Charlestown Sets April 14 Hearing For New Comprehensive Plan

CHARLESTOWN, RI — A proposed comprehensive plan to guide future development and land-use decisions in Charlestown is on the table, and a public hearing on the matter is set for April 14 at 7 p.m.

Local officials have updated the thick draft document, and the latest version of the proposed Charlestown Comprehensive Plan is available for review on the town's website. Also, the Charlestown Citizens Alliance has posted clear information about the plan and the process on its website.

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"The plan is hundreds of pages long and includes a wealth of information and history about the town and its natural, built and historic resources. It is also written to comply with state of Rhode Island requirements," the alliance notes. The document has already undergone many months of public review.

The April 14 hearing will be before the Town Council and the Planning Board. Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and email comments to plan.comments@charlestownri.org.

In addition, people with photographs of Charlestown landscapes, wildlife, historic buildings, and the like are welcome to email those images to plan.comments@charlestownri.org, and they might be included in the final document. The photographer's name should be included to ensure compliance with copyright law.

The comprehensive plan establishes a 20-year vision for the town and forms the legal basis for zoning and subdivision regulations. It includes a series of action items to achieve goals and policies. It covers land use, economic development, natural resources, housing, transportation, natural hazards, infrastructure, and more.