Westerly, RI

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Westerly Town Council will discuss an emergency ordinance that sets water consumption restrictions and penalties for waste. It will also consider several proposed ordinances, including one that sets water rate schedules for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year, another that updates business registration fees and procedures, and a moratorium on new data centers. Additionally, the Council will review a resolution asking the state to amend term‑limit rules for the Westerly Housing Authority commissioners.

• Emergency Ordinance imposing a penalty for willful wasting of water (water consumption restrictions)
• Proposed Ordinance setting water rate schedules for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year (Water Quality Protection Charge)
• Proposed Ordinance amending Business Registration fees and procedures (Chapter 94A)
• Proposed Ordinance imposing a one‑year moratorium on all data centers
• Resolution requesting delegation to the General Assembly to amend RIGL §45‑26‑4 for Housing Authority commissioner term limits

School Committee Meeting

The Westerly School Committee will meet to discuss and potentially vote on a financial report. The committee is also conducting a first reading of a revision to the Field Trip-Student Travel Policy 6170.

• Financial Report (Discussion/Action/Potential Vote)
• First Reading: Field Trip-Student Travel Policy 6170 Revision
• Home School Approvals
• Senior Project presentation

School Committee Meeting

School Committee Meeting

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board is holding a special meeting to review administrative reports. The primary item for discussion is an advisory to the Town Council regarding alternative sites for a bus garage.

• Advisory to Town Council regarding Bus Garage Alternative Sites

Regular Town Council Meeting

Licensing Board Meeting

The Licensing Board will review several one-time event permits and ratify past event licenses. The board will also hold public hearings regarding extended operating hours for two businesses on Post Road.

• Public hearing for Bid L’s Baked LLC (dba Honey Dew) at 240 Post Rd for extended hours (2:00 am – 6:00 am)
• Public hearing for Apres Management Company (dba Dunkin Donuts) at 227 Post Rd
• One-time event permits for Tunes on the Dunes Summer Concerts at 365 Atlantic Ave (requesting fee waiver)
• One-time event permits for Smokey Bear Parade at 1 Langworthy Rd
• Class F and F-1 liquor licenses for Westerly Land Trust Farm Dinner and American Cheese & Spirits tasting

Zoning Board Meeting

The Westerly Zoning Board will hold public hearings on two variance applications. One seeks front yard setback variances for a porch and garage addition at 42 Governor Avenue, and the other seeks side yard and height variances to renovate an accessory structure at 8 Manatuck Avenue. The board will also approve minutes from the June 10 meeting. No other substantive items are listed.

• Margaret Leffert, 42 Governor Avenue: 13.5-ft front yard setback variance for covered front porch, 14.9-ft for porch stairs, 3.1-ft for two-story garage addition (Plat 142, Lot 34, Zone HDR-10)
• BRENDA WINIARSKI 2015 FAMILY TRUST, 8 Manatuck Avenue: 25.8-ft north side yard, 15.1-ft east side yard, 4.6-ft height variances to renovate accessory structure, expand roof for second-floor living area, reduce bedrooms to one (Plat 180, Lot 26, Zone LDR-43)
• Approval of minutes from June 10, 2026 meeting

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Westerly Town Council will hold public hearings on three proposed ordinances: setting water rate schedules for 2026-2027, amending business registration fees and procedures, and imposing a one-year moratorium on all data centers. Under new business, the council will discuss and possibly vote on placing charter revision questions on the November 2026 ballot and will discuss short-term rental registration and zoning amendments. The agenda also includes consent calendar items approving litigation payments totaling $28,848.97 and a Harbor Management Commission appointment.

• Public hearing on ordinance setting water rate schedules for 2026-2027 fiscal year
• Public hearing on one-year moratorium on all data centers
• Resolution authorizing local charter revision questions for November 3, 2026 general election
• Discussion of short-term rental registration ordinance and zoning amendments
• Consent calendar: payments to law offices of Lauren E. Jones ($20,688.97) and Cameron & Mittleman LLP ($8,160.00)

Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board Meeting

The Westerly Planning Board will hold a preliminary plan review for the Misquamicut Fire Station expansion at 65 Crandall Avenue, with possible action or continuation of a public hearing. The board will also receive a presentation on the Affordable Housing Tracker and discuss future agenda items. The meeting is largely procedural, with no old business on the agenda.

