• Public hearing for variance for addition to single-family dwelling (Plat 3, Lot 108)
• Approval of minutes

Historic District Commission

The New Shoreham Historic District Commission will hold a public meeting to review four applications, including a proposal to demolish the Benjamin Rose House on Old Town Road and build a new single-family dwelling. Other items include enclosing generator controls at a sewer pump station, replacing a porch, and adding to a shed/office. The commission will also approve minutes from the July 27 meeting.

• Demolition of Benjamin Rose House and new single-family dwelling, Plat 6, Lot 2-2, Old Town Road
• Enclose generator controls at sewer pump station, Plat 6, Lot 4, Ocean Ave
• In-kind porch replacement at The Narragansett, Plat 5, Lot 69-1, West Side Road
• Extend shed/storage and add office at 461 Chapel Street, Plat 6, Lot 87
• Approval of minutes from July 27, 2026

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss and act on several items, including a resolution to establish a fourth $300,000 line of credit with RIIB for the Community Septic System Loan Program and to increase the maximum loan amount to $40,000. They will also hold a public hearing on a liquor license expansion for Block Island Beach House, discuss job performance appraisal tools for the Town Manager, and receive reports on finances and town operations.

• Public hearing on liquor service area expansion for Block Island Beach House, 32 Dodge Street, Plat 6, Lots 142 & 143, to include abutting Lot 138
• Resolution to establish a fourth $300,000 non-restoring line of credit with RIIB for the Community Septic System Loan Program, increasing max loan to $40,000
• Ratify submission of Rural Community Health Networks Development Grant Application under the Rural Health Transformation Program
• Announce vacancies on multiple boards and commissions, including Police Advisory Commission and School Building Committee
• Discuss job performance appraisal tools for Town Manager evaluation

Police Advisory Commission

The Police Advisory Commission will elect officers, review and act on minutes from January 2026, discuss any community feedback, and receive an update from Police Chief Paul Deane. The meeting is open for public input and will set the next meeting date.

• Elect officers for the commission
• Discuss and act on minutes of January 12, 2026 meeting
• Discuss and act on community feedback, if any
• Update from Police Chief Paul Deane

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss zoning ordinance changes and the job performance of the Town Manager. The body will also act on several lease agreements and a roadway improvement contract.

• Public hearing on amendments to the New Shoreham Zoning Ordinance across multiple articles and sections
• Award bid for 2027 Roadway Improvements (Grace's Cove) to Ocean State Sitework & Hauling, LLC for $289,500
• Public hearing on an Outdoor Entertainment License for TMG BI Operating, LLC (OneBI Steak & Oyster) at 212 Water Street
• Action on a 99-year lease with Block Island Post No. 36 American Legion
• Discussion on increasing fines for Outdoor Entertainment License violations

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, consider awarding a $289,500 road improvement contract, and discuss a 99-year lease with the American Legion. The agenda also includes a closed-session discussion of the Town Manager's job performance, a continued hearing on an outdoor entertainment license, and several routine items such as consent agenda approvals and board appointments.

• Public hearing on zoning ordinance amendments (Articles 2-5, 7)
• Award bid for 2027 Roadway Improvements - Grace's Cove to Ocean State Sitework & Hauling, LLC for $289,500
• 99-year lease with Block Island Post No. 36 American Legion, Plat 5, Lot 71
• Continued hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License for OneBI Steak & Oyster, 212 Water Street
• Discussion on increasing fine for Outdoor Entertainment License violations

12:00pm Town Council - License Comm

The Board of License Commissioners will hold a show cause hearing for TMG BI Operating LLC, doing business as OneBI Steak & Oyster at 212 Water Street, regarding alleged violations of town ordinances and outdoor entertainment license provisions. The business is accused of unlawfully allowing outdoor entertainment or amplification of sound outside the permitted hours of Monday through Sunday from 12:00 noon to 9:00pm. The board will consider whether to revoke, cancel, suspend the license, or impose fines or other penalties.

