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Board grants special-use permit in concept to Grama Network classroom at 73 Branch Pike; conditions set
Summary
The Smithfield Zoning Board approved in concept a special-use permit to allow the Grama Network (a provider of services for children with autism) to operate a small classroom at 73 Branch Pike, limiting enrollment and making approval subject to state and local permitting and safety checks.
The Zoning Board voted to grant approval in concept for the Grama Network (referred to in testimony as the Gruma/Grana/Grama Network) to operate a classroom for children with autism at 73 Branch Pike (case 25-010) and set conditions the applicant must meet before continuing operation.
Representatives for the applicant described an existing classroom that began operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy in February 2024 and said the site currently serves four children with capacity for six. The organization testified it provides specialized services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and that students currently arrive by school bus. Witnesses at the meeting said the facility is fenced in and that interior and exterior safety modifications had been completed under the temporary certificate of occupancy.
Neighbors including a resident who lives across Branch Pike said they had no complaints about the provider; other attendees asked about site visibility at a nearby corner and whether vegetation would be trimmed to improve line-of-sight. The building official and fire marshal participated in the conversation: the building official confirmed the temporary certificate of occupancy had been issued and that the final certificate of occupancy is subject to zoning approval and follow-up inspections. The town’s building official and the fire marshal will perform plan and safety reviews before a final certificate is issued.
By motion the board approved the application with a condition limiting enrollment and operations as discussed at the hearing. The board required (1) a maximum enrollment cap established in the decision (the board set a cap of up to 10 students in the motion), (2) maintenance of sight-line/vegetation trimming at the corner to the satisfaction of code enforcement, and (3) that final approval and ongoing operation be subject to all applicable state and local approvals, including any state education or licensing requirements and the building and fire marshal reviews. The motion passed by voice vote.