• Preliminary Plan Review for Misquamicut Fire Station Expansion (65 Crandall Avenue, Assessor's Map 164, Lot 214)
• Affordable Housing Tracker presentation by Planning Intern Mary Carter
• Approval of June 16, 2026 meeting minutes
• Confirmation of quorum for August 18, 2026 regular meeting

School Committee Meeting

The Westerly School Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially vote on the district's financial report, approve the consent agenda (minutes and home school approvals), and hold a first reading of a revised field trip/student travel policy. The agenda also includes reports from the superintendent and assistant superintendent, a senior project presentation, and public comment periods.

• Financial Report: Discussion/Action/Potential Vote
• Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes (06/17/26) and Home School Approvals
• First Reading: Field Trip-Student Travel Policy 6170 Revision
• Senior Project presentation
• Open Forum for agenda and non-agenda items

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will hold an emergency hearing on an ordinance to penalize the willful wasting of water. The body will also discuss a proposed one-year moratorium on all data centers and updates to water rate schedules and business registration fees.

• Emergency Ordinance imposing penalties for willful wasting of water
• Proposed one-year moratorium on all data centers
• Proposed amendments to water rate schedules for the 2026-2027 fiscal year
• Proposed amendments to business registration fees and procedures
• Resolution regarding term limits for Westerly Housing Authority Commissioners

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Westerly Town Council will hold an emergency hearing on an ordinance imposing penalties for willful water wasting and setting consumption restrictions. The council will also discuss and possibly act on proposed ordinances, including a one-year moratorium on data centers, water rate schedule amendments, and business registration fee changes, all scheduled for public hearing on July 27, 2026. Other items include possible charter amendments, a resolution on housing authority term limits, and appointments to various boards.

• Emergency ordinance imposing penalty for willful wasting of water (setting water consumption restrictions)
• Proposed ordinance for one-year moratorium on all data centers
• Proposed ordinance amending water rate schedules for 2026-2027 fiscal year (Water Quality Protection Charge)
• Proposed ordinance amending business registration fees and procedures (Chapter 94A)
• Resolution requesting legislation to set term limits for Westerly Housing Authority commissioners

Licensing Board Meeting

The Westerly Licensing Board held a regular meeting on July 9, 2026, approving several one-time event licenses, including concerts, parades, weddings, and fundraisers, and granting extended hours to two businesses. The board also ratified previously issued licenses and addressed a noise complaint. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Tunes on the Dunes Summer Concerts at 365 Atlantic Ave with fee waiver
• Approved extended hours (2:00 am–6:00 am) for Honey Dew at 240 Post Rd and Dunkin Donuts at 227 Post Rd
• Approved Class F-1 liquor license for American Cheese & Spirits tasting at The Cheese Corner, 38-40 High St
• Ratified licenses for Flock Theatre's 'Twelfth Night' and Ocean House events with fireworks
• Received noise complaint from Judy Cherenzia about Paddy's; directed to obtain police reports

Licensing Board Meeting

The Westerly Licensing Board will hold public hearings on new extended-hours requests for two Post Road businesses: Bid L's Baked LLC (dba Honey Dew) and Apres Management Company (dba Dunkin Donuts), both seeking to serve customers from 2:00 am to 6:00 am. The board will also consider one-time event permits for summer concerts, parades, weddings, and other gatherings, including a fee waiver request for the Tunes on the Dunes concerts. No new or renewal licenses are on the agenda, and there is no unfinished or new business.