• Show cause hearing for TMG BI Operating LLC d/b/a OneBI Steak & Oyster, 212 Water Street, Plat 6, Lot 157, regarding alleged outdoor entertainment and sound amplification violations outside permitted hours

12:00pm Town Council - License Comm

The Board of License Commissioners will hold a show cause hearing for TMG BI Operating LLC, doing business as OneBI Steak & Oyster at 212 Water Street. The hearing addresses alleged violations of town ordinances and outdoor entertainment license provisions, specifically allowing amplified sound outside the permitted hours of noon to 9 p.m. The board will consider whether to revoke, suspend, or fine the license.

• Show cause hearing for OneBI Steak & Oyster, 212 Water Street, regarding alleged outdoor entertainment and sound amplification outside allowed hours (12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
• Possible outcomes: revocation, suspension, cancellation of outdoor entertainment license, or imposition of fines

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider two final applications regarding exterior construction. The body will review a request for a new single-family home and a request for a dumpster screening fence.

• Application by John Spier (Casa Ladera, LLC) for a single-family dwelling at Plat 6, Lot 2-3, Old Town Road
• Application by the Town and BIMI for a screening fence around a dumpster at 119 Ocean Ave (Plat 5, Lot 64-2)

Town Council Meeting

The council will hold a closed‑session discussion on collective‑bargaining negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 720. Several public hearings will address proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including adding “Game Rooms” to the Old Harbor Commercial Zone and changes to affordable‑housing, accessory‑use and parking rules. The council will vote on a $289,500 award to Grace's Cove to Ocean State Sitework & Hauling, LLC for 2027 roadway improvements and review financial reports.

• Closed‑session discussion on negotiations with International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 720
• Public hearing on outdoor entertainment license for TMG BI Operating, LLC d/b/a OneBI Steak & Oyster, 212 Water Street
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance adding “Game Rooms” to Old Harbor Commercial Zone
• Award of $289,500 contract to Grace's Cove to Ocean State Sitework & Hauling, LLC for 2027 Roadway Improvements
• Amendment to General Ordinance Chapter 8, Article X Special Events

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council and Board of License Commissioners will hold public hearings and votes on several items, including a police union contract, a zoning amendment to allow game rooms, and a $289,500 road improvement bid. The agenda also includes multiple ordinance amendments and a special events license hearing.

• Police union contract negotiations (closed session)
• Outdoor entertainment license for OneBI Steak & Oyster, 212 Water Street
• Zoning amendment to add 'Game Rooms' as permitted use in Old Harbor Commercial Zone
• Bid award for 2027 Roadway Improvements - Grace's Cove to Ocean State Sitework & Hauling, LLC for $289,500
• Amendments to ordinances on fire alarms, special events, and shellfishing

Zoning Board of Review

The Zoning Board of Review will hold a public hearing on July 22, 2026, to consider a variance for a home addition and a special use permit for a secondary dwelling. The meeting will take place at Town Hall in New Shoreham.

• Public hearing: Gorayeb, Christopher J. — Special Use Permit for secondary dwelling
• Public hearing: Demos, The Family Trust — Variance for home addition
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Meeting location: Town Hall, 16 Old Town Road, Block Island, RI

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding amusement license conditions and restrictions. The body will also discuss zoning ordinance amendments and award on-call engineering services.

• Public hearing on General Ordinances Chapter 8, Article II Amusements (8-18 and 8-21)
• Proposed $10,000 allocation for Block Island Ticks and Tick-borne Pathogen Surveillance Pilot Program
• Award for On-Call Engineering Services to James J. Geremia & Associates, Inc., VHB, Inc., Foth Infrastructure & Environmental, LLC, and GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
• Special Temporary Permit request for habitation trailers at 777 Mitchell Lane and 967 West Beach Road
• Mobile Food Establishment permit for Payne’s Killer Donuts at Plat 5, Lot 104, Ocean Avenue

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to Chapter 8 of the General Ordinances regarding amusement license conditions and restrictions. The Council will also discuss a request to reduce game license fees, set a public hearing date for zoning ordinance amendments, consider a special temporary permit for a trailer for habitation on two properties, and decide whether to allocate $10,000 for a tick surveillance pilot program. Additionally, the Council will acknowledge resignations from committees and announce vacancies.

