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Board approves zoning relief for 95 Douglas Pike; applicant to rebuild and operate cigar lounge with conditions
Summary
The Planning Board granted dimensional relief at 95 Douglas Pike to allow demolition and reconstruction of a commercial building (proposed cigar lounge/restaurant) with reduced setbacks, a 17‑space parking plan and landscape buffering; applicant said liquor and business licenses have been pre‑approved and pledged no amplified entertainment.
On Sept. 19, 2024, the Smithfield Planning Board approved zoning relief and a preliminary plan for a change of use at 95 Douglas Pike to permit a cigar lounge/restaurant and associated redevelopment of a nonconforming lot.
Attorney John Shekachi and project engineer Sam Hemenway presented the unified application. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing residence and construct a commercial building slightly relocated (approximately 10–11 feet east) with a parking layout that provides 17 spaces. The board heard that soil tests for a septic/OWTS location have been performed and that a drainage system meeting state standards is included in the design; a pending state determination about whether a DOT physical‑alteration permit is required was filed.
The application requested dimensional relief for side, rear and front yard setbacks: the plan proposes approximately 16.7 ft side setback (40 ft required), a rear setback of about 23 ft (50 ft required) and a front setback of about 23 ft (60 ft required); the board noted relief from a 100‑foot residential buffer as part of the request. Owner Dominic Greco said he has received town approval for a liquor license and business license and clarified the operation will offer light food service and no DJ or amplified entertainment.
After no public testimony, the board voted to approve the requested zoning relief and the preliminary plan subject to standard conditions, including submission of a RI DOT physical‑alteration permit at final plan or demonstration the permit is not required. The board directed that final technical submissions (septic, drainage, DOT coordination) be handled administratively by staff as part of the final‑plan process.
