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Planning board backs parking variance recommendation for proposed board‑game café on Smith Street
Summary
The board voted a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Board for an eight-space parking variance to allow a board‑game café to occupy two units at 1726 Smith Street. Applicant and owner said the business will operate primarily in evening hours and rely partly on pedestrian customers and turnover.
The North Providence Planning Board recommended approval of a parking variance for a proposed board‑game café at 1726 Smith Street.
Applicant Carlos Rodriguez told the board the tenant plans to occupy two adjacent units (previously a smoothie café) and operate primarily during evening hours. Genesis Sanchez, the prospective operator, described a limited initial menu (coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn and snacks) and plans to host events such as tabletop game nights. The proposal would convert two spaces into a single business area and the applicant requested an eight‑space off‑street parking variance to support the new use.
Board members asked about hours, likely parking patterns and options to lease additional off‑site parking; the applicant said many patrons would arrive after typical business hours and that some patrons would walk from nearby locations in the commercial village district. The board voted to forward a positive recommendation to the Zoning Board for the requested eight‑space variance.
The recommendation is advisory to the Zoning Board, which will make the final decision.
