Two developers request continuances from E.P. Zoning Board

Bank of America withdraws wind turbine proposal

By Mike Rego
Posted 6/3/21

EAST PROVIDENCE — Representatives for the owners of two properties with potentially noteworthy developments at both ends of the city asked for and were granted continuances by the Zoning Board …

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Two developers request continuances from E.P. Zoning Board

Bank of America withdraws wind turbine proposal

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — Representatives for the owners of two properties with potentially noteworthy developments at both ends of the city asked for and were granted continuances by the Zoning Board at its monthly meeting held June 2.

For a second time, Circle Holdings LLC, which is seeking to house a “medical marijuana compassion center” in Rumford, requested a delay of its petition.

Earlier this calendar year, Circle Holdings previously made known its plan to operate the dispensary on the property located at 15 Circle St. The two-story structure is familiar to some long-time residents of the area as the former East Providence Credit Union branch behind what is now the Walgreen’s Pharmacy on Newport Avenue.

Its case is expected to be heard at the next Zoning Board meeting on July 14. The continuance is with notice and advertisement to the abutters and the community at-large.

Similarly, the John Flatley Company, which is seeking to construct a multi-building apartment complex at 1279 Wampanoag Trail, was granted a six-month extension to submit its updated description for the project.

City Zoning officer Edward Pimentel told the board at the June meeting the request was due to site engineering delays and “out of an abundance of caution.” Flatley could resubmit its request prior to the end of the extension period. The developers previously anticipated beginning site work on the project later this calendar year with actual construction expected to start in early 2022.

Flatley, on behalf of owner Driscoll Development LLC, received final approval for its “Wampanoag Meadows” project subject to conditions from the Planning Board at a meeting of that body on April 29. The 55-acre parcel was once a sand and gravel pit located between Hospital Road, Julie Ann Circle and the Trail.

The proposal, which includes 12 stipulations suggested by the Planning Department and implemented by the Planning Board, calls for eight individual structures to constructed. Each building would feature 26 two-bedroom, 22 one-bedroom and four studio flats for a total of 416 residences.

The project also includes construction of a centralized 4,500-5,000 square foot clubhouse for use by residents, potentially featuring a small movie room, billiards table, board games, lounge and kitchenette among other items. The developers said construction will be done in phases depending on real estate/housing market conditions over the next 2 to 4 years.

BOA withdraws wind proposal
Bank of America, which first approached the board requesting a dimensional variance at the front/west side of its property on Pawtucket Avenue for the purposes of installing three wind turbines in January of this year, sought and was granted a withdrawal of said proposal by the body “without prejudice.”

The term “without prejudice” means BOA retains the ability to approach the board about the proposal if it so desires in the future.

Members of the Zoning Board, in January, expressed multiple concerns about the proposal, leading BOA’s legal counsel to request a deferral of any decision at that meeting. The turbines would need to placed at the front of the property because of the direction of the prevailing wind. The turbines require 20 feet of clear space around each. The base would 13.5 feet tall and the turbine itself would be 7.5 feet high for total of 21 feet.

Dunkin’ sign request
The Zoning Board, at the behest of Mr. Pimentel, delayed taking any action on an application by J.T. Realty Partnership, owners of the Dunkin’ coffee shop located at 399 North Broadway, to erect an electronic message menu board on the property.

Mr. Pimentel explained the sign is not permitted in that specific location at the moment because the shop is in a Commercial, C-2 district abutting a Residential, R-1 district. The owners were seeking a variance for what is currently a “prohibited sign.”

A formal continuance of the matter was granted, shifting it to the board’s August 4 meeting at the request of the zoning officer.

Mr. Pimentel explained his office is in the midst of suggesting revisions the city’s signage ordinance, which are expected to be presented to the Planning Board and City Council in the interim and the application may become “moot.”

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.