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Cranston City Council approves liquor license, zoning change and tax abatements; elects Kristen Heroyan vice president
Summary
The Cranston City Council approved a package of routine and land-use measures — including a liquor license for Virology LLC at 160 Atwood Avenue, a zoning change for 1746 Cranston Street, and tax abatements — and elected Councilwoman Kristen Heroyan as council vice president (one abstention).
The Cranston City Council on Monday approved a series of routine measures — a liquor license, tax abatements and a zoning change — and elected Councilwoman Kristen Heroyan as council vice president.
Councilwoman Kristen Heroyan was nominated from the floor and elected by roll-call vote to serve as council vice president for the term through Jan. 4, 2027; Heroyan abstained from the roll call on her own election, and the remaining members voted in favor. Council President Wall congratulated Heroyan and said he looked forward to working with her.
The council approved a Class B-B-V liquor license for Virology LLC at 160 Atwood Avenue after the Safety Services committee recommended the license despite the city’s cap on licenses. Council Vice President Heroyan, speaking as safety services chair, said the committee met Sept. 8 and voted to recommend the license. The council approved the license by roll-call vote.
On land-use business, the ordinance committee urged passage of an amendment to chapter 17 of the Cranston code — a change of zone for 1746 Cranston Street. Attorney Robert Murray, who said he was present concerning “ordinance seven-two 506, the change of zone for 1746 Cranston Street,” told the council he had appeared at the ordinance committee and would answer questions if needed. Councilwoman Graziano noted on the record that she wanted stormwater management standards to be emphasized for the project: “I’m still gonna make a note about stormwater and holding you guys to stormwater management standards.” The ordinance was approved by roll-call vote.
Finance committee items also moved forward. The council approved a resolution authorizing real estate tax abatements and a separate resolution authorizing motor vehicle tax abatements; both measures were reported out of finance on Sept. 8 and passed by roll call. The council approved the appointments of Sarah Perez (transcript variants: “Pereca/Pereka”) to the Cranston Arts Commission for a three-year unexpired term and reappointed David W. Guoit to the Historical Cemeteries Commission for a term through Oct. 24, 2028.
Votes at a glance: - Election of council vice president — Kristen Heroyan: Approved (Heroyan abstained; other members recorded yes). - Liquor license — Virology LLC, 160 Atwood Ave (Class B-B-V): Approved by roll call. - Ordinance — change of zone for 1746 Cranston Street (amendment to chapter 17, Zoning): Approved by roll call. - Real estate tax abatement (resolution): Approved by roll call. - Motor vehicle tax abatement (resolution): Approved by roll call. - Appointment — Sarah Perez to Cranston Arts Commission: Approved by roll call. - Reappointment — David W. Guoit to Historical Cemeteries Commission: Approved by roll call.
Next steps and context: Several items were moved as blocks and referred to appropriate committees where indicated. Attorney Robert Murray — who identified himself as representing interests related to the 1746 Cranston Street zoning matter — told the council he had provided materials to the ordinance committee and offered to answer questions going forward. Council members indicated they will follow up with staff on implementation details and conditions (for example, Graziano’s request regarding stormwater controls). The council adjourned with no further business.
