Council schedules Feb. 26 work session on form-based code for Old Tower Hill Road amid mixed feedback

The Town Manager and planning department asked the council to schedule a work session with consultants from Able City East to review a proposed form-based code for Old Tower Hill Road. Staff said the session would allow the council to ask consultants about regulatory triggers, architectural standards and scenarios (e.g., when mixed use would be required) before the planning board's formal recommendation and a public hearing.

Planning staff outlined three available dates (Feb. 12, 19 and 26) and recommended early-evening availability to accommodate public feedback. Several councilmembers expressed concerns that the draft proposals felt stylistically inconsistent with South Kingstown (one councilmember compared the draft to Florida-style development) and asked for clearer architectural and height controls. Staff said they would provide the council with the planning board's list of recommended revisions and an outline of changes prior to the Feb. 26 session.

Council selected Feb. 26 for a two-hour work session (6:30'8:30 p.m.). Staff said the meeting would include invited representatives from the planning board, affordable housing collaborative and economic development committee to receive feedback while keeping the discussion council-focused.

Next steps: Consultants will brief the council at the work session and staff will circulate the planning board's recommended changes and supporting materials one week in advance when possible.