To the Editor:
On Monday, October 28th, the zoning board will hear a petition for yet another conversion of two rental apartments to guest houses. The applicant is requesting zoning relief because the building has no off street parking, which is required for short term rentals.
The applicant argues incorrectly that the property, at the corner of upper Thames and Coddington Streets, “is surrounded primarily by commercial use properties.” It is not. On every side are single and multi family houses.
While upper Thames Street itself is zoned general business, it is the heart of a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of small businesses and year round residences. A growing number of young families have settled here, living side by side with older folk of different backgrounds in a healthy urban setting. It’s the kind of neighborhood residents find attractive to live in and visitors to visit.
But life in this neighborhood is increasingly challenged by the effects of Newport’s tourism— the onslaught of visitors who take the already limited street parking, snarl traffic on its narrow streets endangering children and seniors, and prevent residents from the quiet enjoyment of their properties.
The fact that the applicant’s building has no off street parking should not be a burden borne by its neighbors. The building already has two rental units. There is no justifiable “relief” for the applicant— it is clear the zoning change requested is to make more from short term rentals, a “relief” which is specifically denied by zoning regulations.
If off street parking requirements are waived for this applicant and other investors who will surely follow, seeking to take advantage of Thames Street’s general business district designation, the parking situation will be untenable, and the neighborhood degraded.
And if the numerous calls to the police department for the boisterous parties at this building are any indication of the applicant’s capacity for self restraint, the idea of self enforced “lockout bedrooms” is a joke.
According to zoning officer Nicholas Armour, 200 of 275 applications for guest houses have been approved this year. When is enough enough? The city needs to prioritize the quality of life for Newport residents.
Our zoning has not changed in many years, but our neighborhoods have. It’s time to rezone upper Thames Street to protect the neighborhood from the negative effects of tourism and allow it to continue to thrive.
Hope Alexander
Upper Thames Street resident
