Minutes 2026-04-15

PORTSMOUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting
April 15, 2026

Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee
(PEDC) was called to order by Chair, Joe Forgione, at 5:32 pm on April 15, 2026
in the Colonel Thomas F. Lee Community Room, Portsmouth Police Station,
2270 East Main Road.
Roll Call
Members in attendance: Joe Forgione (Chair), Steve Johnson (Vice Chair), Emil
T. Cipolla, Lex Gardner, Richard Hood, Raymond Keller, Pete Lankarge, Peter
Tyer-Witek
Members absent: Dan Corrigan, Philip Genereux, Michael Mineau (Secretary),
Frank Rego
Ex-Officio Richard Talipsky was present.
Town Council Liaison: Mary McDowell
Others: None
Guest Speakers
Sarah Burke, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
Approval of
Minutes
Motion to approve the March 18, 2026 minutes by Richard Hood, seconded by
Raymond Keller. Unanimous approval, with one abstaining (Pete Lankarge).
Correspondence
None.
Chair’s Report
Chair Forgione reported continued progress on the gas moratorium
recommendation. Thanks to the efforts of Town Council Liaison Mary
McDowell, a meeting was held with the Town Administrator and Town Council
President. A meeting with Rhode Island Energy is tentatively scheduled for
May 1, 2026 to discuss gas infrastructure challenges, including lack of
redundant lines to the island. The Chair also noted that Town Tax Assessor,
Matt Helfand, remains committed to assisting with the tax tiers analysis, but
work is delayed until after June due to ongoing property reappraisals and
appeal hearings.
Business Director’s
Report
Richard Talipsky provided an update on the Buy Local Portsmouth program
(buy local 2801.com). Work continues on cleaning and merging databases to
identify approximately 250 viable brick-and-mortar businesses in Portsmouth.
A web developer is assisting with outreach and populating business
information on the site. He also updated the Community Electricity
Aggregation program. Due to ISO New England capacity costs and renewable
energy mandates, current Rhode Island Energy rates are lower than the
program rate. Approximately 6,000 subscribers are encouraged to opt out via
the town website to access the lower rate until new rates take effect in
September.

Old Business
Compatible Use / NAFSTA Study: The Committee discussed next steps
following the recent study presentation. Focus was placed on prioritizing key
recommendations for Portsmouth, particularly West Side development /
Melville Farm area and the Burma Road transportation corridor. Ideas included
forming a working group with Middletown and Newport, identifying 1–3 top
priorities, and ensuring the PEDC is listed as a responsible party. Sarah Burke
agreed to relay the Committee’s feedback to Connect Greater Newport.
New Business
• Internship Program: Lex Gardner and Peter Tyer-Witek volunteered to
develop a proposal for a Portsmouth business internship program (high school
and/or college level) for the next meeting.
• Annual Report: The Committee will provide input to the Town Administrator
for the FY2026 Economic Development annual report.
Open Discussion
Sarah Burke, Emerging Markets Navigator for the Greater Newport Chamber
of Commerce, presented on her role focused on proactive outreach to
businesses across Newport County. She requested input from members on
Portsmouth businesses she should contact and expressed interest in focusing
on Portsmouth during May and June. She highlighted the bi-weekly Chamber
Connections networking group and invited ongoing dialogue. Several members
discussed ways the Chamber can support local businesses.
Next Meeting
May 20, 2026, at 5:30 pm in the Colonel Thomas F. Lee Community Room,
Portsmouth Police Station, 2270 East Main Road.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Pete Lankarge, seconded by Lex Gardner. Unanimous
approval. Adjourned at 6:29 pm.
Submitted for
Approval
Pete Lankarge, volunteering to keep minutes with the Secretary being absent.
Approval
Motion by: Ray Keller Seconded by: Pete Lannkarge
Vote: Unanimous
Submitted for the
Record
Joe Forgione, Chair Date: May 20, 2026