Scituate, Rhode Island Development News
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Scituate Town Council
Published: Jul 10, 2026
Town Council Approves Providence Revolving Fund to Administer CDBG Home Repair Program
The council reviewed and discussed the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) home repair program, presented by Carrie Zazzlo of the Providence Revolving Fund. This program offers forgivable loans of up to \$50,000 for one or two-family houses and up to \$75,000 for three or four-unit buildings to households earning under 80% of the area median income in qualified census tracts. The Providence Revolving Fund would administer the program, handling income qualification and construction management, while the town would be responsible for filling out the application and submitting it to the state. The town council voted to retain the Providence Revolving Fund to administer this program.\n\nThe council also discussed a separate loan program offered by the Providence Revolving Fund, which provides loans for home repairs with interest rates between 5% and 7.5%, an 8-year term, and interest-only during the repair process. This loan program has different income requirements than the CDBG program and could potentially reach more residents. The town would have no default or credit risk associated with these programs.\n\nIt was noted that the CDBG program has not been widely used by municipalities due to its administrative complexity, but the Providence Revolving Fund is well-equipped to handle it due to their volume and infrastructure. The town council voted to approve retaining the Providence Revolving Fund to administer the CDBG grant home repair program.
Town Council Approves Police Cruiser Purchase, Animal Shelter Fencing, and Fuel Services Bid
The town council approved several procurement items. First, they approved a resolution authorizing the school superintendent to approve additional potential change orders for the Hope Elementary School roof project, up to \$126,791 in contingency funds, to ensure completion before the school year. Second, they approved awarding the bid for gasoline fuel dispensing services to Village Gas for two years with a three-year extension option, noting prices are market-based. Third, they awarded the bid for Animal Shelter Fence to GB Hasty Fence Company, Inc. for \$71,975, funded by \$50,000 from the APA and remaining interest from APA money, which includes upgrades to the animal shelter area fencing and enhancements to an adjacent recreation field. Finally, they authorized the purchase of two new police cruisers for up to \$142,000 total, with funds from the detail L account and the police capital budget, acknowledging potential reliance on the detail L account if a grant for one vehicle does not materialize.
Hope Elementary School Roof Project Costs Increase by \$28,500 for Additional Roof Removal
The town council discussed and approved a change order for the Hope Elementary School roof project, increasing the project cost by \$28,500. This change order is necessary to remove an existing, original roof layer that was not accounted for in the initial bid specifications. The decision was made to proceed with the removal to ensure the new roof is installed before the end of the summer, avoiding further delays. The council also approved \$125,000 for architecture fees for the same project and authorized the school superintendent to approve additional potential change orders up to the project contingency of \$126,791 under specific conditions, primarily to meet a hard deadline for project completion before the start of the school year.
Town Council Approves Two Class BV Liquor Licenses with Conditions After Lengthy Debate
The town council considered two applications for Class BV liquor licenses. The first was for Michael A. DeFazio, doing business as DeFazio Farm and Vineyard, at 1160 Chopstill Hill Road. After extensive discussion regarding the service and consumption areas, food service requirements, and adherence to zoning conditions, the council voted to approve the license with significant conditions. The conditions included limiting the tavern service area to the building interior only, requiring food service, and adhering to specific operating hours. The second application was from Sabrina Maguire, owner of Groundwater Cafe at 985 Chopiss Hill Road, for a Class BV license. This application also generated considerable debate, particularly concerning outdoor service, proximity to residences, and consistency with zoning restrictions. The council ultimately approved the license, with a motion to include 24 patio seats, subject to submitting diagrams and seat counts to the town clerk prior to license issuance, and contingent upon zoning board approval for the outdoor seating area. A resident from Peru Drive voiced strong opposition to the Groundwater Cafe's application due to its residential proximity and history of requested expansions.
Situa Community House to be Renamed After General Reggie; Consideration for Honoring Ed Gould and Donald Maker Requested
The town council discussed and approved the renaming of the Situa Community House after General Reggie. The motion to approve the renaming passed. Councilman McCormack also requested consideration for naming the downstairs area of the community house after Ed Gould and Donald Maker, suggesting these names be added to a future agenda.
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