The choice is ultimately theirs, but town attorneys have advised members of two of Warren's most influential boards to steer clear of a meeting next week that will look at how other towns have dealt with mill developments like that proposed for the American Tourister property.
Members of the planning and zoning boards were told by town solicitors over the past week that attending the symposium "Mills That Work: How Will Warren Benefit?" on Saturday, April 5, could jeopardize future negotiations with Meredith Management, the development firm that has proposed renovating the giant mill complex in north Warren into a series of condominiums and commercial spaces. The firm is currently in Superior Court negotiations with the town to resolve disagreements on the size and scope of the development.
Warren Town Solicitor Fausto Anguilla was careful to say that no one has been told not to attend the meeting. However, "in an abundance of caution, my suggestion is that folks not attend. If they do attend, I would hope that they do not speak." He said the Warren Town Council will get the same speech.
In setting up the symposium, planned for 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the India restaurant, members of Develop Warren Wisely, the Massasoit Historical Society, the Warren Land Conservation Trust and the Warren Preservation Society said they wanted not to talk specifically about the controversial Tourister project, but about what other towns have done to develop historic mills. To that end, they plan to bring in several historic preservation architects and a planner who has helped the City of New Bedford re-develop its historic industrial waterfront.
But in a meeting of the planning board Monday night, assistant town solicitor S. Paul Ryan followed the same tack Mr. Anguilla took last week with the zoning board — he advised non-attendance because the scope of the symposium is so narrow.
Contrary to popular belief, he said, the main issue is not of ethics, but the Second Amendment of Rhode Island's Constitution, which sets forth standards for public officials.
"Anybody who has decision-making power has to avoid the appearance of impropriety," he said. "It's not like Warren has 20 mills. It's my recommendation that you not go to such a limited session. If it quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it probably is a duck."
Mr. Ryan added that if the board wanted to attend, for example, a larger seminar on successful mill projects based in Boston, then questions of impropriety would not be at issue.
Symposium organizers invited planning and zoning board members, the Warren Town Council and town administration, as well as officials from Meredith Management, to the symposium. On Monday, Develop Warren Wisely Chairman Sandy Scott said the fact that many have been advised not to attend won't be a big detriment to the meeting itself.
"It doesn't change anything," he said. "We plan to proceed. I think it'll provide a stepping stone for more discussion; it's very worthwhile."
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Mill symposium coming in two weeks
What: "Mills that Work: How Will Warren Benefit?"
When: Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: India restaurant, second floor
Who: Architects and planners will speak on their experiences with mill redevelopment outside of Warren. Town officials, Meredith Management developers and property owner are invited; the public is also encouraged to attend the free event.
Breakdown: Registration begins at 9 a.m. with coffee and pastry; presentations run from 9:30 to 11: 30 a.m.; a panel discussion runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Questions and answers are welcome.
By Ted Hayes
thayes@eastbaynewspapers.com