Conservation commission approves special-use permit for five-room employee housing at 251 Spring Street

May 13, 2025 — The New Shoreham Conservation Commission voted to approve a special-use permit for 251 Spring Street LLC to renovate an existing walkout basement into five rooms of employee housing.

The applicant told the commission the project does not seek relief from the town zoning code beyond the special-use permit and that water and sewer capacity is available. "We have a sufficient existing allocation, from the public water source of the Block Island Water Company," the applicant said, and added that commercial washing machines were moved to a private well to free allocation. The applicant said formal letters from the water and sewer commissions confirming sufficient allocation were included in the commission packet.

Commission members asked how the town can guard against a conversion of employee housing to an inn or hotel in the future; New Shoreham zoning does not create a separate category labeled "employee housing," meaning a permitted employee housing use could, in practice, be treated similarly to an inn. Commission members also asked whether the new rooms would be winterized; the applicant said winterization is the intent and that an engineer would confirm feasibility.

After discussion the commission made and seconded a favorable motion and approved the special-use permit by voice vote. The applicant left after the vote and was told the matter will proceed to the planning board.

The commission did not attach additional conditions on water allocation; it relied on the written confirmation from the water and sewer authorities included in the application packet.

The commission heard no public opposition during the item.