Update 4/20/17 – The planning board granted conditional master-plan approval last week for the self-storage project proposed by Douglas Avenue Associates and U.S. Development II. The plan is still contingent on the town council approving the amendment to the comprehensive plan and zoning change, as well as the zoning board approving the variance and special-use permit. In addition, the developers must apply for an easement to abut the driveway of the grocery store and add landscaping along the 30-foot buffer between the back of the property and homes on Cushing Street, according to the source.

The planning board will advise the council that the zoning amendment is consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. It will also recommend the zoning board approve the special-use permit and variance if the council approves the zoning change.

Tenants would not be allowed to use the self-storage facility after 9 p.m.

Westcott recused himself from the public hearing because the parent company of one of the applicants is a client of his employer, the source reported.

4/6/17 – Property owners Douglas Avenue Associates and U.S. Development II LLC, an affiliate of the Carpionato Group LLC, have applied to build a self-storage facility on a 4-acre parcel at 1204 Douglas Ave. in North Providence, R.I. The facility would comprise 40,000 square feet in eight storage structures and an office building, according to the source.

For the project to receive approval, the town council would need to amend the comprehensive plan for the municipality, approve a zoning change to “manufacturing limited,” and grant a special-use permit within the new zone. “Self-storage is not allowed in the commercial village or commercial general zones,” town planner David Westcott, told the source.

The property owners have also asked for a rear-setback reduction from 30 to 5 feet, which would place the storage facility close to Shaw’s Supermarket. A concrete-block building currently on the property would be torn down.

The planning board will hold a public hearing about the project on April 12. The proposal will also be reviewed by the zoning board and town council.

Carpionato Group is an integrated group of commercial real estate professionals offering a variety of services. It’s development projects include hospitality, multi-family, office and retail projects, according to its website.

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