• Public hearing: Bid L's Baked LLC (Honey Dew) extended hours, 240 Post Rd
• Public hearing: Apres Management Company (Dunkin Donuts) extended hours, 227 Post Rd
• One-time event: Tunes on the Dunes Summer Concerts, 365 Atlantic Ave, fee waiver requested
• One-time event: Smokey Bear Parade, Dunn's Corners Fire Dept., 1 Langworthy Rd
• Ratify & confirm: Reiser Marra Wedding Reception, Margin Street Inn, 4 Margin St

CANCELED Jul. 8, 2026 - Zoning Board Meeting

The Zoning Board meeting scheduled for July 8, 2026 was canceled. No public hearings or decisions will be taken at this time. The agenda lists two variance applications that are declared complete and are informational only. The next regular meeting is set for August 12, 2026.

• Margaret Leffert, 42 Governor Avenue, Plat ‘142’ Lot ‘34’, Zone HDR-10 – requests 13.5′ front yard setback for a covered porch, 14.9′ front yard setback for porch stairs, and 3.1′ front yard setback for a two‑story garage addition.
• The Brenda Winia rski 2015 Family Trust, 8 Manatuck Avenue, Plat ‘180’ Lot ‘26’, Zone LDR-43 – requests 25.8′ north side‑yard setback, 15.1′ east side‑yard setback, and 4.6′ height variance to remodel an accessory structure and expand second‑floor living area.

Town Council Workshop

The Town Council will hold a workshop to discuss possible amendments to the Westerly Town Charter. The meeting also includes a period for citizen comments.

• Discussion of possible amendments to the Westerly Town Charter

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Westerly Town Council will discuss several proposed ordinances, including amendments to the zoning ordinance and repeals of various code articles. Councilors will consider a resolution supporting Rhode Island Senate Bill 2481, which addresses unauthorized occupation of property. Additional new‑business items include a data‑center memorandum, a pickle‑ball court referral, and a formal letter regarding the Potter Hill Mill Dam. Routine consent‑calendar items such as waivers of late‑payment penalties will also be approved.

• Resolution authorizing waiver of penalty for late payments ($822.71)
• Proposed ordinance amending Chapter 1439 – the Westerly Zoning Ordinance
• Proposed ordinance repealing Article XV, Public Works Committee
• Memorandum from Town Solicitor on limiting data centers
• Proposed Pickle Ball Court referral to Board of Recreation

Special Licensing Board Meeting

The Licensing Board met on June 18, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. It unanimously approved a new amusement license for Quonochondog Adventures (dba) at 338 Atlantic Ave to operate kayaks, paddle boards and boats. It also approved a fireworks license for TNT Fireworks (American Promotional Events) to sell fireworks from a tent in the Walmart parking lot at 258 Post Road from June 26 to July 5, 2026. Additionally, the board granted a Class C beverage license with extended hours (12 a.m.–1 a.m.) to Misquamicut Ocean Bar (dba) at 149 Atlantic Ave.

• New amusement license for Quonochondog Adventures (dba) at 338 Atlantic Ave (kayaks, paddle boards, boats)
• New fireworks license for TNT Fireworks (dba) at Walmart Parking Lot, 258 Post Road, June 26–July 5, 2026
• New Class C beverage license with extended hours (12 a.m.–1 a.m.) for Misquamicut Ocean Bar at 149 Atlantic Ave
• Public hearing opened and closed unanimously

Special Licensing Board Meeting

The Westerly Licensing Board held a special meeting and voted unanimously to grant three licenses: a new amusement license for kayak and paddle board rentals, a hawker license for a temporary fireworks tent, and a new Class C beverage license with extended hours for a bar. All grants are subject to prior approval by proper authorities.

• New amusement license for Quonochontog Adventures (Quonnie LLC) at 338 Atlantic Ave for kayaks, paddle boards, boats
• Hawker license for TNT Fireworks (American Promotional Events) at Walmart Parking Lot, 258 Post Road, June 26–July 5, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• New Class C beverage license with extended hours (12 a.m.–1 a.m.) for Misquamicut Ocean Bar (Gene Properties LLC) at 149 Atlantic Ave

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will review the Administrative Officer’s report, which includes an advisory to the Town Council regarding alternative sites for a bus garage. The board will also discuss the future agenda and monthly report matrix. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Advisory to Town Council – Bus garage alternative sites
• Future agenda & monthly report matrix
• Confirmation of quorum for next meeting – July 21, 2026

Planning Board Meeting

The board reviewed a memorandum on potential sites for the municipal bus garage and voted unanimously to remove recreation lots as candidates. They explored 22 Frontage Road as a feasible privately owned option and discussed forming a subcommittee to visit sites. The board also reviewed the future agenda and monthly report matrix, with notes on the upcoming annual report in August.

