Zoning board reapproves BayCoast Bank drive‑through variances with 12‑month start condition

The Newport Zoning Board of Review on Aug. 25 unanimously reapproved dimensional variances for BayCoast Bank to build a new branch with a drive‑through at 137 Broadway, with the board conditioning the decision on the project starting and being substantially complete within 12 months of the decision or on an approved extension.

Attorney Douglas Juran, representing the bank, told the board the earlier approval (March 25, 2024) inadvertently lapsed after delays tied to closing timing and an internal shift of construction oversight. Juran said the bank engaged a new construction team and submitted a building permit application only after discovering the zoning approval had expired. He introduced Marie Pellegrino, the bank’s new chief operating officer, and Kevin Briggs, the bank’s vice president for strategic initiatives, as the project’s new leads.

Marie Pellegrino, sworn to testify, described the planned use of interactive teller machines (ITMs) and said average ITM transactions run about 2–3 minutes, longer than ATM transactions, which supports two drive‑through lanes to reduce vehicle stacking. “If you have two of these machines, you have less stacking of your cars and less backup in the parking lot,” Pellegrino said.

Board members said they reviewed the earlier traffic testimony and compared predicted volumes favorably to the previous Dunkin’ Donuts use. Vice‑Chair Dave Riley moved to adopt staff findings and grant the petition, conditioned on a 12‑month start/substantial‑completion timeline and payment of outstanding public‑notice invoices; the motion carried 5–0.

The decision allows the bank to begin demolition once permit conditions and appeal periods are satisfied and directs the bank and its new construction team to meet the timing requirements set by the board.