Zoning board grants Newport Contemporary Ballet a 24-month extension after neighbors raise maintenance and traffic concerns

The Newport Zoning Board of Review on July 28 approved a 24-month extension for the redevelopment at 435 Broadway, the site of the former Island Moving Company now owned by Newport Contemporary Ballet. The board reduced the applicant’s original request for a 36-month extension after neighbors pressed for a shorter timeline and assurances about site maintenance.

The board’s decision matters because the property is already demolished to grade and neighbors said the exposed site has created dust and safety concerns. Tanner Jackson, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told the board the project is a large adaptive-reuse and reconstruction effort with an estimated cost “a little bit over $4,000,000” and that the pace of construction depends on charitable donations and state grants. Jackson said the organization expects a $2,000,000 grant in fall 2026 and that “the speed at which this project can move is dependent upon those charitable donations.”

Neighbors told the board they were worried the site would remain an eyesore or be sold if the applicant failed to secure funding. Bronwyn Woodhead, a nearby property owner, said the development had changed since original approvals and that she worried about traffic and long-term promises being unfulfilled. Peter Fernberger described the property as “a big dusty mess right now” and asked what would happen if the applicant did not get its funding and sold the site.

Board members discussed whether a 36-month extension was unusually long. Peter Friedrichs of the solicitor’s office advised there is no statutory limit on extension length and noted the board’s past practice of offering 12- or 24-month extensions. Board member Dave Riley said a 24-month extension would give the board more control and allow the board to take a later, closer look if the site remained unfinished. Riley moved to grant 24 months; Nicole Chevre seconded the motion and the board approved the extension by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Members and staff clarified enforcement responsibilities. Board members said site maintenance and dust control fall under the building official and the conditions of a demolition permit, not the zoning board’s routine oversight. Board staff said they would confer with the building official about required dust containment, fencing and other demolition-permit conditions. Residents were directed to the city solicitor for questions about resale or reversion terms tied to past city property sales.

The board and applicant also discussed the subdivision and separate adaptive-reuse approvals affecting a rear parcel, which neighbors had conflated with the Broadway project. Staff said the rear parcel’s adaptive-reuse decision complied with state changes that allow dwelling units in certain historic or commercial buildings through a technical review process; that parcel is a separate matter and not part of this extension request.

The board recorded that the applicant had previously sought a longer extension, that demolition is at an advanced stage, and that the primary constraint on construction is the applicant’s fundraising schedule. The board’s 24-month approval leaves the applicant free to return for additional time if necessary. Tanner Jackson said the applicant agreed to the 24-month period.

The board did not attach additional zoning conditions to the extension beyond the standard requirement that the project begin and be substantially completed within the approved term and that any outstanding administrative fees be paid.

The board’s decision resolves the immediate scheduling question for the 435 Broadway site but left open enforcement and property-disposition questions for other city departments.