• Board voted unanimously to remove recreation lots from potential bus garage relocation sites
• Explored 22 Frontage Road, Westerly, RI 02891 as a feasible relocation site
• Discussed creating a subcommittee to visit potential bus garage sites
• Reviewed revised future agenda and monthly report matrix; annual report preparation begins in August
• Member suggested a future agenda item to discuss Town-owned properties, proposed uses, and costs

Licensing Board Meeting

The Licensing Board reviewed several temporary permit applications and event licenses. The board denied three requests for extended indoor alcohol service hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Multiple one-time event permits and a door-to-door sales permit were approved.

• Denied extended service hours for The Junction (1 Railroad Ave), Ginos by the Beach (144 Atlantic Ave), and High Hope Tavern (12 High St)
• Granted door-to-door sales permit for Gansett Solar
• Granted parking lot license for Bayview Parking at 338 Atlantic Ave, decreasing spaces from 108 to 34
• Granted event licenses for Firefighter Memorial Parade, Juneteenth Celebration, and Summer Car Show
• Granted fireworks license for D Family Wedding at Ocean House (2 Bluff Ave)

Licensing Board Meeting

The Westerly Licensing Board voted 3-2 to deny temporary extended service hour applications from The Junction, Ginos by the Beach, and High Hope Tavern for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The board also granted a door-to-door sales permit to Gansett Solar, a parking lot license to Bayview Parking, and approved numerous one-time event licenses including parades, concerts, and drive-in movies.

• Denied temporary extended service hours for The Junction (1 Railroad Ave), Ginos by the Beach (144 Atlantic Ave), and High Hope Tavern (12 High St) for FIFA World Cup matches (3-2 vote)
• Granted door-to-door sales permit to Gansett Solar, subject to respecting No Solicitation lists and signs
• Granted parking lot license to Bayview Parking at 338 Atlantic Ave, reducing spaces from 108 to 34
• Approved one-time events including Firefighter Memorial Parade (June 14), Juneteenth Celebration at Wilcox Park (June 14), and multiple drive-in movie series at 316 Atlantic Ave
• Ratified Town Clerk's prior approval of Westerly Volleyball Association tournament and R&H Wedding with fireworks at Ocean House

Zoning Board Meeting

The board held a public hearing on a variance request from the Richard and Karen Aiken Revocable Trust for 3 St Clare Way. Members approved a 5.2‑foot front yard setback and a 22‑foot rear yard setback to allow a 1,040‑sq‑ft addition with a two‑car garage, family room, and sewing room. No other new business or public comments were presented.

• Approved April 8, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Granted 5.2' front yard and 22' rear yard setback variances for a 1,040‑sq‑ft addition at 3 St Clare Way.
• Cancelled the July 8 regular meeting.

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Westerly Town Council will hold a public hearing on the FY2026‑2027 water, sewer and transfer station budgets and consider several proposed ordinances. Items include a water rate schedule with service charges, usage fees and infrastructure fees, a sewer use charge of $400 per unit, and an ad valorem tax on property. The council will also vote on a $4,590 payment to Cameron & Mittleman LLP for litigation and a $7,524 lease of the USPS parking lot at 11 High Street. All items are slated for discussion and possible action.

• Proposed Ordinance setting water rate schedules (e.g., $126 service charge, $4.46 per 100 cu ft over 4,800 cu ft, $100 infrastructure fee)
• Proposed Ordinance establishing sewer use charge of $400 per unit for FY2026‑2027
• Proposed Ordinance establishing ad valorem tax ($1.08 per $1,000 inside sewer locus, $0.15 per $1,000 outside) for FY2026‑2027
• Resolution authorizing $4,590 payment to Law Office of Cameron & Mittleman LLP (litigation matters)
• Resolution authorizing lease with United States Postal Service for parking lot at 11 High Street ($7,524)

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board held a public hearing and voted to approve several zoning variances for the fire station at 65 Crandall Avenue. It also approved the preliminary land development application with conditions for lighting and landscaping. Additional discussion covered alternative sites for the town bus garage and coordination with the Affordable Housing Committee. The meeting concluded with confirmation of quorum for the next regular meeting.

