Planning board grants extension for proposed 322 Highway gas station and car wash

The North Smithfield Town Planning Board voted unanimously on June 11 to grant an extension of the preliminary plan for a proposed gasoline station and car wash at 322 Highway.

Planner Mr. Krillo told the board the project, originally approved at master-plan stage on Jan. 23, 2025, is awaiting state permits from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Attorney Joseph Brennan, speaking for the applicant, said state permitting delays are widespread and noted the applicant has financing available to move the project forward: “we're still waiting for our Rhode Island DEM and state permits…and the applicant asked me to put in the letter…that he does have financing available for the project,” Brennan said.

The board received no substantive questions from members about the project’s design or state permit status. Dr. Benoy moved to grant the requested extension; after a second the roll-call vote recorded yes votes from Dr. Benoy, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Manard, Mr. Porter and the chair.

Why it matters: The extension allows the applicant to preserve its preliminary approval while awaiting required state approvals, avoiding re-submittal under most circumstances and keeping the project on the town’s review calendar.

Next steps: The extension preserves the applicant’s approved master plan period while the applicant secures state permits. The applicant will return to the board if further formal actions are required.