Hotel developers seek height variance

PAWTUCKET — Developers of a proposed hotel off Division Street on the site of
the old Viking Chevrolet lot are seeking a variance from the city to permit them
to build a 13-story building, 180 feet high rather than the 40 foot height permitted
under the city’s zoning code. The hearing on the petition is scheduled for Tuesday,
April 24 before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Support for the proposal comes from
the Riverfront Development Commission, one of whose members praised the plan,
asserting, “First of all it’s going to increase the tax base. It’s going to bring
people into Pawtucket.” The proposal calls for a 200-room hotel that will cost
$20 million to build.