Planning commission backs Cranston Street rezoning, forwards mixed results on zoning-board requests

The Cranston City Planning Commission on Monday sent a rezoning recommendation to the City Council for a Cranston Street property and issued mixed recommendations on several zoning-board referrals.

Cranston Street rezoning: The commission voted to forward a positive recommendation for an ordinance to rezone two lots at 1746 Cranston Street from C-5 (heavy business/industry) to C-2 (neighborhood business) with conditional dimensional allowances. The developer presented a concept for up to 32 condominium units with a 15% deed-restricted affordable-housing component.

Attorney Robert Murray, representing the applicant, said the design team intends a primarily residential condominium project that would respect Knightsville's Main Street character while providing additional housing and an affordable component. "We would be prepared to make [units] restricted for at least 30 years and work within the Rhode Island housing guidelines," he said. The commission’s staff report noted the request aligns with the city's future land-use map and recommended approval.

The motion to forward a positive recommendation was made by Director Carrero and seconded by Commissioner Barbieri; the motion carried.

Zoning-board referrals (decisions and recommendations):

- Horton, 20 Swift Street (ADU): Staff recommended, and the commission forwarded, a positive recommendation to the Zoning Board of Review for a dimensional variance to demolish and rebuild a detached garage to be used as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The commission acknowledged state ADU rules and accepted the applicant's owner-occupancy affidavit on its face.

- Williston…