Minutes 2026-01-28

PORTSMOUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

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Minutes of Meeting
January 28, 2026

Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee
(PEDC) was called to order by Chair Joseph Forgione at 5:30 p.m. on January
28, 2026 in the Portsmouth Room at the Portsmouth Town Hall.
Roll Call
Members Present: Emil Cipolla, Dan Corrigan, Joseph Forgione (Chair), Lex
Gardner, Philip Genereux, Richard Hood, Steve Johnson (Vice Chair),
Raymond Keller, Pete Lankarge, Michael Mineau (Secretary), Frank Rego,
Peter Tyer-Witek (Youth Representative), and Richard Talipsky (ex officio).
Members Absent: None.
Other attendees: None.
Town Council Liaisons: Keith Hamilton (absent) and Mary McDowell
(absent).
Public Attendees: None.
Guest Speakers
N/A.
Approval of
Minutes
Motion to approve November 19, 2025 minutes by Frank Rego subject to
changing Peter Rego to Frank Rego, seconded by Pete Lankarge. Approved
unanimously subject to amendment.
Correspondence
None.
Chair’s Welcome
and Report
None.
Officer Elections
Joseph Forgione explained positions and the voting process. For the Chair
position, Mr. Forgione was nominated by Steve Johnson, seconded by Pete
Lankarge, and elected unanimously. For the Vice Chair position, Mr. Johnson
was nominated by Raymond Keller, seconded by Michael Mineau, and elected
unanimously. Philip Genereux had also nominated Mr. Mineau for Vice
Chair, which Mr. Mineau respectfully declined. For the Secretary position,
Mr. Mineau was nominated by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Genereux, and
elected unanimously.
Director of Business
Development’s
Report
Richard Talipsky presented an update on the tradename database now being
live on the Secretary of State website, as well as the Buy Local program,
which has over 150 businesses registered.
Old Business
None
New Business
1. Aquidneck Island Gas Pipeline and Connections letter
This subcommittee, comprised of Emil Cipola, Joseph Forgione, and Steve
Johnson, discussed their efforts to conduct research into the issue and prepare

PORTSMOUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

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and issue a detailed 6-page memorandum to the Town Council recommending
supporting natural gas availability in Portsmouth and opposing a moratorium.
2. Tax Stabilization Summary
Richard Talipsky discussed a 2-page outline of the proposal for a tax
stabilization ordinance, how Portsmouth is enabled by statute to use enterprise
zoning, past unsuccessful efforts to implement enterprise zoning, and the
benefits of this and limiting eligibility to manufacturing. The Committee
discussed calculating the benefits of this proposal.
3. Review Committee Process, Current Sub-Committees, and Calendar
for 2026
The Committee discussed the existing subcommittees, Buy-Local and
Broadband, and invited input for additional subcommittees. The Committee
also discussed the process and requirements regarding filing of Minutes.
4. Discussion of Possible New Incentives for 2026
Peter Tyer-Witek suggested pitching an investor to build a candy shop as an
alternative place for teenagers’ first place of employment besides Clement’s
Marketplace, which currently employs a significant number of local teenagers.
Emil Cipola started a discussion about implementing an internship program.
Frank Rego will come to the next meeting with an outline of ideas for an
internship program. Philip Genereux will send a list of questions and
comments to Mr. Tyer-Witek regarding his idea and considerations for
drafting a business plan. Steve Johnson discussed the following ideas: 1)
“Ready, Set, Rhody”; 2) Melville/West Side Development; 3) Old Baypoint
Facility (recently sold by Roger Williams University to a developer); and 4)
the Portsmouth Comprehensive Community Plan.
Next Meeting
February 25, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Colonel Thomas F. Lee Community
Room at the Portsmouth Police Department (2270 East Main Road).
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Philip Genereux, seconded by Pete Lankarge. Approved
unanimously. Adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Approved 3-18-2026