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Coventry planning commission approves use variance for 1160 Main Street garage addition
Summary
The Coventry Planning Commission on Oct. 27 approved a use variance and preliminary minor land development for a 699-square-foot addition to an existing automotive repair garage at 1160 Main Street, citing the property's long history as a nonconforming auto use and staff corrections to the application paperwork.
The Coventry Planning Commission voted Oct. 27 to approve a use variance and the preliminary minor land development plan allowing a 699-square-foot addition to the existing automotive repair garage at 1160 Main Street.
Thomas Cronin, representing the owner and applicant, told the commission the building has been used for automotive purposes since about 1967 and that the proposed work would add a single bay to the right side of the existing garage to improve vehicle circulation. "So what we're looking to do is add 699 square feet, 1 bay to the garage to the right of the existing garage," Cronin said during the public hearing. Cronin also noted the property has an on‑site wastewater treatment system (OWTS), not a sewer connection.
The commission and staff corrected an error in the agenda and staff report that listed the addition as 669 square feet; staff confirmed the site plan and applicant materials show 699 square feet and the motions incorporated that corrected figure. The board opened a public hearing, heard no public testimony and closed the hearing before taking action.
A commissioner identified in the record as making the variance motion (Mister Clune) moved to approve the variance; Mister Smith seconded. The motion passed with no named opposition. An unnamed commissioner recused themself, saying, "I gotta sustain from this. I live around the corner, so I didn't get no paperwork." The commission then approved the preliminary minor land development plan, with staff noting that final plan review is expected to be handled administratively and that state permits are in hand.
What happens next: staff will record the decision and the applicant is expected to submit final plan materials for administrative sign-off. The commission did not require a sewer connection at this time, per the motion and staff report.
Sources: Transcript of the Coventry Planning Commission meeting, Oct. 27, 2025.
