A significant zoning decision took center stage at the Coventry Zoning Board of Review meeting on August 6, 2025, as the board deliberated on a use variance request from Marjorie Bailey to construct a single-family home at 1340 Main Street, an area currently designated as an Industrial I-1 zone. The proposal seeks to replace an existing barn with a new home, despite the property’s nonconforming residential status and the need for dimensional variances due to setback requirements.

The applicant is requesting a 10-foot reduction from the required 30-foot setback on the north property line and a 20-foot reduction on the south property line. This request has sparked considerable discussion among board members, particularly regarding the implications of allowing three residential structures on a single lot in an industrial zone.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns about maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood, which is surrounded by other homes despite its industrial zoning. Member Keith Plutia noted the property had improved significantly since previous inspections, but he and others voiced hesitations about the viability of having three homes on one lot. The board's consensus leaned towards approving the new construction, provided the existing unoccupied home is removed to alleviate density concerns.

The board's decision will hinge on balancing the need for residential development against the zoning regulations designed for industrial use. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential site visits to assess the implications of the proposed changes. The outcome of this variance request could set a precedent for future residential developments in similarly zoned areas, highlighting the ongoing tension between industrial and residential land use in Coventry.