City of Central Falls Planning Board
Public Meeting
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – 6:00 PM
This meeting was conducted remotely via the Zoom meeting platform.
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chair Michael Lester at 6:07pm
Michael Lester (Chair): present, Leslie Moore (Secretary): present, Victoria Huang: present, Daniel Sierra: present.
The meeting was staffed by Jim Vandermillen, Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Development, Diana Figueroa, Principal Planner, and Robert Weber, Assistant City Solicitor.
Mr. Lester asked all present to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
a. Chair – Ms. Huang nominated Mr. Lester to serve as Chair. Ms. Moore seconded the nomination. The Board voted unanimously to elect Mr. Lester as Chair.
b. Vice Chair – Ms. Baena resigned from the Board as she was elected to the City Council, leaving a vacancy for Vice Chair. Mr. Lester nominated Ms. Huang to serve as Vice Chair. Ms. Moore seconded the nomination. The Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Huang as Vice Chair.
c. Secretary – Mr. Lester nominated Ms. Moore to serve as Secretary. Mr. Sierra seconded the nomination. The Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Moore as Secretary.
Mr. Lester entertained a motion to table approval of the minutes to the next meeting. Ms. Huang moved to table the approval of minutes to the next meeting. Ms. Moore seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
d. Consideration and possible action regarding:
i. Case PB 21-01-27 – Major Land Development
DNC Pawtucket Holdings, LLC, of 56 Pine St., 3rd Floor, Providence, RI, owner and applicant of 467-469 Roosevelt Ave. (Plat 1, Lot 14) and 413 Roosevelt Ave. (Plat 1, Lot 12) is seeking Master Plan Approval for a proposed Major Land Development on both properties, and Preliminary Plan Approval for the first phase of the development to convert the existing building at 467-469 Roosevelt to a 106 residential unit apartment building.
Mr. Lester read the description of the case as it appeared in the agenda (text included above).
Mr. Lester entertained a motion to open new business. Ms. Moore moved to open new business; Ms. Huang seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
John Mancini, the attorney representing DNC Pawtucket Holdings, LLC, presented the applicant’s proposal to redevelop the building at 467-469 Roosevelt Avenue to 106 residential units and provide parking on the undeveloped portion of the adjacent lot at 413 Roosevelt. He referred to the architect’s plans, explained that the parking plan falls short of the required 2 spaces per unit, stated that the applicant doesn’t believe that two spaces per unit are necessary for this development, and indicated that the applicant will be submitting an application for a zoning variance for the number of parking spaces. He explained that his client is requesting conditional approval of the plans subject to Zoning Board approval of the variance.
Mr. Vandermillen shared his screen to show the architectural drawings to all participants.
Mr. Mancini responded to several questions from Board members pertaining to current activity on the site, marketing, potential contamination from previous uses, possible uses in addition to residential, possible continuation of the bike path through the site, and public access.
Ms. Figueroa provided a brief overview of the history of the site and the resolution passed in the Fall of 2019 recognizing the Lyon Fabric site as a Central Falls Historic Landmark due to its significance to the Colombian community. Mr. Mancini stated that the applicant was aware of the historical significance of the site and would like to coordinate with the City to use the lobby of the building to display objects and would be willing to make it a condition of approval. Ms. Huang asked whether the resolution would affect the architectural design or interior of the building. Mr. Mancini stated that the applicant will adhere to the requirements for obtaining historic tax credits, so the historic character of the building will be maintained.
Mr. Lester asked if there were any additional questions.
Mr. Vandermillen shared his screen so that participants could see the parking plan.
Mr. Mancini explained that there will be 1.2 – 1.5 parking spaces per unit. He referred to the other lot at the corner of Cross and Roosevelt that could be used as overflow parking if needed, but the applicant believes the application is sufficient without using that lot. He stated that the size of the parking spaces and the circulation will meet the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Mancini responded to additional questions from the Board pertaining to the phasing of development, ownership of the lots shown on the plan, whether the site could accommodate additional parking spaces, snow removal, and plans for the area closest to the river.
