Commission recommends rezoning 135 Atwood Ave. to neighborhood commercial to keep longstanding businesses operating

The Cranston City Planning Commission unanimously recommended that City Council change the future land‑use designation and rezone 135 Atwood Avenue from B‑1 (single‑family) to C‑2 (neighborhood commercial).

Planner Ashman said the property has functioned as commercial and office space for decades and sits immediately adjacent to highway‑commercial uses along Atwood Avenue. The property owner acquired the building in 2022, and a prospective tenant’s state licensing review cited zoning limitations that would prevent routine personal‑service uses (for example, hair salons) without a zone change or repeated special‑use approvals.

Attorney Robert Murray, representing the owner, said the proposed zoning better fits the immediate corridor—across the street from Ocean State Job Lot and bank branches—and would avoid repeated special‑use hearings when tenants change. Staff recommended a positive recommendation to City Council, and the commission voted in favor without public opposition at the meeting.

The matter now goes to City Council for legislative consideration and, if approved, would allow the property owner to lease to small commercial tenants consistent with C‑2 neighborhood commercial zoning.