Development News for Cumberland, Rhode Island

SEL Realy LLC Withdraws Lot Line Reconfiguration Proposal Amidst Concerns Over Lot Size, Setbacks, and Water Issues

The board considered a request for dimensional variances and a waiver for an administrative subdivision at 3507 Hootman Avenue and 3507 Menden Road, proposed by SEL Realy LLC and Kinsman LLC. The applicant seeks to reconfigure lot lines between two lots to create two rectangular lots, moving away from a "flag lot" design. This requires variances for minimum lot area, front yard setbacks, rear yard setbacks, and maximum lot coverage, as well as a waiver from the perimeter to area ratio requirement. The applicant argued that the proposed configuration creates more reasonable lot sizes and setbacks than currently allowed under proportional reductions, which may not pass in the legislature. Concerns were raised by abutters regarding the small lot size (under 4,000 sq ft for one lot), potential impact on adjacent properties due to close setbacks, water runoff and flooding issues on the proposed lot, and the lack of a clear driveway proposal. The discussion also touched upon the legislative changes affecting proportional reductions and the town's ability to regulate lot dimensions. The applicant ultimately withdrew the petition, acknowledging the concerns and the board's discomfort with the proposal.

Pre-application for Pine Swamp Road Commercial Development Raises Concerns on Zoning, Parking, and Traffic

A pre-application meeting was held for a major land development at 3 Pine Swamp Road, proposed by TMSA Realy LLC. The applicant plans a 7200 sq ft two-story commercial development, requiring a zoning change from C1 (limited commercial) to C2 (general commercial) to bring the existing gas station into conformance. Concerns were raised about stormwater management, parking sufficiency for various commercial uses, traffic flow control at curb cuts on Bound Road and Pine Swamp Road, and the diversity of uses permitted under C2 zoning in a semi-rural area. The board emphasized the need for a clear understanding of intended uses and potential traffic impact before granting preliminary plan approval. Legal discussion ensued regarding the non-conforming status of the existing gas station and whether a zone change was the appropriate pathway versus other variances.

Hillside Road Minor Subdivision Approved with Conditions Amidst Concerns Over Water Runoff and Access

The planning board reviewed a unified development review for a minor subdivision with dimensional variances at 12 Hillside Road, proposed by Susan McKe. The applicant seeks to subdivide one lot into two, requiring variances for frontage along Diamond Hill Road (40.04 ft instead of 100 ft required) and Hillside Road (70 ft instead of 100 ft required for Parcel B). Concerns were raised by the public regarding water runoff, potential flooding, driveway access (shared driveway for three parcels), and emergency vehicle access on the narrow Hillside Road. The applicant proposed connecting water service to the new lots and the existing home. The board discussed the challenges of shared driveways and the need for clear easement language. Ultimately, the board voted to approve the dimensional variances and the minor subdivision with several conditions, including updated water service plans, finalization of easement documents, re-evaluation of the plan by the fire chief and EMS for access, and a peer review of stormwater management and drainage plans paid for by the applicant. Some board members expressed reservations about the impact on existing residents' water issues and emergency access.

Pre-application Meeting for Diamond Hill Road Minor Subdivision Sparks Debate on Waivers, Sidewalks, and Driveways

The planning board heard a pre-application meeting for a minor subdivision at 3307, 3311, and 3922 Diamond Hill Road, where Bluestone Development Group LLC and Macari Properties Incorporated are proposing to subdivide three existing lots into five single-family lots. The applicant requested several waivers including reduction in roadway width, elimination of sidewalks and streetlights, use of electric poles instead of underground electric, no curbing for country drainage, and a 3:1 grade for a pond instead of 5:1, with fencing around the pond. Concerns were raised about the waiver of sidewalks, the shared driveway for lots 3 and 4 due to proximity to wetlands, the request for poles instead of underground utilities, the size of proposed houses, and the lack of an affordable component. Board members expressed strong opinions against waiving sidewalks and supported individual driveways over a shared one. There were also discussions about roadway width and its impact on snow removal and emergency vehicle access.