Planning commission approves preliminary plan to convert former mill at 530 Wellington Ave. to self‑storage

The Cranston City Planning Commission approved the preliminary plan for major land development at 530 Wellington Avenue, permitting the conversion of most of an existing former mill building to a self‑storage facility with an accessory office, parking and landscaping.

Staff described the property as located in an M‑2 (general industrial) zone within a designated special redevelopment area. Staff noted surrounding land uses are primarily commercial and industrial, that some smaller on‑site structures will be demolished while the larger masonry building will remain, and that the site contains historic contamination that limits residential uses. The planner said the proposal was consistent with the zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan and that the redevelopment would reduce impervious area by roughly 2.7 percent and improve stormwater management.

The applicant team — represented by…