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Votes at a glance: Newport Zoning Board grants multiple variances, approves withdrawal requests and an extension
Summary
At its Sept. 22 meeting the Newport Zoning Board approved a range of petitions — many on a consent/summary calendar — including withdrawals, an extension request, several dimensional variances and a front‑balcony request for an event space. Conditions were the standard 12‑month start/complete deadline and payment of public‑notice fees.
The Newport Zoning Board of Review handled a number of consent and abbreviated items during its Sept. 22 meeting. The board approved withdrawals, an extension request, a summary calendar petition and several abbreviated petitions; board members moved a single abbreviated petition to a full hearing when an objector appeared.
Key votes and actions (all motions adopted unless noted):
- Withdrawals: The board granted two withdrawal requests without prejudice for petitions affecting 34 Sherman St. and 57 Gould St. (unanimous)
- Extension: The board approved a third 12‑month extension for 34 South Baptist St. (unanimous). Members noted the applicants followed the city’s extension practice.
- Summary calendar (consent): The petition of Kevin Lafrenzier, owner/applicant of 16 Mount Vernon St. (R‑3 zone) requested dimensional variances to demolish an existing nonconforming one‑story garage and construct a two‑story garage with reduced left and rear setbacks. The board placed the item on the consent calendar and granted the variances with the usual 12‑month start/complete and notice‑fee conditions (unanimous).
- Abbreviated schedule items granted (each with the board adopting staff reports, findings and the standard 12‑month start/complete requirement and payment of public‑notice fees): • Corey McCoy, 35 Elm St., Unit 2 — dimensional variance for a curb cut and parking area on a condominium property; board added a condition that the petitioner provide written approval from the condo association to the zoning office before recording the decision (unanimous). • John Daugherty and Lisa Falzo Daugherty, 3 Bush St. — rear deck replacement and lot‑coverage adjustment; board found the project reduces one side‑setback invasion and decreases lot coverage (unanimous). • 2 Church St. LLC (Queen Anne’s Loft, 212 Dame St./Church St.) — new 134‑square‑foot balcony for the Second‑Floor event space, which increases required parking by one space (no on‑site parking possible); applicant said there will be no change in hours or live music and proposed a 60‑inch glass barrier; board approved with standard conditions (unanimous). • William Dennis and Danielle Chitati, 14 (Chapel St. frontage) — in‑ground pool and hot tub requiring front‑setback relief and increased lot coverage; applicant proposed privacy fencing and plantings; board approved (unanimous). • Michael Catano Costello and Marybeth McNamara, 12 Hunter Ave. — remove rear deck and build a single‑story rear addition; board approved (unanimous).
- Procedural actions: The board continued the appeal/petition for 8 Barney St. (motion to continue to the next meeting adopted).
Most decisions that evening were accompanied by the standard condition the board applied across cases: projects must start and be substantially complete within 12 months of the decision (or an extension must be requested from the zoning officer before expiration) and all outstanding invoices related to public noticing must be paid before recording the decision.
Motions were typically made by Vice Chairman Dave Riley and seconded by board members; roll calls show consistent 5–0 unanimous approvals on the consent and abbreviated calendar items.
