Jessica A. Capaldi

This Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan for the Town of Warren, Rhode Island, outlines strategies to reduce the community's vulnerability to natural hazards, with a primary focus on flooding. The plan incorporates the 10-Step planning process for FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) Activity 510. Key focus areas include assessing current and future flood risks (inland, coastal, and storm surge), setting comprehensive mitigation goals, and developing an actionable plan to enhance community resilience and ensure effective floodplain management in response to climate change impacts.

The meeting commenced with a recognition ceremony for Eagle Scout Christopher Stone, who completed a collection project benefiting Gabriel's Call. Key discussion items included a public hearing on setting the start time for future budget meetings and public hearings to 6:00 PM for specific dates in March 2026. Residents provided public comments regarding persistent noxious odors and structural disrepair at a wastewater pumping station and requested funds for its upgrade, as well as discussing property value impact. The Harbor Management Commission requested the Town Council recognize the establishment of a harbor management fund as a budget goal for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to better manage harbor revenues and maintenance. The council also addressed reappointments to the Bristol County Water Authority board of directors and the Tree Warden position, and reviewed open positions on the Conservation Commission and Economic Development Board. An interview was conducted with an applicant for the Juvenile Hearing Board.

The meeting agenda includes the review of a use variance application for a family home day care. Additionally, the board will consider dimensional variance requests for a residential home addition regarding rear yard setbacks and lot coverage, as well as a request for a detached accessory dwelling unit concerning square footage and height requirements.

The special legislative workshop, conducted with an open agenda, involved discussions and actions on several town issues. Key new business items included an action regarding energy conservation proposals from Vision Energy Solutions for replacing T12 fluorescent lights in the valve pits at the wastewater treatment facility, funded partially by remaining Rhode Island Office of Energy grant funds, which were also allocated for the weatherization of town hall. A separate discussion involved a request from the Department of Transportation for permission to conduct road paving activity overnight on Market Street between Schoolhouse Road and Malix intersection, with the council approving overnight work to ease daytime traffic congestion, while expressing concern over a specific section of Market Street that was excluded from current paving plans due to future engineering and water remediation projects. A representative from the League of Cities and Towns presented legislative priorities for the current session, focusing on educational funding transparency, land use and zoning, housing affordability and growth management, transportation infrastructure and resiliency, unfunded mandates, and local budgeting discipline. Specific concerns were raised regarding legislation potentially undermining building and zoning codes by allowing developers to hire their own inspectors and reviewers, and the impact of proposed changes to net metering credits on municipal finances.

This Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan for the Town of Warren Rhode Island serves as a critical planning document to reduce the community's vulnerability to natural hazards, especially flooding, storm surge, and coastal erosion, amplified by climate change and sea level rise. The plan is guided by four main goals: strengthening interdepartmental efforts and public outreach on natural hazards, incorporating hazard resilience into land development, protecting properties and health through mitigation projects and land acquisition, and safeguarding essential public services and critical facilities. It outlines 40 specific actions for implementation over a five-year period.