Middletown’s Zoning Board of Review granted Robert P. and Susan Thornton a special use permit and variance for property improvements at 1 Prospect Ave. during a meeting Tuesday at Town Hall.
The board unanimously approved the Thorntons’ petition to construct an addition to their detached garage and install an in-ground pool on their property, which sits at the corner of Prospect and Paradise avenues opposite a school.
Robert Thornton told the board the couple intends to update the property and make it their permanent home. The petition sought a special use permit for continued use as a single-family residence and a dimensional variance for the garage addition.
“Our intent is to update the property and make it our permanent home,” Thornton said. “We have already submitted and received permits from RIDEM for all the environmental permits there.”
The garage addition will house pool equipment “to maintain and to contain noise,” Thornton explained. He described the variance request as “small” to accommodate the garage expansion and its dimensions on the lot.
When asked about the proposed pool, Thornton said it would be in-ground and measure approximately 15 by 30 feet. He noted the pool’s exact specifications haven’t been finalized.
“We haven’t really fully scoped or budgeted the pool, to be honest,” Thornton said. “It would be in that dimension. So within the allowed use in the property.”
Board members inquired whether Thornton had discussed the plans with neighbors. He reported all reactions were favorable.
“All hoping that we do in fact have a pool so they can take advantage of it,” Thornton joked. “Our neighbors to the west said, you know, good luck, no objection. The property is really, you know, pretty much contained.”
The board first approved the special use permit, noting the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management had already granted necessary approvals related to watershed protection.
In granting the variance, board members cited the lack of opposition and determined the petition met standards set forth in town ordinances. They agreed the hardship was based on the lot’s size and shape, and the improvements would not diminish adjoining property values.
The meeting began with the withdrawal of a previously continued petition from Bruce and Cheryl Munich for 612 Deckerman Ave. The board voted to withdraw the petition without prejudice at the recommendation of the town solicitor.
“I know that the zoning officer did get an email from Mr. Martland, the applicant’s attorney, indicating that they were going to withdraw,” a board member noted. “I also got notified by his office that they were not going to proceed with this.”
The Thorntons’ petition had been re-advertised from a May 28 meeting to address a deficiency in the prior advertising. Board Chair Stephen Hutler noted the need to review the petition as if starting over despite hearing from the applicants last month.
In other business, the board conducted a roll call, noting Thomas Silvera as absent. Members present included Stephen Hutler, Eric Curtin, Judith Rosenthal, Rick Lombardi, Mark Donahue, Anton Viveras and Thomas Heaney.
The board also adopted minutes from its May 28 meeting.
This meeting showcased the Zoning Board of Review’s role in overseeing property improvements and ensuring compliance with local ordinances. The Thorntons’ approved petition demonstrates the board’s willingness to accommodate homeowner requests when they align with regulations and receive neighborhood support.
Watch The Meeting
Meeting Agenda
