Public hearing opened for Demos Family Trust variance to expand single-family dwelling at 1177 Corn Neck Road

The zoning board opened a public hearing on July 23 for the Demos Family Trust (Gregory and Desiree Demos, trustees) seeking a dimensional variance under section 306(c) to add to a single‑family dwelling at 1177 Corn Neck Road (Lot 3, Lot 108).

Attorney Hamza Choudhury, of Adler Pollock & Sheehan, represented the applicants and described the proposal as a modest expansion that increases the dwelling footprint from 1,684 square feet to 1,928 square feet (an increase of 244 square feet), saying most additional space remains within the existing footprint. Choudhury argued the property’s deeded street right-of-way (9,936 square feet) should not be fully subtracted when computing lot area for the ordinance because much of that deeded right‑of‑way is wetlands or leads into a pond and is not usable for access.

Engineer Sergio Surencia, who was sworn and testified, explained the survey and wetlands delineation on the plans and confirmed a soil scientist verified wetland boundaries that were subsequently verified by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Choudhury said that when the unusable portion of the deeded right‑of‑way is treated differently, the percentage calculations for the requested variances would change materially and could reduce or eliminate the need for some relief.

Board counsel/staff clarified for the record that the application, as filed, requests relief under Rhode Island state law (cited on the record as R.I. Gen. Laws § 45‑24‑38(b) — dimensional relief for substandard lots) and appendix C of the local ordinance; counsel noted it remains the applicant’s position that the project requires a variance rather than a modification under the state provision. The hearing remained open at the transcript’s end while the board took testimony and reviewed survey and wetland details.