Council adopts limited zone change on Mineral Spring Avenue, applies 100‑foot depth safeguard

North Providence — The Town Council voted Jan. 6 to amend the zoning map for several lots on Mineral Spring Avenue, shifting those parcels from Residential General to Commercial Village under ordinance 25‑011z.

Council members and town staff described the amendment as deliberately limited: the zone change will apply only to the first 100 feet of the listed lots, which the council said preserves protections for adjacent residential neighborhoods. Staff noted that more intensive uses beyond the by‑right Commercial Village allowances would still require a special‑use permit and a return to the zoning board for specific approvals.

Neighbors raised concerns about selling and repurposing small commercial properties. Deborah Pesacharlo, who identified herself as a property owner on Mineral Spring Avenue, said she had lost prospective buyers because of current interpretations of the zoning and asked when the regulation changed. "Now they're telling me I can only sell it as a single family home," Pesacharlo said, describing the difficulty of marketing buildings historically used for small businesses.

Council members said the zoning change addresses those concerns while protecting residents. Councilman Pollock moved the ordinance as amended to reflect the safeguards discussed; the motion carried on a voice vote. The council then passed proposed ordinance 25‑011z with the amendment proposed by Councilman DiLorenzo.

Next steps: The adopted ordinance will be incorporated into the town’s zoning map; property owners and prospective buyers will still be subject to the 100‑foot depth limitation and any special‑use permitting processes for uses beyond that depth.