The proposed “Bluemead Farm” subdivision in Barrington passed muster with the Planning Board Tuesday night, Feb. 5

The master plan for the 9-lot, 13.6-acre subdivision with three affordable homes off of Chachapacasset and Beach Roads in Rumstick was approved – but with a condition that an archeological study be done of the site. 

That study, said Town Planner Phil Hervey, will determine "what the next steps are" for the development on a site that is believed to contain Native American archeological materials despite some past disturbance. The site sits adjacent to a spring-fed pond along Beach Road that dates back to pre-Colonial days when Native Americans visited the pond.

A previous walkover of the site by archeologists from the RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission determined that much of the site may contain these materials. The commission recommended digging 40 to 60 test pits in undisturbed areas to determine if it might be necessary to eliminate some building lots or redesign the project.

The archeological study is expected to be done as soon as weather permits, said Hervey. It will be paid for by the developer.

The plan approved Tuesday night was actually an “alternative application” that was introduced a month ago. It boosted to three the number of affordable units in the subdivision -- one as a single-family home and two in a duplex. The two lots set aside for the affordable homes both sit off of Chachapacasset Road.

The development’s infrastructure – water, sewer and utilities – will be built by the developer. The subdivision includes a new 623-foot long street at Lewis Street that ends at a cul de sac.

The development also goes now to the Coastal Resource Management Council for a fresh water wetlands permit. CRMC will review the engineering for the site, particularly the drainage, said Hervey.