Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Votes Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Votes at a glance: Middletown zoning board approves fireworks tent, decks, porches, shed roof and owner‑occupied short‑term rental
Summary
At the Town of Middletown Zoning Board meeting, members approved a series of variances and special‑use requests including a temporary fireworks tent at 750 Aquidneck Ave, multiple small yard/porch/deck variances, a shed roof addition, and an owner‑occupied short‑term rental at 28 Reardon Drive; most items passed unanimously or by summary vote.
The Town of Middletown Zoning Board approved multiple petitions in a single meeting, taking final action on several variances and one special‑use request for an owner‑occupied short‑term rental. The board used summary procedures for several small‑setback requests and heard public comment where required.
Key outcomes (case by case):
- ZBR25‑1 (Elizabeth Portner / temporary retail tent, 750 Aquidneck Avenue): Approved 5‑0. The applicant, represented at the hearing, asked for a three‑year special use for a seasonal retail tent (fireworks tent). The board said they had not received neighborhood complaints and voted to grant the permit.
- ZBR25‑7 (Daniel Bellhumer / rear deck at 2 Boulevard East): Approved (vote recorded as 5‑0). The board treated this as a variance and concluded the deck addition would not change the character of the lot; public comment about drainage and erosion was heard and board members noted construction runoff controls would apply.
- ZBR25‑9 (James and Sandra Lee Schuster / covered porch at 107 Briarwood): Approved (summary case; 5‑0). There were no public objections and the board treated it as a summary variance.
- ZBR25‑6 (Catherine Snyder / porch enclosure at 29 Alston Avenue): Approved (summary case; 5‑0). No public objections were raised; the dimensional relief sought was less than 50% and was handled by summary vote.
- ZBR25‑8 (Gene Gardella / 10x16 roof structure attached to existing shed at 15 Donald Drive): Approved 5‑0. The petitioner said neighbors were contacted and raised no objections; the board approved the attached roof structure/carport.
- ZBR25‑10 (Maria Goncalves and Evo Da Silva / owner‑occupied short‑term rental at 28 Reardon Drive): Approved 5‑0. The owners said they will live on the premises and rent a portion of the house. Multiple nearby residents attended and spoke; the board and town staff emphasized that owner‑occupied short‑term rentals are permitted under the current ordinance and that enforcement of occupancy, parking and related conditions is handled by the building/zoning enforcement office.
Other procedural actions: The board also adopted the May 27 zoning board minutes and elected officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary) at the start of the meeting.
What to watch: Several approvals included references to permitting and construction‑phase runoff controls; a number of public speakers raised drainage, runoff and neighborhood parking concerns, and town departments (building, public works) were identified as the channels for follow‑up enforcement and technical review.
Ending: The board completed the docket and adjourned after the last petition was approved.
