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Cranston Planning Commission recommends youth center approval but rejects church’s LED sign after neighborhood outcry
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Summary
The Cranston Planning Commission voted to forward a positive recommendation for Praise Tabernacle’s proposed youth center but issued a negative recommendation on the church’s request for a freestanding LED message sign after residents and a council member raised safety and stormwater concerns.
The Cranston Planning Commission on April 7 recommended the zoning board approve a proposed 3,800‑square‑foot youth center for Praise Tabernacle but urged denial of a separate application for a freestanding LED message sign amid strong neighborhood opposition.
Attorney Robert Murray, representing 333 Main Street LLC and the church, told the commission the youth center is meant to consolidate the congregation’s existing youth activities into a purpose‑built space and would not add parking demand. Project manager Bill Lavery outlined two zoning variances sought: a front‑setback relief of about 4.06 feet (proposed front setback 20.94 feet) and an increase in impervious lot coverage from roughly 30.5% to 37.8%. The team said the project includes an underground infiltration chamber and that the developer had submitted the drainage plan to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for an underground discharge permit.
Neighbors and Ward 1 City Council Member Bridget Braziano pressed for more detail on the stormwater design and urged stronger conditions. "I haven't seen the full stormwater report," Braziano said, asking whether the proposed infiltration system had testing and annual reporting requirements. Several residents said the intersection near Park Avenue already presents pedestrian and traffic safety problems and warned an illuminated, changing LED display could distract drivers and obstruct sight lines.
Staff planner Bob Ray recommended a positive recommendation on the youth center, saying the proposal would not increase net runoff and that comprehensive‑plan goals supported approval. After discussion about the commission's legal authority to impose conditions, Director Carrero moved to accept staff's recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote.
On the LED sign, staff recommended a negative recommendation, citing incompatibility with the residential character of the Edgewood neighborhood and risks of driver distraction. Neighbors described the proposed sign (described in public comment as approximately 12 feet by 4 feet, 12 feet high) as “visually jarring” and potentially hazardous at the nearby crosswalk used by older residents. Commissioner Lamphere moved an amended negative recommendation that added a traffic‑safety concern; the commission approved the negative recommendation by voice vote.
The planning commission emphasized that its decisions are recommendations to the zoning board; the zoning board has final authority. The youth center and sign requests will be heard by the Zoning Board of Review at its scheduled hearing.
Votes and next steps: the commission forwarded a positive recommendation for the youth center to the zoning board and a negative recommendation on the LED sign; the zoning board will consider both requests at its own hearing.
