I.            Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Kevin Marchand at 6:10 p.m.

II.            Roll Call

Board Members:

Kevin Marchand, Chair, present

Kevin Kazarian, Vice-Chair, present

Ann Peckham, present

Daniel Klotz, absent*

Andres Flores, present

Gary Berdugo (1^st Alternate), present*

Mr. Klotz was able to observe the meeting via Zoom, but as Executive Order 21-72 allowing public bodies to meet virtually has expired, Mr. Berdugo participated in the meeting as 1^st Alternate.

The meeting was staffed by:

Diana Figueroa, Principal Planner Planning and Economic Development

Legal Counsel to the Board: Tyler Miller

III.            Pledge of Allegiance

Led by Board Chair Kevin Marchand.

IV.            Approval of Minutes

a.       July 21, 2021 meeting

Kevin Marchand entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the July 21, 2021 meeting. Andres Flores moved to approve the minutes; Ann Peckham seconded. The motion passed by a voice vote.

V.            New Business

a.      Case #ZB-21-07 – Consideration for Use Variance

Jorge and Sonia Goncalves, of 122 Perry St., Central Falls, RI, owners and applicants of 122 Perry St. (Plat 4, Lot 154 in an R-2 two-household residential zone) are seeking (a.) a Use Variance for relief from Article III, Sec. 304-1.0 (14) – “Multi-household Dwelling, Three or more units”, (b.) relief from Article V, Sec. 511 – “Only one main residential building on a lot”, and (c.) a Dimensional Variance for relief from Article IV, Section 401 (Minimum Side Yard and Minimum Rear Yard) to convert an existing commercial garage/storage building to a single family residence on a lot that also includes an existing Two Household Dwelling.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to open New Business. Mr. Flores moved to open New Business; Ms. Peckham seconded. The motion passed by a voice vote.

Ms. Figueroa read the description of the case as it appeared in the agenda (text above).

Mr. Miller swore in the applicant, Mr. Jorge Goncalves of 122 Perry St., Central Falls. Mr. Michael Horan, attorney representing the applicant spoke on behalf of the applicants.  He explained that the footprint of the existing building will not be enlarged nor altered and stated that the use and dimensional variances are the least relief necessary.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to open the Public Hearing. Mr. Berdugo moved to open the Public Hearing; Ms. Peckham seconded.  The motion passed by a voice vote.

Mr. Miller swore in Mr. James Wilson of 325 Illinois St., Central Falls.  Mr. Wilson asked questions but he did not specifically oppose or support the application.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to close the Public Hearing. Mr. Flores moved to close the Public Hearing; Ms. Peckham seconded. The motion passed by a voice vote.

All Board members acknowledged that they received and reviewed the Staff Recommendation, which will be included in the records of the meeting.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to approve or deny the applicant’s request for the dimensional variance based on the findings of fact. Mr. Kazarian moved to approve the application for a dimensional variance based on the findings of fact and the staff recommendation; Mr. Flores seconded. A roll call vote was taken: Kevin Marchand: Yes, Kevin Kazarian: Yes, Ann Peckham: Yes, Andres Flores: Yes, Gary Berdugo: Yes. The request for the dimensional variance was approved.

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to approve or deny the applicant’s request for the use variance based on the findings of fact. Mr. Flores moved to approve the application for the use variance based on the findings of fact and the staff recommendation; Mr. Berdugo seconded. A roll call vote was taken: Kevin Marchand: Yes, Kevin Kazarian: Yes, Ann Peckham: Yes, Andres Flores: Yes, Gary Berdugo: Yes. The request for the use variance was approved.

VI.            Old Business – none

VII.            Adjournment

Mr. Marchand entertained a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Flores moved to adjourn; Mr. Berdugo seconded. The motion passed by a voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 6:59 pm.