Board approves conversion at 8 Peckham Ave to three 2‑bedroom units over resident objections

The Newport Zoning Board granted variances and a special‑use permit to 8 Peckham Ave LLC to convert an existing two‑family house into three two‑bedroom units and to raise dormers for third‑floor headroom. The motion passed 4–1 after extensive testimony about parking, neighborhood character and the city’s housing needs.

Owner and developer Tucker Holmes told the board he planned to provide six off‑street parking spaces, upgrade stormwater controls, replace lead paint and focus on year‑round, long‑term rentals rather than short‑term or party rentals. "Our goal here is to rent yearly… to young professionals, young families," Holmes said. He also described removing decks and adding landings to reduce noise.

Several neighbors urged denial, saying the street is mostly one‑ and two‑family homes and that previous developer promises on other houses were not kept. Darren Torren, representing residents on Peckham Avenue, told the board: "Please don't approve this renovation… The exact opposite [of promises] is what reality is." Supporters and the board’s real‑estate expert argued the property’s existing nonconformities (lot size, height and location of the house) and the planned off‑street parking mitigated impacts.

Board discussion balanced the city’s stated need for more housing units and the applicant’s proposed mitigation measures against concerns about intensification. Members who supported the petition cited the applicant’s investment, off‑street parking plan and that the proposal keeps the same total number of bedrooms while creating smaller, 2‑bedroom units. The petition was approved on the condition the project start within 12 months and that standard public‑notice invoices be paid prior to recording.