Newport Daily News Article

By Marcia Pobzeznik / Newport Daily News Posted Feb 21, 2020 at 10:05 AM Updated Feb 21, 2020 at 10:05 AM

TIVERTON — A 275-unit housing development referred to as Tiverton Heights, proposed for 135 acres on the north side of Souza Road, is back before the town for comment on a proposal to alter freshwater wetlands.

It is the largest development the Planning Board has ever reviewed.

The comment is being sought by the state Department of Environmental Management.

The DEM’s Office of Water Resources, in a letter to the town, said it will take comment on the proposed alteration of some 13,865 feet of freshwater wetlands until March 26. Comments must be in writing, legible, and contain a discernible name, address and signature, according to the DEM. The plan can be reviewed at DEM offices at 235 Promenade St. in Providence.

The Planning Board gave master plan approval to the plan by Portsmouth-based developer Christopher Harkins in late 2016. Harkins’ attorney last year asked for a one-year continuance so the master plan would continue to be vested while the project was under review.

The property on Souza Road is 135 acres, but only 77 are in line for development because of the amount of wetlands.

DEM said in its letter that the freshwater wetlands affected by the proposed project include swamp, stream, 50-foot perimeter wetland, 100-foot riverbank wetland and 100-year floodplain.

During hearings prior to master plan approval, concerns were voiced about the density of the development. The fire chief was concerned about water pressure and volume. Traffic at the intersection of Souza and Main roads was a concern, with the developer being asked to contact the state about putting a traffic light at that intersection, which includes Schooner Drive and The Villages at Mount Hope Bay.

Initially, Harkins had proposed 305 units, but reduced his plan to 275 condominium-type units that would be a mix of single-family homes, duplexes and apartment buildings. There would be green spaces and shared amenities in the “walkable” community.

One of the conditions of master plan approval was that only 40% of the units could be three-bedroom to help reduce the impact on the schools. The other 60% would be one- and two-bedroom units.

The developer said the project would be marketed to empty-nesters and young professionals.

William Landry, attorney for Harkins, said the project would take six to eight years to build out.

Appointments can be made to review the project file by calling 401-222-4700 ext. 7265, or e-mail DEM.filereview@dem.ri.gov.