Planning board approves combined preliminary and final plan for major subdivision at 566 Providence Pike

The North Smithfield Planning Board unanimously approved combined preliminary and final subdivision plans for a property at 566 Providence Pike during its June 11 meeting.

Planner Mr. Krillo told members the project had previously received master plan approval and has since secured required state permits, including approvals from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), an OWTS permit, a RIPES permit and a Rhode Island Department of Transportation permit. Michael Darvo, the applicant’s land surveyor, said the plan divides roughly 32.5 acres into a roughly 2.5-acre lot around the existing house and a remaining 30-acre lot, noted wetlands that were reviewed in the DEM wetlands process, and described a cul-de-sac and driveway design intended to preserve privacy and provide emergency access.

The public hearing for the item was opened, no substantive public testimony was recorded for this particular item, and the board moved to approve the combined preliminary and final plan based on the planning office’s findings. Roll-call votes recorded yes votes from Dr. Benoy, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Manard, Mr. Porter and the chair.

Why it matters: Combined preliminary and final approval allows the applicant to move forward to implementation steps and demonstrates the project has satisfied both local planning standards and the state-level environmental and roadway permit criteria the board cited.

Next steps: With local combined approval and state permits in hand, the applicant may proceed to final engineering, permitting coordination and any required recording of plans with the town.