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Zoning board approves special‑use permit to allow commercial storage at 75 Enterprise Center
Summary
Knight Capital LLC received a special‑use permit to use roughly 31,841 square feet of an existing building at 75 Enterprise Center for owner storage and warehouse purposes. The board voted 5‑0 after testimony from the applicant, an appraisal consultant and neighboring concerns were addressed.
The Town of Middletown Zoning Board on Aug. 1 granted a special‑use permit allowing Knight Capital LLC to use about 31,841 square feet of an existing building at 75 Enterprise Center for storage and warehouse purposes.
Attorney David Martland presented the application on behalf of KVH Industries (owner) and Knight Capital (prospective purchaser). Lawrence (Larry) Phillips, principal of Knight Capital, said the company plans to use storage space to house seasonal equipment and supplies for local hospitality businesses the principals operate in Newport. Phillips described the proposed use as owner storage for restaurant and event equipment — chairs, umbrellas, backup kitchen equipment and similar items — stored inside the building, not as a self‑storage facility open to the public.
Appraiser Nathan Godfrey of Newport Appraisal Group summarized a report finding the proposed use meets the zoning ordinance’s special‑use criteria and the town’s comprehensive plan. Godfrey said storage and warehousing are among the least intensive land‑use types in terms of traffic and nuisance, noting existing docks, loading space and unused parking on site.
Board members asked about truck traffic, outside storage, hazardous materials and the timing of a recent zoning‑ordinance amendment that allowed storage by special‑use permit in the district. Phillips and Martland said no outside storage or hazardous materials were planned, and that the rezoning and ordinance amendment had been discussed with the planning board and council; the planning board issued a positive recommendation and council members had toured the building prior to the amendment’s vote. Neighbors had submitted written concerns about outside storage; the applicant clarified storage would be internal and seasonal.
No members of the public spoke at the hearing on the petition itself. After deliberation, the board voted 5‑0 to approve the special‑use permit.
The approval allows the owner‑storage and warehouse use as presented; any future change in use (for example, converting front space to recreation, retail or other activities) may require separate approvals or design review by the planning board.
