Newport zoning board renews BayCoast Bank variance for drive‑through; 12‑month start condition

The Newport Zoning Board of Review on Aug. 25 unanimously reapproved dimensional variances allowing BayCoast Bank to build a new branch with a drive‑through at 137 Broadway, contingent on the project starting and being substantially complete within 12 months and on payment of outstanding public‑notice invoices.

The board granted the reapproval after BayCoast’s attorney said a prior zoning approval had lapsed because the sale and construction timetable changed and the bank’s construction manager died, delaying work. Douglas Biron, representing the bank, said, “the dimensional variances that were previously unanimously granted for the construction of a new bank branch … the zoning approval inadvertently lapsed earlier this year.”

The case returned as an abbreviated reapproval hearing because the previously granted variances had expired before construction started. Board members noted the lapse imposed extra work on the board and questioned why the applicant had not sought an earlier extension; Biron acknowledged responsibility for some oversight but described staffing and scheduling changes within the bank that delayed work.

Marie Pellegrino, identified by counsel as the bank’s chief operating officer, described the planned drive‑through configuration and customer technology. Pellegrino said the branch will use interactive teller machines (ITMs) that “act as an, almost like a teller at a machine and also an ATM,” and said ITM transactions average roughly 2½–3 minutes, which the bank expects will reduce vehicle stacking compared with a single drive lane.

Board members also confirmed limits on future uses: staff and counsel said that the approval is tied to banking use and that any change to a nonbank drive‑through (for example, a fast‑food restaurant) would require separate permitting and board review. The board’s motion incorporated the staff report, plans, testimony and counsel’s representations and required that construction start and be substantially complete within 12 months of the decision or that the applicant request an extension from the zoning officer before expiration. The motion also required payment of outstanding public‑notice invoices prior to recording the decision.

The motion was made by Vice Chairman Dave Riley and seconded by Nicole Chevre. The board polled individually and recorded five ayes: Nicole Chevre, Vice Chairman Dave Riley, Secretary Russ Johnson, member Bart Grimes and Chairman Wick Rudd. The board recorded the outcome as unanimous approval.

The board noted the demolition portion of the project is a separate approval and could begin earlier, but the bank cannot build the new branch until the appeal period expires and applicable permits are issued.

Staff will record the decision after the applicant pays outstanding notice fees and the applicant is responsible for seeking any extension before the 12‑month expiration if work is not substantially complete.