Glocester continues hearing on Welcome Pastures plan to hold weddings, fundraise for retired racehorses

The Glocester Town Council on June 4 continued a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Gloucester Pines Planned Unit Development that would allow WS Enterprises LLC, operating as Welcome Pastures, to hold private events — weddings, family gatherings, retreats and fundraising functions — at 459 Snake Hill Road to support care for retired thoroughbred horses.

The Planning Board sent an advisory opinion to the council (May 5, 2026) recommending denial, finding the amendment inconsistent with the Glocester Comprehensive Community Plan and the purposes of zoning under RIGL Title 45. Planning Board member Lynn Fernie moved the recommendation; the board’s motion was seconded by Steve Clifford and the board voted 5–1 against the amendment.

The applicant’s attorney challenged the Planning Board’s handling of the application and said submitted maps had been received by the planners’ office. Michael De Palmer, introduced by the attorney as a resident and board member, and Michaela, identified herself as owner of WS Enterprises and a board member of Welcome Pastures, told the council the nonprofit was founded in 2024 to care for retired racehorses and that events are needed to sustain operations. “Weddings are at the forefront because at the end of the day they’re the highest revenue generators,” Michaela said, and said the organization planned limited larger events primarily from September through December with smaller gatherings at other times.

Neighbors who live adjacent to the property told the council they feared increased traffic on narrow, unpaved shared drives, amplified music, additional lighting and long-term changes to neighborhood character. Susan Bridges, who said she lives at 399 Snake Hill Road and has been on the property since 1978, asked that event access be limited to 459 Snake Hill Road and not directed across shared driveways. “I would ask the board to carefully consider the cumulative effect that additional event-related traffic, noise, lighting, and activity could have on neighboring residential properties,” she said.

Council members entered into a line-by-line discussion of concerns highlighted in a Gloucester Police Department memo dated April 14, 2026 and a Harmony Fire Department letter dated April 7, 2026. The police memo requested a formal traffic-management plan, a clear parking plan, noise mitigation details, alcohol-licensing procedures and a security plan; the fire department noted it had no objection provided local ordinances and safety regulations were followed. The applicant repeatedly told the council that a traffic and security plan would be provided and that events would be insured and staffed by licensed vendors.

Several residents pointed to the town’s existing special-event licensing process and asked whether the nonprofit would be required to return annually to request or renew event permits the way other event venues do in Glocester. Council members and town solicitor David clarified that zoning approval would allow the use in the zone but that separate licenses and permits (for liquor, special events, fire and police approvals) would still be required before events occur.

The council asked the applicant to work with police, fire and nearby residents to supply a revised filing that includes: a traffic circulation and parking plan showing emergency access, a noise mitigation plan with decibel monitoring, lighting specifications to prevent illumination onto neighboring properties, and documentation of insurance and security measures. The hearing was continued to June 18, 2026 to give the applicant time to provide those materials and consult with municipal departments and neighbors.

What’s next: The applicant will return with the requested plans and the council will reconsider the amendment at the continued public hearing on June 18. If the council votes to allow the use in the PUD, the applicant will still need to seek any applicable special-event permits and licensing before holding events.