Mr. Lester entertained a motion to open the public hearing. Ms. Huang moved to open the public hearing; Ms. Moore seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Weber swore in Council President Jessica Vega of 54 Parker Street and Marta Martinez of 209 Central Street.
Ms. Vega stated concerns about the affordability of the units.
Ms. Martinez, Executive Director of RI Latino Arts, provided an overview of the history of the first Colombian textile workers who were brought to Central Falls to work at Lyon Fabric and their significance to prolonging the textile industry. She stated her excitement in hearing about the restoration of the building and the applicant’s plans to include artifacts.
Ms. Vega was also supportive of these aspects of the proposal.
Mr. Lester entertained a motion to close the public hearing. Ms. Moore moved to close the public hearing; Ms. Huang seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Vandermillen shared the staff report and recommendation document on his screen for participants to see, referred to the descriptions of how the standards have been met, and began to read the recommendation as it appeared in the document. He requested confirmation from Mr. Weber as to whether the Board should first vote to combine Master Plan Approval with Preliminary Plan Approval, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Weber advised the Board to vote on combining Master Plan Approval with Preliminary Plan Approval for Phase I.
Ms. Huang moved to combine Master Plan Approval with Preliminary Plan Approval; Ms. Moore seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Vandermillen read the staff’s recommendation that:
1. Master Plan Approval of the proposed Major Land Development be granted subject to Zoning Board of Review approval of variances from the requirement of Section 801.8 of the Zoning Ordinance (Residential parking requirements), and
2. Preliminary Plan Approval of Phase 1 of the Major Land Development, redevelopment of the existing industrial mill building at 467-469 Roosevelt Avenue to construct 106 residential units, be granted with the condition that Final Plan Approval for Phase 1 will not be granted until an application for Preliminary Plan Approval for Phase II has been submitted for consideration at a second public hearing; the application must be submitted within 6 months of preliminary approval of Phase 1 and must include a surveyed site plan prepared by a civil engineer that depicts details for parking, lighting, landscaping, and drainage design.
Staff additionally recommends that final approval of Phase 1 be delegated to Planning Department staff.
Mr. Vandermillen pointed out that if there are any significant changes, staff will come back to the Board for final approval.
Mr. Lester asked if the applicant agrees to those conditions. Mr. Mancini confirmed agreement.
Ms. Moore asked for clarification of the motion. Mr. Vandermillen clarified that the previous vote that was just taken was to combine the approvals (procedural), and now a vote is needed to either approve or deny the applications.
Ms. Huang moved to approve the Master Plan and the Phase I Preliminary Plan with the conditions stated in the staff recommendation and with final approval delegated to Planning Department staff. Ms. Moore seconded. The motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
None
· Mr. Vandermillen introduced Diana Figueroa, Principal Planner, who joined the staff at the beginning of January. Ms. Figueroa provided a brief overview of her background and professional experience, and her plans to begin a Master’s Degree program in Urban Planning at Tufts this spring semester.
· Mr. Vandermillen explained that the Planning Department compiled a list of current projects and the roles played by the department as a transition document for the new Mayoral administration. He provided a brief update on some of the projects and offered to send the transition report to the Board.
· Ms. Moore asked if tenants have been found for The Landing. Mr. Vandermillen stated that
· Mr. Lester asked for direction on education and training requirements for the Board. Mr. Vandermillen will confirm what is required and what opportunities exist.
· Ms. Moore asked about affordable housing requirements for the project that was considered this evening. Mr. Vandermillen explained that affordability requirements only apply if developers are requesting tax relief. Ms. Huang asked of that is different from the tax credits being pursued by the developer. Mr. Vandermillen clarified that the historic tax credits being sought are different from tax relief tied to affordability.
Mr. Lester entertained a motion to adjourn. Ms. Moore moved to adjourn; Ms. Huang seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.