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Zoning board approves revised garage at 57 Marchant after full hearing; neighbors had urged smaller plan
Summary
After finding the revised application substantially different from a 2024 denial, the Newport Zoning Board of Review granted Taj Residence LLC a dimensional variance and category‑6 special‑use permit to build a single‑stall garage with an attached mudroom at 57 Marchant Street, 5–0, with conditions including a vegetation‑screen maintenance requirement.
The Newport Zoning Board of Review voted unanimously on May 19 to grant a dimensional variance allowing 36.57% lot coverage and a Category‑6 special‑use permit for an accessory garage and mudroom at 57 Marchant Street.
The board first made a preliminary ruling that the new application was "substantially different" from the petition it denied in 2024, opening a full hearing. Jay Russell Jackson, attorney for the applicants, told the board that the redesign responded to last year’s concerns: the garage footprint was reduced, the mudroom narrowed and the north‑side setback increased to a full 10 feet. Architect Ross Khan testified the team had "reduced the proposed coverage by 1.77%, which is nearly 2%" and changed roof orientation and materials to reduce perceived massing.
Neighbors opposed the plan during public comment. James Browning, who said he lives on Lucas Avenue near the site, argued the new drawings were still too large and said, "The proposal is still entirely too big," urging a one‑story garage instead. Patricia Vecchione, who abuts the property, told the board the structure would cast a large mass against her yard and expressed concerns about loss of sunlight.
Board members weighed the technical evidence and testimony. Multiple members said the combination of modest numerical reductions, significant design changes and a recent change in the city’s setback rules justified rehearing and ultimate approval. In making the final motion to grant the petition, the board adopted staff findings and the applicants’ exhibits, and attached conditions: the project must be started and substantially completed within 12 months (or a timely extension requested from the Zoning Officer), all public‑notice invoices must be paid before recording, generator testing is limited to weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and the vegetation screen on the north side must be maintained at its current height to preserve privacy. Chair Wick Rudd polled the board and announced a 5–0 vote in favor.
The approval lets the owners add above‑grade dry storage to offset frequent basement flooding on the property, a factor the applicants cited repeatedly. The board’s written decision and conditions will be prepared by counsel and entered into the record.
