Warren Citizens for Appropriate Development
Our Mission is to empower the residents of Warren to promote sustainable development while preserving our town’s unique character without overwhelming our natural resources and infrastructure.
WCAD is becoming a membership organization
After many years of ad-hoc advocacy, WCAD is is becoming a membership organization to be sustainable into the future. While currently focused on saving the Kinnicutt-Bettencourt Farm, the full mission is to support appropriate development town-wide, so your help is needed. Membership can be annual or monthly.
Help Save What’s Special About Warren
Spread The Word
Your help is needed spreading the word about WCAD mission. Help spread the word to your Warren neighbors and friends!
Take Action
Volunteers are warmly welcomed! Residents can volunteer at any level, as a member or serving on the board, or fundraising. For those interested in joining, please reach out through email, Facebook, or the contact form.
Donate Today
Show your support by helping cover the high costs of legal fees and expert testimony. Your donations via the link below will make a big difference!
Understanding the Impact of the Developer’s Proposal
A large developer from outside Warren and Rhode Island is proposing one of the largest construction projects that has ever been proposed in rural Warren. This project aims to not only transform the landscape of this quaint town but significantly impact traffic, water, and public services in many negative ways.
Before Construction
The Kinnicutt/Bettencourt Farm, originally established in 1680, hosts a variety of local wildlife and is nestled next to a saltwater estuary, now that the reservoir project has been completed.
This is a vibrant ecosystem that supports various species of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.
This rich habitat has made possible the return of Bald Eagles, and migratory birds, enhancing the area’s natural beauty and ecological importance.
This crucial estuary, and it’s associated wetlands, buffer coastal storms.
After Construction
This development would violate this area by overdeveloping these 16 acres to maximize profits, without concern for the numerous negative impacts.
While Warren values this unspoiled part of town, this development would permanently destroy that.
Concerns about the impacts on town infrastructure, traffic and safety, wildlife, and the loss of green space are paramount. This development disregards the wishes of the community, as outlined in the towns comprehensive plan, rather than fostering a balanced development that respects the existing landscape.
Useful Links
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The Numbers don’t lie!
These are the numbers for the proposed Settler’s Green development:
By the Numbers -Project Summary
4 Stories
2 / 4-story apartment buildings
These 2 buildings will be 2 of the tallest buildings in Warren. Only the town hall and the churches would be taller.
120 Units
This development proposes 120 residential units on property that is zoned for about 2 dozen.
200 Spaces
Nearly 200-space parking lot
In order to facilitate that many apartments, the plan proposes parking for 200 cars.
1000+ trips
With roughly 200+ vehicles proposed to have parking spaces, there will be an estimated 1000 more trips per day on Kinnicutt Ave, Schoolhouse Road and surrounding roads.
8+ Phases
This development is proposed to be done in many phases, without a clear timeline. This would be extremely disruptive to the entire area.
5+ Years
Five+ years of ongoing construction will have adverse affects on adjacent wells, traffic, dust, noise, and disturbance of local wildlife and residents’ quality of life.
10+ Variances
The area is not zoned for this size project. State law enables developments to bypass local zoning. Therefor this development requires numerous variances to allow it to happen.
0 Acres
This development proposes 0 acres to be protected as green space, other than the wetlands which are unbuildable.
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Make your voice heard
Come to the planning board meeting
The more residents that come to the planning board meetings, shows the planning board that you are concerned about the project.
4th Monday of Each Month
Your presence speaks volumes
It’s ok if you do not want to speak at the planning board meeting, we understand that not everyone is comfortable speaking in public. Just being there speaks volumes to the planning board, that we do not want to development in it’s current state in Warren.
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Ready to help?
There are numerous ways to help
WCAD’s mission is to fight inappropriate development and support development that works within the towns unique parameters. All residents can attend planning board meetings which are the 4th Monday of each month. The Warren Planning Board is responsible for approving development projects that impact all Warren citizens. You can help by making your voice heard at meetings, donating or volunteering.