• Hold public hearing on amendments to amusement license conditions (Chapter 8, Article II, 8-18 & 8-21)
• Discuss request from Gary Pollard for reduction in game license fees
• Set public hearing date for zoning ordinance amendments covering multiple sections
• Consider special temporary permit for trailer for habitation at 777 Mitchell Lane and 967 West Beach Road
• Act on recommendation to allocate $10,000 for Block Island Tick Surveillance Pilot Program through RI DEM

Town Council Meeting

The council will administer the oath of office for a newly appointed member. It will receive an update from the Architectural & Engineering team on the Block Island School construction, covering schedule, concept development, and next steps. The body will also discuss challenges, funding, timeline, and key milestones for the project.

• Swear in newly appointed Town Council member
• Receive update on Block Island School construction from Architectural & Engineering team
• Review schedule and overview of the school project
• Discuss community engagement and concept development for the school
• Discuss challenges, funding, timeline, and key milestones for the school project

Zoning Board of Review

The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review will consider a variance request from Franklin Swamp, LLC for setback relief to install a 14’x30’ inground pool on Plat 15, Lot 39-4 (Fire #1452 West Side Road). It will also hear a public variance request from the Demos Family Trust for an addition to a single‑family home on Plat 3, Lot 108, and a second extension request for a special‑use permit by Christopher J. Gorayeb on Plat 19, Lot 37. Two additional variance decisions involve an administrative subdivision affecting Plat 3, Lots 138 and 139, and the board will approve the meeting minutes.

• Application: Christopher J. Gorayeb seeks a two‑year extension of a 2023 special‑use permit for a secondary dwelling on Plat 19, Lot 37 (Fire #919 Champlin Road).
• Public hearing: Demos Family Trust requests a variance for an addition to a single‑family dwelling on Plat 3, Lot 108.
• Decision: Franklin Swamp, LLC requests a variance for setback relief to install a 14’x30’ inground pool on Plat 15, Lot 39‑4 (Fire #1452 West Side Road).
• Decision: Variance for an administrative subdivision changing lot lines between Plat 3, Lot 138 (Fire #1784 Mansion Beach Road) and Lot 139 (Fire #697 Mansion Road).
• Other business: Approval of meeting minutes.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review applications for four new signs at various business and association locations. The body will also discuss the historical and architectural values of properties in Area 1 Map regarding a potential expansion of the Historic District.

• New sign application for Salt Pond Settlement at 72 Westside Road
• New sign application for Block Market Second Path on Water Street
• New sign application for Drift Island Spa on Water Street
• New sign application for Wetherbee’s on Connecticut Ave.
• Discussion of potential Historic District expansion in Area 1 Map

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold public hearings regarding zoning amendments for trailers and special use permits, as well as veterans' tax exemptions. The body will also discuss police and employee contracts and consider terminating a road maintenance agreement with the DOT.

• Public hearing on Block Island Veterinary Initiative application to amend zoning regarding trailers
• Public hearing on amendments to General Ordinance Chapter 17 regarding veterans' tax exemptions
• Approval of contract for RI Council 94 AFSCME, AFL-CIO Local 2855 New Shoreham Employee’s Association (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030)
• Authorization of awards for on-call engineering services to James J. Geremia & Associates, VHB, Foth Infrastructure & Environmental, and GZA GeoEnvironmental
• Discussion on employment contract for Public Works Director Michael Shea through December 31, 2028

AGENDA - Jun. 10, 2026 - Planning Board Public Notice

The New Shoreham Planning Board will review and act on several amendments to the town’s Zoning Ordinance, each with a recommendation to the Town Council for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Items include a cannabis establishment proposal, provisions for manufactured homes, adaptive reuse uses, and an outdoor lighting ordinance update. A non‑conformance amendment and a revision to Zoning Appendix B are also on the agenda. The meeting will conclude with approval of the previous minutes.

• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance – Non‑Conformance (Sections 113 & 401)
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance – Cannabis Establishment (Sections 202, 311, 312, 313, 427)
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance – Manufactured Homes (Sections 202, 306‑313, 319, 322, 506)
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance – Adaptive Reuse (Sections 114, 306‑313, 319, 322, 502, 520)
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance – Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (Section 512)

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will meet to discuss proposed zoning ordinance amendments with the Planning Board and a land use attorney. The council will also act on parking considerations for Old Harbor Dock and swear in a new member.

• Proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding Non-Conformance (Sections 113 & 401)
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding RA & RB total living area (Sections 306 & 307)
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment regarding Development Plan Review
• Action on Old Harbor Dock parking considerations
• Update on Rural Health Transformation Grant

AGENDA - Jun. 3, 2026 - Planning Board Public Notice

The Planning Board will meet with Town Council members, a planner, and a land use attorney. They will discuss proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding non-conformance, total living area in RA and RB zones, and development plan review.

• Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding Non-Conformance (Sections 113 & 401)
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding RA & RB total living area (Sections 306 & 307)
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding Development Plan Review

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss collective‑bargaining negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 720 in a closed session. It will also swear in Second Warden Margaret O’Neill, hold a public hearing on an outdoor entertainment license for TMG BI Operating, LLC d/b/a OneBI Steak & Oyster at 212 Water Street, and adopt a proclamation honoring Block Island School graduates. Additional items include consent‑agenda approvals, committee updates, public hearings to amend zoning for Game Rooms and Disc Golf, and borrowing resolutions authorizing bonds up to $3,200,000 for shoreline work, $1,000,000 for roads and bridges, $942,000 for water‑district improvements, and $1,100,000 for a fire engine.

• Closed‑session discussion of negotiations with International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 720
• Public hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License for TMG BI Operating, LLC d/b/a OneBI Steak & Oyster, 212 Water Street
• Public hearing to amend Zoning Ordinance adding Game Rooms in Old Harbor Commercial Zone
• Public hearing to amend Zoning Ordinance adding Disc Golf in Residential A Zone
• Borrowing resolutions authorizing bonds up to $3,200,000 for shoreline stabilization, $1,000,000 for roads/bridges, $942,000 for water‑district improvements, and $1,100,000 for fire engine acquisition

Zoning Board of Review

The New Shoreham Zoning Board of Review meets on May 27, 2026 at Town Hall to decide a variance request for Jonmathew H. Swienton’s Beach Avenue property, merging Lots 31 and 32 for a single‑family dwelling. The board will also hold public hearings on several other variance and special‑use permit applications, including a pool setback relief, lot‑line changes, and a withdrawal request for a renovation permit. Minutes from the previous meeting will be approved.

• Decision: Variance (Sections 310(C) & 314(A)) for Jonmathew H. Swienton, Plat 5, Lots 31‑32, Beach Avenue – merge lots for a single‑family dwelling.
• Public hearing: Mark Masiello, Plat 15, Lot 132, Old Dunn Road – second request for two‑year extension of 2022 variance (Section 306(C)) to demolish and rebuild a single‑family dwelling and accessory structures.
• Public hearing: Franklin Swamp, LLC, Plat 15, Lot 39‑4, West Side Road – variance (Section 306(C)) for setback relief for a 14’ x 30’ inground pool.
• Public hearing: Heather & Shan Prendergast (Lot 139) and Peter Bates & Kelly Conway (Lot 138), Plat 3, Mansion Road – variance (Sections 306 & 706) for administrative subdivision altering lot lines.
• Public hearing: Alexander & Karan Taylor, Plat 15, Lot 30‑1, West Side Road – special‑use permit (Sections 306(E) & 403) to renovate an accessory residential structure and add a swimming pool, with a request to withdraw.

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will hold public hearings on zoning changes for game rooms and disc golf, as well as property tax classifications. The body will also discuss police contract negotiations and requests from the Manissean Tribal Community.

• Public hearing on Gary Pollard's application to allow game rooms in the Old Harbor Commercial Zone
• Public hearing on Block Island Land Trust's application to add disc golf to Residential A Zone special use permits
• Public hearing on amendments to General Ordinance Chapter 17 regarding property tax classification
• Discussion on a tribal camping pilot program and fishing/clamming licenses for the Manissean Tribal Community
• Action on the resignation of Nancy O. Dodge from the position of Second Warden

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider an application from John Spier of Casa Ladera, LLC to build a single‑family dwelling on Plat 6, Lot 2‑3 of Old Town Road. The commission will also discuss the historical and architectural values of properties in Area 1 and the potential expansion of the historic district. Minutes from the April 27, 2026 meeting will be approved.

