January 18, 2022 Providence City Plan Commission meeting

The meeting of the Providence City Plan Commission was called to order, followed by a roll call of the voting members and staff. The commission noted the presence of a quorum and agreed to move the election of officers to the end of the meeting.

The commission reviewed the minutes from the regular meeting held on December 14, 2021. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made and passed, with one commissioner abstaining.

Deputy Director Bob Azar provided an update on the comprehensive plan, noting that its state approval expires in January 2025. He explained that the planning department plans to initiate a broader public engagement process starting in the spring and summer.

The applicant requested a one-year extension for a minor subdivision at 25 Ada Avenue to complete preliminary plan conditions. The commission voted unanimously to grant the extension.

The applicant requested a one-year extension for a minor land development project at 18 to 24 8th Street. The commission approved the extension to allow the applicant more time to submit the final plan.

The commission considered a city council referral to rezone 472 Potters Avenue from R-3 to C-2 to allow for a multifamily development. After hearing from the applicant and staff, the commission voted to make a positive recommendation to the City Council.

The applicant requested a rezoning of 144 Benefit Street from R-2 to C-2 to convert a former bed and breakfast into 12 apartments. The commission approved a positive recommendation to the City Council with the condition that the use be limited to residential dwellings.

The commission reviewed a proposal to rezone 54 to 56 Sutton Street from R-3 to C-2 to convert commercial spaces into residential units. The commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council with a restriction limiting the property to residential uses.

The commission discussed a request to subdivide an 11,000 square foot lot at 56 Pratt Street into two lots, which requires removing an existing garage. The commission approved the preliminary plan for the minor subdivision with conditions.

The applicant presented a proposal to construct a six-story residential building with 178 units and 217 parking spaces at 220 Blackstone Street. The commission approved the preliminary plan with conditions, including a recommendation to allow staff to approve reduced parking in exchange for more green space.

The commission recognized outgoing Chair Christine West for her ten years of service on the City Plan Commission. Following the tribute, the commission elected a new slate of officers, naming Michael Gazdako as the new chair.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by the newly elected chair and seconded. The meeting was officially adjourned at approximately 8183 seconds.