The Newport City Zoning Board of Review convened on October 28, 2024, to address several petitions, with significant discussions surrounding the approval of variances for local properties, particularly focusing on parking issues related to guest houses.

One of the key topics was the petition from Emmanuel Episcopal Church, which sought to install a new air conditioning system. The board discussed concerns about noise levels from the system, with assurances from both the church representatives and acoustical experts that the new units would be quieter than previous models. The church plans to operate the system primarily during service times and community events, alleviating concerns about constant noise. After negotiations, a neighbor withdrew their objection, leading to unanimous approval from the board, contingent on the project being completed within a year.

Another notable petition involved Matthew Doherty, who requested a dimensional variance to convert a one-bedroom guest house into a three-bedroom facility without providing additional parking. The board learned that while the property only has two on-site parking spots, Doherty secured a lease for two additional off-site spots, ensuring adequate parking for guests. The board expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining parking availability to prevent overflow into residential areas. The petition was also approved unanimously, with conditions requiring annual proof of the off-site parking lease.

The meeting also included discussions about a petition from Chris and Kathy Viera, who sought to convert a residential unit into a guest house. The board reviewed the existing lack of on-site parking and the Viera's efforts to secure a lease for off-site parking. While some concerns were raised about the adequacy of the parking arrangements, the board ultimately agreed to grant the variance, provided that the lease for parking is dedicated specifically to their unit and renewed annually.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to balancing community needs with property development, ensuring that local concerns about noise and parking are addressed effectively. The decisions made during this session reflect ongoing efforts to support local businesses while maintaining the quality of life for Newport residents.