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North Providence approves zoning amendment adding arts-education uses including karate, dance and studio instruction
Summary
The council approved an amendment to add an "arts education" use code to CV zones (adopted as Ordinance 24-015z) after a Planning Board recommendation; petitioner's attorney said language was adapted from Cumberland's code and will bring existing businesses into formal conformance.
The North Providence Town Council voted on Dec. 3 to amend the zoning ordinance to create a use code for "arts education," a category intended to include karate studios, dance and music instruction, and other similar training.
Attorney Jack McGreen, representing petitioner Smith Realty LLC, said his client seeks to lease the former Salvation Army building on Smith Street to a karate studio and that the proposed language was largely adapted from Cumberland's ordinance. The Planning Board reviewed the application on Nov. 13 and forwarded a positive recommendation to the council (vote 5-0), finding the change consistent with the town's comprehensive plan.
Council members moved to pass the ordinance; after dispensation of the reading the council passed Ordinance 24-015z to add the new use code. Supporters said the amendment will regularize the status of existing businesses that perform arts instruction and make it easier for similar new businesses to open in commercial village zones.
The ordinance was adopted by voice vote; council did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript. The amendment will be implemented through the town's permitting and zoning processes and is expected to bring several operating studios into formal compliance.