• Approval of parking, side yard, corner side yard, and front yard setback variances for 65 Crandall Avenue fire station expansion
• Approval of preliminary land development plan for Misquamicut Fire Station with lighting and landscape conditions
• Review and discussion of alternative locations for the town bus garage (Pare Corporation)
• Discussion of communication and liaison with the Westerly Affordable Housing Committee
• Confirmation of quorum for the June 16, 2026 regular meeting

Town Council Workshop

The Town Council is meeting to discuss and potentially take action on proposed budgets for the Water & Sewer and Transfer Station funds. This includes proposed ordinances to set water rate schedules, sewer service charges, and ad valorem taxes for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

• Proposed water rates: $126.00 service charge plus $100.00 infrastructure improvement fee
• Proposed sewer use or service charge of $400.00 per unit
• Proposed ad valorem tax: $1.08 per $1,000 (inside sewer locus) and $0.15 per $1,000 (outside sewer locus)
• Proposed labor rate increase for service work to $125.00 per hour
• Discussion of FY2026/2027 Transfer Station Fund Budget

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Westerly Town Council will discuss proposed ordinances for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including water and sewer rate schedules and an ad valorem tax on property. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes, fiscal matters, and appointments to town boards.

• Proposed FY2026/2027 Water, Sewer and Transfer Station Budgets
• Proposed Ordinance Setting Water Rate Schedules for 2026-2027
• Proposed Ordinance Establishing Sewer Use or Service Charge for 2026-2027
• Proposed Ordinance Establishing Ad Valorem Tax on Personal and Real Property
• Resolution Authorizing Change Order 14 to Bowling Lane Drainage & Roadway Improvements Project

Licensing Board Meeting

The Westerly Licensing Board reorganized its leadership, appointing Paul Gencarella Jr. as Chairperson and Jason Abate as Vice Chairperson. The board approved minutes from the April 9 and April 28 meetings. It granted a new Door‑to‑Door Sales Permit to ION Developer LLC and renewed several existing licenses, including an amusements license for Purple Ape Inc. A public hearing was held on the transfer of a Class B Victualer Beverage License from Supreme Pizzeria to Nea Ionia Enterprise.

• Appointment of Paul Gencarella Jr. as Chairperson (unanimous vote)
• Appointment of Jason Abate as Vice Chairperson (4‑0 vote)
• Door‑to‑Door Sales Permit issued to ION Developer LLC for solar product sales town‑wide
• Renewal of Amusements license for Purple Ape Inc. at 15 Winnapaug Rd
• Class B Victualer Beverage License transfer from Supreme Pizzeria to Nea Ionia Enterprise at 157 Granite St

School Finance Subcommittee Meeting

The Westerly Public Schools Finance Subcommittee will review the FY2027 budget for the district. The meeting includes a finance department update, presentation of financial reports, and a review of Policy 2800 concerning meal payment. The committee will also approve minutes from the February 26, 2026 meeting and discuss future agenda items.

• Approval of Minutes (02/26/26)
• Finance Department Update
• Financial Reports
• FY2027 Budget
• Policy 2800 Meal Payment review

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Westerly Town Council will consider an amendment to the 1998 Zoning Ordinance and a contract for amusement rides at Wuskenau Beach. The body will also review a presentation on school bus garage use and environmental compliance.

• Discussion and possible action on an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of 1998
• Proposed contract with Rockwell Amusements & Promotions, Inc./New England Rides & Amusements, Inc. for Wuskenau Beach
• Presentation by Pare Engineering Corporation on School Bus Garage Use and Environmental Compliance
• Resolution to waive a $500.00 penalty for late payments
• Executive session regarding litigation: Samuel Karol and Joan Karol v. David B. Thompson