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Zoning board approves Mend Yoga at 283–287 Broadway with parking conditions
Summary
The Newport Zoning Board granted Mend Yoga a Category 3 special‑use permit and dimensional variances to operate a 2,167 ft² studio on a pre‑existing nonconforming 3,633 ft² lot, adding conditions for three bike racks and pavement/signage improvements to mitigate parking impacts.
The Newport Zoning Board of Review on April 20 approved a Category 3 special‑use permit and dimensional variances allowing Mend Yoga to occupy the first floor at 283–287 Broadway, subject to conditions aimed at easing parking effects.
Counsel Beau Akers told the board the 3,633‑square‑foot lot is a legally pre‑existing nonconforming parcel and that the proposed 2,167‑square‑foot studio could not provide the on‑site parking the ordinance requires. “This is existing,” Akers said of the undersized lot, adding the hardship was not created by the applicant. Owner Brooke Finocchio described a schedule with staggered classes and said many clients walk or bike to class: “We run about six classes a day…we have a big gap during the day,” Finocchio said.
Land‑use and parking experts testified that the location and schedule would limit overlap between classes and that the surrounding streets provide unrestricted on‑street parking. Parking consultant Todd Bridal reported field observations of ample on‑street spaces near the site and said, “It is my opinion there is adequate parking to accommodate the anticipated demand and will not adversely impact parking operations in the area.” Land‑use witness James Houle added that the lot’s substandard size and the building’s existing footprint support a variance finding.
The board’s motion granted the special‑use permit and variances on standard conditions — start and substantial completion within 12 months, payment of notice invoices and recordation — and added requirements to install three bicycle racks on the adjacent sidewalk and to add pavement markings and signage clarifying one‑way traffic in the parcel’s parking area. Board members voiced broad support, and the chair announced a unanimous vote in favor.
The decision directs staff to record the decision and reflects the board’s finding that the requested relief is the minimum necessary for reasonable enjoyment of the property.
Next steps: staff will prepare the written decision and conditions for recording; the applicant may request an extension from the zoning officer before expiration if needed.
