Warren Town Council explores combining planning and zoning boards for efficiency
June 11, 2025 | Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island
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The Warren Town Council is exploring a significant restructuring of its governance by considering the combination of the planning and zoning boards. This proposal, discussed during the council meeting on June 10, 2025, aims to streamline land use applications and improve efficiency in decision-making.
Councilman DeSisto highlighted the potential benefits of merging the two boards, citing a new Rhode Island statute that allows such a combination. He noted that many towns have experienced positive outcomes from similar changes, suggesting that a unified board could simplify the approval process for developers. Currently, applicants must navigate separate approvals from both boards, which can lead to delays and confusion.
The council's discussion revealed a strong interest in pursuing this idea further. Council members acknowledged the challenges of finding qualified individuals to serve on both boards, which often leads to vacancies and inefficiencies. By combining the boards, the council believes it could create a more effective governance structure that reduces administrative gridlock.
However, the proposal has sparked concerns among residents. Public comments raised questions about the concentration of decision-making power in a smaller group and the potential reduction in public input. Critics argue that combining the boards could overlook the complexities of planning and zoning, which require distinct expertise.
The council agreed to move forward with an investigative approach, seeking to gather more information and feedback from the community before making any final decisions. This includes the possibility of holding public hearings to discuss the implications of such a change.
In addition to the board merger, the council is also considering the establishment of a community development and planning department. This would involve the building official working alongside the planning department, potentially enhancing coordination and oversight of development projects.
As the council continues to explore these significant changes, the outcome could reshape how Warren manages land use and development, impacting both the community's growth and its quality of life. The next steps will involve further discussions and the drafting of a plan to present to the public for feedback.
Councilman DeSisto highlighted the potential benefits of merging the two boards, citing a new Rhode Island statute that allows such a combination. He noted that many towns have experienced positive outcomes from similar changes, suggesting that a unified board could simplify the approval process for developers. Currently, applicants must navigate separate approvals from both boards, which can lead to delays and confusion.
The council's discussion revealed a strong interest in pursuing this idea further. Council members acknowledged the challenges of finding qualified individuals to serve on both boards, which often leads to vacancies and inefficiencies. By combining the boards, the council believes it could create a more effective governance structure that reduces administrative gridlock.
However, the proposal has sparked concerns among residents. Public comments raised questions about the concentration of decision-making power in a smaller group and the potential reduction in public input. Critics argue that combining the boards could overlook the complexities of planning and zoning, which require distinct expertise.
The council agreed to move forward with an investigative approach, seeking to gather more information and feedback from the community before making any final decisions. This includes the possibility of holding public hearings to discuss the implications of such a change.
In addition to the board merger, the council is also considering the establishment of a community development and planning department. This would involve the building official working alongside the planning department, potentially enhancing coordination and oversight of development projects.
As the council continues to explore these significant changes, the outcome could reshape how Warren manages land use and development, impacting both the community's growth and its quality of life. The next steps will involve further discussions and the drafting of a plan to present to the public for feedback.
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