Minutes 2026-05-20

PORTSMOUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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Minutes of Meeting
May 20, 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 May 20,
2026 in the Colonel Thomas F. Lee Community Room at the Portsmouth
Police Department (2270 East Main Road).
Roll Call
Members Present: Emil Cipolla, Dan Corrigan, Joseph Forgione (Chair), Steve
Johnson (Vice Chair), Raymond Keller, Pete Lankarge, Michael Mineau
(Secretary), Peter Tyer-Witek (Youth Representative), and Richard Talipsky
(ex officio).
Members Absent: Lex Gardner, Philip Genereux, Richard Hood.
Other attendees: Daniel Carlin.
Town Council Liaisons: Keith Hamilton (absent) and Mary McDowell
(absent).
Public Attendees: None.
Guest Speakers
Daniel Carlin.
Approval of
Minutes
Motion to approve April 15, 2026 minutes by Mr. Keller, seconded by Mr.
Lankarge, subject to one revision - removing Frank Rego’s name from the Roll
Call, due to his resignation prior to that meeting. Approved unanimously.
Correspondence
None.
Chair’s Welcome
and Report
Covered under Old Business.
Director of Business
Development’s
Report
Mr. Talipsky provided an update on the community electric program,
discussing the easy-to-submit form and that only 60 accounts have opted out to
the program.
Old Business
1. West Side Transportation Infrastructure Discussion and Brainstorm
Mr. Forgione led a brainstorming discussion regarding the Committee’s
involvement in this initiative. Mr. Talipsky stated that the Committee could
focus on impacts on the Melville area. Daniel Carlin suggested outreach to the
Navy. Mr. Cipolla stated that the condominium development could be a focus,
as it is not on Navy land. Mr. Johnson discussed updates from the Restoration
Advisory Board meeting, and that there would be additional updates for the
next meeting based on the Restoration Advisory Board meeting later that
evening. Mr. Talipsky stated that there could be a Prudence Island ferry and
ferries to other locations from this area. A subcommittee consisting of Mr.
Johnson, Mr. Lankarge, Mr. Cipolla, and Mr. Carlin was formed, with Mr.

PORTSMOUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
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Johnson as the subcommittee chair. Mr. Johnson will present at the next
Committee meeting with an update.
2. Gas Moratorium
Mr. Forgione reported as the subcommittee chair that a discussion occurred
after the last Committee meeting between Town officials and representatives
of Rhode Island Energy. Mr. Forgione presented highlights from that meeting
and recommended tabling this topic for now, as the Committee’s work has
concluded.
3. Additional item
Mr. Forgione asked Mr. Tyer-Witek to explore how AI could aid in further
development of business in Portsmouth. Mr. Tyer-Witek discussed briefly
what he is preparing to present at the next Committee meeting.
4. Introduce New Ideas
Mr. Forgione confirmed that the Committee members decided collectively to
focus on the West Side Redevelopment initiative.
New Business
Mr. Gardner will present at the next meeting on a potential internship program.
Next Meeting
June 17, 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 Mr. Cipolla, second by Mr. Keller. Approved
unanimously. Adjourned at 6:15 p.m.