Board reinstates Village Gas preliminary plan following applicant’s explanation of delay

The North Smithfield Planning Board voted unanimously June 11 to reinstate a lapsed preliminary plan for a Village Gas site.

Planner Mr. Krillo explained that unlike the prior project, which was tied up at DEM, this applicant’s approvals are pending with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and that the applicant failed to file a timely extension because he was traveling. David Dagghastino, appearing for the applicant, cited Smithfield Land Development Subdivision regulations (article 7, subsection 7.3) and Rhode Island General Laws 4523-62B as the statutory bases for the reinstatement request and said no material changes in law or site conditions have occurred since the earlier approval.

Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions. A motion to reinstate the preliminary plan carried on a roll-call vote with yes votes from Dr. Wright, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Manard, Mr. Porter and the chair.

Why it matters: Reinstatement preserves the applicant’s prior approval status so they need not restart the full review process; it hinges on the board’s determination that the local and state regulatory context and site conditions have not materially changed.

Next steps: The applicant will proceed with remaining state approvals and return to local review if conditions change or further local actions are required.