• Application by John Spier (Casa Ladera, LLC) to construct a single‑family dwelling on Plat 6, Lot 2‑3, Old Town Road
• Discussion of historical and architectural values of properties in Area 1 and potential historic district expansion
• Approval of minutes from the April 27, 2026 meeting

AGENDA - May 13, 2026 - Planning Board Public Notice

The New Shoreham Planning Board will discuss and act on several zoning amendment applications, including a proposal for disc‑golf facilities and a mobile veterinary unit. It will also review amendments related to a cannabis establishment, outdoor lighting standards, and definitions for manufactured homes. The board will consider a change to the September meeting date and approve the meeting minutes.

• Application to amend Zoning Ordinance Sections 306(E) and 410(B)(2) for disc‑golf (Block Island Land Trust)
• Application to amend Zoning Ordinance Sections 111 and 112 for a mobile veterinary unit (Block Island Veterinary Initiative)
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance for a cannabis establishment (Sections 202, 311, 312, 313, 427)
• Amendment to Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, Section 512
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinance definitions for manufactured homes (Sections 202, 306‑313, 319, 506)

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss collective bargaining negotiations with the New Shoreham Employee’s Association. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding amendments to motor vehicle for hire regulations and consider grant agreements for infrastructure and recreation.

• Negotiations with RI Council 94 AFSCME, AFL-CIO Local 2855 New Shoreham Employee’s Association
• $100,000 grant for construction of pickleball courts
• $115,000 grant for West Beach Road Design
• Public hearing on General Ordinance amendments for Motor Vehicles for Hire (8-161 through 8-167)
• Request to the General Assembly to increase penalties for Sewer District rule violations

Town Council Meeting

The New Shoreham Town Council will discuss collective bargaining negotiations with the town employee association, acknowledge the loss of the police department K9, and vote on several consent agenda items. The consent agenda includes approval of a $100,000 recreational grant for pickleball courts and a $115,000 sewer overflow and stormwater reuse grant for West Beach Road design. A public hearing will be held on an amendment to the Motor Vehicles for Hire ordinance. Additional items cover board resignations, vacancies, and legislative updates.

• Negotiations between RI Council 94 AFSCME, AFL‑CIO Local 2855, New Shoreham Employee’s Association and the town (closed session)
• Acknowledgment of the loss of New Shoreham Police Department K9 Marcus
• Approval of $100,000 Recreational Grant for construction of pickleball courts
• Approval of $115,000 Sewer Overflow & Stormwater Reuse Grant for West Beach Road design
• Public hearing on amendment to Chapter 8, Article VII Motor Vehicles for Hire ordinance

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider an application by John Spier of Casa Ladera, LLC to construct a single‑family dwelling on Plat 6, Lot 2‑3, Old Town Road. It will also review an application by the Solar Initiative for an electric car charging station and related signage at Plat 6, Lot 71, Fire #16 Old Town Road, as well as a sign request from the Block Island Historical Society at Plat 6, Lot 1, Fire #18 Old Town Road. The commission will discuss the historical and architectural values of properties in Area 1 and the potential expansion of the historic district, and will approve the March 23, 2026 minutes.

• Application by John Spier (Casa Ladera, LLC) to construct a single‑family dwelling on Plat 6, Lot 2‑3, Old Town Road.
• Application by the Solar Initiative for an electric car charging station on Town of New Shoreham, Plat 6, Lot 71, Fire #16 Old Town Road.
• Sign application by the Solar Initiative for electric car charging station signs at the same location.
• Sign application by Lesley Helterline (Block Island Historical Society) for a new historical society sign at Plat 6, Lot 1, Fire #18 Old Town Road.
• Discussion of historical and architectural values of properties in Area 1 and potential expansion of the Historic District; approval of March 23, 2026 minutes.

Zoning Board of Review

The Zoning Board of Review will meet to hear variance applications for a single-family dwelling on Beach Avenue and a request to continue a hearing for a home addition. The agenda also includes the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Public hearing: Variance for Swienton, Jonmathew H., Plat 5, Lots 31 and 32, Beach Avenue
• Public hearing: Request for continuance for Demos, The Family Trust, Plat 3, Lot 108
• Approval of Minutes