The Smithfield Zoning Board of Appeals convened on October 2, 2024, to address a significant appeal from GDM ESS LLC regarding a special use permit for energy storage facilities. The meeting culminated in a decision to deny the appeal based on procedural grounds.

During the session, board members discussed the applicant's failure to secure vested rights for the special use permit before the implementation of a zoning ordinance amendment on February 9, 2024. This amendment prohibits energy storage and substation facilities across all zones in Smithfield. Attorney Morris Salvatore presented evidence supporting the denial, emphasizing that the applicant did not follow the necessary steps to file for the special use permit in a timely manner.

Following the discussion, a motion was made to deny the appeal, which was seconded and subsequently approved by the board. The motion included a directive for the town solicitor to draft a written decision that would incorporate the evidence presented, to be reviewed at the board's next meeting in November 2024.

The board's decision reflects a commitment to uphold zoning regulations and ensure that all applicants adhere to established procedures. The outcome of this meeting is significant as it reinforces the importance of timely applications in the planning process and sets a precedent for future cases involving special use permits in Smithfield.